Engine Trouble by R K. Narayan summary

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Engine Trouble is a humorous short story written by R.K.Narayan. He is a renowned Indian author. This story explores the misadventures of the narrator who unexpectedly wins a road engine in a local fairs raffle. 

The story begins with the arrival of a showman in the town. He sets up an amusement park called Gaiety Land. This park becomes popular among people for its attractions and games. Among various attractions is a lottery in which the narrator wins half a ticket and he was gifted with a road engine.

The narrator was excited to receive the road engine. Later he realises the burden approaching him because of the road engine. His friends advice him to sell the road engine. But the narrator is unable to find a buyer.

The narrator approaches the municipal authorities to remove the road engine from Gymkhana Grounds. He fails in this attempt. 
Finally, he seeks help from a man named Joseph, who works as a showman. Joseph advises him to move the engine with the help of elephants and hires fifty cookies. But the plan ends in the destruction of a compound wall. This leads to great damage and loss. 

 The narrators financial situation detoriates. His wife threatens to leave him. The narrator plans to leave the town, abandoning the road engine. At this point a swamiji arrives in town and announces his intention. The swamiji wants the engine driven over him as a part of his act changes his fortune. 

A large crowd gather at the Gymkhana Grounds to witness the daring feet. Before the act is performed before people the police inspector interferes and stops this dangerous act. The swamiji leavea the town and the narrator's plan collapses.

As the narrator is about to leave the town and earthquake happens. The road engine ends up in a disused well, saving him from further complications. The owner of the well is not upset about the act because he sees the engines as a cork to seal dirty water. 

Engine Trouble humorously explores the themes of unexpected challanges and unpredictable life. 





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