Question

In the novel 'A Tiger for Malgudi', why does the tiger say 'crow is a treacherous bird'?

Hint:

In Narayan's allegorical world, the crow represents petty human opportunism and false innocence, serving as a foil to the majestic, honest, and straightforward strength of the tiger.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding Raja's Perspective on Nature:
In R.K. Narayan's A Tiger for Malgudi, the protagonist-narrator Raja (the tiger) reflects deeply on the various creatures of the jungle during his wild days. Unlike human beings who utilize complex, multi-layered social disguises, Raja perceives wild animals as having more direct and predictable behaviors. However, he holds a strong exception for the crow.

Step 2: Analyzing the Treachery of the Crow:
Raja describes the crow as a highly unprincipled, cunning, and opportunistic bird. He observes that a crow always maintains a deceptive facade of complete indifference or innocence, often sitting nearby and looking in the opposite direction. Yet, in reality, its eyes are hyper-vigilant, waiting for the precise moment of vulnerability to swoop down, snatch food, or cause annoyance.

Step 3: The Contrast with Other Animals:
While other predators hunt openly and herbivorous animals flee predictably, the crow operates through sneakiness, theft, and mockery. It is this combination of a false air of detachment and sudden, swift opportunism that leads the tiger to declare the crow a truly treacherous bird.