MORAL VALUES AND LESSONS

1 ISSUES OF ROOTS

The issue of roots is an important lesson discussed in the novel. For Krishna, who studied in the
English language, the English writers, poets and the Bible, and who made a career out of the same
education, did not bring him comfort or support or relief at his time of need. He realized education
and his choice of career have actually removed him from his roots and culture - and ultimately from
reality. He realizes the futility of an education such as this that serves to effectively keep them in
subjugation not only physically, but also in their approach to life and mind-set, being discontent with
their lot and hankering after another culture which will not sustain them. It is to Narayan's credit
that he had interwoven this the theme of roots, with the major theme of 'paradise lost and
regained', so effectively, that the novel is not a contemptuous and spiteful account of the hatred of
the British ruler.

2 THE COEXISTENCE OF WESTERN AND NATIVE CULTURAL ATTITUDES

A lesson of Krishna's journey is that he encounters the coexistence of western and native cultural
attitudes, which also represent the attitudes of Indians of a newer and older generation. For
example when Susila is ill she is treated both by a doctor who practises western scientific medicine,
and by a Swamiji who uses mystical methods of healing. The Swamiji is summoned by Susila's
mother, representing an older generation than Krishna himself, who believes the 'Evil Eye' has fallen
on her daughter, and it is notable that Krishna feels 'ashamed' that the doctor finds the Swamiji in
the house, showing that he is alienated from, and embarrassed by, the native culture of the older
generation of his own country.

3 LIFE VS DEATH

The main moral value of the novel is life and death. Why life versus death?Most striking and
memorable aspect of the novel:Spiritual meetings that Krishna and his dead wife buildLong
conversations that are complete illusions:Krishna not only talks to her but sees her as if she was
materialistic Also striking: their relationship strengthens and their complicity widens after her
deathWe thus understand this theme as there is a path between life and death, a path which links
the two lovers recently separated.

The problems that one encounters in coping with the death of a dear one are depicted in the novel.
Both Krishnan and Lila lose an important member in their family. While Lila continues her normal
routine, the life of Krishnan is thrown out of gear. It takes a lot of effort on his part and the guidance
of his late wife for him to come to terms with his wifes death.

4 IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD SYSTEM OF EDUCATION IN INDIA

Another important moral value of the novel is the importance of a good system of education in
India. The lack of a proper system of education had made a generation of morons according to
Krishnan. That is why he decides to resign and join the headmaster in starting a new system of
education where the development of the individual would be given importance

5 CONFLICT BETWEEN THE WEST AND THE EAST

Conflict between the west and the east is also evident in the novel. For example, when Susila is ill,
even though Krishnan brings a doctor, his in laws invite a Swami to treat their daughter. In coming
to terms with the death of his wife, literature, philosophy and rationalism are no use to him and it is
only the Indian concept of Zen like meditation which brings him closer to his wife, as conceived by R.
K. Narayan.

6 ) CHRONICLE OF HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS

The book is an excellent chronicle of human relationships. The sweet and harmonious domestic life
of Krishnan and Susila is contrasted with the discordant relationship of the headmaster and his wife.
The cordial relation between colleagues, between supervisor and subordinate, the social sensitivities
and the decorum to be followed, for example, by the mother-in-law and son-in-law are depicted in a
touching manner. This was a part which I could connect to easily since I had seen my grand mother
observe the same decorum when guests came to the house.

7 ) FUTILITY OF THE VERY CONCEPT

The book, The English Teacher, with its distinct plot, depicts the futility of the very concept, that life
can always be conventional and logical and predictable. The ironies of life and, indeed, the record of
the realities of sustenance ideally take the story to a level where the unpredictability so very well
harmonizes with predictability.

8) VITALITY OF FAMILY

The moral value of vitality of family is explored through the striking presence of his wife Susila and
daughter Leela. Indeed, they help get him out of his indifferent and passive state to a more
enthusiastic one.It is through them that we witness his loving emotions, and his happiness.
However, it is Susila and Leea who engendered his sorrow and state of despair. the theme of Family
is extremely important in the way that it represents the main characters fluctuation of humour, and
different state of mind.

9 )A World of Ironic Contradictions

The Headmaster of Leelas school passionately teaches his students moral values, and at many
intervals shows them great affection. On the other hand, the Headmaster doesnt show the same
fondness for his own family, going so far as to leave them eventually. Although Krishna and Susila
shared a strong relationship while she was alive, her death brings them even closer, as their
conversations hold a deeper importance and meaning. Susilas death has made Krishna more
alive.Through their conversations, Susila adopts the role of a teacher, which is contradictory to
Krishnas own vocation. She teaches him how to view life, in addition to showing him the importance
of caring for their daughter Leela.Although Krishnas first reaction to Susilas death is great sorrow,
he eventually experiences extreme joy once he is able to speak to the now dead Susila.The
Headmaster proves loving of his school and the children in them and even considers them as family
although he is the one to have neglected his family.

10 )Education:

The theme of education is firstly explored through the main characters job: english teacher. This job
is very symbolical as it represents Krishnas feelings and evolution. Education is also found through
the numerous teachings of life that Susila teaches him.Furthermore, Krishnas spiritual journey can
be interpreted as a quest for knowledge as he seeks to find the key to a better life.
11 )Love:

The love that Krishna feels towards his wife and daughter is extremely symbolic and important. It is
this love that turned into despair after their death. What Krishna feels for his wife is almost
admiration as he describes her as having a

golden glowand her eyes

sparkled with a new light. This also shows how Susila portrays hope for Krishnas search of
fulfillment. It is that love that made him understand the true meaning of life and developed
determination in communicating with his dead wife. His love for leela had prevented from suicide .

12 ) Nature:

Nature is a very significant theme in the novel as it seems to provide an escape for him. It enables
him to feel true happiness; he describes nature as the highest form of joy and peace we can ever
comprehendand as there being a magic in the atmosphereFor example, at the beginning of the
novel, he seems obsessed with nature surroundings nature, nature (...) subtle, invisible
emanations in natures surroundingshe reflects to nature as emanations with them the deepest in
us merges and harmonizesaccording to him it is the highest form of joy and peaceIn that way, he
decides to rush back to his table and write a poem on nature.We thus understand nature
provides him a liberation of his thoughts