The Cricket

 

P'U Sung-ling Chin (1640-1715)

Literal Comprehension: 

Cricket fighting was very popular and common in China during Ming reign. The common people had to supply the cricket to the magistrate in the court. The magistrate of Floral Shade used to sent the crickets to the emperor of China. So, the Floral Shade declared as royal supplier of the cricket. 

However, their lacked the crickets in the state it was very difficult for the common people secretly reared the crickets in the hope of gaining profit by selling them but, the local officer used to loot their properties no one could raise the voice against them.

When there was scarcity of crickets a shy and sensitive man named as Makegood was made the neighborhood head. He was given two duties: Collecting cricket the taxes and finding the cricket to the magistrate. But he could not do either of these duties. So, he was severely punished. Then he consulted with a prophet who gave her a map. The map indicates the location of the crickets with the help of the mapMakegood went their where he found a small cricket. He brought it to his house and started rearing it. After some while his son playing the cricket accidently he killed it his son was also found in well. He thought that his son was death and decided to bury him but, fortunately some of his organ got reactivated again. 

The next morning he also found the small cricket again the cricket could defeat all the powerful cricket of his neighbors then he sent the cricket to magistrate in the court the magistrate again sent it to the place. Where the cricket could declare him self as the winner by defeating all the mighty crickets. Besides this it also enjoyed the emperor by dancing in the tune of the Zither. Then, Makegood was rewarded with many prizes he was give a large amount of prosperities. Then after he enjoyed living his luxurious with his family members. 

Interpretation: 

This story clearly shows the importance of democratic government which secures the fundamental rights of people. In the country, where there is no freedom people con't enjoy their rights. As shown in the story Mr. Makegood is real victim of cruel rule. Makegood desire of committing suicide and his son's situation shows pathetic situation of people in autocratic system. So, the this story is a critics on autocratic system. So, the this story is a critics on  autocratic government. 

Critical Thinking:

Though the story presents the realistic picture of Chinese society, there are some ideas which are not acceptable. Can a boy be transformed into a cricket? Should a man commit suicide for minor mistake? Can we believe upon fortune teller? For these reason I don't totally agree with writer? 

Assimilation: 

After reading this story, it reminded me abut the RANA regime in Nepal. In the past, Neaplese condition was no better than that of Mr. Makegood in the story. People where not allowed to have education and they had to do whatever the rulers said. So, this story was very common to that period of Nepal.