Aged Mother
The story of Aged Mother by Matsuo Basho
Matsuo Basho
Born Matsuo Chūemon Munefusa, he was a famous poet and essayist.
Haiku
A short form of Japanese poetry, with 17 syllables.
Renga
A collaborative poetic form, with poets taking turns.
A Cruel Proclamation
The governor ordered the death of all aged people.
1
Barbarous Days
Abandoning old people was common.
2
Fear of Weakness
The governor feared anything suggestive of failing health.
3
Tender Reverence
The farmer loved his mother dearly.
The Journey Begins
The farmer prepared for his mother's death.
1
Cooking Rice
He cooked rice and tied it in a cloth.
2
Water Gourd
He filled a gourd with cool water.
3
Up the Mountain
He carried his mother up the mountain.
A Path of Twigs
The mother dropped twigs to mark the path.
Lost and Confused
The farmer didn't know the mountain paths.
Twigs as Markers
The mother dropped twigs to guide her son.
Unselfish Love
She cared more for her son's safety.
A Heartbreaking Farewell
The farmer reached the summit and prepared a place for his mother.
Pine Needle Cushion
He made a soft cushion for his mother.
Tearful Farewell
He said goodbye to his mother.
Last Injunction
The mother told her son to follow the twigs.
A Change of Heart
The farmer decided to stay with his mother.
1
Kindness Breaks His Heart
The farmer was moved by his mother's love.
2
Together They Will Die
He decided to stay with his mother.
3
Light Burden
The farmer's burden felt lighter.
A Rope of Ashes
The governor demanded a rope of ashes.
The Governor
Demanded a rope of ashes.
The Farmer
Hid his mother and sought a solution.
The Mother
Suggested burning a straw rope.
Wisdom of the Aged
The governor was impressed by the farmer's wisdom.
Crown of Snow
A proverb about wisdom coming with age.
Cruel Law Abolished
The governor abolished the cruel law.
The story became a legend.
Evaluation Questions
What did you learn from the story of Aged Mother?
1
What is the importance of family?
How does the story show the importance of family?
2
What is the value of wisdom?
How does the story show the value of wisdom?
3
What is the impact of cruelty?
How does the story show the impact of cruelty?