In the story "The Address" by Marga Minco, the influence of English—the language and the associated way of life—is reflected in the Indian context through the character of Mrs. Dorling and her family, who are living in the narrator's former home. Mrs. Dorling and her family represent a Westernized lifestyle, which is often associated with the English language and British colonial influence in India.

The use of English in the story serves as a symbol of status, education, and cultural assimilation. Mrs. Dorling and her family, who are depicted as relatively affluent and modern, speak English fluently and are comfortable with Western customs and values. This reflects the historical legacy of British colonialism in India, where English became associated with power, privilege, and social mobility.

The narrator's attitude towards English is somewhat ambivalent. On one hand, she acknowledges the importance of English as a means of communication and access to certain opportunities, particularly in a post-colonial society where English remains widely used in education, business, and government. However, the narrator also expresses a sense of nostalgia and longing for her own cultural heritage and language, which she feels has been overshadowed by the dominance of English and Westernization.

Overall, the story portrays the complex relationship between English and Indian life, highlighting both the benefits and challenges of linguistic and cultural assimilation. The narrator's attitude towards English reflects a nuanced understanding of its significance in Indian society, while also recognizing the need to preserve and celebrate indigenous languages and traditions in the face of globalization and cultural homogenization.

In "The Address" by Marga Minco, there isn't a direct reference to astrologers or their perceptions. However, I can provide a comment on the broader theme of perception and conjecture within the context of the story.

The story revolves around the narrator's attempt to reclaim her family's former home, which is now occupied by Mrs. Dorling and her family. Throughout the narrative, there is a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty surrounding the characters' perceptions of each other and the house itself.

For example, the narrator initially believes that Mrs. Dorling will recognize her as the daughter of the previous owners and acknowledge her connection to the house. However, Mrs. Dorling does not recognize the narrator and shows little interest in her family's history or the significance of the house to the narrator.

Similarly, the narrator's perception of the house as a place of refuge and familiarity is challenged by the reality of its current occupants and their indifference towards her claims. Despite the narrator's emotional attachment to the house and her desire to reclaim it as her own, she ultimately realizes that her perception of the house as a symbol of her past is based more on nostalgia and longing than on tangible evidence or reality.

In this sense, the story illustrates how perceptions can be shaped by personal beliefs, memories, and emotions rather than objective facts or evidence. The characters' interpretations of the past and their relationships to the house are influenced by subjective experiences and cultural contexts, highlighting the limitations of perception and the role of conjecture in shaping our understanding of the world.

In the story "The Address" by Marga Minco, the arrangement of marriage is depicted as a traditional practice in Indian society, where marriages are often arranged by families based on factors such as social status, caste, and financial considerations. However, Indian society has indeed evolved significantly in terms of the way marriages are arranged since the time period depicted in the story.

1. Shift towards Love Marriages: One of the most significant changes in Indian society regarding marriage arrangements is the increasing acceptance and prevalence of love marriages. Today, many young people in India have the freedom to choose their own life partners based on mutual love, compatibility, and personal preferences, rather than solely relying on familial arrangements.

2. Influence of Education and Urbanization: The rise in education levels and urbanization has played a key role in changing attitudes towards marriage arrangements in India. Educated and urban families are more likely to prioritize individual choice and autonomy in marriage decisions, leading to a decline in the practice of arranged marriages based solely on familial considerations.

3. Empowerment of Women: Women's empowerment and greater gender equality have also contributed to changes in marriage arrangements in Indian society. With more women pursuing education and entering the workforce, they are increasingly asserting their agency in marriage decisions and challenging traditional norms that restrict their autonomy.

4. Influence of Technology and Social Media: The advent of technology and social media platforms has facilitated greater communication and interaction between individuals, allowing them to connect with potential partners beyond their immediate social circles. Online dating platforms and matrimonial websites have become increasingly popular, providing individuals with more options and control over their marriage choices.

5. Legal Reforms and Social Awareness: Legal reforms aimed at protecting women's rights and combating practices such as dowry harassment and child marriage have also contributed to changing attitudes towards marriage in Indian society. Increased social awareness and advocacy efforts have helped challenge harmful traditional practices and promote more progressive approaches to marriage and relationships.

Overall, Indian society has indeed come a long way from the traditional practice of arranged marriages depicted in the story. While arranged marriages still exist and are practiced in many parts of India, there has been a noticeable shift towards greater individual choice, autonomy, and egalitarianism in marriage arrangements, reflecting broader social and cultural changes in the country.

In "The Address" by Marga Minco, the narrator is depicted as a determined and introspective individual who grapples with the complexities of her past and struggles to reconcile her present circumstances with her memories of home.

1. Resilient: The narrator demonstrates resilience in her journey to reclaim her family's former home, despite the challenges and obstacles she encounters along the way. She is determined to assert her identity and reclaim her past, even in the face of indifference and denial from the current occupants of the house.

2. Reflective: Throughout the story, the narrator reflects on her experiences and memories, offering insights into her emotional and psychological state. She grapples with feelings of displacement, longing, and nostalgia as she confronts the reality of her changed circumstances and tries to make sense of her place in the world.

3. Empathetic: Despite her own struggles, the narrator demonstrates empathy towards others, particularly her mother and the woman she meets at the displaced persons camp who provides her with the address of her former home. She is sensitive to the experiences and emotions of those around her, showing compassion and understanding in her interactions with others.

4. Determined: The narrator's determination to reclaim her family's former home reflects her strong sense of identity and connection to her past. She refuses to be deterred by the challenges she faces, instead persevering in her quest to reclaim what is rightfully hers.

Overall, the narrator is portrayed as a complex and multifaceted individual who grapples with questions of identity, belonging, and memory. She is resilient in the face of adversity, reflective in her introspection, empathetic towards others, and determined in her pursuit of reclaiming her past.

In R.K. Narayan's "Ranga's Marriage," Hosahalli is described as a small, nondescript village located a few miles from the town of Malgudi. The narrator, who is a resident of Malgudi, portrays Hosahalli as a typical rural village with its own distinct character and customs.

The narrator mentions that Hosahalli is not particularly well-known or significant, and it is described as having "a few scattering tiled roofs above the bushes, a marshy pond or two, and some slimy roads." This description suggests that Hosahalli is a humble and unremarkable village, typical of many rural communities in India.

Despite its unassuming appearance, Hosahalli becomes the focus of attention when Ranga, a young man from the village, captures the interest of the town's residents due to his striking good looks and charming personality. The narrator's descriptions of Hosahalli help to establish the contrast between the rural simplicity of the village and the urban sophistication of Malgudi, setting the stage for the cultural clash that occurs when Ranga's marriage proposal is brought before the town's elders.