Table of Contents

(Back Exercise Questions)

Book: The Joy of Reading (Orient Longman)


Short Answer Questions:

Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each.


Q1. When did the astrologer usually start his day’s business.

Ans. The astrologer would usually start his day's business at midday or noon. It can be said so because the first line of the story is,” Punctually at midday he opened his bag and spread out his professional equipment…”.


Q2. Why did the astrologer think he had committed a murder?

Ans. The astrologer thought he had committed a murder because in his village when he was young, he had gotten into a drunken fight with a man over a gambling disagreement and left him for dead after stabbing him with a knife and pushing him into a well.


Q3. What mark did Guru Nayak have on his chest?

Ans. Guru Nayak had a scar on his chest from the knife wound he had sustained during his fight with the astrologer years ago.


Q4. How much money did the astrologer usually charge per question?

Ans. The astrologer usually charged three pies per question.


Q5. What made the astrologer's forehead look grand?

Ans. The astrologer’s forehead looked grand due to the sacred ash and vermilion he had applied to it, along with a saffron-coloured turban that was wrapped around his head.


Q6. How did the astrologer know the name of his customer?

Ans. The astrologer knew the name of his customer, Guru Nayak, because he was the man he had attacked and left for dead years ago. He was able to recognize him by the large scar on his chest.


Long answer question:

Answer the following questions in your own words in about 150 words each.


Q1. Describe the place where the astrologer set up his daily business.

Ans. The astrologer set up his daily business under a tamarind tree in a busy marketplace. This area would come alive in the evening with a variety of vendors and tradesmen, such as medicine sellers, sellers of stolen goods, magicians, and others. The place was noisy, crowded, and full of activity, providing a perfect environment for the astrologer to attract curious customers. The dim light from nearby lamps and shop lights added an air of mystery, making it easier for him to appear wise and mystical. He used common tools like cowrie shells, charts, and a notebook to appear professional. The setting allowed him to hide his lack of actual astrological knowledge, as he mostly relied on keen observation and sharp judgment to read his customers. The overall atmosphere created the illusion that he had supernatural insight, which helped him run a successful business.


Q2. How did the astrologer convince Guru Nayak about his future?

Ans. The astrologer convinced Guru Nayak about his future by cleverly using the knowledge he had from a past encounter. He recognized Guru Nayak as the man he had once stabbed and believed to be dead. Without revealing his identity, the astrologer told Guru Nayak that the man who tried to kill him had died under a lorry—thus ensuring his own safety. He warned him not to seek revenge, claiming it would bring more danger. The astrologer spoke confidently, providing specific details about Guru Nayak’s past, including the incident and his hometown. This shocked and impressed Guru Nayak, making him believe the astrologer truly had supernatural powers. The astrologer then reassured him that his future would be safe if he returned home and didn’t pursue the man who had tried to kill him. Through a mix of psychological insight, personal knowledge, and dramatic presentation, the astrologer effectively convinced Guru Nayak.