The Gold Frame (R.K. Laxman)

Introduction: The story, “The Gold Frame” like most of R.K. Laxman’s earlier works, deals with the topics of false prestige in a frank and humorous manner. The author tells the story of Datta, a framer who splatters paint over a photograph of an elderly and respected gentleman that a customer requested it to frame. After destroying the client’s photograph, Datta fabricates a scheme in which he would deceive the customer by using another photograph. Datta is not only deceitful, but also dishonest in not taking full responsibility for his acts.

Datta: The Modern Frame Works was a big wooden packing case sandwiched between two other stores. The plot revolves around Datta, the owner of the Modern Frame Works. He was a slender man with silver-rimmed glasses and a complexion like seasoned wood. He was a quiet, diligent individual. He kept to himself and avoided casual friends and meaningless conversation.

The Unintentional Splashing: One day, Datta was approached by a customer who wished to have an old photograph framed in the finest possible way. He admires, respects, and praises the elderly guy, leading one to assume that the man in the image was a perfect human being. Then Datta steps in to guide the client in choosing the right frame. He picks a cut mount for his picture with Datta’s assistance. The buyer speaks as though framing the portrait is his life’s goal, and so he is ready to pay the amount that Datta demands. Finally, he leaves after settling the fee and the date of delivery.

Generally, Datta’s customers arrived either days in advance, dissatisfied, or returned months later. Some never showed up at all, and their photographs were left in a box unclaimed. Datta would not start working till his customers arrived twice before the delivery date. After 10 days, his tall and rustic-looking client showed up to inspect the progress. When Datta saw his client was interested in the frame, he pulled it out and tried to frame it. Just then, Datta splashed enamel paint over the customer’s treasured portrait by mistake. He attempted to remove the blotch with a piece of cloth, but it started to rip away.

Humour from the Tragedy: Datta was terrified about the repercussions. Datta considered various options, such as framing another image. Fortunately, he met one with whom he could take a reasonable risk. Datta, perplexed, frames a square frame while the buyer ordered an oval frame. This somehow saves Datta. He also gets saved because the customer questions the frame rather than the photograph itself. This generates amusement.

Datta’s ingenuity is revealed in this narrative by R.K. Laxman. The customer is portrayed as an idiot by R.K .Laxman. The customer accepts the price, even if he believes it is unreasonable. The customer’s ignorance, rather than Datta’s own experience or intelligence, saves him. 

Conclusion: The storyline implies that Datta has still been caught out despite his lie. The reader is bound to believe that R.K. Laxman is emphasizing the value of honesty. The story is ironical that the customer has found a minor fault instead of a major fault. He did not find the fake photograph and Datta gets a narrow escape. Thus, the story ends in a twist full of humour.