Chapter 4

                                             NOTES FOR THE TEACHER 


1. What kind of people were the old farmer and his wife?

Answer: The old farmer and his wife were kind, patient, and compassionate people. They were gentle not only towards human beings but also towards animals and birds. The old man often turned up the soil on purpose so that birds could eat worms. Their love for the dog was deep and sincere, and they treated it like their own child. Their goodness is shown throughout the story through their actions and attitudes.


2. Describe the relationship between the old couple and their dog.

Answer: The relationship between the old couple and their dog was based on love, trust, and affection. They treated the dog as if it were their own baby. The dog shared their daily life and helped them in the fields. Even after the dog’s death, the old couple mourned sincerely, built a grave, offered food and flowers, and remembered it lovingly.


3. How did the dog help the old man to become rich?

Answer: The dog helped the old man by guiding him to a spot where gold was buried. Trusting the dog, the old man dug the ground and found a treasure of gold coins. This sudden wealth came as a reward for the old couple’s kindness and faith in the dog, proving that goodness brings good fortune.


4. Why did the greedy neighbours kill the dog?

Answer: The greedy neighbours killed the dog because they expected it to help them find treasure, but instead they found only rubbish. Blinded by greed and anger, they lost patience and killed the dog. Their cruelty shows how greed can destroy humanity and reason.


5. How did the old couple honour the dog after its death?

Answer: After the dog’s death, the old couple buried it respectfully. They placed bamboo tubes with flowers, offered food and water, and burned costly incense sticks. The old man mourned deeply, calling the dog by dear names, showing his emotional attachment and respect for the loyal animal.


6. What message did the dog’s spirit give in the dream?

Answer: In the dream, the dog’s spirit told the old man to cut down the pine tree near its grave and use it to make a mortar. This instruction later led to miraculous events, symbolising that goodness and faith are rewarded even beyond death.


7. What miracle happened when the old man used the mortar?

Answer: When the old man used the mortar to pound rice, gold coins came out instead of rice. This miracle happened because the old man was honest, kind, and respectful towards the dog. It symbolised divine reward for virtue.


8. How did the greedy neighbours react to the miracle of the mortar?

Answer: The greedy neighbours became jealous and demanded the mortar. When they used it with selfish intentions, foul-smelling waste came out instead of gold. Angered by their failure, they destroyed and burned the mortar, showing their cruelty and envy.


9. What did the ashes of the mortar represent?

Answer: The ashes of the mortar represented hope, faith, and moral purity. Though worthless to greedy people, they held magical power when used by the good old man. The ashes symbolise that true value lies in intention and goodness, not material wealth.


10. How did the ashes make trees bloom?

Answer: When the old man sprinkled the ashes on withered cherry trees, they bloomed instantly, even in winter. This miraculous event delighted the people and showed that goodness has the power to bring life, beauty, and joy even in difficult situations.


11. Describe the incident involving the daimio and the cherry blossoms.

Answer: When the daimio passed by, the old man climbed a tree and sprinkled ashes, causing it to bloom instantly. The daimio was amazed and rewarded the old man generously. This event highlights how virtue is recognised and honoured by society.


12. Why did the greedy neighbours fail when they used the ashes?

Answer: The greedy neighbours failed because they lacked sincerity and kindness. When they threw ashes carelessly, the ashes blinded the daimio instead of producing flowers. Their selfishness turned magic into disaster, proving that moral character matters more than actions alone.


13. How does the story contrast good and evil?

Answer: The story contrasts good and evil through two couples. The old couple represents kindness, patience, and honesty, while the neighbours represent greed, cruelty, and envy. Their actions and consequences clearly show that goodness leads to happiness and greed leads to ruin.


14. What role does magical realism play in the story?

Answer: Magical realism blends everyday life with supernatural events, such as gold coming from a mortar or trees blooming in winter. These magical elements reinforce moral lessons and make the story engaging while highlighting the rewards of goodness.


15. How does the story reflect traditional values?

Answer: The story reflects values like compassion, respect for animals, honesty, and faith. It also shows belief in spiritual justice, where good deeds are rewarded and bad deeds punished, reflecting traditional moral thinking.


16. Why is the dog an important symbol in the story?

Answer: The dog symbolises loyalty, faith, and divine guidance. Even after death, it continues to help the old couple, showing that true goodness never dies and continues to inspire positive outcomes.


17. What lesson does the story teach about greed?

Answer: The story teaches that greed leads to destruction and misery. The neighbours’ desire for wealth causes them to commit cruel acts, resulting in punishment and humiliation instead of happiness.


18. How does the old man show patience throughout the story?

Answer: The old man never becomes angry or revengeful. Even when insulted or when his blessings are misused by others, he remains calm, humble, and patient, reflecting inner strength and wisdom.


19. Explain the significance of winter in the story.

Answer: Winter symbolises hardship and lifelessness. The blooming of cherry trees in winter highlights the miracle and emphasises how goodness can bring hope and renewal even in bleak times.


20. What is the moral of the story?

Answer: The moral of the story is that kindness, honesty, and compassion are always rewarded, while greed, jealousy, and cruelty lead to downfall.


21. How does the story show respect for nature?

Answer: The old man’s care for birds, animals, and trees reflects harmony with nature. Nature responds positively to kindness, reinforcing ecological balance and respect.


22. Why does the daimio reward the old man?

Answer: The daimio rewards the old man because he is impressed by the miraculous blooming of trees and recognises the old man’s honesty and purity of heart.


23. How does the story portray social justice?

Answer: Social justice is portrayed through moral consequences. Good people are rewarded publicly, while wrongdoers are punished, restoring moral balance in society.


24. What emotions are evoked by the story?

Answer: The story evokes sympathy, joy, sorrow, and satisfaction. Readers feel sorrow for the dog’s death and joy at the rewards received by the kind old couple.


25. How does faith influence events in the story?

Answer: Faith allows the old man to trust the dog’s spirit and the ashes, leading to miracles. Faith strengthens moral courage and belief in goodness.


26. What role does humility play in the old man’s success?

Answer: The old man remains humble despite gaining wealth. His humility keeps him morally grounded and deserving of continued blessings.


27. Why are the neighbours repeatedly punished?

Answer: The neighbours are punished because they repeatedly act out of greed and cruelty without learning from their mistakes.


28. How does the story use repetition for emphasis?

Answer: Repeated attempts by the neighbours highlight their stubborn greed and reinforce the lesson that bad intentions always fail.


29. What does the story suggest about spiritual rewards?

Answer: The story suggests that spiritual rewards are greater and more lasting than material wealth.


30. How does the story appeal to children and adults alike?

Answer: Its simple narrative attracts children, while its deep moral lessons appeal to adults.


31. Why is compassion central to the story?

Answer: Compassion drives all positive events and serves as the foundation of moral success.


32. How does the story show consequences of actions?

Answer: Every action leads to a clear result, reinforcing moral accountability.


33. What is the significance of the cherry tree?

Answer: The cherry tree symbolises beauty, renewal, and reward for goodness.


34. How does the story encourage kindness to animals?

Answer: It shows animals as loyal and spiritually significant beings deserving respect.


35. Why does the old man forgive easily?

Answer: His forgiveness reflects inner peace and moral strength.


36. How does jealousy affect the neighbours’ judgment?

Answer: Jealousy blinds them, leading to cruelty and foolish decisions.


37. What role does simplicity play in the old couple’s life?

Answer: Their simple life keeps them close to moral values and happiness.


38. How does the story reinforce moral education?

Answer: It teaches ethics through narrative rather than direct instruction.


39. Why is the ending satisfying?

Answer: Because justice prevails and goodness is rewarded.


40. How is the story relevant today?

Answer: It remains relevant by reminding us that kindness and honesty are timeless values.

Answer by Mrinmoee