Task 8: Passing the Threshold

Identify the meaning conveyed in the following excerpts from The Story of the Aged Mother. Justify your answer by citing the tone, mood, and/or author's purpose. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Shinano was governed by a despotic leader who though a warrior, had a great and cowardly shrinking from anything suggestive of failing health and strength. This caused him to send out a cruel proclamation. The entire province was given strict orders to immediately put to death all aged people. Those were barbarous days, and the custom of abandoning old people to die was not uncommon.

1. The poor farmer loved his aged mother with tender reverence, and the order filled his heart with sorrow. But no one ever thought twice about obeying the mandate of the governor, so with many deep and hopeless sighs, the youth prepared for what at that time was considered the kindest mode of death.

2. The trembling mother's voice was full of unselfish love as she gave her last injunction. The son's surprised eyes looked back over the path, then at the poor old, shriveled hands all scratched and soiled by their work of love. His heart broke within and bowing to the ground.​