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The short story, House Opposite by R. K. Narayan is an example of a man and his struggle with his own humanity. The basic plot of the story includes a holy man (only referred to as "the hermit") that is living along with the traditions of an Indian lifestyle. He considers himself to be a very good man, not succumbing to temptations or as it is put in the text, "He rigorously suppressed all cravings …

…who could not overcome her existence and was ruined by her was much worse off. Even the woman was able to overcome her humiliation at his remarks to her, and call him by a respectful title, swamiji, and ask for forgiveness from him. The hermit remained a broken man, who had been cast out of his home by the thought of such an "evil woman," while the woman was able to hold onto her dignity.