Answer:
No, it is not possible to sympathize with Raju or be content with the ending of the story for it presents no change of heart in the criminal even after he was convicted and jailed for some months.
Explanation:
R. K. Narayan's short story "Trail of the Green Blazer" revolves around the story of a pickpocket named Raju and his intention to correct his wrong ways. But in his attempt to make things right, (even if it's just to return a balloon for the motherless child), he ended up being caught and convicted, leading to his imprisonment for 18 months.
Considering the ending of the story, it is not fair to say that it is the right way for the plot to end. There is always retribution for any wrongful act committed and if Raju hadn't decided to return the purse with the balloon to the Green Blazer, there is no knowing he may change his ways and stop stealing. With his act caught and him convicted and imprisoned, the event can change him for the better. But that did not even seem to change him. The story ends with him deciding that "If ever I pick up something again, I shall make sure I don’t have to put it back". This shows that he's still thinking of continuing his ways and making sure that he did not return anything, not even if it involves a "motherless child". So, it is hard to sympathize with him for there is no change of heart even after being imprisoned.
