The Axe by R. K Narayan

The Axe is a compelling story about a person seeking his life’s purpose and place. It explores themes of pride, commitment, control, and acceptance.

Velan’s father was a poor man, so nobody could have imagined that Velan would one day reside in a three-story building. However, the astrologer’s prediction came true, and he became the sole resident of Kumar Baugh, a palatial town on the outskirts of Malgudi.

When Velan was eighteen he left home. One day, his father spanked him for being late with lunch. Velan was so enraged by this that he decided to leave his home. He left the village and continued walking until he reached the city. Here, he went without food for several days. Then, he arrived in Malgudi. Here, an elderly man hired him as his gardener’s assistant. Velan accepted the position and sat in the sun day after day to clear the land of unwanted vegetation. The garden gradually took shape. As the house rose, so too did the garden. By the time the margosa tree appeared in Velan’s vision, the house had taken on a mellow appearance. Its original brilliance had vanished.

Velan was satisfied and content. In the interim, the original gardener who had hired him had passed away. Now, he is the head gardener. Velan was married with children. In the servants’ quarters he resided. In the interim, the home’s owner grew older. The master eventually died. Sons of the old man were of poor character. They remained for an additional year, fought among themselves, and then moved to a new residence. The residence was rented. A year later, a second tenant arrived, followed by a third, and so on. Nobody stayed longer than a few months. The house then gained a reputation for being haunted.

Over time, the house’s owners ceased visiting the property. Velan became the house’s sole occupant. He was ageing as well. Despite his efforts, grass grew on the paths and weeds and vines sprouted, and the owners leased out the fruit garden for three years.

Countless years passed with no change. It became known as the “Ghost House,” and people began to avoid it. However, Velan never complained about anything. Once every three months, he sent his son to the old family in town to collect his wages. Velan desired that this situation continue indefinitely. However, one day a car approached the house. The old house’s doors and windows were thrown open. The individuals in the car belonged to a company that wished to acquire this home. They informed Velan that they would be cutting down the plants, so they would no longer require his services.

There was a great deal of activity in and around the residence. Soon, a cutter arrived to clean the area. Velan was upset that they also planned to cut down the margosa tree. Velan regarded this tree as his own offspring. Therefore, he chose to leave the house. He requested that the cutters wait until he was beyond the sound of their axes before proceeding. He gathered his belongings and left the residence. He requested that the margosa tree not be cut down until he was far away.

Critical Analysis of the Axe

In R.K. Narayan’s The Axe, themes of independence, pride, theme, prosperity, loss, control, change, and acceptance are prevalent. The story is narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator and is taken from Narayan’s collection Malgudi Days. After reading the story, the reader realises that Narayan may be exploring the theme of independence. After receiving a slap from his father, Velan abandons him and seeks his own employment, eventually becoming a gardener. This may be significant considering Velan’s independence. He is demonstrating to his father that he can succeed independently. That he does not require guidance from his father. Velan’s man is also intriguing because he gives Velan complete control over the garden, indicating that Velan enjoys a certain degree of autonomy in his life. Velan is accountable to the old man, but the old man does not stand in his way. He allows him to fend for himself. It is also intriguing that, despite claiming his father’s property upon his father’s death, he did not inherit it. Velan does not leave the garden, preferring to remain in his garden-adjacent hut. This may be significant because it suggests Velan’s devotion to the garden. Also noticeable is the fact that Velan encourages the growth of each plant and flower by speaking to them. The world of Velan is, if anything, devoted to the garden.