The 1970s see the start of the book in the made-up Indian city of Malgudi. Raman is a sign painter that works for several businesses all over the city. A lawyer hires him to paint a sign for his office. They start arguing right away. The attorney requests that it be completed by 11 a.m. the next day. Raman claims that for the paint to thoroughly cure, it takes at least five days. The attorney promises to discuss his justification over coffee. Together, they stroll over to a coffee shop.
Raman is informed by his lawyer that his astrologer has advised him to have the board by that precise hour. Raman is still not convinced. Regarding the cost of Raman’s services, they can’t agree. Raman becomes even more irritated when the lawyer requests that the letters be slanted. Regarding the letter styles, they dispute. Raman believes that since he is not a “kerosene” dealer, his letters should be straight rather than slanted. Raman gives in to the lawyer’s requests out of exasperation and decides to get it completed the next morning.
Raman stays up late working. When the attorney returns to his office the following day, he examines the sign. A throng of spectators watches as Raman starts to tack up the sign. Upon seeing the sign, the lawyer expresses his dislike, claiming that the stucco style gives the impression that there is filth in the paint. The lawyer says Raman’s suggestion to paint another one will work. As he returns home, he considers all the things he could have done with the money the attorney was meant to give him. At home, he undresses and considers how money is his constant source of concern.
His aunt, who reared him as a child, now resides with him. He had a quick conversation with her before leaving again. He eats lunch at his usual location—the Boardless Hotel. After eating and paying his bill, he departs. When he gets home, he surveys his room. It is simply decorated and crammed with the undergraduate reading material he was exposed to, which includes books by Dickens, Gibbons, and Plato. He has a strong passion for reading. His aunt shares details of her life while tidying up after supper. She informs him that he would have to start writing it when she was ten years old.
As they converse more, she shares stories of her rich and joyous upbringing. This pisses Raman off quietly since he’s heard all these stories before and doesn’t trust her devotion to tradition. After reading for a short while, he leaves again. He snorts at her, fed up with her questioning, and walks away. He visits the bangle vendor’s kiosk. He notices that the “Strictly Cash” sign he painted for him is still within its plastic cover. He also observes the man’s habit of touching the women he is selling bangles to on their wrists.
The man informs him that the word “cash” is excessively red in color. According to Raman, he requested that color. The man asks Raman to adjust the sign while making small talk with a customer. When Raman asks if he will pay him, the man replies that only if he alters the hue. According to Raman, the sign won’t appear right if it is painted blue. He walks away after declaring he won’t change it. He considers the money he lost on this transaction as he strolls once more.
He speaks with another shop owner, who requests that he add a brief subtitle to his sign. He would like the subtitle to say “also for credit,” implying that consumers can make credit purchases as well. Raman is disgusted when the man asks for this to be written in green. He keeps on and tries to get payment from a local professor who is one of his customers, but the professor likewise ignores him. He feels angry as he considers how all of these people have let him down and regrets every deal.
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The Painter of Signs Pages 87-111 Summary
