Textual Question and Answer
Question 1: How does the astrologer make his living?
a) By accurately predicting the future of his clients
b) By selling fake horoscopes to unsuspecting customers
c) By performing elaborate rituals to appease the Gods
d) By offering advice on various life matters to his clients
Answer: d) By offering advice on various life matters to his clients
Explanation: The astrologer makes his living by giving advice to people about their problems like marriage, money, and family issues. He listens to them for ten minutes and then uses smart guesses to tell them things that make them feel good. This is shown in the story where he charges three pice per question and gives advice based on what they say, not by predicting the future accurately or selling fake things.
Question 2: What is the turning point of the story that leads to the astrologer’s realisation?
a) He finds a valuable gem stone while strolling through the market place
b) He encounters a man from the past whom he had tried to kill
c) He discovers that his wife has been cheating on him
d) He meets a wealthy client who offers him a large sum of money
Answer: b) He encounters a man from the past whom he had tried to kill
Explanation: The big moment in the story happens when the astrologer meets Guru Nayak, a man from his past. This meeting makes him realize that he did not kill Guru Nayak years ago, as he had thought. This truth lifts a heavy worry from his mind, and he feels relieved. This is clear when he tells his wife at the end that Guru Nayak is alive, and he no longer feels guilty.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for “An Astrologer’s Day” by R.K. Narayan
At what time does the astrologer open his bag and spread out his professional equipment?
a) Early morning
b) Midday
c) Evening
d) Late night
Answer: b) MiddayWhat items are part of the astrologer’s professional equipment?
a) A crystal ball, a star chart, and a telescope
b) Cowrie shells, a mystic chart cloth, a notebook, and palmyra writing
c) A magic wand, a book of spells, and a candle
d) A palm reader’s guide and a set of tarot cards
Answer: b) Cowrie shells, a mystic chart cloth, a notebook, and palmyra writingWhat is applied to the astrologer’s forehead to enhance his appearance?
a) Gold dust and glitter
b) Sacred ash and vermilion
c) Blue paint and sandalwood paste
d) Red ink and turmeric
Answer: b) Sacred ash and vermilionWhat effect do the astrologer’s eyes have on his clients?
a) They intimidate clients into paying more
b) They appear as a prophetic light, comforting clients
c) They confuse clients with their dullness
d) They make clients suspicious of his authenticity
Answer: b) They appear as a prophetic light, comforting clientsWhat enhances the sparkle in the astrologer’s eyes?
a) The reflection of his gold jewelry
b) The position between his painted forehead and dark whiskers
c) The bright sunlight in the park
d) The use of reflective makeup
Answer: b) The position between his painted forehead and dark whiskersWhat color is the astrologer’s turban?
a) Blue
b) Red
c) Saffron
d) Green
Answer: c) SaffronWhere does the astrologer set up his business?
a) Under a banyan tree in a temple courtyard
b) Under a tamarind tree in Town Hall Park
c) In a small shop near the market
d) On a busy street corner
Answer: b) Under a tamarind tree in Town Hall ParkWhat kind of crowd moves through the path in Town Hall Park?
a) A quiet and orderly group
b) A surging crowd moving morning till night
c) A small group of tourists
d) A crowd of only local vendors
Answer: b) A surging crowd moving morning till nightWhich trade is NOT mentioned as being represented along the path?
a) Medicinesellers
b) Sellers of stolen hardware and junk
c) Magicians
d) Bakers
Answer: d) BakersWhat does the auctioneer of cheap cloth create to attract customers?
a) A colorful display of lights
b) Enough din to attract the whole town
c) A musical performance
d) A free sample giveaway
Answer: b) Enough din to attract the whole townWhat fancy names does the groundnut vendor give his wares?
a) Bombay Ice-Cream, Delhi Almond, Raja’s Delicacy
b) Spicy Nuts, Sweet Crunch, Royal Mix
c) Mumbai Delight, Agra Treat, King’s Snack
d) Nutty Bliss, Almond Joy, Regal Bites
Answer: a) Bombay Ice-Cream, Delhi Almond, Raja’s DelicacyHow is the astrologer’s business area lit?
a) By municipal streetlights
b) By a flare above the groundnut heap
c) By electric bulbs in his stall
d) By a lantern he carries
Answer: b) By a flare above the groundnut heapWhy does the lack of municipal lighting suit the astrologer?
a) It creates a mystical atmosphere for his business
b) It reduces his operating costs
c) It keeps away unwanted customers
d) It allows him to close early
Answer: a) It creates a mystical atmosphere for his businessWhat is true about the astrologer’s knowledge of astrology?
a) He is a trained expert in reading stars
b) He knows as little about the stars as his customers
c) He studied astrology in a formal school
d) He relies on ancient texts for predictions
Answer: b) He knows as little about the stars as his customersHow does the astrologer make his predictions?
a) By studying the stars and planets
b) Through study, practice, and shrewd guesswork
c) By consulting a sacred book
d) By using a magical crystal ball
Answer: b) Through study, practice, and shrewd guessworkWhy did the astrologer leave his village?
a) To pursue a career in astrology
b) To escape a dangerous situation
c) To find a better market for his skills
d) To marry and settle in a new town
Answer: b) To escape a dangerous situationHow far did the astrologer travel from his village?
a) A few miles
b) A couple of hundred miles
c) Across the country
d) To a neighboring village
Answer: b) A couple of hundred milesWhat was the astrologer’s ancestral occupation?
a) Astrology
b) Tilling the land
c) Trading goods
d) Teaching
Answer: b) Tilling the landWhat are the common troubles the astrologer analyzes for his clients?
a) Health, education, and travel
b) Marriage, money, and human ties
c) Career, fame, and spirituality
d) Family, friends, and hobbies
Answer: b) Marriage, money, and human tiesHow much does the astrologer charge per question?
a) One rupee
b) Three pice
c) Eight annas
d) Five rupees
Answer: b) Three piceHow long does the astrologer let his clients speak before responding?
a) Two minutes
b) Five minutes
c) Ten minutes
d) Fifteen minutes
Answer: c) Ten minutesWhat is one of the astrologer’s common statements to clients?
a) “You will soon find great wealth.”
b) “You are not getting the fullest results for your efforts.”
c) “You are destined for greatness.”
d) “You will travel the world.”
Answer: b) “You are not getting the fullest results for your efforts.”What does the astrologer attribute some clients’ troubles to?
a) Their lack of education
b) Their impetuous nature or rough exterior
c) Their poor financial decisions
d) Their lack of faith in astrology
Answer: b) Their impetuous nature or rough exteriorWhat signals the astrologer to close his business for the day?
a) The setting of the sun
b) The nuts-vendor blowing out his flare
c) The arrival of municipal workers
d) The departure of the auctioneer
Answer: b) The nuts-vendor blowing out his flareWhat is the source of the green shaft of light mentioned in the story?
a) A streetlamp
b) An unknown source
c) A neon sign
d) A glowing plant
Answer: b) An unknown sourceHow does the astrologer react when a man blocks the green shaft of light?
a) He ignores the man and continues packing
b) He senses a client and invites him to sit
c) He asks the man to leave immediately
d) He offers the man a free reading
Answer: b) He senses a client and invites him to sitHow does the man initially respond to the astrologer’s invitation?
a) He eagerly sits down for a reading
b) He grumbles a vague reply
c) He walks away without responding
d) He demands a refund immediately
Answer: b) He grumbles a vague replyWhat does the man challenge the astrologer to do?
a) Predict his future accurately or return the payment with interest
b) Perform a ritual to prove his authenticity
c) Answer ten questions for free
d) Read his horoscope without any payment
Answer: a) Predict his future accurately or return the payment with interestHow much does the man initially pay the astrologer?
a) Three pice
b) One anna
c) One rupee
d) Eight annas
Answer: b) One annaWhat does the astrologer propose if his answers are satisfactory?
a) The man should pay five rupees
b) The man should return for another session
c) The man should recommend him to others
d) The man should give him a gift
Answer: a) The man should pay five rupeesWhat counteroffer does the man make to the astrologer’s proposal?
a) He will pay eight annas if satisfied
b) He will pay nothing extra
c) He will double the payment if the astrologer is wrong
d) He will pay one rupee if convinced
Answer: c) He will double the payment if the astrologer is wrongWhat does the astrologer do when he feels uncomfortable with the man’s challenge?
a) He tries to return the anna and leave
b) He calls for help from nearby vendors
c) He pretends to faint to avoid the situation
d) He agrees to the challenge immediately
Answer: a) He tries to return the anna and leaveHow does the man react when the astrologer tries to back out?
a) He lets the astrologer leave peacefully
b) He grabs the astrologer’s wrist and insists he continue
c) He threatens to call the authorities
d) He offers to pay more to continue
Answer: b) He grabs the astrologer’s wrist and insists he continueWhat specific question does the man ask the astrologer?
a) Will he find love soon?
b) Will he succeed in his present search?
c) Will he become wealthy?
d) Will he live a long life?
Answer: b) Will he succeed in his present search?What condition does the astrologer set before answering the man’s question?
a) The man must pay a rupee if convinced
b) The man must stay for an hour
c) The man must reveal his name first
d) The man must apologize for his challenge
Answer: a) The man must pay a rupee if convincedWhat surprising fact does the astrologer reveal to the man?
a) The man will soon inherit a fortune
b) The man was left for dead after being stabbed
c) The man is destined to become famous
d) The man will lose his job soon
Answer: b) The man was left for dead after being stabbedWhat physical evidence does the man show to confirm the astrologer’s statement?
a) A letter from his attacker
b) A scar on his chest
c) A broken arm
d) A missing finger
Answer: b) A scar on his chestHow was the man saved after being left for dead?
a) A friend found him in time
b) A passerby looked into the well
c) He managed to climb out himself
d) A doctor arrived just in time
Answer: b) A passerby looked into the wellWhat does the astrologer say about the man’s attacker?
a) He is still alive and nearby
b) He died four months ago in a far-off town
c) He is hiding in the same town
d) He has become a wealthy man
Answer: b) He died four months ago in a far-off townWhat is the man’s name, as revealed by the astrologer?
a) Guru Nayak
b) Ravi Shankar
c) Anil Kumar
d) Mohan Lal
Answer: a) Guru NayakWhat advice does the astrologer give Guru Nayak about his village?
a) To return and reconcile with his family
b) To take the next train and leave, avoiding southward travel
c) To stay in the town and start a new business
d) To visit a temple in his village
Answer: b) To take the next train and leave, avoiding southward travelWhat does the astrologer give Guru Nayak to rub on his forehead?
a) Sandalwood paste
b) Sacred ash
c) Vermilion powder
d) Turmeric paste
Answer: b) Sacred ashWhy does Guru Nayak travel away from home occasionally?
a) To visit relatives
b) To search for his attacker and kill him
c) To sell goods in other towns
d) To attend religious festivals
Answer: b) To search for his attacker and kill himHow does Guru Nayak react to the news of his attacker’s death?
a) He is skeptical and demands proof
b) He is gratified to hear it
c) He becomes angry and leaves
d) He cries in disappointment
Answer: b) He is gratified to hear itWhat does the astrologer do after Guru Nayak leaves?
a) He counts his earnings and celebrates
b) He picks up his articles and puts them in his bag
c) He stays to talk with other vendors
d) He lights a new flare to continue working
Answer: b) He picks up his articles and puts them in his bagHow much money does the astrologer bring home?
a) Eight annas
b) Twelve and a half annas
c) One rupee
d) Five rupees
Answer: b) Twelve and a half annasWhat does the astrologer’s wife plan to buy with the earnings?
a) Clothes and jewelry
b) Jaggery and coconut for sweets
c) Books for their child
d) A new lamp for their home
Answer: b) Jaggery and coconut for sweetsWhat secret does the astrologer reveal to his wife?
a) He has been hiding money from her
b) He tried to kill a man in his youth
c) He is not a real astrologer
d) He plans to return to his village
Answer: b) He tried to kill a man in his youthWhy did the astrologer run away from his village?
a) To avoid an arranged marriage
b) Because he thought he had killed a man
c) To escape poverty
d) To pursue a career in astrology
Answer: b) Because he thought he had killed a manHow does the astrologer feel after revealing his secret to his wife?
a) Angry and regretful
b) Relieved, as a great load is lifted
c) Anxious about her reaction
d) Indifferent and tired
Answer: b) Relieved, as a great load is lifted
What is the primary reason people are attracted to the astrologer?
a) His accurate predictions
b) His colorful appearance and setup
c) His low prices
d) His reputation in the town
Answer: b) His colorful appearance and setupWhat type of tree provides shade for the astrologer’s workplace?
a) Banyan
b) Neem
c) Tamarind
d) Mango
Answer: c) TamarindWhat contributes to the enchantment of the astrologer’s workplace?
a) The availability of bright municipal lighting
b) The lack of municipal lighting and use of shop lights
c) A quiet and serene environment
d) A large crowd of regular clients
Answer: b) The lack of municipal lighting and use of shop lightsWhat types of lights are used by vendors in the area?
a) Electric bulbs and neon signs
b) Hissings gaslights, naked flares, and cycle lamps
c) Battery-powered lanterns and candles
d) Solar-powered lights and torches
Answer: b) Hissings gaslights, naked flares, and cycle lampsWhy does the astrologer feel his work is honest?
a) He uses scientific methods to predict the future
b) His predictions are always accurate
c) It is as much labor as any other job
d) He never charges for his services
Answer: c) It is as much labor as any other jobWhat would the astrologer have done if he had stayed in his village?
a) Become a merchant
b) Continued his forefathers’ work of tilling the land
c) Studied to become a scholar
d) Opened a shop in the village
Answer: b) Continued his forefathers’ work of tilling the landHow does the astrologer gain insight into his clients’ problems?
a) By reading their horoscopes
b) By letting them speak for at least ten minutes
c) By consulting a sacred text
d) By observing their body language only
Answer: b) By letting them speak for at least ten minutesWhat does the astrologer often say to make clients agree with him?
a) “You are destined for great success.”
b) “You are not getting the fullest results for your efforts.”
c) “You will find peace in the near future.”
d) “You must change your profession.”
Answer: b) “You are not getting the fullest results for your efforts.”What planetary influence does the astrologer blame for some clients’ troubles?
a) Jupiter
b) Mars
c) Saturn
d) Venus
Answer: c) SaturnWhy do clients find the astrologer’s statements endearing?
a) They promise wealth and success
b) They align with clients’ self-perceptions
c) They are always optimistic
d) They are based on precise calculations
Answer: b) They align with clients’ self-perceptionsWhat happens to the lighting when the nuts-vendor leaves?
a) The area becomes brightly lit
b) The area is left in darkness except for a green shaft of light
c) The astrologer lights his own lamp
d) Municipal lights turn on automatically
Answer: b) The area is left in darkness except for a green shaft of lightHow does the astrologer initially perceive the man who blocks the green light?
a) As a threat to his safety
b) As a potential client
c) As a friend from his village
d) As a competitor
Answer: b) As a potential clientWhat does the man say when the astrologer invites him to sit and chat?
a) He agrees enthusiastically
b) He grumbles a vague reply
c) He refuses outright
d) He asks for a discount
Answer: b) He grumbles a vague replyHow does the astrologer feel when the man challenges his authenticity?
a) Confident and ready to prove himself
b) Piqued and defensive
c) Indifferent and calm
d) Amused and entertained
Answer: b) Piqued and defensiveWhat does the man throw to the astrologer as payment?
a) A rupee
b) Three pice
c) An anna
d) A handful of coins
Answer: c) An annaWhat does the astrologer offer to return if the man finds his answers unsatisfactory?
a) The anna with interest
b) A free reading the next day
c) A refund of all previous payments
d) A written apology
Answer: a) The anna with interestWhat does the man light while talking to the astrologer?
a) A candle
b) A cheroot
c) A lantern
d) A matchstick
Answer: b) A cherootHow does the astrologer feel when he sees the man’s face in the matchlight?
a) Excited and curious
b) Uncomfortable and nervous
c) Relieved and happy
d) Confused and uncertain
Answer: b) Uncomfortable and nervousWhat does the man threaten to do if the astrologer does not answer his question?
a) Call the police
b) Take all the astrologer’s coins
c) Spread rumors about him
d) Refuse to leave the spot
Answer: b) Take all the astrologer’s coinsWhat does the astrologer mutter before answering the man’s question?
a) A prayer to the stars
b) A few incantations
c) A curse under his breath
d) A poem about fate
Answer: b) A few incantationsWhat specific detail does the astrologer reveal about the man’s past?
a) He was robbed in a marketplace
b) A knife passed through him
c) He lost his family in a fire
d) He was exiled from his village
Answer: b) A knife passed through himHow does the man react when the astrologer mentions the knife incident?
a) He denies it happened
b) He shows his scar enthusiastically
c) He becomes angry and leaves
d) He asks for more details skeptically
Answer: b) He shows his scar enthusiasticallyWhat additional detail does the astrologer provide about the man’s past ordeal?
a) He was left in a forest
b) He was pushed into a well
c) He was abandoned in a temple
d) He was locked in a shed
Answer: b) He was pushed into a wellWho saved the man from the well?
a) A villager he knew
b) A random passerby
c) A family member
d) A local priest
Answer: b) A random passerbyWhat does the man want to do to his attacker?
a) Forgive him
b) Find and kill him
c) Confront him peacefully
d) Report him to the authorities
Answer: b) Find and kill himWhat does the astrologer say about the fate of the man’s attacker?
a) He is still alive and dangerous
b) He died four months ago under a lorry
c) He moved to a distant country
d) He is in jail for his crimes
Answer: b) He died four months ago under a lorryHow does the astrologer know the man’s name, Guru Nayak?
a) He read it in the stars
b) He recognized him from their shared past
c) He overheard it from another vendor
d) He guessed it based on the man’s appearance
Answer: b) He recognized him from their shared pastWhat direction does the astrologer advise Guru Nayak to avoid traveling?
a) North
b) South
c) East
d) West
Answer: b) SouthHow long does the astrologer say Guru Nayak will live if he follows his advice?
a) To be fifty
b) To be seventy
c) To be a hundred
d) To be ninety
Answer: c) To be a hundredWhat does Guru Nayak regret about his attacker?
a) Not finding him sooner
b) Not forgiving him
c) Not reporting him to the police
d) Not meeting him in court
Answer: a) Not finding him soonerWhat does the astrologer do after Guru Nayak leaves the scene?
a) He counts his coins immediately
b) He packs up his belongings
c) He follows Guru Nayak to ensure he leaves
d) He prays for forgiveness
Answer: b) He packs up his belongingsWhat time is it when the astrologer reaches home?
a) Early evening
b) Nearly midnight
c) Late afternoon
d) Dawn
Answer: b) Nearly midnightWho is waiting for the astrologer when he arrives home?
a) His child
b) His wife
c) A neighbor
d) A client
Answer: b) His wifeHow does the astrologer’s wife react to the coins he brings home?
a) She is disappointed with the amount
b) She is overjoyed and plans to buy sweets
c) She hides the coins for safekeeping
d) She refuses to accept them
Answer: b) She is overjoyed and plans to buy sweetsWhat does the astrologer complain about regarding the payment?
a) The man promised a rupee but paid less
b) The coins were counterfeit
c) He received no payment at all
d) The man paid too much
Answer: a) The man promised a rupee but paid lessWhat does the astrologer’s wife notice about his demeanor?
a) He seems unusually happy
b) He looks worried
c) He appears angry
d) He is overly tired
Answer: b) He looks worriedWhat secret does the astrologer share with his wife after dinner?
a) He is not a real astrologer
b) He thought he had killed a man years ago
c) He plans to leave the town
d) He has been saving money secretly
Answer: b) He thought he had killed a man years agoWhat activities led to the astrologer’s past conflict with Guru Nayak?
a) A business dispute
b) Drinking, gambling, and quarreling
c) A family feud
d) A theft incident
Answer: b) Drinking, gambling, and quarrelingWhere does the astrologer stretch out after sharing his secret?
a) On a bed inside the house
b) On the pyol outside
c) On a mat in the courtyard
d) On a bench in the park
Answer: b) On the pyol outsideWhat is the astrologer’s emotional state after revealing his past to his wife?
a) Guilty and ashamed
b) Relieved of a great burden
c) Anxious about the future
d) Angry at himself
Answer: b) Relieved of a great burdenWhat motivates the astrologer to continue his work despite not being trained?
a) A desire to help people
b) The need to earn a living
c) A passion for astrology
d) Pressure from his family
Answer: b) The need to earn a livingHow does the astrologer’s appearance contribute to his success?
a) It makes him look scholarly
b) It creates a mystical and trustworthy image
c) It intimidates potential clients
d) It matches the local fashion
Answer: b) It creates a mystical and trustworthy imageWhat role does the tamarind tree play in the story?
a) It is a symbol of the astrologer’s wisdom
b) It provides shade for his workplace
c) It is where he hides his earnings
d) It is a meeting point for vendors
Answer: b) It provides shade for his workplaceHow does the astrologer’s interaction with Guru Nayak differ from his usual client interactions?
a) It is more formal and structured
b) It is based on personal knowledge rather than guesswork
c) It involves a detailed horoscope reading
d) It is free of charge
Answer: b) It is based on personal knowledge rather than guessworkWhat does the astrologer’s wife plan to make for their child?
a) New clothes
b) Sweets with jaggery and coconut
c) A toy from the market
d) A special meal
Answer: b) Sweets with jaggery and coconutWhy does the astrologer feel a sense of relief at the end of the story?
a) He earned more money than expected
b) He learns Guru Nayak is alive, not dead
c) His wife forgives him for his past
d) He decides to return to his village
Answer: b) He learns Guru Nayak is alive, not deadWhat literary device is used when the astrologer’s eyes are described as having a “prophetic light”?
a) Metaphor
b) Simile
c) Personification
d) Hyperbole
Answer: a) MetaphorWhat is the significance of the green shaft of light in the story?
a) It symbolizes hope and clarity
b) It is the only source of light for the astrologer’s work
c) It represents the astrologer’s mystical powers
d) It guides clients to his stall
Answer: b) It is the only source of light for the astrologer’s workHow does the astrologer’s past influence his current life?
a) It makes him a skilled astrologer
b) It forces him to live in hiding and adopt a new profession
c) It gives him confidence in his predictions
d) It attracts clients from his village
Answer: b) It forces him to live in hiding and adopt a new professionWhat is the main theme of “An Astrologer’s Day”?
a) The power of true astrology
b) The consequences of one’s past actions
c) The importance of family bonds
d) The pursuit of wealth and success
Answer: b) The consequences of one’s past actions
What is the primary setting of the story “An Astrologer’s Day”?
a) A quiet village square
b) A bustling path in Town Hall Park
c) A temple courtyard
d) A busy city market
Answer: b) A bustling path in Town Hall ParkHow does the astrologer enhance his mystical appearance?
a) By wearing a long robe and carrying a staff
b) By applying sacred ash and vermilion and wearing a saffron turban
c) By using colorful beads and a crystal ball
d) By displaying a large astrological chart
Answer: b) By applying sacred ash and vermilion and wearing a saffron turbanWhat effect does the astrologer’s turban have on his clients?
a) It makes them skeptical of his abilities
b) It adds to his prophetic allure
c) It distracts them from his predictions
d) It makes him look like a common vendor
Answer: b) It adds to his prophetic allureWhat is the role of the tamarind tree in the astrologer’s business?
a) It serves as a landmark for his clients
b) It provides shade and a place to sit
c) It is used to hang his charts
d) It is a source of his mystical power
Answer: b) It provides shade and a place to sitWhat type of clients does the astrologer attract?
a) Only wealthy merchants
b) People from all walks of life, like bees to flowers
c) Only superstitious villagers
d) Only young couples
Answer: b) People from all walks of life, like bees to flowersWhat is the significance of the flare above the groundnut heap?
a) It signals the start of the astrologer’s day
b) It provides the primary light for his business
c) It attracts insects to the area
d) It is a religious symbol
Answer: b) It provides the primary light for his businessHow does the lack of municipal lighting benefit the astrologer?
a) It reduces competition from other vendors
b) It creates a mysterious atmosphere conducive to his work
c) It lowers his expenses
d) It keeps the area quiet
Answer: b) It creates a mysterious atmosphere conducive to his workWhat is the astrologer’s actual knowledge of astrology?
a) He is highly trained in the subject
b) He knows as little as his clients
c) He has partial knowledge from books
d) He relies on divine inspiration
Answer: b) He knows as little as his clientsHow does the astrologer make his clients believe his predictions?
a) By using complex astrological calculations
b) Through shrewd guesswork and observing clients’ reactions
c) By citing ancient scriptures
d) By performing rituals
Answer: b) Through shrewd guesswork and observing clients’ reactionsWhy did the astrologer leave his village without a plan?
a) To escape an arranged marriage
b) To avoid the consequences of a violent act
c) To pursue a career in astrology
d) To find better economic opportunities
Answer: b) To avoid the consequences of a violent actHow far is the astrologer’s current town from his village?
a) A few miles
b) A couple of hundred miles
c) Across the country
d) In a neighboring state
Answer: b) A couple of hundred milesWhat was the astrologer’s family occupation before he left his village?
a) Trading spices
b) Farming and tilling the land
c) Crafting jewelry
d) Teaching astrology
Answer: b) Farming and tilling the landWhat does the astrologer charge per question to his clients?
a) One rupee
b) Three pice
c) Five annas
d) Two rupees
Answer: b) Three piceHow long does the astrologer listen to his clients before responding?
a) Five minutes
b) Ten minutes
c) Fifteen minutes
d) Twenty minutes
Answer: b) Ten minutesWhat common statement does the astrologer use to engage clients?
a) “Your future is bright and prosperous.”
b) “In many ways you are not getting the fullest results for your efforts.”
c) “You are destined for great adventures.”
d) “You must avoid risky decisions.”
Answer: b) “In many ways you are not getting the fullest results for your efforts.”What does the astrologer often ask about a client’s family?
a) “Is there a child causing you trouble?”
b) “Is there any woman in your family not well disposed towards you?”
c) “Do you have a large family to support?”
d) “Are your parents still alive?”
Answer: b) “Is there any woman in your family not well disposed towards you?”Why do clients agree with the astrologer’s character analysis?
a) It is based on accurate star readings
b) It resonates with their self-perception
c) It promises immediate solutions
d) It is always positive and uplifting
Answer: b) It resonates with their self-perceptionWhat signals the end of the astrologer’s workday?
a) The closing of nearby shops
b) The nuts-vendor blowing out his flare
c) The arrival of a night watchman
d) The dimming of the green shaft of light
Answer: b) The nuts-vendor blowing out his flareWhat is the source of the green shaft of light in the story?
a) A nearby shop’s neon sign
b) An unspecified source
c) A streetlamp
d) A glowing lantern
Answer: b) An unspecified sourceHow does the astrologer react when a man blocks the green shaft of light?
a) He becomes angry and confrontational
b) He sees him as a potential client and invites him to sit
c) He ignores him and continues packing
d) He asks him to move away
Answer: b) He sees him as a potential client and invites him to sitWhat is the man’s initial attitude toward the astrologer’s invitation?
a) He is eager to talk
b) He grumbles vaguely
c) He refuses outright
d) He demands a free reading
Answer: b) He grumbles vaguelyHow does the man challenge the astrologer’s skills?
a) By asking for a free horoscope
b) By demanding accurate answers or a refund with interest
c) By requesting a complex ritual
d) By questioning his training
Answer: b) By demanding accurate answers or a refund with interestWhat does the man pay the astrologer initially?
a) Three pice
b) One anna
c) One rupee
d) Eight annas
Answer: b) One annaWhat does the astrologer propose if his answers satisfy the man?
a) A payment of five rupees
b) A lifelong client agreement
c) A recommendation to others
d) A second free session
Answer: a) A payment of five rupeesWhat counteroffer does the man make to the astrologer?
a) He will pay nothing extra
b) He will pay eight annas if satisfied, or double if the astrologer is wrong
c) He will pay a rupee for accurate answers
d) He will leave without paying
Answer: b) He will pay eight annas if satisfied, or double if the astrologer is wrongWhy does the astrologer try to back out of the man’s challenge?
a) He is too tired to continue
b) He feels uncomfortable and senses danger
c) He has another client waiting
d) He realizes he forgot his charts
Answer: b) He feels uncomfortable and senses dangerHow does the man prevent the astrologer from leaving?
a) By calling for help
b) By grabbing his wrist
c) By offering more money
d) By threatening to report him
Answer: b) By grabbing his wristWhat specific question does the man ask the astrologer?
a) Will he find love soon?
b) Will he succeed in his current search?
c) Will he become wealthy?
d) Will he return to his village?
Answer: b) Will he succeed in his current search?What condition does the astrologer set before answering the man’s question?
a) The man must pay a rupee if convinced
b) The man must stay silent during the reading
c) The man must reveal his identity
d) The man must return the next day
Answer: a) The man must pay a rupee if convincedWhat surprising detail does the astrologer reveal about the man’s past?
a) He was betrayed by a friend
b) He was left for dead after being stabbed
c) He lost his fortune in a gamble
d) He was exiled from his village
Answer: b) He was left for dead after being stabbedHow does the man confirm the astrologer’s statement about the knife incident?
a) He shows a letter describing the event
b) He bares his chest to reveal a scar
c) He tells the astrologer the story
d) He denies it but agrees later
Answer: b) He bares his chest to reveal a scarWhat additional detail does the astrologer provide about the man’s ordeal?
a) He was left in a forest
b) He was pushed into a well
c) He was tied up in a barn
d) He was left on a roadside
Answer: b) He was pushed into a wellWho rescued the man from the well?
a) A family member
b) A passerby who looked into the well
c) A local farmer
d) A village elder
Answer: b) A passerby who looked into the wellWhat is the man’s goal regarding his attacker?
a) To forgive him
b) To find and kill him
c) To reconcile with him
d) To report him to the authorities
Answer: b) To find and kill himWhat does the astrologer say about the attacker’s fate?
a) He is alive and hiding nearby
b) He died four months ago under a lorry
c) He moved to a foreign land
d) He is in prison
Answer: b) He died four months ago under a lorryHow does the astrologer know the man’s name, Guru Nayak?
a) From a previous client
b) From their shared past in the village
c) From a mystical vision
d) From a guess based on the man’s appearance
Answer: b) From their shared past in the villageWhat advice does the astrologer give Guru Nayak about his future travels?
a) To travel eastward for prosperity
b) To avoid traveling southward
c) To stay in the town permanently
d) To return to his village immediately
Answer: b) To avoid traveling southwardWhat does the astrologer give Guru Nayak to ensure his safety?
a) A talisman
b) A pinch of sacred ash
c) A written charm
d) A small idol
Answer: b) A pinch of sacred ashHow does Guru Nayak feel about his attacker’s death?
a) He is skeptical and demands proof
b) He is gratified to hear it
c) He is disappointed and angry
d) He is indifferent
Answer: b) He is gratified to hear itWhat does the astrologer do after Guru Nayak leaves?
a) He counts his earnings
b) He packs his belongings and leaves
c) He prays for forgiveness
d) He talks to other vendors
Answer: b) He packs his belongings and leavesWhat time does the astrologer arrive home?
a) Late afternoon
b) Nearly midnight
c) Early evening
d) Dawn
Answer: b) Nearly midnightHow does the astrologer’s wife react to the coins he brings home?
a) She is disappointed with the amount
b) She is overjoyed and plans to buy sweets
c) She questions their authenticity
d) She hides them immediately
Answer: b) She is overjoyed and plans to buy sweetsWhat does the astrologer’s wife plan to buy with the earnings?
a) New clothes
b) Jaggery and coconut for sweets
c) A toy for their child
d) Household supplies
Answer: b) Jaggery and coconut for sweetsWhat does the astrologer complain about regarding Guru Nayak’s payment?
a) He was paid in counterfeit coins
b) He was promised a rupee but received less
c) He received no payment
d) He was overpaid
Answer: b) He was promised a rupee but received lessWhat secret does the astrologer reveal to his wife at home?
a) He is not a trained astrologer
b) He thought he had killed a man in his youth
c) He plans to return to his village
d) He has been hiding money
Answer: b) He thought he had killed a man in his youthWhat caused the astrologer’s conflict with Guru Nayak in their youth?
a) A land dispute
b) Drinking, gambling, and a quarrel
c) A romantic rivalry
d) A theft accusation
Answer: b) Drinking, gambling, and a quarrelWhy does the astrologer feel relieved at the end of the story?
a) He earned a large sum of money
b) He learns Guru Nayak is alive, relieving his guilt
c) His wife accepts his past
d) He decides to change his profession
Answer: b) He learns Guru Nayak is alive, relieving his guiltWhere does the astrologer relax after telling his wife the truth?
a) On a bed inside
b) On the pyol outside
c) In a temple
d) On a park bench
Answer: b) On the pyol outsideWhat literary device is used when the astrologer is compared to a bee attracting clients?
a) Metaphor
b) Simile
c) Personification
d) Alliteration
Answer: b) SimileWhat is the significance of the astrologer’s encounter with Guru Nayak?
a) It confirms his astrological skills
b) It resolves his guilt from a past mistake
c) It leads to a new business opportunity
d) It causes him to rethink his career
Answer: b) It resolves his guilt from a past mistakeWhat does the story suggest about fate and deception?
a) Deception always leads to failure
b) Fate can be predicted accurately with skill
c) Deception can sometimes lead to unintended truth and resolution
d) Fate is entirely controlled by human actions
Answer: c) Deception can sometimes lead to unintended truth and resolution
