The Guide by R K Narayan

In the novel, Raju has successfully portrayed himself saint, able to protect and provide for village through his prayers and relationship with God. The people envision him as another Ghandi, and he does nothing to dispel their beliefs. In Chapter Five, the drought begins to the effect the crops, the wells are dry, and the cattle are dying. The people flock to Raju, and he continues to create the illusion that he is a holy man.

In Chapter Six, Raju is surpirsed that Velan brings up stories he'd told him long ago to fill an evening's silence. It is at this time that Raju understands the illusion is one of his own making... he too is starving, and had he known the difficulties that he would face along with all of the others, he would have planned better.... been prepared. Finally, it is time to shatter the illusion, so he tells Velan in confidence that he is no saint... he is no holy man... he is simply human like everyone else.