'The painter of signs' is a novel written by R.K.Narayan in 1967.Like his earlier novel,'The man-eater of Malgudi',which incorporated the myth of Bhasmasura,this novel also has used a myth from an ancient Hindu legend..
Daisy,the heroine,is sophisticated and modern in outlook,who doesn't have any faith in love.she hates high growth in population rates and works tirelessly for birth control.Raman,a painter is attracted by her,and joins in her mission against population growth.They travel from village to village writing and painting slogans advocating family planning.They fall in love but Daisy like Ganga in the legend of King Santhanu lays down conditions for their marriage.Though Raman agrees to her at first out of his blind love for her,their affair ultimately fails,as Daisy feels her mission of women's emancipation is more important than conjugal bliss.Raman,though dejected,finds relief in the thought that in next janma,he will meet her.Thus he proves to be a true Indian in spirit with his belief of reincarnation.
The novel throws light on the problems of population explosion and its repercussions in society.Raman's old aunt with her firm belief in traditional values serves as a contrast to Daisy,a high minded lady who tries to break all the chains on women.
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