Educational Notes

a. Describe how the young couple’s house looked like.

Ans: The young couple’s house was small but elegant, with high ceilings and paned windows. The man could see rooftops, car yards, and a park from his study.

b. How did the young couple identify their neighbours in the beginning of their arrival?

Ans: They identified their neighbours by the sounds of spitting, washing, and watering at daybreak.

c. How did the neighbours help the young couple in the kitchen garden?

Ans: They offered advice on gardening techniques like spacing and mulching, and even gave them garlic cloves for planting.

d. Why were the people in the neighborhood surprised at the role of the young man and his wife in their family?

Ans: Because the wife worked at a hospital while the man stayed home working on his thesis and cooked for her, which was unusual in that community.

e. How did the neighbours respond to the woman’s pregnancy?

Ans: They were kind and supportive—giving gifts, suggesting baby names, knitting clothes, and offering warm gestures.

f. Why did the young man begin to weep at the end of the story?

Ans: He was emotionally moved by the unexpected kindness and support from the neighbours.

g. Why do you think the author did not characterize the persons in the story with proper names?

Ans: To make the story universal and relatable, highlighting that humanity and kindness can exist across cultures despite differences.

a. The story shows that linguistic and cultural barriers do not create any obstacle in human relationship. Cite some examples from the story where the neighbours have transcended such barriers.

Ans: The story highlights that human compassion and connection surpass cultural and language differences. Although the young couple and their neighbours came from different backgrounds, they developed mutual respect and care. For example, neighbours helped in the garden with advice despite language differences. The Polish widower rebuilt their henhouse without needing words. The couple and their neighbours exchanged gifts like vegetables, grapes, and firewood. Later, during pregnancy, neighbours offered heartfelt gestures like baby clothes and name suggestions, showing their affection regardless of cultural boundaries.

b. The last sentence of the story reads “The twentieth-century novel had not prepared him for this.” In your view, what differences did the young man find between twentieth-century novels and human relations?

Ans: The young man expected urban life and human relationships to be cold and disconnected, as often portrayed in modern literature. However, his real-life experience proved otherwise. Despite initial misunderstandings, his neighbours showed warmth, care, and generosity. This contrast between fiction and reality deeply touched him, making him realize that genuine human bonds still exist, even in multicultural settings. The kindness he received moved him beyond what he had learned through literature.

c. A Nepali proverb says “Neighbors are companions for wedding procession as well as for funeral procession.” Does this proverb apply in the story? Justify.

Ans: Yes, this proverb fits the story perfectly. It emphasizes that neighbours are there in both joyous and sorrowful moments. In the story, the neighbours celebrated the woman’s pregnancy, offered help and gifts, and emotionally supported the couple. They didn’t just live nearby; they shared life together. Their presence during significant life events proves that real companionship often comes from neighbours, reflecting the essence of the proverb.

d. 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?

Ans: Multiculturalism is prominent today due to increased global migration and cultural mixing. While it brings richness in traditions and ideas, it also raises challenges such as communication barriers, identity conflicts, and social integration. In modern cities, people often live side-by-side without truly connecting. This can lead to misunderstanding and division. The story suggests that mutual respect and empathy are essential to overcoming these challenges and fostering harmony in diverse communities.

a. Write an essay on Celebration of Childbirth in my Community.

Ans: Celebration of Childbirth in My Community

In my community, the celebration of childbirth is a cherished and culturally rich event that brings families and neighbours together in joy and harmony. Rooted in Hindu traditions, these celebrations carry both spiritual significance and social value, reflecting the warmth and unity among people.

When a child is born, it is considered a divine blessing. The news spreads quickly, and relatives, friends, and neighbours visit the family to offer congratulations and blessings. One of the first important rituals is Chhaithi, held on the sixth day after birth. It is believed that on this night, a deity visits the newborn to write their destiny. To honour this belief, a lamp is kept burning throughout the night, and a pen and paper are placed under the baby’s pillow.

The next major ceremony is Nwaran, the naming ceremony, held on the 11th day after birth. The child is given a name based on astrological beliefs, and the event is marked with prayers, offerings, and a family gathering. It is a moment of spiritual cleansing and formal recognition of the baby’s identity within the community.

Another significant celebration is the Pasni or rice-feeding ceremony, usually held when the child is about 5 or 6 months old. On this day, the baby is fed rice for the first time, symbolizing a step into nourishment and growth. This event is accompanied by a festive meal shared among family and guests, with the baby often dressed in traditional attire and showered with gifts and blessings.

Throughout all these stages, neighbours play an important role. They bring gifts, help in preparations, and share in the happiness. The childbirth celebration is more than a family event—it becomes a community festival, strengthening relationships and preserving cultural traditions.

Thus, the celebration of childbirth in my community is a beautiful blend of culture, tradition, and togetherness. It marks not only the arrival of a new life but also the continued unity and love among people.

b. Do the people in your community respond with similar reactions upon the pregnancy and childbirth as depicted in the story? Give a couple of examples.

Ans: Yes, people in my community respond warmly to pregnancy and childbirth, much like in the story. Neighbours and relatives often visit expecting mothers with gifts, food, and blessings. Women share traditional tips and help with household tasks. After the child is born, people bring baby clothes, sweets, and suggestions for names. These acts of kindness foster a sense of unity and love, making the experience joyful for the entire neighbourhood.