THE AGED MOTHER by Matsuo Basho #teking titser

Summary

In the story 'The Aged Mother' by Matsuo, a poor farmer and his elderly mother are forced to follow a cruel decree ordering the death of all elderly people. The farmer, unwilling to abandon his mother, takes her up a mountain to fulfill the decree, but she leaves a trail of twigs to guide them back. Later, when the governor demands a rope of ashes, the mother devises a clever solution, leading to the governor's realization that wisdom comes with age, and the cruel law is abolished. This tale underscores the value of wisdom, love, and compassion over strength and authority.

Takeaways

• 😀 A poor farmer and his elderly mother live humbly at the foot of a mountain, with the mother being a widow.
• 😀 A despotic governor issues a cruel mandate ordering the death of all elderly people in the province.
• 😀 Despite the order, the farmer deeply loves his mother and feels sorrowful at the thought of following it.
• 😀 The farmer prepares for his mother's death by taking rice, water, and her on a journey to abandon her on the mountain.
• 😀 As the farmer climbs the mountain, the mother quietly marks the path with twigs to help guide him back.
• 😀 At the mountain summit, the farmer prepares a resting place for his mother, and tearfully says farewell.
• 😀 The elderly mother instructs her son to follow the path of twigs for safety and return home.
• 😀 Overcome with love and guilt, the farmer decides to return to the valley with his mother and hide her there.
• 😀 After some time, the governor orders a seemingly impossible task: to create a rope from ashes.
• 😀 The mother suggests a clever solution to the problem, which involves burning twisted straw on a windless night to create a rope of ashes.
• 😀 The governor is impressed with the farmer's wisdom but is moved by the farmer's story of love and care for his mother, ultimately abolishing the cruel law.

Q & A

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

The main theme of the story is the deep love and respect the son has for his elderly mother, as well as the cruel and unjust decree from a despotic ruler. The tale emphasizes filial piety, wisdom gained from age, and the importance of compassion.

How does the farmer initially react to the governor's cruel mandate?

The farmer is filled with sorrow and hopelessness upon hearing the governor's order to put all aged people to death. Despite the cruelty of the law, he prepares to obey it by taking his mother to the mountain, where he plans to leave her to die.

What significant action does the mother take to help her son on their journey?

The mother drops small piles of twigs along the path as they ascend the mountain. This serves as a guide for her son, helping him find the way back down safely, showing her resourcefulness and deep care for his well-being.

Why does the farmer eventually decide to return to his mother after reaching the summit?

Upon realizing the selflessness and love his mother displayed in leaving the trail of twigs, the farmer's heart breaks. He decides to not leave her, as her kindness deeply affects him, and he vows to follow the path of twigs and remain with her.

How does the farmer manage to protect his mother from the cruel law after the mountain ordeal?

The farmer hides his mother in a secret food closet beneath the floorboards of his house, where he supplies her with food and watches over her, fearing discovery by the authorities.

What challenge does the governor impose after the farmer hides his mother?

The governor issues an impossible challenge, demanding that his subjects create a rope of ashes, an absurd task designed to further display his power. This challenge creates great distress among the people.

How does the mother help her son solve the problem of creating a rope of ashes?

The mother suggests a clever solution: the farmer should twist straw into a rope, lay it on flat stones, and burn it on a windless night. When the fire dies down, the ashes will form a perfect rope.

What is the governor's reaction after the farmer successfully creates the rope of ashes?

The governor is impressed by the farmer's wit and praises him for his ingenuity. However, he becomes curious about where the farmer learned such wisdom.

What lesson does the governor learn from the farmer's actions?

The governor realizes that wisdom often comes with age, as shown by the farmer's mother. He reflects on the saying, 'With the crown of snow, there cometh wisdom,' and acknowledges his mistake in issuing such a cruel law.

What is the outcome of the governor’s realization at the end of the story?

The governor abolishes the cruel law and acknowledges the wisdom of the elderly, learning to respect the aged and their knowledge. The story concludes with the restoration of compassion and justice.