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UGC-NET-English

Indian Lit

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“Every demon carries within him unknown to himself, a tiny seed of self-destruction and goes up in thin air at the most unexpected moment.” To which of RK. Narayan’s characters the above statement applies?

1. Raju - The Guide
2. Jagan - The Sweet Vendor
3. Vasu - Man Eater of Malgudi
4. Margayya — The Financial Expert

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UGC-NET-English-June-2013-Shift-1-Q64
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Detailed Explanation & Answer
The correct answer is Vasu from The Man-Eater of Malgudi because his character perfectly aligns with the idea that a demon carries within himself a "tiny seed of self-destruction" and perishes unexpectedly.

Explanation:
Vasu is portrayed as an aggressive, egoistic, and destructive taxidermist who represents the asura (demonic) force in R.K. Narayan’s novel The Man-Eater of Malgudi. His actions, such as poaching animals and disrespecting traditional values, make him a villainous figure. However, his downfall comes in a highly ironic and unexpected manner—he accidentally kills himself while attempting to swat a mosquito on his forehead.

This aligns exactly with the quote: Vasu, the "demon," unknowingly carries his own destruction within him, and he vanishes at the most unexpected moment. His arrogance and violence ultimately lead to his ironic and self-inflicted death, making him the best fit for this statement.
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