The Cricket P'u Sung-ling

The Cricket

P'u Sung-ling, China (1640-1715)

Literal Comprehension:

"The Cricket" is a story. It was written by a Chinese writer, P'u Sung-ling during 18^th century. It is based on cricket fighting in China. It goes back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and it is still a popular pastime today. As in the story, success depends in part on locating good specimens, and in part on feeding and rearing them properly.

Cricket fighting was a popular pastime (holy) in China locating good specimen of cricket feeding and rearing them properly was considered a great job. Crickets were also sold and kept for their singing. The people have to supply cricket for the   men to test in battle. The Magistrate appointed the Floral Shede the royal suppliers of the cricket to the court. The Magistrate asked Make Good, the neighborhood head to collect the Rare and understanding/outstanding specimen of cricket. Make Good was pedantic and unassertive. He couldn't force the people to pay the taxes .His property was finished (exhausted) to make up the money out of his own pocket.

When Make Good couldn't supply the cricket, he felt frustrated and wanted to die but his wife advised him to search for the cricket himself. Make Good started searching for the cricket carrying the bamboo tube on wire cage from morning to evening. He found some weak and inferior specimen of cricket. The Magistrate warned Make Good to provide best cricket within 10 days .He had to face the punishment of 100 strokes. As he was unable to find any worth cricket, he was bitten badly until his blood ran down both his legs.

Make Good wife consulted a fortune teller who issued a slip of paper which showed a sketch of a neglected shrine behind which/where a small mountain, huge rocks, vegetation a cricket and a frog could be found /seen. Fascinated by the cricket, the woman folded the paper and went home to show it to her husband.

Make Good examined the picture which reminded him a Buddhist temple east of the village Make Good caught a cricket with a large body and a long tail. It had dark green neck and golden wings. He took it to him and placed it in a tub and fed it all kinds of grains. Unfortunately, Make Good's son uncovered the tub one day and the bug leaped out of the sight. By the time the desperate boy hunted it down and trapped it under his hand, a legs was turn off and its belly were split. Distracted from fear, the boy ran down from home. The mother thought it was the day of their ruin when the father knew about it, he felt as if he had been drenched with ice. The boy was found in well, looked as if dead. Both husband and wife were desperate. However, they have some relief when the boy had a slight sign of breathing he seemed to recover but it would take more time.

Make Good caught another outside from the wall. Its wings were like plum blossoms (flower) and had a long legs and square head. He caged the cricket and took good care of it and he was afraid if it could please the authorities or not. Make Good was overjoyed when his small cricket got victory over the big cricket named (crab-shell green) in a test match. His cricket leaped (jump) extended its tail, stretched its antenna and caught hold off enemy neck. It even defeated the Rooster by biting in its crest. The cricket was presented to the Magistrate who angrily rebuked for bringing of such a weak, little bug. The magistrate tested it a combat, the cricket defeated all other insects.

Finally, Make Good was rewarded .The insect was presented to the governor. The governor was delighted and offered it to emperor with the/a detail account of its success. It was tested against another cricket but none could defeat it. Besides, Make Good cricket could dance in rhythm.

The magistrate received the commendation from the governor and the emperor Make Good was granted as a degree by the educational officer. After a years, Make Good's son recognized full consciousness. His vital spirits restored. He told his father that he had become a cricket while he was sleeping. His body left light and he had the power to make swift leaps and grew skilled in combat.

Make Good was richly rewarded by the governor. He acquired 100 hectors of farmland a two story building, thousand of ships and oxen, splendid carriage and beautiful finely (clothes).

Interpretation:

The story tries to show the importance of freedom as well as the beliefs on superstitions and fate. It is based on real event which happened during Ming reign. In an autocratic system of government one does not feel secure. People get punishment and torture without any obvious reason. They cannot go against the rulers. In the story, the common people were compelled to fulfill their rulers' demand without any questions. If they failed to get mighty crickets for the rulers, they would be severely punished. More than that, the story reveals human weakness. Basically, human beings are savage. They get pleasure after watching animal fighting and killing each other.

Critical Thinking:

This story is based on gothic tale. Death and reappearance are presented. After reading this story, I put some questions: can a cricket outsmart a rooster? Do you think, a cricket dances on tune of musical instruments? How can Make-good's son become a cricket? Does a fortune teller have capacity to find the place of crickets? The story has revealed that, the society has still belief on superstition.

Assimilation:

After reading this story, now I recall my school days. Our seniors used to run after cocks. They used to ask us gathering cocks and they enjoyed fighting cocks. We were made to speak louder so that cocks fighting could be more interesting. Even the adults used to enjoy a lot.

Third Thoughts / Four Levels BBS FIRST YEAR / TU / BUSINESS ENGLISH /

Third   Thoughts

Literal comprehension: This story is written by the modern English writer E.V Lucas. The narrator's friend was not a successful businessman. But once he became successful because he bought a painting at ten shillings and sold at fifty pounds. Then he wanted to share half of the profit with the dealer. Later he thought that it was not practical. He decided to give him just ten pounds. He again thought that the dealer would be unhappy if he did not get such letters every day. Then he thought that five would be enough. Next he thought that if he gave him a large part of the profit, the Goddess of Business would be angry. At last he decided to give him only one pound. He played bridge at the club and lost all he had. Then he concluded that the buyer should not share the profit with the seller.

            Interpretation: this story might be trying to tell us that this material world puts less emphasis on purity, originality, guarantee, genuineness and fairness.it may also be interpreted to mean is hypocrite. He says one thing but does another thing. He gives a false appearance of having admirable principles, beliefs, or feelings. The narrator first behaves as if he was a really generous person, but latter he shows his miserly character.

            Critical thinking: this story talks about the criticism of business practices in Nepal. People have turned money-minded and less human in Nepal. Their only motto is to make more money. Although this story is realistic, we may raise many questions about it: does it seem real when the narrator's friend says that be bought in the dearest markets and sold in the cheapest? Is he as idealist as he mentioned? Would he have sent half of the profit if he had stamps that night?

             Assimilation: by reading this story I came to understand myself and the whole society. Such type of practices ruins the service and truthfulness in business. The credibility would sink increase in material interest leads to destruction. Peace and happiness will be far being peace unless we will be faithful to each other.

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Mr. Know All / BA & BBS 1st Year English

Mr. Know All

Literal Comprehension:

One day, the writer set out to make a 14 days long voyage from San Francisco to Yokohama. The writer felt discomfort to share the cabin with Max Kelada because he thought that max Kelada was also an Englishman but he was a boring man. He had carried many strange things and talked about different subjects. He said that he had a very good knowledge about everything. So, he could be called Mr. Know all.

Mr. Kelada was very frank and friendly. He offered the writer a drink and booked a seat for dinner for the writer. But he followed the writer all the time and ruined his fun. 
Once Mr. Kelada, the writer, Mr. Ramsay and Mrs. Ramsay chanced to sit for lunch on a table. Mr. Ramsay was in the American consular service posted at Kobe Japan. He was going to Japan with his beautiful wife. Mr. Ramsay has stayed one year alone in Japan living Mrs. Ramsay in New York. The couple did not like the way Max Kelada behaved. 
While talking Mr. Kelada said that he knew everything about jewellery and he was going to Japan for the business of pearl. At that time, he saw a pearl chain worn by Mrs. Ramsay, he said that the chain was really original. At that time Mr. Ramsay asked him to guess its price max Kelada confidently said that it would cost 15000 dollars in general trade but on the 5th avenue. It would even cost 30000 dollars. But Mr. Ramsay laughed grimly and said that it was a duplicate pearl and they had bought it in a departmental store for 18 dollars. But Max Kelada did not believe and they bet for 100 dollars. At that time Mrs. Ramsay flushed Max Kelada took out his magnifying glass and examined the pearl. Although he won the bet he also studied the psychology of Mrs. Ramsay and knew that some thing wrong was going to happen in their relation. So, he announced that he was mistaken. He gave 100 dollars to Mr. Ramsay. 
Next morning, when the writer was shaving, someone slipped envelope into their cabin. He gave it to Mr. Kelada because it had been addressed to him. There was 100 dollars in the envelope. Then the writer also did not hate him totally.

Interpretation This story may be trying to tell us about the writer's attitude towards the black. Although Mr. Kelada was helpful and friendly, he was hated by the writer and the couple Ramsays. The writer also teaches us not to be so chatty like max Kelada without understanding the view of the listeners and save people from trouble without caring personal benefit or selfishness. He also teaches us to apply skepticism power even on very close, relatives who are living far from us. 

Critical thinking:

After reading this story, we can find some disagreeable points. 
i) Is a passenger allowed to carry all kinds of wines with him?

ii) Does anyone dislike the other because of colour discrimination?

iii) Does anyone give up his money even after winning the bet?

iv) Con we find such Mr. Know all in this world?

v) Don't we find a frank and friendly person good during a long journey?

vi) Should a husband really suspect on the behaviour of his wife?

So, I don't totally agree with the writer.

Assimilation This story taught me many useful things. Before I read the story, I used to make friendship with ass many people as I met. I enjoyed talking with them about what I know. But I did not study their view whether they liked my talk to no. they may have hated me in the lack of my sincerity.

The Sword of Damocles Source: Greek Legend Literal Comprehension:

The Sword of Damocles      

Source: Greek Legend

Literal Comprehension:

The ancient tale "The Sword of Damocles" is based on Greek legend. It is about the time of the  king Dionysius of Sicily in the 4^th century BC. Dionysius was a tyrannical king. He was well hated for his harsh treatment against his subjects. As he was aware that the people might revenge upon him, he securely guarded himself.  He enjoyed company of intellectual society. He had a number of flatter who gained favor of him through constant administration. Damocles was most foolish courtier who praised the king Dionysius for his happiness and diving gift. He used to flatters the king saying that he was the most admirable, mighty and wise king who lived a glorious and marvelous life.

But Dionysius wasn't a weak, and he was a brainy king. He was not pleased with flattery. He was sick with the flattery of Damocles. He decided to teach him a wise lesson that he would never forget. One day the king proposed Damocles that he would give him taste f happiness of sitting upon the throne. He would declare him to be the king through out the feasts. The next day in the company of princes and lords, the end of feasts he would have to resign. Damocles accepted the proposal with much hesitation. At this time of banquet, the king asked Damocles who was dressed in Royal dresses (robes uniform) to ascend to the throne and a golden crown was placed upon his head. The heaviness of the crown made his head ached (due to heaviness of head is pain) he felt irritating to wait for the dishes. At first he was delighted at his on unusual position. But suddenly he received a most terrible shock. He saw a sharp naked sword suspended from the roof by the single hair exactly over his head. Thinking that the sword might fall, Damocles filled with terror and requested the king to permit him to take a lower seat. He realized how foolish it is to see the happiness of a king and others placed in high position. The wretched Damocles was paralyzed with fear. He was gazing at the sword hanging above him.

Damocles asked the king to release him from his terrible position. But, the king Dionysius refused his request and commanded the guards to prevent him from moving so that he might suffer to the full pangs of terror as a punishment to his foolish talk. After the banquet was over, Damocles returned to the previous path of security and learnt the lesson that the boundless wealth doesn't necessarily bring happiness and satisfaction, and he must always be free from the vain words of foolish flatters.

Interpretation:

According to this ancient tale "The Sword of Damocles" mere the boundless wealth cannot bring happiness and satisfaction. Glory is not so easy how we observe as an out-stander. Despite the fact that a high position has its glory and honor, it has also its dangers. Power and greatness are for those people who have good courage and strength.

Critical Thinking:

I have some reservations after reading this story. How can a stroke of hair support a big sword? Wasn't there chance of falling of the sword upon Damocles? It is not good to flatter others, but shouldn't we desire to hold high positions? Don't we need wealth to drive our life smoothly? Do we believe the crown is such an easy matter which can be given to other temporarily? However, I am really impressed that it's not good to be a flatterer.

Assimilation:

After reading this story, I am very much impressed. I came to know that flattering does not help to win the concerned person's psyche. On the other hand, happiness cannot be compared only with wealth and high positions. If we have capability, we can make our own standing position. The main key to happiness is self-satisfaction.

Ahab and Naboth / FLAX GOLDEN TALES

Ahab and Naboth

Literal Comprehension:

Ahab was the king of Samaria, Israel. Naboth was a citizen of that place of Ahab. The king liked the vineyard and the king asked the Naboth to give it to him. Because he wanted to make it a garden of herbs. But the Naboth refused to sell it because it was the inheritance of his father's. Ahab became unhappy. He went to the palace and lied on the bed without eating anything. His wife, Jezebel asked him what had happened to him. He replied that Naboth had refused his vineyard foe money. He also refused another vineyard instead of his vineyard. The queen enclosed him that she would give the vineyard. Then she wrote a letter in Ahab's name to the elders and nobles of the place where Naboth lived. She wrote to bear two witnesses who would say that Naboth had blasphemed God and the king is deciding to exile him or giving death sentence. The Naboth was taken out of the city and stoned to death. The Lord knew about it and he sent Elijah to the king who had gone to capture the vineyard at Naboth. Elijah warn the king that Lord had been his enemy and dog's would like his blood. Also that had licked the blood of Naboth.

Interpretation:

The writer may be trying to show that powerful people often misuse that power to fulfill their desire. They became jealous at people's progress. They don't remain behind to do any hurtful things to fulfill their desires. The story also shows that God is always the enemy of evil people. We can never get place in mind by doing injustice.

Critical thinking:

This story shows the reality of the society and the behaviours of powerful people. However, some ideas of the story aren't convincing. After reading this story we can ask some questions. Do Gods exist? If so, what is the proof of their existence? Does a king really kill his innocent citizens for property? Are people ready to obey all the bad orders of the king? Can't they revolt against such king. I don't agree with the writer.

Assimilation:

After reading this story, I came to know that about the tyranny of the ancient kings. I also knew the people were very simple, gentle and obedient. They couldn't stand against tyranny. But I am ready to revolt against any kind of autocratic leaders or rulers. My blood boiled to know about the tyranny of the king Ahab.

THE BRAVE LITTLE PARROT / FLAX GOLDEN TALES

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