The Story of the Aged Mother (MELC BASED)

Summary

In the ancient tale from 'The Story of the Aged Mother' by Matsuo Basho, a poor farmer defies a despotic ruler's order to abandon the elderly by secretly caring for his aged mother. When tasked with creating a rope from ashes, he turns to his mother's wisdom, which leads to the abolition of the cruel law. This heartwarming story of love, respect, and the power of wisdom is a testament to the enduring bond between a son and his mother.

Takeaways

• 🏡 The story is set in a humble household of a poor farmer and his aged mother, living at the foot of a mountain.
• 👑 The despotic leader of Shining province issues a cruel order to put all aged people to death, reflecting the barbaric customs of the time.
• 💔 The farmer, filled with sorrow, must comply with the order out of fear and societal pressure, showcasing the conflict between love and authority.
• 🌳 The farmer's journey up the mountain with his mother is symbolic of the difficult path one must take when faced with moral dilemmas.
• 👣 The mother's act of dropping twigs is a testament to her love and concern for her son's safety, even in her final moments.
• 😢 The son's realization of his mother's actions leads to a profound emotional breakdown, highlighting the power of maternal love.
• 🔁 The son's decision to defy the law and hide his mother demonstrates the strength of familial bonds and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones.
• 🔮 The mother's wisdom in creating a rope from ashes is a metaphor for turning despair into hope and the power of ingenuity.
• 🎉 The governor's eventual revocation of the cruel law is a victory for compassion and a testament to the impact one person can have on societal change.
• 🌟 The story concludes with a moral lesson about the importance of challenging unjust laws and the enduring love between a mother and her child.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the story 'The Story of the Aged Mother'?

The main theme of the story is the enduring love and reverence of a son for his aged mother, despite the harsh and unjust laws of the time that demanded the abandonment of the elderly.

Who was the despotic leader in the story, and what proclamation did he issue?

The despotic leader in the story was the governor of Shining, who issued a proclamation that ordered the immediate execution of all aged people in the province.

Why did the poor farmer feel sorrow when he received the governor's order?

The poor farmer felt sorrow because the governor's order required him to abandon his aged mother, whom he loved deeply, which went against his natural affection and reverence for her.

What did the old mother do to help her son find his way back down the mountain?

The old mother, noticing the reckless haste of her son, snapped twigs from bushes and dropped them at frequent intervals along the path to mark their way, ensuring he could find his way back safely.

How did the son's feelings change when he realized what his mother had done to help him?

Upon realizing his mother's act of love and sacrifice, the son's heart was filled with profound gratitude and sorrow, leading him to decide not to abandon her but to return home together.

What was the governor's unreasonable demand that caused distress among the people of Shining?

The governor's unreasonable demand was that his subjects should present him with a robe made of ashes, which was an impossible task that caused great distress among the people.

How did the old mother help her son fulfill the governor's demand for a robe made of ashes?

The old mother advised her son to make a rope of twisted straw, then stretch it upon a rule of light stone. After burning the straw, a rope of ashes remained on the stones, fulfilling the governor's demand.

What was the governor's reaction to the rope of ashes, and what did he do as a result?

The governor was pleased with the rope of ashes and praised the youth greatly. Upon learning the truth about the source of the wisdom, he abolished the cruel law and the custom of abandoning the aged.

What is the significance of the title 'The Mountain of the Abandoning of the Aged'?

The title 'The Mountain of the Abandoning of the Aged' signifies the place where the elderly were traditionally abandoned to die, reflecting the cruel customs and laws of the time.

What moral lesson can be derived from the story?

The story imparts the moral lesson of the importance of filial piety, kindness, and the power of love to overcome injustice and change hearts, as demonstrated by the son's actions and the governor's eventual change of heart.