The Aged Mother by Matsuo Basho(Intermediate)

story

In the ancient land of Shining, resided a humble farmer and his elderly mother. They led a modest life at the mountain's base, cultivating their sustenance and cherishing their close bond.

Their tranquility was shattered by a ruthless decree from Shining's tyrannical ruler. He mandated the execution of all elderly citizens, plunging the farmer into despair. Despite his anguish, filial duty compelled him to comply.

With a heavy heart, he embarked on a perilous journey up the treacherous mountain, carrying his mother on his back. Uncertain of the path, they pressed forward, guided only by determination and love.

 

Yet, the aged mother, though frail, displayed remarkable ingenuity. As they ascended, she discreetly marked their trail with twigs, ensuring their safe return.

Upon reaching the summit, the son tenderly prepared a resting place for his mother. But her parting words, filled with wisdom and love, urged him to navigate the descent with vigilance, guided by the trail of twigs.

 

Moved by his mother's selflessness, the son vowed to remain by her side. Together, they descended, their journey illuminated by the beacon of familial devotion.

One day, the ruler demanded that his subjects give him a rope made of ashes.

The entire province was scared. They had to do what the ruler said, but who could make a rope out of ashes? One night, the son told his mother quietly. The next day, his mother told him to make a rope from twisted straw, then lay it on flat stones and burn it on a calm night. He gathered the people and did what she said. When the fire stopped, there on the stones was a rope made of ashes, with every twist and fiber perfectly visible.

 

The governor liked the son's cleverness and praised him a lot, but he wanted to know where he got his wisdom. The farmer cried because he had to tell the truth. He bowed deeply and told his story. The governor listened quietly. Finally, he said, "Shining needs more than just young strength." He said he forgot a famous saying, "Wisdom comes with age." Right then, the mean rule was stopped, and things from the past only became legends.

​

​

Words and Idioms

⠂Humble (adjective): Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's importance.

⠂Modest (adjective): Unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements.

⠂Sustenance (noun): Something that provides nourishment or support for life.

⠂Cherishing (verb): Treasuring or holding dear with affection.

⠂Tranquility (noun): The state of being calm, peaceful, and serene.

⠂Ruthless (adjective): Without compassion or mercy; cruel and merciless.

⠂Tyrannical (adjective): Exercising power in a cruel or arbitrary way; oppressive and dictatorial.

⠂Mandate (noun): An official order or decree.

⠂Anguish (noun): Severe mental or physical pain or suffering.

⠂Filial (adjective): Relating to or befitting a son or daughter; showing respect and obedience to one's parents.

⠂Perilous (adjective): Full of danger or risk; hazardous or unsafe.

⠂Ingenuity (noun): Cleverness or skillfulness in devising solutions or methods.

⠂Discreetly (adverb): In a careful and prudent manner, avoiding drawing attention.

⠂Vigilance (noun): Alertness or watchfulness in observing potential danger or threats.

⠂Selflessness (noun): The quality of putting the needs and interests of others before one's own; altruism.

⠂Resilience (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness or adaptability in the face of adversity.

⠂Resourcefulness (noun): The ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties or obstacles.

⠂Enlightenment (noun): The state of having gained insight or understanding; spiritual or intellectual awakening.

⠂Solace (noun): Comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness.

⠂Compassion (noun): Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

⠂With a heavy heart (Phrases): Feeling deep sadness or sorrow.

⠂Guided only by determination and love (Phrases): Led solely by resolve and affection.

⠂Parting words (Phrases): Final remarks or advice before separation.

⠂Moved by (Phrases): Stirred or affected emotionally by something.

⠂Shining needs more than just young strength (Idioms): success or prosperity requires more than just physical or youthful vigor.

⠂Wisdom comes with age (Idioms): as people grow older, they tend to become wiser through their life experiences.

​

​

Questions

1. What dilemma does the farmer face due to the ruler's decree?

a) Paying taxes

b) Losing his farm

c) Saving his elderly mother

d) Finding a new trade

​

2. How does the mother assist the son during their journey up the mountain?

a) By carrying him on her back

b) By marking their trail with twigs

c) By singing comforting songs

d) By offering words of discouragement

​

3. What method does the son use to fulfill the ruler's demand for a rope made of ashes?

a) He buys it from a neighboring village

b) He finds it hidden in a cave

c) He burns straw on flat stones

d) He refuses to comply with the demand

​

4. How does the governor react to the son's clever solution to the rope demand?

a) He punishes the son and his mother

b) He praises the son for his wisdom

c) He ignores the son's actions

d) He demands more impossible tasks

​

5. What does the trail of twigs symbolize in the story?

a) The son's fear of getting lost

b) The mother's wisdom and resourcefulness

c) The treacherous nature of the mountain

d) The ruler's tyranny and oppression

​

6. How does the governor's change of heart reflect the theme of the story?

a) It highlights the power of youth over age

b) It underscores the importance of family loyalty

c) It showcases the value of intelligence over strength

d) It illustrates the inevitability of societal change

​

​

​

​

AP-test style writing topics

​

• 1. Analyze the theme of familial duty and sacrifice in "The Aged Mother" by examining the actions and motivations of the farmer and his mother. How do their choices and sacrifices reflect broader cultural or societal values? Provide specific examples from the text to support your analysis.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

• 2. Evaluate the effectiveness of the governor's leadership in "The Aged Mother" based on his treatment of the farmer and his mother. Do his actions ultimately demonstrate wisdom and empathy, or do they reveal flaws in his governance? Support your argument with evidence from the story and consider contrasting viewpoints.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

• 3. Compare and contrast the roles of wisdom and strength as depicted in "The Aged Mother" with another literary work of your choice. How do the characters in each text navigate challenges, and what does their approach reveal about the author's commentary on power and resilience? Incorporate textual evidence from both works to support your analysis.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Answer Keys

1. c) Saving his elderly mother
2. b) By marking their trail with twigs
3. c) He burns straw on flat stones
4. b) He praises the son for his wisdom
5. b) The mother's wisdom and resourcefulness
6. c) It showcases the value of intelligence over strength

​

Sample Writing Answers

1. Analyzing Familial Duty and Sacrifice in "The Aged Mother":

In "The Aged Mother," the theme of familial duty and sacrifice is intricately woven into the narrative through the actions of the farmer and his mother. Faced with the tyrannical decree of the despotic ruler, the farmer's unwavering commitment to his elderly mother becomes evident as he risks his own life to save her. Despite the grave consequences of disobedience, the farmer's love for his mother compels him to defy the ruler's orders, showcasing a profound sense of familial obligation.

Similarly, the mother's unwavering faith in her son's wisdom and her willingness to sacrifice herself for his safety highlight the reciprocal nature of familial duty. When faced with the imminent threat of execution, the mother willingly embraces death to spare her son, embodying the sacrificial love inherent in familial relationships.

These choices and sacrifices reflect broader cultural values of filial piety and the sanctity of family bonds. In many societies, including the one depicted in the story, caring for elderly parents is considered a moral obligation, rooted in respect and gratitude for their years of guidance and wisdom. The farmer's actions resonate with societal values that prioritize the well-being of family members above personal gain or societal expectations.

Moreover, the story serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring strength found in familial relationships, even in the face of adversity. The farmer's unwavering devotion to his mother and her selfless sacrifice for his sake underscore the timeless significance of family unity and love, transcending cultural and societal boundaries.

2. Evaluating the Governor's Leadership in "The Aged Mother":

In "The Aged Mother," the effectiveness of the governor's leadership is called into question based on his treatment of the farmer and his mother. While the governor's decree to execute all elderly citizens initially appears to stem from a desire to maintain control and instill fear, his eventual realization of the importance of wisdom and compassion suggests a degree of introspection and growth.

Initially, the governor's actions may be interpreted as emblematic of flaws in his governance, as his decree reflects a lack of empathy and foresight. By targeting the elderly population, the governor demonstrates a disregard for the wisdom and experience that older individuals bring to society, highlighting a disconnect between his rule and the well-being of his subjects.

However, the governor's eventual reversal of his decree and recognition of the value of wisdom indicate a potential for transformation and leadership growth. By sparing the farmer and his mother and abolishing the cruel law, the governor acknowledges the importance of familial bonds and the need for empathy and understanding in governance.

Ultimately, the governor's leadership journey in "The Aged Mother" underscores the complexities of governance and the potential for individuals in positions of power to evolve and learn from their mistakes. While his initial actions may reveal flaws in his leadership, his willingness to reassess his decisions and prioritize wisdom and empathy suggest a capacity for positive change.

3. Comparing Wisdom and Strength in "The Aged Mother" and "To Kill a Mockingbird":

In "The Aged Mother" and Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," the roles of wisdom and strength are explored through the characters' navigation of challenges and their approach to power and resilience. While the protagonists in both texts confront societal injustices and oppressive forces, their responses reflect differing interpretations of power dynamics and resilience.

In "The Aged Mother," the titular character exemplifies the power of wisdom in navigating adversity. Despite her advanced age and physical frailty, the mother's unwavering faith in her son's wisdom and her willingness to sacrifice herself for his sake highlight the transformative potential of wisdom in overcoming challenges. Her decision to embrace death rather than betray her son underscores the resilience inherent in moral conviction and the enduring power of familial bonds.

In contrast, in "To Kill a Mockingbird," Atticus Finch embodies a different approach to resilience and power dynamics. As a lawyer defending an innocent black man in a racially charged society, Atticus confronts systemic injustice with moral courage and integrity. While his actions may not always yield immediate success, Atticus's commitment to justice and fairness underscores the transformative potential of strength in the face of adversity.

Through nuanced character development and thematic exploration, both texts offer insightful commentary on the complexities of power and resilience. While "The Aged Mother" emphasizes the transformative power of wisdom and familial duty, "To Kill a Mockingbird" highlights the importance of moral courage and strength in confronting societal injustices. Together, these works invite readers to reflect on the multifaceted nature of power and resilience in the pursuit of justice and compassion.

​

​

​

All rights reserved by 비투게더

Do you want to study more with teachers?

Click the email link and ask me anything you want. then I will give you more information and help you find a good-fit teacher.

 

​SAT, ACT, TOEFL, MAP, AP, IB, SSAT 과외는 과외의 모든 것

비투게더(www.betogether.co.kr.)에서! 지금 유명 강사진을 꼭 확인하세요!

​

charmingnr.0213@gmail.com