The Guide portrays the journey of a man through a maze of illusions in order to achieve reality. It is how Raju converts from a tourist guide to a guide who helps souls progress on a spiritual basis.

R.K.Narayan wrote the novel in two narrative styles. A first person narrative is used when Raju narrates his flashbacks. A third person narrative is used when Narayan describes Raju in the present. These styles symbolize Raju's dualism of character and how he manages to transform from a selfish tourist guide to a pure Swami.

In his younger days, Raju lives for his own personal gain. He is a selfish man who finds materialistic values outweigh inner happiness. His relationships are carved from selfishness. Raju uses almost everyone he is close to for his own benefit. Raju never views his...