The Story of the Aged Mother

Who are the characters in the folktale?

• Poor Writer, Widowed Father, Democratic Leader
• Poor Farmer, Widowed Mother, Despotic Leader
• Poor Salesman, Widowed Father, Aristocratic Leader
• Poor carpenter, Widowed Mother. Autocratic Leader

Where is the setting of the folktale?

• Shinine
• Shinane
• Shinano
• Shinuhe

What was the cruel proclamation of the governor of Shinano?

• To immediately put to death all aged people.
• To give rewards to centenarians
• To compulsory let them eat vegetables only
• To provide them their own shelter

Do you agree with the order of the governor?

• Yes, because aged people cannot do any work already
• Yes, because they have dense population
• No, because he has no right to kill anyone
• No, because even if people are old, you can still learn something from them

If you were the farmer, will you do the same?

• Yes, because aged persons are weak and fragile
• Yes, because aged persons can no longer lead a group
• No, because aged persons are experienced enough to advice the younger generations
• No, because aged persons deserve attention and care

What do you think are the common fears of powerful and rich people as reflected in the folktale?

• They are afraid to lose their fame
• They are afraid to lose their control over the commoners
• They are afraid to become poor
• They are afraid to become weak and useless

“With a crown of snow, there cometh wisdom”. Which of the following best explains the statement?

• In order to become a king, one should wear a crown.
• In order to become a wisdom-man, one has to become a king.
• The most experienced persons are the leaders.
• Aged and experienced persons are full of wisdom.