Short Story Analysis

A Collection

Select a story below to view its summary and analysis.

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Story: Neighbours (by Tim Winton)

Summary

The story follows a young couple who move into a new home in a suburban neighbourhood densely populated with European immigrants. Initially, they feel uneasy and perceive their neighbours' customs (like the Macedonian family's yelling or the Polish widower's hammering) as strange. The neighbours also find the couple odd, particularly the young man staying home to write his thesis while his wife works. However, barriers begin to break down in autumn when the couple starts a garden and receives help. The widower rebuilds their failed henhouse. Over time, the couple overcomes their prejudices as they interact more, learning skills like slaughtering from the Macedonians. When the woman becomes pregnant, the neighbours notice before the couple tells anyone and shower them with gifts and well wishes. The birth of the baby brings the entire community together. At this moment, the young man cries, realizing his earlier prejudices and understanding that his academic thesis hadn't prepared him for the human connections and realities of real life. The story highlights how cultural and linguistic barriers can be overcome by community, love, and compassion, showing the positive contribution of immigrants to Australia's social fabric and how prejudice stems from a lack of knowledge.

Questions & Answers

75 Words:

Describe the attitude of the young man towards his neighbours and write what event changed his prejudiced mind?
At first, the young man disliked his neighbours. He thought they were noisy, strange, and invaded his privacy. He had prejudices against the immigrants. The event that changed his mind was the birth of his baby. Seeing all his neighbours gathered outside, cheering and happy for him and his wife, made him realize their genuine warmth and kindness, breaking his earlier negative views.
Describe the feeling of the young couple when they first arrived at a new place. or What made the young couple feel like sojourners in a foreign land when they first moved in their new house?
When the young couple first arrived, they felt uneasy and like outsiders ("sojourners") because the neighbourhood was full of European immigrants. They were used to quiet suburbs. They were shocked by the noise (shouting, hammering) and different habits of their neighbours. They felt their privacy was disturbed and were uncomfortable with the unfamiliar environment.
What does 'fractured dialogue' mean in the story?
"Fractured dialogue" means broken conversation. In the story, it describes how the young couple and their neighbours talked when they didn't share the same language well. Their conversations were likely made of simple words, maybe some gestures, and were not smooth or complete. It shows the difficulty they had communicating clearly because of the different cultural backgrounds.
Why did the young man begin to weep at the end of the story?
The young man wept at the end because he was deeply moved by his neighbours' kindness. When his baby was born, he saw all the neighbours gathered at his fence, cheering happily. He finally understood their genuine care and community spirit, which he had misjudged before. His tears were likely from gratitude and realizing his own past prejudice was wrong.
How did the neighbours help the young couple ? Did they expose their positive attitude to them?
Yes, the neighbours showed a very positive attitude and helped the young couple many times. They gave advice on their garden and shared garlic. The Polish man rebuilt their henhouse. The Macedonian family taught them how to prepare a duck. They gave gifts and smiled when the wife was pregnant, and celebrated the baby's birth.
Why were the people in the neighborhood surprised at the role of the young man and his wife in their family??
The neighbours were likely surprised because the young couple's roles seemed different from their traditional ways. The young man stayed home during the day to write his thesis, while the young woman went out to work at a hospital. For the immigrant neighbours, this might have seemed unusual or like a reversal of typical husband and wife roles.
How did the young couple identify their neighbours in the beginning of their arrival?
In the beginning, the young couple identified their neighbours mainly by their actions, which seemed loud and strange to them. They heard the Macedonians shouting and assumed they were fighting. They saw the Polish widower hammering constantly. They noticed unfamiliar habits like spitting. They formed a negative first impression based on these outward behaviours.
How does the young man understand the value of neighbours at the end of the story?
The young man finally understood the value of neighbours after experiencing their consistent kindness, especially culminating at the birth of his son. Seeing them share in his joy, remembering how they helped with the garden, the henhouse, and offered gifts and support during the pregnancy, he realized that community connection and mutual care were more important than his previous ideas about privacy learned from books.

150 Words / Long Answer:

The author has dealt with an issue of multiculturalism in the story. Why do you think multiculturalism has become a major issue in the present world?
Tim Winton's "Neighbours" shows multiculturalism - people from different cultures living together. This is a major topic in today's world for several reasons.

When diverse groups live side-by-side, challenges can arise. Language barriers, like those initially faced by the couple, make communication and understanding difficult. Different customs and ways of life can seem strange, leading to prejudice or fear, just as the young couple first felt. People might stay separate in their own groups, leading to a lack of social harmony. Sometimes, these differences can cause misunderstandings in workplaces or public spaces. Finding ways for everyone to feel included, respected, and able to keep their own culture while being part of a larger society is a complex but important goal.

While multiculturalism adds richness and diversity, overcoming these challenges of communication, prejudice, and integration requires constant effort and understanding, making it a significant global issue.

Story: A Respectable Woman (by Kate Chopin)

Summary

Mrs. Baroda is initially displeased that her husband Gaston's friend, Gouvernail, is visiting their plantation, as she desired private time with her husband. Although she has preconceived notions, she finds herself unexpectedly attracted to Gouvernail upon meeting him, though he seems quiet and unassuming, unlike her expectations. This attraction creates an inner conflict, as she feels bound by her role as "a respectable woman." During a late-night conversation outdoors, she feels a strong impulse towards him but resists. To avoid temptation, she abruptly leaves for the city the next morning and stays away until Gouvernail departs. Initially, she refuses Gaston's suggestion for Gouvernail to visit again, but later, surprisingly, she changes her mind, telling her husband she has "overcome everything" and will be nice to him, implying a potential shift in her resolve or intentions.

Questions & Answers

75 Words:

Do you think that Mrs. Baroda, towards the end of the story, really wanted to invite Mr. Gouvernail back to her home ? Give your reasons.
It's unclear, but Mrs. Baroda's suggestion to invite Gouvernail back is surprising. She might genuinely want him back, perhaps planning to explore her feelings for him now that she feels stronger. Or, she might just be saying it to prove to her husband (and herself) that she is no longer bothered by Gouvernail, showing she's in control as a "respectable woman".
Mrs. Baroda told her husband she had overcome everything. What do you think she had overcome?
When Mrs. Baroda says she has "overcome everything," it could mean two things. She might mean she has overcome her confusing romantic feelings for Gouvernail and can now treat him normally. Or, she might mean she has overcome her fear of society's rules and her own desires, suggesting she is now ready to act on her feelings without caring what others think.
Why was there a change in the perception of Mrs. Baroda towards Gouvernail'?
Mrs. Baroda's perception of Gouvernail changed after spending time with him, especially during their quiet talk on the bench. Initially, she found him boring and different from her husband's description. But listening to his low voice and feeling drawn to him made her see him differently. His quietness became appealing, and she developed unexpected romantic feelings for him.
"Before she reached the house, Gouvernail had lighted a fresh cigar and ended his apostrophe to the night." Does this expression indicate a possible conflict that went in Gouvernail's mind? Explain your view.
This expression doesn't strongly suggest a conflict in Gouvernail's mind. It mostly shows he was calmly enjoying the night and didn't seem aware of Mrs. Baroda's inner struggle or sudden departure. Finishing his talk to the night and lighting a cigar seems like normal, relaxed behaviour, suggesting he was unaware he had caused any strong feelings in her.
Why does Mrs. Baroda not disclose her feelings towards Gouvernail to her husband?
Mrs. Baroda doesn't tell her husband about her feelings because she is a "respectable woman" and knows society wouldn't approve of feelings for another man, especially her husband's friend. She feels it's a personal battle she must fight alone. Telling Gaston would go against the rules of how a married woman should behave and think.
Do you think that Mrs. Baroda, towards the end of the story, really wanted to invite Mr. Gouvernail back to her home? Give your reasons.
It's hard to be sure if Mrs. Baroda truly wanted Gouvernail back. She might have. Maybe she felt ready to face her feelings for him. Or, maybe she just wanted to act strong for her husband and show she wasn't bothered anymore. Her saying she had "overcome everything" is unclear, leaving her real reason a bit of a mystery.
Why was Mrs. Baroda indifferent upon the visit of her husband's friend Gouvernail? [2]
Mrs. Baroda wasn't exactly indifferent (uncaring), but she was unhappy and annoyed about Gouvernail's visit. She had planned for quiet time alone with her husband Gaston. Gouvernail's arrival ruined these plans. Also, she didn't know him and had formed a negative idea of him in her mind even before meeting him.
Why was Mrs. Baroda unhappy with the information about Gouvernail's visit to their farm?
Mrs. Baroda was unhappy about Gouvernail's visit because it interrupted her plans. She wanted a peaceful time with her husband after a busy winter. She didn't know Gouvernail personally, only heard about him. His unexpected, long visit felt like an intrusion on her private time with Gaston, which made her feel provoked and displeased.

150 Words / Long Answer:

"Before she reached the house, Gouvernail had lighted a fresh cigar and ended his apostrophe to the night." Does this expression indicate a possible conflict that went in Gouvernail's mind? Explain your view. [5]
In Kate Chopin's story "A Respectable Woman," the description of Gouvernail lighting a cigar and finishing his talk to the night probably does not show a big conflict in his mind, especially not about Mrs. Baroda at that moment.

His actions – calmly lighting a cigar and ending his quiet thoughts about the night – seem relaxed and peaceful. This happens right after Mrs. Baroda has quickly left the bench because she was feeling strong, confusing emotions about him. However, the description suggests Gouvernail wasn't aware of her inner turmoil or why she left so suddenly. He seems lost in his own world, enjoying the moment and perhaps thinking about the past he was just sharing. His behaviour looks more like someone unwinding and comfortable, rather than someone struggling with inner conflict over the situation or Mrs. Baroda herself.

Therefore, this expression likely shows Gouvernail was unaware and relaxed, continuing his quiet enjoyment of the evening, instead of indicating an internal struggle or conflict related to Mrs. Baroda's feelings or departure.
Sketch the character of Gouvernail and contrast it with Gaston."
In Kate Chopin's "A Respectable Woman," Gouvernail is presented as a quiet, thoughtful, and somewhat mysterious character, different from what Mrs. Baroda expected. He is a journalist, not very tall or cynical. He enjoys relaxing on the plantation, listening rather than talking much, and seems uninterested in typical activities like hunting. He doesn't try hard to impress anyone and seems content just observing life. However, he can be surprisingly intimate and open when he feels comfortable, as seen during his night conversation with Mrs. Baroda about his past and desires.

Gaston Baroda, his friend and host, is quite different. He is sociable, active, and runs the sugar plantation. He enjoys hunting and seems more energetic and involved in the world around him. He is also shown to be affectionate towards his wife, though perhaps a bit controlling or unobservant of her feelings. While Gouvernail is reserved and seeks quiet, Gaston is outgoing and seems more typical of a plantation owner.
What is the cause of conflict in Mrs. Baroda's mind? What role does Mrs. Baroda "being a respectable woman" play in the story?
The main conflict in Mrs. Baroda's mind in Kate Chopin's "A Respectable Woman" is the clash between her unexpected romantic feelings for Gouvernail and her identity as a "respectable woman."

She finds herself drawn to her husband's friend, wanting to touch him and be close to him, which deeply confuses and disturbs her. This attraction goes against everything she believes about how a married woman should behave. The idea of being a "respectable woman" plays a huge role. It represents the social rules and expectations that control her actions. She knows society would judge her harshly for having these feelings. This social pressure forces her to suppress her desires, even making her want to run away. Her struggle is between her inner desire and her outer social duty.

Ultimately, her identity as a "respectable woman" initially forces her to control her impulses and hide her feelings, causing her significant inner turmoil.

Story: A Devoted Son (by Anita Desai)

Summary

The story centres on Dr. Rakesh, the son of Varma, a poor kerosene vendor. Rakesh is the first in his family to get an education, excelling academically and winning a scholarship to study medicine in the USA. Despite success and job offers there, Rakesh, a devoted son, returns home, marries an uneducated local girl (Veena) chosen by his parents, and establishes a successful medical practice, eventually becoming Director of the city hospital. He takes good care of his parents. After his mother's death, Varma becomes weak and sick. Rakesh, applying his medical knowledge diligently, imposes a strict diet on his father, forbidding oily foods and sweets. Varma, however, resents this strictness, viewing it as disrespect and mistreatment. He complains to neighbours and even bribes his grandson for forbidden sweets. The father-son relationship deteriorates, with Varma hating his son and daughter-in-law. He rejects Rakesh's medicines, wishing only for death. The story highlights the complexities of familial duty, the clash between traditional expectations and modern knowledge, and the misinterpretations that can arise between generations, especially concerning care in old age.

Questions & Answers

75 Words:

Why do you think Rakesh came back to his birthplace despite having various prospects in the USA?
Rakesh came back home from the USA mainly because he was a devoted son. He loved his family more than the opportunities in America. He wanted to make his parents proud and fulfill their wishes. He also agreed to marry the village girl his mother chose for him. His sense of duty and love for his parents brought him back to his birthplace.
Describe how Rakesh rises in his career.
Rakesh was a brilliant student who came first in the country in his medical exams. He won a scholarship to study in the USA at top hospitals. After returning, he worked at the city hospital and quickly became the Director. Later, he opened his own successful private clinic, bought a car, and became known as the best and richest doctor in town.
Briefly describe the character of Rakesh as an 'anti-hero'.
While Rakesh seems like a hero because he is devoted and successful, he can be seen as an 'anti-hero'. This is because his actions, meant to help his father, actually cause great suffering. His strict medical control over his father's diet and life becomes cruel. He ignores his father's feelings and happiness. Good intentions lead to bad results, making him complex, not purely heroic.
What was the atmosphere of the celebration in the Varma family?
The atmosphere was full of joy, pride, and excitement when Rakesh topped his exams. Many visitors came to the small house to congratulate the family. There were garlands, sweets like halwa, and gifts like fountain pens and even a watch. Rakesh's father, Varma, was especially proud, telling everyone how Rakesh touched his feet first.
What is the impact of Rakesh's mother's death on his father?
After his mother's death, Rakesh's father (Varma) became very sad and lonely. He retired from work and his health quickly got worse. He started getting sick often with strange problems ("peevish whim"). He lost interest in life and spent most of his time sadly sitting on his bed, showing how much he missed his wife and depended on her.
How did the community celebrate Rakesh's success?
The community celebrated by visiting Rakesh's small yellow house all day. They congratulated his parents, especially Varma. The house and garden were filled with noise and colour. People brought garlands, sweets (halwa), and gifts like fountain pens and a watch. They were amazed that Rakesh, after his success, still respectfully touched his father's feet.
Why was Rakesh's success a special matter of discussion in the neighbourhood?
Rakesh's success was special because he came from a very poor, illiterate family. His father sold kerosene. Rakesh was the first son in the family to get an education. Topping the country's medical exams and getting a scholarship to the USA was an incredible achievement for someone from their poor neighbourhood, making everyone talk about it with wonder and some envy.
Why did the old man try to bribe his grandchildren?
The old man (Varma) tried to bribe his grandchildren because his son, Rakesh, had put him on a very strict diet. Varma missed eating sweets like jalebis, which Rakesh forbade. So, he secretly gave his grandchildren money, asking them to buy the sweets for him and keep the change, as a trick to get the food he craved.
How was Gouvernail different from Mrs. Baroda's expectation?
Gouvernail was very different from what Mrs. Baroda expected. She imagined him as tall, thin, mean-looking (cynical), wearing glasses, and keeping his hands in his pockets. But when she met him, he was slim but not tall or cynical, didn't wear glasses, and she found him surprisingly quiet, polite, and actually quite likable.
How does Mrs. Baroda compare Gouvernail with her husband?
Mrs. Baroda doesn't compare them directly, but her thoughts show differences. She finds Gouvernail quiet, polite, and maybe a bit boring at first, but she grows attracted to him. She sees her husband, Gaston, as more lively, talkative, and perhaps bossy (he invites Gouvernail without asking her). She seems attracted to Gouvernail's quietness, which is different from Gaston.

150 Words / Long Answer:

Justify the title of the story 'A Devoted Son'.
Anita Desai's story 'A Devoted Son' has a title that fits Rakesh's character well, especially in the beginning. The title highlights his strong sense of duty towards his parents.

Rakesh works hard to fulfill his parents' dream by becoming a successful doctor, bringing them great pride. He shows respect by touching his father's feet after seeing his good results. Even after studying in the USA, he returns home, unlike many others. He marries the simple village girl his mother chooses. He takes excellent care of his mother in her final illness. Later, he looks after his aging father, bringing him tea and arranging his bed. These actions clearly show his devotion and commitment to his family duties.

Although his strict medical care later causes problems, his life choices are driven by what he sees as his duty, making "A Devoted Son" a suitable, though perhaps ironic, title.
Why was the success of Rakesh a matter of discussion in the neighbourhood?
In Anita Desai's 'A Devoted Son', Rakesh's success was a huge topic of discussion in his neighbourhood because it was so unusual and inspiring for his community.

His family was very poor; his father, Varma, sold kerosene and his parents were illiterate. Rakesh was the first person in his entire family to get a proper education. Achieving the top rank in the whole country's medical exams was an amazing feat for someone from such a humble background. Going to the USA on a scholarship was also very impressive. His achievements brought glory not just to his family but to the whole shabby colony. People were proud but also a little envious, as their own children hadn't achieved such heights.

Therefore, Rakesh's journey from a poor family to a famous doctor was remarkable, making his success a natural subject for neighborhood talk and wonder.
Do you call Rakesh a devoted son? Discuss critically.
In Anita Desai's 'A Devoted Son', whether Rakesh is truly devoted is complicated. While he acts out of a sense of duty, his actions towards his father in old age seem more controlling than loving.

Initially, Rakesh is clearly devoted. He excels in studies for his parents, respects them (touching feet), returns from the USA, marries as they wish, and cares for his dying mother. However, when his father (Varma) becomes old and ill, Rakesh's role as a doctor clashes with his role as a son. He imposes a very strict diet, taking away all his father's favorite foods (like halwa, fried things). He forces medicines on him. While Rakesh thinks he's ensuring his father's health (devotion), he completely ignores his father's happiness and desires, making Varma feel miserable and trapped.

So, critically, while Rakesh performs the actions of devotion, his lack of understanding and empathy makes his "care" feel like tyranny, questioning if he is truly a devoted son in spirit.

Story: The Treasure in the Forest (by H.G. Wells)

Summary

Two Englishmen, Evans and Hooker, paddle a canoe to a tropical island seeking Spanish treasure. They possess a map stolen from a Chinese man, Chang-hi, whom they murdered. Chang-hi had found treasure from a shipwreck and reburied it. Following the map through the forest, they find the treasure site marked by stones, but also discover the corpse of another Chinese man nearby, presumably one of Chang-hi's associates. Overcome by greed, they load gold ingots into Evans's jacket to carry back. However, Evans soon collapses, feeling a prick from something sharp among the gold. While rearranging the ingots, Hooker also feels a thorn prick his thumb. He then realizes Chang-hi's grinning revenge: the treasure was booby-trapped with small, poisoned thorns, similar to those used by Dyak people. The story ends with both men dying from the poison, a cautionary tale about greed and the fatal consequences of unprepared, ruthless adventure.

Questions & Answers

75 Words:

Describe the expository scene of the story 'The Treasure in the Forest'.
The story begins with two tired men, Evans and Hooker, in a canoe near a tropical island. It's very hot. They have a stolen map showing where treasure (Spanish gold) is hidden in the forest. They are driven by greed and excitement but are also exhausted from their journey. This opening sets up their dangerous search.
Why did Evans and Hooker lose their life?
Evans and Hooker died because the gold treasure they found was trapped with poison. The Chinese man (Chang-hi), whose map they stole, had coated sharp thorns with poison and hidden them with the gold. Driven by greed, both men carelessly pricked themselves on these thorns while handling the gold bars, and the poison quickly killed them.
What do you think the moral of the story, "The Treasure in the Forest"?
The main moral of "The Treasure in the Forest" is that extreme greed is destructive and dangerous. It shows how wanting wealth too much can make people blind to warnings and dangers. It leads Evans and Hooker to act badly (steal, maybe kill) and carelessly, which causes their death. The story warns against letting greed control your actions.
How did Evan and Hooker know about the treasure?
Evan and Hooker learned about the treasure by stealing a map from a Chinese man named Chang-hi. They likely killed him to get it. The map showed the location on the island where Spanish gold, hidden long ago, was buried. All their knowledge came from this stolen, dangerous map.
In your opinion, what should the treasure hunters have done to succeed in their venture of treasure hunt?
To succeed, the treasure hunters needed to be much more careful. They should have paid attention to the warnings, like Evan's dream, the strange marks on the map, and the dead body near the gold. They shouldn't have been blinded by greed. Working together cautiously, maybe checking the gold for traps before grabbing it, might have saved them.
The story shows how power and greed corrupt human beings. Explain.
The story shows how the intense desire for treasure (greed) corrupts Evans and Hooker. It makes them steal the map and possibly kill Chang-hi. Their greed then makes them ignore all the danger signs – the dream, the map's warnings, the dead body. They become selfish and reckless, only focused on the gold, which leads directly to their deaths. Their greed destroyed their sense of caution and morality.
Describe the theme of the story, "The Treasure in the Forest."
The main theme of "The Treasure in the Forest" is the destructive power of greed. It explores how intense desire for wealth can make people act immorally and ignore obvious dangers. Another theme is moral justice, where the characters are punished for their bad actions (stealing the map, maybe killing). The story serves as a warning about unchecked ambition and selfishness.
"Greed generally equals great loss." Justify the statement with reference to 'The Treasures in the Forest."
This statement is true in "The Treasures in the Forest." Evans and Hooker's intense greed for gold makes them act recklessly. They steal a map, ignore warnings like the dream and the dead body, and rush to grab the treasure. Their greed makes them careless, and they get pricked by poisoned thorns. This leads to the great loss of their lives, proving their greed cost them everything.
Describe Evan's dream.
In his dream, Evan saw the Chinese man (Chang-hi) holding a gold bar and grinning at him strangely. When Evan tried to grab the gold, the man vanished, and the gold felt heavy and turned into poison. The dream was scary and seemed like a warning about the treasure being dangerous, but Evan ignored it when he woke up, still focused on getting rich.
What does the map look like and how do Evan and Hooker interpret it?
The map was old, rough, creased, and drawn on yellow paper. It showed the bay, a twisting river, and a star marking the treasure spot near some palm trees and bushes. It also had strange dashes and a warning written in Chinese. Evan and Hooker mostly ignored the strange parts and the warning. They just used it as a simple guide to find the gold location.

150 Words / Long Answer:

Interpret the story as a mystery story.
H.G. Wells' "The Treasure in the Forest" works well as a mystery story. It builds suspense from the beginning, making the reader and the characters wonder about hidden dangers.

The mystery starts with the stolen map. It has strange, unclear markings and a warning in Chinese that the characters ignore, creating suspense about what they mean. Evan's dream about Chang-hi and melting gold also hints at danger. The journey into the dark, unknown forest adds to the mysterious atmosphere. The biggest clue is finding the dead body near the treasure – how did he die? What killed him? The men are puzzled, and so is the reader. The final discovery of the tiny, deadly poisoned thorns, hidden with the gold, solves the mystery of the Chinaman's death and seals the hunters' fate.

All these elements – clues, warnings, suspense, and a final deadly discovery – make the story a thrilling and tragic mystery about a deadly secret.
Treasure hunting is a favorable subject of children's story. Remember a treasure hunting story you read in your childhood and compare and contrast it with 'The Treasure in the Forest.'
"The Treasure in the Forest" by H.G. Wells uses the idea of a treasure hunt, common in children's stories like Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, but it tells a much darker story.

Like Treasure Island, Wells' story has a map, an island setting, and the search for hidden gold. Both involve danger and a journey. However, the feeling and outcome are very different. Children's stories usually focus on adventure, clever pirates (who might be bad but are often exciting), and the heroes often succeed and get the treasure, like Jim Hawkins. The danger feels more like an exciting game. In "The Treasure in the Forest", the focus is on the characters' terrible greed. They are not heroes; they steal and likely kill to start their hunt. The danger is real and deadly, shown by the poisoned treasure. There is no fun adventure, only desperation and death. The story ends tragically, punishing the characters.

So, while both use a map and treasure, Treasure Island is an adventure, but "The Treasure in the Forest" is a serious warning about how greed leads to death.

Story: My Old Home (by Lu Xun)

Summary

The narrator, Lu Xun, returns to his childhood village in China after a 20-year absence, intending to say a final farewell to his old home and move his family. He finds the town dilapidated and unchanged, not matching his fond memories. He meets his mother and nephew Hong'er. He recalls his vibrant childhood friendship with Runtu, the son of a temporary worker. They shared innocent adventures and weren't separated by social class then. He also encounters Mrs. Yang ("Beancurd Beauty"), who now seems sharp-tongued and accuses him of stinginess regarding the furniture he plans to sell. When Runtu arrives, the narrator is shocked by the change. Runtu is now weathered, impoverished, and addresses Lu Xun deferentially as "Master," erecting a "thick wall" between them due to societal hardship (heavy taxes, famine, bandits, officials) and class differences. Their former closeness is gone. Before leaving, Lu Xun allows Runtu to take some unwanted furniture. As he departs, Lu Xun reflects on the painful gap between memory and reality. He hopes his nephew Hong'er and Runtu's son Shu Sheng, who have quickly become friends, will not face the same social barriers and drift apart. He muses on hope, comparing it to a path made by walking, leaving the old home and its memories behind. The story contrasts nostalgia with harsh reality, exploring themes of social class, poverty, change, and the loss of childhood innocence.

Questions & Answers

75 Words:

Why does the author rush back home after more than twenty years?
The narrator rushes back to his old home mainly to say a final farewell. The family house has been sold, and he needs to move his mother and nephew away to the city where he now works. It's his last chance to see the home and arrange for selling the leftover furniture before leaving the familiar place forever.
How does the narrator describe his feeling at the arrival of his old home?
When the narrator arrives at his old home, his happy memories clash with what he sees. He feels very sad and depressed. The countryside, which he remembered as lovely, now looks drab and lifeless. The house seems smaller and run-down. He realizes the beautiful image he held in his mind was different from the reality of the present.
In your observation, how was Mrs. Yang's character?
Mrs. Yang seems quite changed by time and hardship. The narrator remembers her as the pretty "Beancurd Beauty." But now, she appears sharp, practical, and a bit greedy. She complains about the narrator being miserly with his furniture and even takes his mother's gloves without asking. Her character shows how life's difficulties can change people over the years.
What were the three kinds of servants in China then? What does it indicate about contemporary Chinese society?
The story mentions three types of servants: Yearlongs (worked full-time for one family), Short-timers (worked by the day), and Busy-monthers (worked for families during holidays or busy times, like Runtu's father). This system shows that Chinese society at that time had clear class differences and a strong hierarchy, where some people served others based on established roles and economic need.
How does the narrator help Runtu before leaving the old home?
Seeing Runtu's difficult life and poverty, the narrator helps him by offering him some of the old furniture they are leaving behind. Runtu chooses two long tables, an incense burner, candlesticks, and a weighing scale. He also asks for the ashes from the stove to use as fertilizer, which the narrator allows him to take.

150 Words / Long Answer:

Do you think the relationships of childhood are innocent, impartial and disinterested? Why, why not? Give reasons based on the story 'My Old Home'.
In Lu Xun's story 'My Old Home', we see that childhood relationships can be innocent, impartial (fair), and disinterested (not based on personal gain).

The narrator's memory of his childhood friendship with Runtu shows this. When they were boys, they were true friends. They didn't care about their different social classes (one was a young master, one a servant's son). They were excited to share stories and experiences, like catching birds or hunting the Zha. Their connection was pure and based on shared fun and curiosity, not on what they could get from each other. They were just happy to be together. This friendship was innocent and impartial.

However, the story also shows that these childhood qualities often don't last. When they meet as adults, the social barriers and hardships of life have created a thick wall between them, proving such innocence is hard to keep.
Experiences and memories come in conflict with 'present.' Extrapolate this statement in reference to the story,' My Old Home.'
Lu Xun's 'My Old Home' clearly shows how past experiences and memories often clash sadly with the present reality.

The narrator travels back to his childhood home filled with warm memories. He remembers a beautiful countryside and a happy, lively house. But the present place he finds is run-down, grey, and depressing. His memory of his friend Runtu is of a bright, energetic boy full of amazing stories. But the present Runtu is a poor, tired man, aged by hardship, who calls him "Master" instead of "Brother". Even Mrs. Yang, remembered as the "Beancurd Beauty," is now a sharp, complaining woman. These happy memories make the present situation feel even worse.

This conflict between the golden past in his memory and the difficult present is the main source of the narrator's sadness throughout the story.
Evaluate the lesson Lu Xun learnt from his latest visit to his old home.
During his visit in 'My Old Home', the narrator, Lu Xun, learns several hard lessons about life, time, and society.

He learns that fond memories cannot stop the harsh changes brought by time and difficult social conditions. His idealized childhood world is gone, replaced by poverty and decay. He sees firsthand how class differences and hardship build walls between people, destroying the easy friendship he once shared with Runtu. He realizes that even things like hope can be like idols people worship for different reasons. Most importantly, he learns that societal problems create deep sadness and distance.

However, seeing his nephew Hong'er and Runtu's son become friends offers a tiny spark. He learns to place his hope in the future generations, wishing they might live in a better world without the barriers that separated him from Runtu.

Story: The Half-closed Eyes of the Buddha and the Slowly Sinking Sun (by Shankar Lamichhane)

Summary

The story unfolds as a dialogue (told via stream of consciousness/monologue) between a foreign tourist and a Nepali guide in the Kathmandu Valley. It explores perceptions of Nepal through eyes - literal and metaphorical. The tourist, knowledgeable about Nepal, initially offers to guide the guide ("I could take you along your ancient ways"), but the guide subtly asserts his deeper understanding. They discuss Kathmandu's beauty, history (Manjushri, Chobhar), religious artifacts, cultural diversity (Aryans, non-Aryans, Hindus, Buddhists living in tolerance), food, and historical figures (Bhrikuti, Amshuvarma). The tourist is charmed by the welcoming smiles of the Nepalese people. The core theme revolves around different kinds of eyes: eyes in windows, door panels, stupas, the "samyak gaze" (pure perception) of monks, the eyes of the Himalayas, and the half-closed eyes of the Buddha, symbolizing peace, wisdom, and watchfulness over the land. The guide contrasts the idealized view with harsh reality by taking the tourist to a remote village to see a poor farmer's family and their paralyzed child. The child's body is useless except for his eyes, which express deep faith, connection, kindness, and thankfulness when the parents believe the tourist is a doctor. The guide connects this to the eyes of the mountains and fields, representing the land's beauty and resilience. The story contrasts Western knowledge with local reality, highlighting Nepal's tolerance, coexistence, cultural richness, and the profound meaning seen through different 'eyes'.

Questions & Answers

75 Words:

Which narrative technique is used by the author in the story...? How is this story different from other stories you have read?
The author, Shankar Lamichhane, uses a technique called stream of consciousness. The story is told through the thoughts of two characters, the tourist and the guide, like listening to their minds (monologues). This is different because many stories have one storyteller telling events in order. Here, we get feelings and ideas directly from two people, showing different views at the same time.
Why does the guide take the tourist to the remote village?
The guide takes the tourist to the remote village to show him the real life of Nepal, beyond the temples and history books. The tourist has seen beautiful things, but the guide wants him to see the truth of how some people live, including their struggles and hardship, represented by the farmer's family and the paralyzed child.
Why does the guide want to show the tourist the instances of poverty?
The guide wants to show the tourist poverty to give a complete picture of Nepal. The tourist seems focused only on the beauty, history, and spirituality. The guide shows the hardship and suffering, like the paralyzed boy and his family, to make the tourist understand that Nepal has difficult realities alongside its beauty. It shows the contrast between different lives.
What are the differences between the paralyzed child and his sister?
The main difference is that the paralyzed child's body is almost completely useless; only his eyes show he is alive. He cannot speak, move, or interact. His sister, however, is healthy. She can crawl, explore, touch things, and will eventually learn to speak and live a full life. She represents life and future possibilities, while he represents a life stuck in silent suffering.
Why does the foreign tourist express his happiness upon stepping in the land of Buddha?
The foreign tourist feels happy because he has studied Nepal's history and culture for years. Stepping into the Kathmandu Valley, the "land of Buddha," feels like entering a peaceful, ancient world he knows from books. The green valley, colorful houses, and the feeling of calm, maybe symbolized by the Buddha's eyes, make him feel welcome and deeply satisfied.
What could be the author's purpose of introducing different places of Kathmandu Valley to the tourists, at the out set, and a child at the end?
The author likely shows the beautiful places first to represent the tourist's idealized view of Nepal – its history, art, and spirituality. Introducing the paralyzed child at the end creates a strong contrast. It represents the harsh reality of poverty and suffering that exists alongside the beauty. This contrast highlights the story's main idea: the difference between an outsider's romantic view and the complex, sometimes difficult, truth.
According to the author, what are the different things that Nepal has given to the West?
According to the tourist in the story, Nepal (representing the East) has given the West many important things. These include religion, ancient texts like the Puranas, beautiful art like brass and ivory images, historical records like manuscripts and inscriptions, and overall, civilization and wisdom. He feels the East has generously shared its deep cultural and spiritual heritage.
How does the tourist describe his initial impression of the Kathmandu Valley?
The tourist's initial impression is one of great beauty and peace. He sees a green valley with neat fields, colorful houses (red, yellow, white), and feels the pleasant smell of soil and mountains. He finds the atmosphere peaceful and ancient. The surrounding blue hills feel like a welcoming embrace, making the valley seem special and calm.
According to the tourist, why is the West indebted to the East?
The tourist believes the West owes a debt to the East (specifically Nepal) because the East has provided things the West lacks. This includes deep spirituality, rich culture, ancient wisdom (like in the Puranas), unique art, and a sense of peace. He feels the East has generously shared its valuable heritage, enriching the West in return.
How does the tourist interpret the gaze of the monks and nuns?
The tourist interprets the gaze of the monks and nuns as the "samyak gaze." He believes this look represents pure understanding and seeing things exactly as they are, without any pollution or confusion. To him, their gaze symbolizes a deep spiritual clarity and a perception that sees the true form of everything, something profound he admires.

150 Words / Long Answer:

Discuss the narrative techniques used in "The Half-Closed Eyes of the Buddha..." and "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings".
Shankar Lamichhane's "The Half-Closed Eyes..." and Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "A Very Old Man..." tell their stories in very different ways.

Lamichhane uses a method called stream of consciousness. We read the private thoughts of two characters – a foreign tourist and a Nepali guide – one after the other (monologues). This lets us see Nepal from their different viewpoints. The tourist sees beauty and history, while the guide shows the harder side of life. It feels like we are inside their minds. Marquez, however, uses a storyteller who is outside the story (third-person). He mixes magical things, like the old man with wings, into a very normal, everyday world. This style is called magical realism, where strange things are described plainly, as if they are normal.

So, Lamichhane shows us inner feelings and thoughts directly, while Marquez blends the supernatural with real life using an outside narrator.
The writer mentions the eyes of different places with their significance. What are those eyes and what do they symbolize? Do you also agree with their significance...? Give reasons.
In "The Half-Closed Eyes...", Shankar Lamichhane uses different kinds of eyes to show different parts of Nepal and its meaning. These are very important symbols in the story.

He mentions the eyes of monks and nuns with their pure gaze (samyak gaze), symbolizing clear sight or truth. The eyes carved on windows and doors show Nepali art and culture. The eyes of the Himalayas represent the watching presence of nature. The eyes of the paralyzed boy symbolize suffering and a reality without hope or expression. The welcoming eyes of the villagers show kindness, faith, and human connection. Above all, the half-closed eyes of the Buddha symbolize peace, understanding, and spiritual protection watching over the land.

Yes, I agree their significance is important. These different eyes help show the contrast the story is about: the beautiful, spiritual Nepal the tourist sees (like the Buddha's eyes) versus the difficult reality the guide shows (like the boy's eyes). They tie the story together.

Story: A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings (by Gabriel Garcia Marquez)

Summary

During a rainstorm, Pelayo finds an old man with enormous wings stuck in the mud in his courtyard. The man looks decrepit and speaks an unknown language. A neighbour woman declares him an angel who likely fell while coming for Pelayo's sick child. Pelayo and his wife Elisenda lock the "angel" in the chicken coop. Their child recovers overnight. Father Gonzaga, the priest, is skeptical, noting the angel's undignified appearance and lack of Latin. News spreads, and crowds flock to see the angel. Elisenda starts charging admission (5 cents), and they become wealthy. The crowd treats the angel poorly, poking him and throwing stones. He endures passively until burned with a branding iron, then reacts angrily. Interest wanes when a travelling carnival arrives with the Spider-Girl, whose story is more engaging and accessible. The angel is forgotten and lives for years in the dilapidated chicken coop, later moving to a shed and wandering the house, much to Elisenda's annoyance. He grows weak and seems near death but recovers, his feathers regrow. One day, Elisenda sees him awkwardly attempting to fly, and watches, relieved, as he finally manages to gain height and disappears over the horizon. The story employs magical realism, blending the mundane and the fantastic, to explore themes of human cruelty, greed, faith, patience, and the way people react to the inexplicable or miraculous.

Questions & Answers

75 Words:

How does the narrator describe the weather and its effects in the exposition of the story?
The narrator describes the weather as very bad. It rained for three days, making the world feel sad and grey. The courtyard turned to mud, and the house filled with crabs. Pelayo thought the bad smell from the rotten shellfish and crabs made his baby sick. This gloomy, wet weather sets a miserable feeling right at the start of the story before the old man appears.
What is the theme of the story 'The old man with Enormous wings'?
The main theme of 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings' is how people react to things they don't understand, especially if those things are weak or different. It shows human cruelty, greed, and how easily people lose interest. It also looks at faith and how strange miracles might appear in everyday life, often unnoticed or treated badly.
Describe the setting of the story, A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings.'
The story is set in a poor, small seaside village, mostly in Pelayo and Elisenda's courtyard. At the beginning, it's been raining heavily, making everything muddy and damp. A key part of the setting is the wire chicken coop where the old man is kept prisoner. Later, they build a bigger house, but the feeling remains quite ordinary, contrasting with the strange visitor.
How did the visitors irritate the old man?
The visitors were very irritating and cruel to the old man. They treated him like an animal in a show, not a person. They threw food and stones at him through the wire fence. Some pulled his feathers out to use as good luck charms. The worst thing they did was burn him with a hot branding iron just to see if he was alive.
Why was Father Gonzaga not sure about the old man being a celestial messenger?
Father Gonzaga doubted the old man was a real angel (celestial messenger) for several reasons. The old man looked too human: he was old, dirty, smelled bad, and had parasites in his wings. Most importantly, he didn't understand Latin, which the priest thought was God's language. He seemed more like a very old, worn-out person than a divine being from heaven.
Why did Pelayo and Elisenda imprison the old man in the chicken coop?
Pelayo and Elisenda locked the old man in the chicken coop mostly out of fear and confusion. Their neighbor woman, who they thought was wise, told them he was an angel who had likely come to take their sick child away. Frightened by this idea and unsure what else to do with the strange, winged man, they put him in the coop for safety.
Describe the old man as Pelayo and his wife first encounter within their courtyard.
When Pelayo and his wife first saw the old man, he was lying face down in the mud, unable to stand up. He looked very old and weak, like a ragpicker, with almost no hair or teeth. He seemed pitiful, like a "drenched great-grandfather." The most shocking part was his enormous wings, which were large but looked dirty, broken, and tangled in the mud.

150 Words / Long Answer:

Describe the story 'An Old Man With Enormous Wings' as a story of realism and supernatural elements.
The story 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings' by Gabriel Garcia Marquez clearly mixes supernatural events with very realistic human actions and places.

The realism shows in everyday things: the rain that won't stop, the house full of crabs, Pelayo and Elisenda being poor, and how they act like real people – first scared, then greedy when crowds come. Even the priest (Father Gonzaga) doubting the 'angel' and people later not caring feels real. But the main part is supernatural: the old man himself, who strangely has huge, dirty wings. He speaks a language no one knows, the neighbor instantly believes he's an angel, strange small miracles happen, and he finally flies away. The Spider-Girl at the carnival is also strange and supernatural.

So, Marquez puts this amazing winged man in a normal, believable town. He uses the supernatural part to show real human problems like being unkind, curious, or just not caring about things they don't understand.
Gabriel Gracia Marquez illustrates the themes of abuse and cruelty in the story 'An Old Man with Enormous Wings'. Do you agree or disagree...? Give your opinion...
Yes, I agree. Gabriel Garcia Marquez clearly shows themes of bad treatment (abuse) and meanness (cruelty) in 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings'. The story shows how mean people can be to those who are weak or different.

When the old man is found, he is treated badly. He is locked up in a chicken coop instead of being cared for. Pelayo and Elisenda use him to make money by charging people to see him. The townspeople treat him like a show animal, not a person. They throw things, pull his feathers out, and even burn him with a hot branding iron. They don't seem to care about his pain. This shows the cruelty people have towards someone strange and helpless.

So, the story is a strong example of how people can abuse others who are different or weak.
Why does the writer describe the weather condition at the begining of the story? What relation does the weather condition have in the story?
Gabriel Garcia Marquez, in his story 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings', describes the bad weather at the start to set a sad feeling and show the difficult situation.

The story begins with three days of rain. The world feels sad, the beach is full of mud and rotten shellfish, and crabs crawl everywhere in Pelayo's house. This bad weather makes the baby sick and the house unpleasant. It creates a feeling of sadness, things falling apart (decay), and general misery. This gloomy setting perfectly matches the arrival of the old man, who looks worn out and strange with his wings, almost like the storm itself brought him. The weather shows the hard life the family has at the beginning.

So, the weather is important because it creates the sad mood and the background for the old man's strange arrival.
It is human nature to exploit those who are weak, dependent and different. Explain this statement with reference to the story 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings'.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez's story 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings' shows how people can exploit (use unfairly) those who are weak, dependent (need help), and different. The story shows this through how the townspeople treat the old man.

The old man arrives helpless and is very different because he has wings. Instead of helping him, Pelayo and Elisenda lock him up in a chicken coop. Because he is strange, people want to see him. Pelayo and Elisenda charge money for people to look, using him to get rich. The crowd is cruel; they treat him like a circus animal, poke him, pull his feathers, and even burn him (branding). They do this because he is different and too weak to stop them. His need for help makes him a target for their greed and cruelty.

Therefore, the story clearly shows how the old man's weakness and strangeness lead people to exploit and be cruel to him.
Describe the irritating things that the people do with the strange old man.
In 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings' by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, people did many mean (irritating) and unkind things to the strange old man because they were curious and didn't respect him.

They treated him like an animal in a show, locking him in a chicken coop and throwing food at him. People hoping for miracles would pull out his feathers. Others poked him to make him move. The worst and meanest thing they did was burn his side with a hot branding iron, like he was farm animal, just to see if he was still alive because he hadn't moved.

These actions show people were just curious, didn't care about his feelings, and treated him badly because they didn't understand him, causing the old man much pain.
The story deals with the common people's gullibility. How do Pelayo and his wife take advantage of common people's whim?
'A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings' by Gabriel Garcia Marquez shows how easily people believe things (gullibility). Pelayo and his wife Elisenda smartly use this to their advantage.

The townspeople quickly believe the neighbor woman when she says the old man is an angel, even though she has no proof and he looks dirty and old. They rush to see him. This shows they are gullible. They want to see miracles or just something strange. Seeing the large crowds, Elisenda gets the idea to charge five cents for people to look at the 'angel'. Pelayo agrees, and they make a lot of money. They profit from the crowd's easy belief and curiosity.

So, Pelayo and Elisenda make money by using the gullibility and passing interest (whim) of the common people.