The story’s narrator is revisiting a place he once lived. Explain the significance that this “revisiting” has in relation to the themes of the story.
When one revisits a place that he/she has been before, it often triggers to bring back one’s memories that are associated with the place and hence evokes a feeling of nostalgia. In the story, the narrator revisits the place but soon finds out it is not what it used to be anymore. Everything has changed along the change in culture due to the New Culture Movement, which, according to the narrator, has made him feel like a “stranger” to the familiar place. Additionally, the change is seen in his childhood friend Weifu. Unlike how passionate he was about the revolution, Weifu no longer cares about contributing and shows indifference. The whole event of revisiting is significant as it connects to the themes of the story, the change. The narrator notices the difference in places, people, culture and reminisces the old time when Weifu and him were enthused by the revolutionary ideas. The nostalgic feeling creeps on him, reminding him those old days are loss and long gone.
Explain the significance of the story about reburying Weifu’s little brother?
Reburying Weifu’s little brother conveys how Weifu has bowed down to the traditional norms. The act itself is pointless since the body of Weifu’s brother is decomposed. Yet, Weifu proceeds to rebury it in a new coffin next to his father simply out of filial piety. He knows the act is meaningless but does so anyway just for his mother. It creates a contrast between the old Weifu and him now.
One of the things that remains mysterious to me about this text is the narrator. He is the one who feels like a stranger in this place where he once felt at home. We learn about how Weifu has changed in the intervening years, but we don’t really get much information about the narrator and whether or how he has changed.