My Old Home

Answer the following questions.

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

The narrator describes his feeling at the arrival of his old home as a mix of excitement and apprehension. He is excited to see his childhood home again after many years, but also worried that it may have changed or deteriorated.

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

The three kinds of servants in China at that time were family slaves, domestic servants, and hired laborers. This indicates that contemporary Chinese society was deeply hierarchical and unequal, with a clear distinction between the wealthy and the poor.

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

The narrator is nostalgic for his childhood memories and the close relationship he had with his childhood friend, Runtu. When they were teenagers, they used to go hunting and fishing together.

d. How did Runtu hunt a Zha in his young age?

Runtu hunted a Zha in his young age by using a special technique that involved trapping the animal with a rope and a noose.

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

The narrator makes a humorous picture of Mrs. Yang by describing her as a tiny, hunchbacked old woman with a shrill voice and a penchant for gossip.

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

According to the narrator, Runtu's poverty was the result of a combination of factors, including his lack of education, his inability to save money, and his bad luck in business ventures.

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

Before leaving the old home, the narrator helps Runtu by giving him some money and encouraging him to pursue his dreams of starting a small business.

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

The author differentiates two kinds of idols: those that represent the past and those that represent the future. The idols that represent the past are symbols of tradition and continuity, while the idols that represent the future are symbols of progress and innovation.

Reference to the context

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?

The particular description that may remind Hindu readers of the friendship between Krishna and Sudama is the fact that the narrator and Runtu grew up together and remained close friends despite their different social statuses. In Hindu mythology, Krishna and Sudama were also childhood friends, but Sudama was poor while Krishna was a prince. Despite this difference in status, the two remained close friends and their friendship was based on mutual love and respect rather than material wealth or power. This theme of friendship across social boundaries is a common one in many cultures and can be seen as a universal human experience.

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

The story "My Old Home" by Lu Xun supports the proposition that the relationships of childhood are innocent, impartial, and disinterested through its depiction of the narrator's friendship with Runtu.

The narrator and Runtu grew up together and developed a close bond based on shared experiences and mutual affection, despite coming from different social backgrounds. Their friendship was not influenced by material possessions or social status, but was based on a genuine connection between two individuals.

As the story progresses, the narrator reflects on the memories of his childhood and the innocent joy he experienced with Runtu. He also laments the fact that their friendship was unable to withstand the pressures of adult life, with Runtu facing financial difficulties and the narrator pursuing his own career.

Through this portrayal, the story suggests that childhood relationships are characterized by a certain purity and disinterest that is often lost in adulthood. The narrator's reminiscence of his childhood friendship with Runtu highlights the notion that childhood relationships are based on a more innocent and genuine connection between individuals, free from the societal pressures and materialistic concerns that often plague adult relationships.

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

After reading the story "My Old Home" by Lu Xun, there are several inferences that can be made about contemporary Chinese economic and social systems.

Firstly, the story highlights the deep social inequality that existed in China at the time. The different types of servants described in the story, including family slaves, domestic servants, and hired laborers, reflect a highly hierarchical and unequal social structure in which wealth and status were concentrated among a few elite families.

Secondly, the story suggests that the economic system of the time was characterized by significant disparities in wealth and opportunity. The narrator's childhood friend Runtu is portrayed as a poor and struggling individual, whose lack of education and bad luck in business ventures prevent him from improving his financial situation.

Thirdly, the story underscores the challenges of modernization and social change in China. The narrator reflects on the changes that have occurred in his hometown since his childhood, including the construction of new buildings and the disappearance of old landmarks. This reflects the rapid pace of development and modernization that was taking place in China during the early 20th century, and the resulting tension between tradition and progress.

Overall, "My Old Home" provides a nuanced portrait of contemporary Chinese economic and social systems, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of these systems and the complex forces that were shaping China during this period.

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

The story "My Old Home" by Lu Xun provides some indications about the geographical features of the narrator's hometown.

The narrator describes his hometown as being situated near a river and surrounded by hills. He mentions that there were two bridges across the river, one of which was replaced with a new one made of iron. He also talks about the town's famous willow trees that grew along the riverbanks.

Additionally, the narrator mentions that his childhood home was a large compound surrounded by a wall, which was typical of wealthy families in China at the time. The compound had several courtyards and gardens, which were described in detail, indicating the importance of nature and aesthetics in Chinese culture.

Overall, while the story doesn't provide a comprehensive description of the geography of the narrator's hometown, it does provide some indication of its natural features, such as the river, hills, and willow trees, as well as the built environment, such as the bridges and compound walls.

Reference beyond the context

a. Human beings are on the road from time immemorial, always migrating to new places. Write an essay on The Trend of Migration in Nepal in about 300 words.

The trend of migration has been a part of human history since time immemorial. People have always been on the move, seeking better opportunities and a higher standard of living. Nepal is no exception to this trend of migration. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of Nepali migrants, both within the country and abroad.

The main reasons for migration in Nepal are economic in nature. Many Nepalis leave their homes in search of better employment opportunities and higher wages. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in South Asia, with a high rate of unemployment and low wages. This has led to a significant brain drain, as many skilled workers leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad. The remittances sent back by Nepali migrants are an important source of income for many families in Nepal.

Another factor contributing to migration in Nepal is the lack of basic services, such as healthcare and education. Many Nepalis move to urban areas or abroad in search of better access to these services. The poor infrastructure in rural areas of Nepal, such as poor roads and lack of electricity, also drives migration.

Internal migration within Nepal is also on the rise. Many people from rural areas are moving to urban centers such as Kathmandu and Pokhara in search of employment opportunities. This has led to overcrowding and urbanization, putting pressure on the already strained resources of these cities.

However, migration in Nepal is not without its challenges. Nepali migrants often face exploitation and discrimination in their host countries, particularly in the Gulf countries where many Nepalis work in low-paying jobs. There are also concerns about the impact of migration on families, particularly on children who are left behind as parents seek employment opportunities abroad.

In conclusion, the trend of migration in Nepal is driven by economic factors and a lack of basic services. While migration offers the possibility of higher wages and better access to services, it also comes with its challenges, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and children. As Nepal continues to develop, it is important to address the underlying issues that drive migration, such as poverty and lack of access to services, in order to provide better opportunities for Nepalis at home.

b. Find one of your relatives or friends, who has migrated to a new place leaving his/her old home. Talk to him/her and prepare a report on what he/she felt while leaving the old home.

Leaving an old home can be an emotional experience for many people, and it can be especially difficult when the move is to a new place that is far away from family and friends. For Sandhya, the decision to migrate may have been motivated by a variety of reasons, such as better job opportunities, education, or family circumstances.

Initially, Sandhya may have experienced a range of emotions, including excitement about the prospect of new opportunities and sadness about leaving behind the familiarity and comfort of her old home. The process of moving and saying goodbye to loved ones can be emotionally draining, and Sandhya may have experienced feelings of grief and loss.

Over time, however, Sandhya may find that she is able to adapt to her new surroundings and build new connections and memories. With technology and social media, it is also easier to stay in touch with loved ones from afar.

It's important for Sandhya to take care of her mental health during this transition period, and she may benefit from seeking support from friends, family, or professionals if she experiences feelings of homesickness or loneliness.

Overall, leaving an old home can be a challenging experience, but it can also provide opportunities for personal growth and new experiences.