MY OLD HOME 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               -Lu Xun

SUMMARY:

"My Old Home" is a poignant narrative of the protagonist's return to his hometown after many years of absence. Lu Xun, the narrator, reflects on the stark contrast between his memories of the past and the harsh realities he encounters in the present. He experiences a profound sense of disillusionment as he witnesses the changes that have taken place in his hometown.

Upon arriving, he confronts the impending sale of the family compound and the separation from the familiar surroundings of his childhood. Memories flood back, particularly those of Runtu, a childhood friend who represented a world of wonder and innocence. However, when reunited with Runtu, the protagonist is confronted with the stark realities of Runtu's harsh life, marked by poverty, struggles, and a large family burdened by hardship.

Throughout the story, the narrator grapples with the disparity between his romanticized recollections of the past and the grim truth of the present. He realizes the disillusionment caused by his nostalgia and the drastic changes that have occurred in his absence. The story closes with the protagonist contemplating the divergence between his aspirations for a better future and the harshness of reality.

COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS:

●      Conflict between Memory and Reality: The story vividly illustrates the conflict between the narrator's nostalgic memories of his hometown and the stark reality he encounters upon returning. The idealized memories clash with the grim conditions, highlighting the gap between perception and truth.

●      Themes of Disillusionment and Loss: Lu Xun explores themes of disillusionment, loss, and the passage of time. The protagonist's disillusionment with his hometown's changes and the loss of cherished memories create a sense of melancholy and longing for a past that no longer exists.

●      Socioeconomic Struggles: The narrative sheds light on the socioeconomic struggles faced by characters like Runtu and his family, depicting the hardships, poverty, and challenges they endure. This serves as a critique of societal disparities and the plight of the less fortunate.

●      Nostalgia and Change: The story delves into the human tendency to idealize the past and the impact of change on personal perceptions. It highlights the inevitability of change and the often harsh realities that accompany it.

●      Hope and Reflection: Despite the stark realities presented, the story ends with a reflection on hope and the desire for a better future. The protagonist's contemplation of a new life suggests a cautious optimism amidst the challenges and uncertainties.

Overall, "My Old Home" is a powerful exploration of memory, disillusionment, societal struggles, and the clash between nostalgia and reality, offering insights into the human condition and the complexities of life's experiences.

Answer the following questions.

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

●      The narrator feels a sense of depression and disappointment upon arriving at his old home, realizing that his memories don't align with the current reality.

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 were "yearlongs," "short-timers," and "busy-mothers," indicating a hierarchical social structure based on labor and economic roles.

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

●      The narrator becomes nostalgic due to the memories of his teenage adventures with Runtu, where they shared stories of catching birds and the excitement of exploring the seaside.

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

●      Runtu hunted a Zha in his young age by setting snares in the snow, describing the quick and slippery creatures and their ability to escape with a humorous touch.

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

●      The narrator humorously portrays Mrs. Yang as the "Beancurd Beauty" with her thin lips and bound feet, resembling a pair of compasses, and her swift getaway with a dog-crazer.

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

●      The factors that made Runtu a poor man throughout his life, according to the narrator, include bad harvests, high taxes, fighting, and the constant struggle to make ends meet as a farmer.

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

●      The narrator helps Runtu by allowing him to take various items from the old home, including tables, an incense burner, candlesticks, and ashes for fertilizer.

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

●      The author differentiates two kinds of idols by stating that while Runtu holds onto tangible objects like censers and candlesticks, the narrator himself creates an intangible idol of "hope" for a better future.

Answer the following more questions.

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? 

Similarity with Krishna and Sudama's Friendship:

The particular description that may remind Hindu readers of the friendship between Krishna and Sudama in the story "My Old Home" is when the narrator recalls his close bond and innocent camaraderie with Runtu during their childhood. This nostalgia for a pure and simple friendship, unblemished by worldly concerns, may evoke parallels to the legendary friendship between Krishna and Sudama, known for its selflessness and unwavering loyalty despite differences in social status.

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

Support for Innocent Childhood Relationships:

●      The story depicts the friendship between the narrator and Runtu as innocent, impartial, and disinterested during their childhood.

●      Both characters shared a genuine bond that was free from ulterior motives or materialistic concerns.

●      Their friendship was based on mutual trust, genuine companionship, and shared experiences without any expectations of personal gain or advantage.

●      The innocence of their relationship is highlighted by the pure joy they found in each other's company, unaffected by societal divisions or material possessions. 

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

Inferences about Contemporary Chinese Economic and Social System:

●      The story provides glimpses of the hardships faced by characters like Runtu and his family, reflecting the challenges of poverty and struggles in the society.

●      It portrays disparities in economic opportunities, highlighting the difficulties faced by rural families due to harsh taxes, poor harvests, and the overall struggle for survival.

●      The narrative indirectly suggests the existence of societal inequalities and economic hardships that might persist in contemporary Chinese society, especially in rural areas or among disadvantaged communities.

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

Indication about Geographical Features of the Narrator's Hometown:

●      The story suggests that the geographical features of the narrator's hometown might include coastal or seaside regions since Runtu mentions the seashore and refers to activities such as collecting shells and guarding watermelon patches near the beach.

●      There are indications of sandy grounds suitable for growing watermelons, suggesting a terrain with sandy soil, likely in proximity to the sea or ocean.

●      The mention of specific elements like sandy grounds, beaches, and watermelon patches hints at a geographical setting with access to coastal areas or seaside landscapes.