An Astrologer’s Day | Class 12 HSC English Chapter 1.1 | Maharashtra Board Yuvakbharati Lesson, Summary & Questions

July 23, 2025
1.1 An Astrologer's Day – Class 12 English Yuvakbharati | Summary, Video, Exercises

1.1 An Astrologer's Day – Class 12 English Yuvakbharati (Maharashtra Board)

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About the Author – R.K. Narayan

Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami (1906–2001), widely known as R.K. Narayan, was one of the most celebrated Indian English novelists. Born in Madras (now Chennai), he is best known for creating the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi, a backdrop for many of his stories that reflect realistic characters and everyday Indian life.

R.K. Narayan authored 14 novels, 5 short story collections, travelogues, essays, and his own memoir titled My Days (1975). His literary works are deeply rooted in Indian culture, combining gentle humour, humanism, and an authentic portrayal of middle-class life. His writing is admired for its simplicity, subtle irony, and unique Indian essence.

Some of his most famous books include Swami and Friends, The Bachelor of Arts (1937), The Dark Room (1938), Mr. Sampath (1949), The Financial Expert (1954), Waiting for the Mahatma (1955), and The Guide (1958). The short story collection An Astrologer’s Day and Other Stories (1947) features the popular story included in your Class 12 syllabus.

His novel The Guide won the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1961. Narayan’s work was introduced to American readers in 1952 through Michigan State University Press. His stories continue to be celebrated for their charming prose, insight into Indian society, and relatable characters.

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Lesson Summary

"An Astrologer's Day" is a short story about an astrologer who fakes his profession using clever observation and psychological tricks. He operates in a bustling marketplace, reading fortunes for clients. One evening, he encounters a man who challenges him for a reading. Surprisingly, the astrologer reveals deep insights about the man's past, claiming he was once attacked and left for dead.

Eventually, it’s revealed that the astrologer himself was the attacker, and he had assumed the man had died. He lies to the man, saying his attacker is dead, and sends him away. The astrologer returns home, relieved that his dark past won't haunt him anymore. This twist reveals how appearances can be deceiving and how guilt can influence one’s fate.

Exercise - ICE BREAKERS

Discuss with your partner and complete the activity.

  • What are your strengths?
    • StrengthsWhy do you feel so?Dream career
    Painting and drawingCan visualise, expressCommercial artist, cartoonist
  • The scene in a local market of a village/town/city is very attractive. People with different occupations sell their wares. Discuss with your partner the variety of activities at the local market.
    • 1. Selling flowers, selling grocery
    • 2. __________
    • 3. __________
    • 4. __________
    • 5. __________
  • In a village/town/city it is quite a common sight to see an astrologer sitting by the roadside with his professional equipment. Discuss with your partner and list the requirements for his trade.
    • 1. Parrot, cards etc.
    • 2. __________
    • 3. __________
    • 4. __________
    • 5. __________
  • There are certain unreasonable beliefs among people living in our society. Certain common events are linked with superstitions. List such events, discuss the superstitions linked with them and the means of their eradication.
    • 1. A cat crossing your path
    • 2. __________
    • 3. __________
    • 4. __________
    • 5. __________

📘 Exercise – ICE BREAKERS

Discuss the following questions and activities based on "An Astrologer’s Day" by R.K. Narayan. These are from the official Class 12 HSC English Yuvakbharati textbook under the Maharashtra Board curriculum.

👉 What are your strengths?

Strengths Why do you feel so? Dream Career
Painting and Drawing Can visualise, express Commercial Artist, Cartoonist

👉 Local Market Activities

The scene in a village/town/city market is lively. Discuss and list the variety of activities you see there:

  • Selling flowers
  • Selling groceries
  • Selling textiles and clothing
  • Street food vendors
  • Electronic and mobile repair stalls

👉 Tools of an Astrologer’s Trade

List the common items you might see with an astrologer sitting by the roadside:

  • Parrot
  • Tarot cards
  • Astrology charts and books
  • Beads and stones
  • Umbrella or mat for sitting

👉 Common Superstitions

Many people believe in superstitions linked to daily events. Discuss the superstitions and how to overcome them:

  • A cat crossing your path – believed to bring bad luck
  • Breaking a mirror – associated with seven years of bad luck
  • Spilling salt – believed to cause arguments
  • Itching palms – sign of incoming money or expenses
  • Sneezing before leaving home – considered inauspicious

📘 EXERCISE - BRAINSTORMING

(A1)

  1. Given below are some descriptions. Discuss them with your partner and find out one word for each of them. An example is given for you.
    • Astronomy
    • (a) The scientific study of the universe and the objects in it, including stars, planets, nebulae and galaxies
    • (b) The study of the movements of the planets, Sun, Moon, and Stars in the belief that these movements can have an influence on people’s lives
    • (c) A prediction of what will happen in the future
    • (d) Scientific discipline that studies mental states and processes and behaviour in humans and other animals
  2. In the story we are told that the Town Hall Park was a remarkable place in many ways for the astrologer to build his business. Discuss it in a group and list the exceptional qualities of the place.
    • A surging crowd
  3. The astrologer never opened his mouth till the other had spoken for at least ten minutes. Discuss the reasons behind his act.
    • (a) He is good at reading the people.
    • (b)
    • (c)
    • (d)

(A2)

  1. The tactics used by the astrologer to earn his wages are...
    • The Tactics: analysis of human troubles
  2. An astrologer’s appearance helps to create an impression on his clients. Complete the following.
    • (a) The turban on his head
    • (b)
    • (c)
    • (d)
  3. Read the following sentences and choose the correct one.
    1. The astrologer says that if Nayak does not leave his village again, he would
      1. return the money
      2. not face danger
      3. go back home and stop looking for the man who tried to kill him
      4. not find the killer
    2. According to the narrator the astrologer’s success in his profession is primarily due to
      1. luck
      2. the bargains he drives
      3. his appearance
      4. his understanding of people
    3. The story suggests that the astrologer’s comments and observations please people by
      1. promising them success and good fortune
      2. proving, as time passes, to have been true
      3. flattering them or supporting their own views
      4. helping them to learn to solve their own problems
    4. Guru Nayak consults the astrologer because he wants to
      1. understand the past
      2. find out who the astrologer is
      3. make some money through a bet
      4. get the answer to a specific question
    5. Guru Nayak is looking for the man who tried to kill him
      1. to take revenge
      2. to get an apology
      3. to demand an explanation
      4. to prove that the man was unsuccessful
    6. The astrologer’s remark makes Guru Nayak feel all of the following except
      1. relieved
      2. suspicious
      3. impressed
      4. disappointed
    7. Reactions of the astrologer’s wife to his news suggest that she
      1. was unaware of his past
      2. has been worried about his safety
      3. has known him since he was young
      4. is concerned about her future with him
  4. Read the following sentences and find out True and False sentences. Correct the False sentences.
    • (a) The astrologer gave a correct prediction to the client about his past that he was stabbed, thrown into a well and left for dead.
    • (b) When the astrologer came to know that the man whom he killed is alive he felt that he was relieved of his guilt.
    • (c) The astrologer tried to back out of the deal and talked about the client’s past.
    • (d) The astrologer rescued himself from Guru Nayak’s revenge.
    • (e) The moral of the story is that we must be responsible about what we have done and should not run away from our mistakes.
  5. The astrologer has changed his appearance and his persona when he arrived in the city. Give specific reasons.
  6. ‘The darkness load that was inside the astrologer has disappeared’. Through this sentence, explain the significance of the title ‘An Astrologer’s Day’
  7. The astrologer feels relieved to know that Guru is not dead as it reduces a great burden from him. Critically justify the statement and explain it.
  8. The astrologer wins/gets the sympathy of criticism of the reader in the end. Express your opinion with the support of the main story.
  9. If we have to eradicate the superstitions and other ill practices from our society, what steps would you like to suggest?
  10. In the story, astrologer has a great listening power. Listening helps in developing good relations with people. Express your opinion.

(A3)

  1. In the story, the following characters reveal their qualities through words and actions. Pick out the words that describe them from the box and write in the appropriate columns.
    • Astrologer: intuitive, humanistic
    • Guru Nayak: shrewd, manipulative
    • Astrologer’s wife: caring
  2. Match the suffixes with the words and make nouns.
    • auction – auctioneer
    • enchant – enchantment
    • know – knowledge
    • prepare – preparation
    • proceed – procedure
    • appear – appearance
  3. Find out the examples of irony from the story and write them down.
    • (a) He knew no more of what was going to happen to others than he knew what was going to happen to himself the next minute.
    • (b)
    • (c)
    • (d)
  4. Find out Indian words used in the story like ‘Cowrie shells’ (code-mixing).
  5. Use the following phrases with 'crown':
    • To crown the effect, he wound a saffron-coloured turban around his head.
    • (a) The works of Shakespeare are the crowning glory of English drama.
    • (b) Amitabh’s crowning achievement is his role in ‘Black’.
    • (c) Her fame has become a real crown of thorns.
    • (d) They threw a wonderful party and to crown it all, they served my favourite ice cream.
    • (e) Organ transplantation is a crowning achievement of science.

(A4)

  1. Use the words given in the brackets and rewrite the sentences.
    • (a) The enhancement of his eyes was considerable.
    • (b) He worked on an analysis of mankind’s troubles.
    • (c) He knew the happening to himself the next minute.
    • (d) If you find my answers satisfactory, will you give me five rupees?
    • (e) He shook his head with regret.
    • (f) He was bewildered by the crisscross of light rays.
    • (g) “I should have been dead if someone had not chanced to peep into the well,” exclaimed the other enthusiastically.
    • (h) You tried killing him.
    • (i) I will make a preparation of something nice for her.
    • (j) The other heard and groaned.

(A5)

  1. Prepare a speech on Science and Superstitions.
  2. Expand the following proverbs:
    • (a) Actions speak louder than words.
    • (b) The face is the index of the mind.
    • (c) Speech is silver and silence is golden.
    • (d) Argument is the worst kind of communication.
    • (e) Attitudes are the real figures of speech.
    • (f) The wise man has long ears and a short tongue.

(A6)

  1. Read Bill Naughton’s ‘The Goal Keeper’s Revenge and Other Stories’ and discuss the theme.
  2. Read the following short stories by R. K. Narayan:
    • (a) Under The Banyan Tree
    • (b) The Doctor’s Word
    • (c) Lawley Road
    • (d) A Horse and Two Goats
    • (e) Gateman’s Gift

(A7)

  • Surf the internet and find out the career opportunities in Astronomy.

🧠 Exercise – BRAINSTORMING

Discuss the following think-pair-share tasks and written exercises based on "An Astrologer’s Day" — officially included in the Class 12 HSC English Yuvakbharati curriculum.

(A1) Vocabulary & Context

Match each description with the correct word (one is done):

  1. Example: Astronomy – The scientific study of the universe
  2. (b) Astrology – The study of planets, Sun, Moon, and stars believed to affect people’s lives
  3. (c) Prediction – A statement about what will happen in the future
  4. (d) Psychology – Scientific study of mental processes and behaviour

(A1)(ii) Town Hall Park Discussion

Why was Town Hall Park an ideal place for the astrologer’s business? Discuss and list its exceptional qualities:

  • Surging crowd – plenty of footfall
  • Quiet shady atmosphere under the trees
  • Proximity to both wealthy and common visitors
  • Public trust in communal spaces

(A1)(iii) Strategic Silence

The astrologer doesn’t speak until the client has spoken for at least ten minutes. Why?

  1. He gains information first (reading people)
  2. Builds suspense and client trust
  3. Avoids lying prematurely
  4. Understands the emotional state and context

(A2)(i) His Tactics

The astrologer uses keen understanding and analysis of human troubles to project insight and earn trust.

(A2)(ii) Astrologer’s Appearance

Complete the list of items that enhance his professional image:

  • Turban on his head
  • Brightly coloured kurta or vest
  • Stocks of charts or palm-leaf manuscript
  • Traditional rings and beads

(A2)(iii) Multiple Choice Questions

  1. If Nayak doesn’t leave his village, he would
    1. return his money
    2. not face danger
    3. go back home and stop looking for the man
    4. not find the killer
  2. The astrologer's success is primarily due to
    1. luck
    2. the bargains he drives
    3. his appearance
    4. understanding of people
  3. The astrologer pleases clients by
    1. promising success and fortune
    2. time confirming his predictions
    3. flattering them or supporting their views
    4. helping them solve problems
  4. Guru Nayak meets the astrologer to
    1. understand the past
    2. find out who he is
    3. make a bet
    4. get an answer
  5. Guru Nayak seeks the attacker to
    1. take revenge
    2. get an apology
    3. demand explanation
    4. prove failure
  6. The astrologer’s remark leaves Nayak
    1. relieved
    2. suspicious
    3. impressed
    4. disappointed
  7. The astrologer’s wife’s reaction suggests she
    1. was unaware of his past
    2. was worried for his safety
    3. knew him since young
    4. was concerned about their future

(A2)(iv) True or False Statements

Mark each as True/False and rewrite incorrect ones:

  1. The astrologer's prediction about the stabbing and being left in a well is correct.
  2. He felt relieved of guilt when he realized his victim survived.
  3. He initially tried to back out of the bet about psychic knowledge.
  4. He rescued himself from Guru Nayak’s revenge.
  5. The moral is to take responsibility for our actions.

(A2)(v) Appearance Change – Why?

Explain how the astrologer altered his looks and how it helped him start anew in the city.

(A2)(vi–vii) Deeper Analysis

Answer with evidence from the text:

  1. What does the line ‘The dark load inside the astrologer has disappeared’ reveal about the story’s title?
  2. Why is the astrologer relieved that Guru Nayak survived?
  1. Does the story evoke sympathy or criticism for the astrologer? Give reasons.

(A2)(ix–x) Reflection & Ethics

  1. Suggest ways to remove superstitions from society.
  2. Discuss how the astrologer’s listening skills helped him succeed—relate to everyday communication.

(A3) Character & Language

Pick words from the box to describe characters:

  • Astrologer: shrewd, manipulative, intuitive, clever
  • Guru Nayak: suspicious, aggressive, impetuous, humanistic
  • Astrologer’s wife: caring, protective

(A3)(ii–v) Further Tasks

  1. Match suffixes to form nouns: auction → auctioneer; enchant → enchantment; know → knowledge; prepare → preparation.
  2. Find examples of irony in the story: e.g., astrologer “knows” future but is guilt-ridden himself.
  3. List Indian words from the story (examples: cowrie shells).
  4. Use phrases with “crown”: crowning achievement, crowning glory, etc.

(A4–A6) Language & Extension Activities

Paraphrase sentences using given words (enhancement, worked, etc.).

Prepare a speech on Science vs Superstitions.

Reflect on given proverbs like “Actions speak louder than words”.

Explore short stories by Bill Naughton and R.K. Narayan (titles provided).

Research online: Career opportunities in astronomy.

Tags: An Astrologer's Day summary, Class 12 English Chapter 1, Maharashtra HSC English, R.K. Narayan, Yuvakbharati English Chapter List, MHBoard English digest, Maharashtra state board Class 12

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