The Maiden with a Wooden Bowl

Plot

-          In ancient days, there live an old couple with their only child, a girl of a remarkable charm and beauty. When the old man fell sick and died, his widow became more and more concerned for her daughter’s welfare. One day, she called her child and said, “Little one, your father lies in cemetery, and I being old and feeble, must needs to follow him soon.” Having said these words, she places a lacquered bowl in the maidens head, so that it veiled her attractions. Shortly after this deed had been perform, the old woman died, and the maiden was forced to earn here living by working in the rice failed. It was hard weary worth, but the girl kept a brave heart and toiled from dawn to sunset with murmur. Over and over again, his strange appearance created considerable comment, she was known through out the land as the “Maiden with the Bowl on her head”. Not a few endeavored to pull off the wooden covering, but it could not be removed. One day, rich farmer watch the maiden working in his rice fields. He was struck by her diligence and the quick and excellent way she performed her tasks. When the rice harvest had been gathered and winter had come, the wealthy farmer still more favorably impress with the maiden, and anxious to do her a service. The farmer said “My wife is ill” he added and I should like you to nurse her for me. The maiden gratefully accepted this welcome offer. She tinted the sick woman with every care. At length, the farmer’s eldest son returned to his old home. He was a wise young man who had studied match in gay Kyoto. One day, the young man came to his father and said, “Who is this maiden in our house? and why does she wear ugly black bowl upon her head?” the farmer told the sad story of the maiden, and as the days  went by the son give more and more fond of her, and resolved he would marry the “Maiden with the bowl on her head’. And in spite of all pleadings she would not on her mind. When all plans had been made for the wedding it was high crowded hall and the bride and bride groom were expected to drink together the “Three times three” in token of their marriage. The guests were amazed upon heap of shining jewels and gold and silver, but they were still more surprised when they chance to look and see that the bride was the most beautiful woman in Japan.

 

Characters

-          The characters of the story are the maiden, a girl of remarkable charm and beauty. The maiden’s mother, the rich farmer, and the farmer’s son, who wants to marry the maiden even if the maiden is just the servant of his father.

Setting

-          The story takes place in Japan and it is during the ancient days.

Comments

-          The story was interesting because even if many people was laughing to the maiden since she have a bowl on head and many people think that she was ugly because of that,  she still remain very patient and optimistic that’s why at the end, she received the perfect happiness that completes her existence.

Moral Lesson

-          We should not judge the person by its appearance because what matters most is their ability and attitude.