Raju indeed, has a king of water, divines instinct for sensing what people need or want to hear. Although I never looked for acquaintance they somehow come looking for me. He is a born leader and people seek him out ' it is written on the brow of some that they shell not me he left alone, I am one such, I think'. Raju goes from being tourist guide, to Rose's mentor or guide, to the spiritual guide of the villagers of Mangal.
There are multiple puns on the word guide. The theme of the quest for spiritual fulfillment explains the title of the novel, for within the Hindu cosmology the path to spiritual illumination required mentioring from a Guru or Guide. This also holds true of the title of the novel The Guide which opt starling evocative symbolic stimulating and significant. His comic vision of life and delightful humour raised many profound and disturbing and questions. Narayan master of irony and style always wished to be true to life.
