NAME: MANCITO B. ESOBILLA JR.
COURSE/YEAR: BSED-MATH II
My Old Home
By Lu Xun
‘My Old Home’ is a story about Xun’s memories, from youth to middle age that depicts
the conflict between memories and realities. The story describes how Xun feels while being
away from home for many years. Upon arriving at his long-past home, his memories are forced
to come to confront the realities. His prior conceptions and understandings of the world come
into conflict with his realities.
Summary of The Story
Characters:
Lu Hsun- The young master who moved out from his old home in order to buy a new home.
During his childhood, he befriends Jun-Tu, a servant, and is fascinated by the stories the latter
tells. In order to buy more furniture for the new home, he insists his mother sell the old ones
from the old house. He is considered miserly for he does not want to give away the furniture to
the poor.
Jun Tu- A shy yet “high in spirits” servant who used to work for Lu Hsun. His home was near the
sea. He soon goes back to his hometown and experiences a rough life. Having man kids, famine
and social responsibilities causes him to be wary. He acts as an acquaintance rather than a
friend to Lu Hsun when both of them reconciles after 30 years.
Mrs. Yang- A neighbor who sits in a bean curd shop opposite from Lu Hsun’s old home. She is
one of the poor who visits Lu Hsun’s home and always leaves with a piece of furniture (without
paying for it) owned by his family.
Hung erh- Lu Hsun’s shy nephew. He soon be friends with Shu Sheng.
Shu Sheng – The 5th son of Jun-Tu. He is very shy and rarely interacts in social occasions.
However, he soon opens up towards Hung erh, even inviting the latter to visit his home
someday.
Plot:
The story follows Lu Hsun, a young master who visits back to his old home and is greeted by his
mother and nephew. He soon recalls the memories of his childhood, the time he shared with his
best friend and servant, Jun-Tu. Lu Hsun reconciles with his relatives including Mrs. Yang, a
neighbor who accuses him of being miserly. Unexpectedly, Jun Tu, who has now grown all wary
from his tough life at sea, pas a visit to Lu Hsun’s home. What will become of the two when
distance, time and social barrier restrict them from being friends again?
Setting:
The story took place during the late 19th century in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China.
Theme:
The author is trying to tell the audience that being humane towards others prevents a treadmill
existence. In a friend and friend relationship, one must learn how to put his comrade first. Hsun
also highlights the importance of loyalty. Other themes include respect, filial piety and social
barriers that stop people from different classes to befriend.
Friend and Friend is the most evident relationship in the story. The friendship that once existed
between Lu Hsun and Jun-Tu is a perfect example of Confucian ideal friendship. Lu Hsun learnt
many things about the outside world form Jun-Tu while Lu Hsun was one of the very few people
who Jun-Tu can open up to. These two soon became inseparable for they treated each other like
brothers. Their relationship went beyond a master and servant relationship. It was something
mutual, reciprocal and relationship.
However, as time passes, Jun-Tu realizes that they can no longer be friends. He clearly
understands that one must fulfil his role depending on his social positions. Thus, he treats Lu
Hsun as a master by paying ultimate respect and offering the slightest gifts towards Lu Hsun.
This is an example of a ruler and subject relationship.
