"The Day of the Scorpion" is a short story by Paul Scott, part of his Raj Quartet series. It is set in British-ruled India during the 1940s and explores the complexities of colonial life. The narrative focuses on the interactions between British officials and the local population, highlighting themes of power, cultural conflict, and the impending changes brought by independence. The story centers around the character of Miss Crane, a British schoolteacher, who grapples with her role in a society marked by tension and division. As she navigates her relationships with both her students and the colonial authorities, the story reveals the emotional and moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the web of colonialism.