The English Teacher

The English Teacher – by R.K. Narayan is a semi-autobiographical novel set in the fictional town of Malgudi, exploring the protagonist Krishna’s journey through grief and his quest for spiritual fulfillment after the death of his wife. The novel is divided into two main parts. The first part depicts the happy domestic life of Krishna, an English lecturer at Albert Mission College, with his wife, Susila, and young daughter, Leela. Krishna is initially discontent with his mundane teaching job but finds joy in his family life. The peaceful existence is abruptly shattered when Susila contracts typhoid and dies.