NEB Grade 12 compulsory English 5th Story My Old Home Lu Xun

 5^th Story

My Old Home

Lu Xun

 "My Old Home" is a short story by Lu Xun, one of the most influential writers in modern Chinese literature. The story, written in 1921, reflects the social and political turmoil of China during the early 20th century, focusing on themes of nostalgia, change, and the contrast between the old and the new. Lu Xun is known for his critical stance against traditional Chinese society and his desire to inspire social reform through his works.

About the Story)

"My Old Home" is a short story written by Lu Xun in 1921. It shows how life in China was changing during hard times. The story talks about memories, growing up, and how things change over time. It compares the past and the present and makes us think about how people and places are not the same anymore.

About the Writer

Lu Xun (1881–1936) was a famous Chinese writer known as the father of modern Chinese literature. His stories often show the problems in traditional Chinese society and support the need for change, as seen in works like A Madman's Diary and My Old Home.

Setting

The story is set in Lu Xun’s hometown, Shaoxing, a small town in Zhejiang, China. This setting symbolizes the shift from traditional rural life to modern changes, highlighting nostalgia, decay, and the passage of time.

Plot

In My Old Home, the narrator returns to his childhood village after several years and is struck by the changes in the people and surroundings. As he reconnects with his childhood friend and observes the decaying state of his old home, he reflects on the passage of time, lost innocence, and the painful contrast between memory and reality.

Main Characters

1.      Narrator (Lu Xun’s fictional self) A grown man returning to his old home after many years. He feels sad and nostalgic because everything has changed. He remembers the past with both love and disappointment.

2.      Runtu : The narrator’s childhood friend, a poor farmer’s son. As a child, he was full of life and told exciting stories. Now, he is tired, poor, and quiet, showing how hard life has been for him.

3.      Narrator’s Mother: A kind and caring woman. She reminds the narrator of the old times and helps him reconnect with Runtu.

4.      Shuisheng  :Runtu’s son. A small boy who represents hope for the future. The narrator gives him books as a sign of starting a new friendship.

Themes

1.      Nostalgia and Disillusionment – The story explores the tension between the narrator’s memories of his childhood and the reality of his return. There is a sense of loss and disillusionment as the narrator realizes that time has eroded the beauty and simplicity he once cherished.

2.      Social Change and Modernization – Lu Xun critiques the rapid social and economic changes in China, particularly how they affect traditional values and relationships. The story portrays the disintegration of the old way of life and the rise of new social structures.

3.      Loss of Innocence – The narrator’s return to his old home signifies a loss of innocence, as he confronts the fact that the world he once knew has been irrevocably altered.

Summary

"My Old Home" by Lu Xun is a reflective and nostalgic short story about the narrator’s return to his hometown after many years of absence. The story begins with the narrator visiting his old home in the small town of Shaoxing, where he once lived. Upon his arrival, he is struck by the changes in the town and his childhood home, which is now in a state of decay. The narrator is confronted by the contrast between the memories of his past and the reality of the present, highlighting the theme of time’s irreversible passage and the loss of the familiar.

As the narrator wanders through the town, he meets his childhood friend, who has become a teacher in the village. The two men reminisce about their past and discuss the changes that have taken place in both the town and their lives. The narrator’s old friend, though still kind and familiar, now lives a life that is far removed from the simple, carefree days of their youth. The conversation between the two reveals the social and economic changes that have affected the town, and the differences in their respective lives. The narrator feels a sense of distance between himself and his old friend, both emotionally and culturally, due to the passage of time.

The story takes a deeper turn as the narrator reflects on the nature of change, loss, and memory. He recalls the time when he was a child, growing up in the same house, and the warmth of the past that now feels distant and unattainable. His return to the house, however, reveals the stark reality that the physical structure has deteriorated, symbolizing the fading of his own connection to his roots. The narrator’s longing for the past contrasts with the harsh reality of the present, creating a sense of disillusionment. The past, while cherished in memory, is gone, and the present cannot fully replace it.

In the final moments of the story, the narrator comes to terms with the fact that change is inevitable and that the past is irretrievable. Despite his nostalgia and yearning for the old home, he understands that life moves forward, and his return to the past can only bring about a painful awareness of how much things have changed. My Old Home reflects Lu Xun’s commentary on the effects of modernization and the loss of traditional values, showing how individuals and communities are shaped by the passage of time and societal transformation.

In short

"My Old Home" by Lu Xun is a story about a man who returns to his hometown after many years. When he arrives, he feels sad to see how much everything has changed. His old house looks worn down, and the town no longer feels the same. He remembers his happy childhood and compares it to the present, realizing that time has changed both people and places. The story shows how the past can feel warm in memory but painful when we try to return to it.

Later, he meets his childhood friend Runtu, who was once full of life but now appears tired and poor. Their friendship still exists, but it feels distant because their lives have become very different. As the narrator prepares to leave again, he realizes that the past is gone and cannot be brought back. He understands that change is a natural part of life, and we must move forward, even when it’s difficult. The story gives a message about growing up, letting go of the past, and accepting the future.

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions

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

Upon arriving at his old home, the narrator describes a mixture of nostalgia, disillusionment, and unease. He is initially filled with a sense of longing and anticipation, recalling the memories of his childhood and the warmth of his family life. However, as he steps into the old house, he is struck by its deterioration and decay. The familiar surroundings that once held such significance for him now feel alien and worn down. The house, which was once a symbol of comfort and security, now seems to reflect the passage of time and the inevitable changes that have occurred in both the physical space and the narrator's own life.

This emotional reaction reveals his internal conflict between his idealized memories of the past and the harsh reality of the present. He feels a sense of loss as the house no longer holds the same meaning it once did, and his childhood home seems almost like a stranger to him. His feelings are compounded by the awareness that the passage of time has not only changed the physical space but also altered his personal connections and sense of belonging. The visit to his old home becomes a painful reminder that the past cannot be reclaimed, leading to a complex blend of emotions, from fondness to sorrow.

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

There were three kinds of Chinese servants: dailies, yearlong and busy-mothers. First are day workers who work for the day or for some time only, sometimes known as short-timers. Yearlong are people who work for the same family all year or more. Finally, Busy-mothers were landowners who only worked for one family at a time, such as around New Year’s festivals, or when rent was due to pay.

The servant in contemporary Chinese society demonstrates the slavery system and the tendency of dividing the work. Based on their statuses, the work used to be allocated.

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

The narrator in My Old Home becomes nostalgic because of the memories of his childhood and the simplicity and warmth of life in his old home. His feelings of nostalgia are triggered by his return to the house and the familiar surroundings that once held deep meaning for him. He remembers the comfort and security of his earlier life, which contrasts sharply with the present decay of the house and his emotional distance from it. The physical changes to the house and the town evoke a sense of loss and remind him of the passage of time, when life seemed more innocent and uncomplicated.

In his teenage years, the narrator spent time with Runtu, a servant from his family’s household. The two shared a close friendship and had a bond that transcended the typical master-servant relationship. The narrator recalls playing and conversing with Runtu during their youth, and Runtu’s kindness and loyalty left a lasting impression on him. Despite the societal barriers between them, they were able to form a genuine connection, with Runtu even accompanying the narrator on some of his excursions and activities. However, as time passed, the changes in both the narrator's life and the world around him distanced him from this connection. Runtu, too, is impacted by the societal shifts and the rise of new social dynamics. The nostalgia the narrator feels is not only for the lost innocence of youth but also for these meaningful, yet forgotten, relationships.

d. How did Runtu hunt a Zha at a young age?

Runtu hunted a Zha by attacking with a pointed knife suddenly while he was standing to watch over watermelons at a young age.

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

The narrator has described the image of Mrs Yang. He has associated Yang with the beancurd beauty. The narrator narrates the appearance of Yang with narrow cheekbones and lips. She used to powder her face. He portrays her as the face of two compasses in a geometry box when he sees her and expresses her as a humorous picture.

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

The narrator exposes Runtu as a poor man throughout his life. There are many factors behind the poverty of Runtu. Different obligations and social division play the most important role behind his poverty. Alongside he suffered from a lack of opportunities. feeble economic background and discrimination he faced in his prime time is a reasonable factor. Besides it, the bad harvest, too many children, harsh taxes, famine and gentry folks are the other factors behind his poverty throughout his life.

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

The narrator helps Runtu before leaving the old home by offering different household items. Since they were leaving Runtu was financially poor, the narrator thought he could make his life a bit easier so he gave him two large tables, a few candles, an incense burner, and a set of scales.

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

Superstitious idols and hope are two mentioned idols of the story. He distinguishes between these two types of idols in sense of time and belief, stating that people worship superstitious idols for the short term because they want something immediately, while hope is shown as the long term enduring empathy people need in most circumstances.

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 friendship between the narrator and Runtu in My Old Home evokes comparisons with the mythological friendship between Krishna and Sudama, especially in the way both friendships transcend social boundaries and reflect a deep, mutual connection. In the story, Runtu and the narrator share a close bond during their childhood despite the vast difference in their social standing. The narrator, from a wealthy family, and Runtu, a poor servant, play and interact as equals, forming a genuine friendship that is untainted by their class differences. Similarly, in Hindu mythology, Krishna, a prince and god, and Sudama, a poor Brahmin, share a deep friendship that is not defined by wealth or social status, but by loyalty, love, and mutual respect.

One of the most striking similarities between the two friendships lies in their innocence and simplicity. In My Old Home, the narrator recalls the times when he and Runtu would play together, with Runtu even helping the narrator with tasks or sharing his own knowledge and skills. The description of their shared experiences—without the interference of class or privilege—reminds readers of Krishna and Sudama's friendship. When Sudama, in dire poverty, goes to visit Krishna, their bond remains rooted in their childhood friendship, and Krishna welcomes him with love and respect, not because of Sudama's wealth, but because of their sincere connection. Both friendships are based on true affection and genuine companionship, transcending material conditions.

Another moment in My Old Home that recalls the Krishna-Sudama relationship is the loyalty and mutual support between the two characters. While Runtu is a servant, his loyalty to the narrator is unwavering, and the narrator, despite his changed circumstances, remembers Runtu with a sense of affection and nostalgia. This dynamic mirrors the relationship between Krishna and Sudama, where Krishna shows immense respect and care for Sudama despite his poverty. The narrator's reflection on their friendship, even as he returns to a changed home and sees Runtu's life affected by the social upheavals, highlights a similar bond of mutual respect and enduring connection that transcends time and circumstance.

Finally, the sadness of lost connection between the narrator and Runtu mirrors the poignant moment in the Krishna-Sudama myth where Sudama, though returning with Krishna’s blessings, realizes that their lives have diverged. The narrator, upon returning to his old home, is struck by how much has changed—both in his hometown and in his relationship with Runtu. Runtu, now a teacher, is far removed from the boy the narrator once knew, and their friendship has become distant. Similarly, Sudama's return to his humble home, though blessed by Krishna’s gift, reminds him of the passing of time and the inevitable changes in their lives. Both stories reflect how time and societal changes can distance even the closest of friendships, yet the underlying connection remains a cherished memory.

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

The story My Old Home supports the proposition that childhood relationships are innocent, impartial, and disinterested through the depiction of the narrator’s friendship with Runtu, a servant in his family’s household. During their childhood, the bond between the narrator and Runtu is free from any awareness of social status, wealth, or class divisions. They interact as equals, enjoying each other’s company without concern for Runtu’s position as a servant or the narrator’s privileged background. Their relationship is characterized by genuine affection, spontaneous play, and a mutual sense of companionship, which illustrates the purity and simplicity of childhood connections.

The narrator’s memories of their time together reflect the innocence inherent in such relationships. They did not view each other through the lens of class or material wealth, but simply as friends who shared experiences and enjoyed each other’s company. For example, when the narrator remembers the time they spent playing together, there is no mention of power dynamics or hierarchical boundaries, suggesting that children form relationships based on shared interests and emotional connection, rather than external factors. This impartiality in their bond underscores the idea that, in childhood, relationships are driven by pure emotional connection, without any self-interest or consideration of what one can gain from the other.

Moreover, the disinterested nature of their friendship is shown in how neither Runtu nor the narrator expected anything in return. Runtu, despite his low social status, showed loyalty and kindness, not for any material gain but because of his sincere affection for the narrator. Likewise, the narrator remembers Runtu with nostalgia and fondness, reflecting on their bond without any sense of obligation or expectation. This reinforces the idea that, in childhood, relationships are not influenced by what one can gain from the other, but rather by a natural, unguarded sense of companionship.

The eventual distance between the narrator and Runtu as they grow older further highlights the inherent purity and innocence of their childhood bond. As adults, they are affected by the societal changes and the realities of their respective lives, which introduce complexities and a sense of estrangement. The narrator’s return to his old home reveals that time and societal divisions have fractured their relationship. However, their childhood friendship remains untouched by these factors, symbolizing the imperviousness of childhood innocence to the external world’s influences. The contrast between their childhood and adult selves shows that childhood relationships, in their truest form, are driven by innocence, impartiality, and disinterest—qualities that often fade as people grow and become more influenced by social structures and material concerns.

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

After reading My Old Home, one can infer several key aspects of the contemporary Chinese economic and social system, particularly during the early 20th century when the story was written. The rigidity of the class structure is evident throughout the narrative. The relationship between the narrator and Runtu, despite their childhood friendship, is framed by the stark contrast between their social positions. The narrator, from a privileged background, and Runtu, a servant, are bound by the class system that defines their interactions. This division suggests a deep-rooted social stratification, where an individual’s social class determined their role and opportunities in life, limiting personal growth and upward mobility for those in lower social standings.

The economic inequality present in the story reflects the disparities between the rich and the poor. Runtu, despite his resourcefulness and loyalty, remains in a lower economic position as a servant throughout his life, highlighting the lack of opportunities for social mobility. The narrator’s return to his old home and his reflection on Runtu’s life reveals the stifling nature of the economic system, where the poor were often trapped in their socio-economic status. This limited economic mobility suggests that the system was rigid and oppressive, offering little hope for individuals like Runtu to rise above their social status, regardless of their efforts or talents.

Additionally, the story emphasizes the persistence of traditional societal roles. Despite changes in the social and political landscape, the narrator and Runtu are still defined by their roles in the social hierarchy. The narrator’s nostalgia for the past reflects the resilience of traditional values that upheld class divisions and reinforced the power dynamics within families and communities. Even as time passed and the narrator left for education, these traditional roles remained entrenched, suggesting that Chinese society was slow to adapt to new social and economic realities. The notion of patriarchal control and familial obligations is also evident, with both the narrator and Runtu being influenced by the expectations of their families and communities, despite their personal relationships.

Finally, the limited social mobility highlighted in the story points to the lack of equal access to opportunities. Runtu’s eventual role as a teacher, though a step up from his previous position, does not fundamentally change the power dynamics between him and the narrator. Despite the narrator’s education and broader life experiences, Runtu remains constrained by the systemic inequalities of the time. This reflects a society that was rigidly defined by class and where change was difficult to achieve. The barriers to social and economic mobility are reflected in both the personal lives of the characters and the broader societal structures they inhabit, emphasizing the difficulty of overcoming ingrained social hierarchies in contemporary China.

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

The setup of the story ‘My Old Home’ is in the winter season of 1921 in ancient China. The story includes the ancient Chinese society often called the contemporary society, its economic condition and social boundaries. The obligations put by ancient society are somehow unethical and inhuman. The story focuses on the true friendship of Xun and Runtu by justifying their respect and locality beside the obligation of making relations between a different class of people.

The story also speaks about climate change and destruction in the name of development. The narrator nostalgically narrates his hometown. In his childhood, his hometown was lovely and surrounded by greenery where the green sky lies above. The story especially focuses on the hometown of the narrator that was underneath the blue-black sky and land covered with green grasses and vegetables. The birds used to fly around his garden and house. He feels very good and warm when he comes home.

But now, when Xun went back to his old hometown after twenty years, everything was changed. The green sky he used to see and wonder was changed into the vast and greying sky where no imagination was possible to be made. they look like they already lost the resemblance of any life, they were drab and desolate. There is no sign of progress over the years.

He also talked about the seaside where he used to go to collect shells of different colours. He also described how he caught the bird; kill Zha underneath the blue-black sky.