Educational Notes

a. How does the narrator describe his feeling at the arrival of his old home?

Ans: Upon returning to his childhood home, the narrator experiences a mixture of emotions. He feels joy and nostalgia but is also struck by sadness because everything has changed dramatically. The once vibrant green skies and lively surroundings have now turned grey and bleak. The place feels deserted and lifeless, showing no signs of progress or development. This contrast between past and present deeply saddens him and evokes a sense of loss.

b. What were the three kinds of servants in China then? What does it indicate about contemporary Chinese society?

Ans: The story mentions three categories of servants in traditional Chinese society: day laborers who worked only temporarily, yearlong servants who stayed with the same family for extended periods, and “busy-mothers” who were landowners providing seasonal or festival help. This classification reflects a rigid social system where labor was divided strictly based on status and duration. It reveals a society structured by clear social hierarchies and divisions, often limiting social mobility.

c. What makes the narrator nostalgic? What did he do with Runtu in his teenage years?

Ans: The narrator is made nostalgic by his mother’s suggestion to visit his old friend Runtu. Recalling their youth, he remembers the times they spent together hunting birds with clever tricks and catching “Zha” by stabbing. They also gathered colorful shells and searched for wild animals like badgers and porcupines. These memories of carefree childhood adventures bring a warm and sentimental feeling.

d. How did Runtu hunt a Zha at a young age?

Ans: As a young boy, Runtu skillfully hunted a Zha by stealthily approaching it while it was guarding watermelons and suddenly stabbing it with a sharp knife. This quick and decisive action shows his cleverness and bravery at a young age.

e. How does the narrator make a humorous picture of Mrs Yang?

Ans: The narrator paints a comical image of Mrs Yang by comparing her to a "beancurd beauty," noting her narrow cheekbones and thin lips. He humorously describes how she powdered her face and likens her face to the two compasses inside a geometry box, highlighting her sharp, angular features in a playful way.

f. According to the narrator, what were different factors that made Runtu a poor man throughout his life?

Ans: The narrator explains that several hardships kept Runtu poor all his life. Social divisions and obligations limited his opportunities, while his weak economic background made it difficult for him to improve his situation. Additionally, factors such as bad harvests, heavy taxes, famine, numerous children to support, and exploitation by the wealthy gentry contributed to his persistent poverty.

g. How does the narrator help Runtu before leaving the old home?

Ans: Before departing, the narrator tries to ease Runtu’s difficulties by giving him useful household items. Knowing that Runtu is struggling financially, he offers two large tables, some candles, an incense burner, and a set of scales to help make his daily life a little easier.

h. How does the author differentiate two kinds of idols?

Ans: The author distinguishes between superstitious idols and hope by focusing on their nature and duration. Superstitious idols are worshipped for immediate, short-term benefits, driven by urgent desires. In contrast, hope represents a deeper, long-lasting faith or patience that sustains people through hardships and uncertainty over time.

a. While reading the friendship between the narrator and Runtu, Hindu readers remember the friendship between Krishna and Sudama. Which particular description reminds you of the mythological example?

Ans: The friendship between Xun and Runtu closely parallels the story of Krishna and Sudama in Hindu mythology. Both narratives emphasize a friendship that transcends wealth and social status. Just as Krishna was a wealthy king and Sudama a poor Brahmin, Xun is rich while Runtu lives in poverty. Both poor friends feel ashamed to meet their wealthy companions but are welcomed warmly. Furthermore, Krishna’s generosity in transforming Sudama’s life mirrors Xun’s kindness in helping Runtu with household goods, demonstrating that true friendship is based on respect and love rather than material wealth.

b. How does the story support the proposition that the relationships of childhood are innocent, impartial and disinterested?

Ans: The story illustrates that childhood friendships are pure and unaffected by social barriers. Children naturally form bonds without considering wealth, class, or benefit. In the story, despite Xun’s riches and Runtu’s poverty, their childhood friendship remains strong and genuine. The narrator shows how childhood relationships are built on innocence and mutual care, which can be compromised later by adult concerns like greed and social divisions.

c. After reading the story, what inferences can you make about the contemporary Chinese economic and social system?

Ans: The story reflects a society deeply divided by economic disparities and social hierarchy. Agriculture is the main livelihood, but it provides only a meager living for most. The clear distinction between rich and poor classes, the existence of various servant categories, and strict social boundaries suggest a rigid and unequal social structure where opportunities are limited and class mobility is difficult.

d. What does the story indicate about the geographical features of the narrator’s hometown?

Ans: The narrator’s hometown is depicted as a once-beautiful place with green fields, clear skies, and abundant nature including birds and colorful shells by the seaside. However, over time the area has become bleak and grey, showing signs of environmental decline and lack of development. This contrast highlights changes in both the physical landscape and the emotional connection the narrator has with his old home.