the guide

Hypocrisy is one of the major themes of the novel. Raju is a hypocritical character from the very beginning of his life. As a tour guide, he misinforms the tourists at will as if he has no sense of right or wrong. His words turn normal old buildings into ancient works of architecture and downgrade amazing feats of history. He makes stories out of thin air as he pleases while a tour guide. He helps Rosie only for his own interest and in the end poses as a swami as yet another example of his charlatan nature. According to the Hindu principle of karma, however, Raju eventually reaps the punishments due. He loses his power and money and is forced into a position where he has to fast and nearly die. He seems to learn that hypocrisy is morally corroding and will eventually catch up with a person.