a horse and two goats

A Horse and Two Goats, written by R.K. Narayan is about a poor, elderly, Tamil-speaking farmer living in the tiny village of Kritam. The story highlights one particular moment in which Muni encounters a businessman in New York, who inquires about the majestic statue that he happens to be sitting under. Both men struggle to understand each other in the process, and their contrasting lifestyles come into play. Because of this, Muni and the businessman strike up a business deal of sorts, although to neither of each other’s actual intention.

A Horse and Two Goats is a story of moment that largely centered around contrast and juxtaposition. This is evident in the encounter between Muni and the foreigner, where in language barriers and stark contrasts in lifestyle and culture are displayed. For example, much of their encounter is spent trying to understand the other and speaking about completely different topics. Their lifestyles contrast one another, with Muni being a poor, Indian farmer who barely has enough to live by, whereas the foreigner is a businessman who gets to travel. This is displayed when they are conversing as well. Muni ends up speaking about his religion and Indian mythology, which displays that his culture is more centered on faith and belief. The foreigner, however, is very focused on striking up a business deal and appears to be very comfortable and adept at it, showing that his culture and lifestyle is centered on money. Their personalities create contrast as well, with the businessman being confident and friendly, whereas Muni is timid and anxious upon their encounter. This contrast between character helps to create the gentle humor that sets the tone of the