Comprehension (A)
"Now, isn't that a fine blanket?" said the old man, smoothing it over his knees. "And isn't your father a kind man to be giving the old man a blanket like this to go away with? It costs something; it did look at the wool in it! And warm it will be these cold winter nights to come. There will be no other blanket like it up there."
It was like Granddad to be saying that. He was trying to make it easier. Ever since they had talked about "going away," Granddad had said it was his idea. Imagine - leaving a warm house and friends to go to that building ...that government place where he would be with so many other old fellows, having the best of everything. But Peter had not really believed Dad would do it... until this night when he brought home the blanket.
"Oh, yes, it's a fine blanket," Peter said and got up and went into the house. He wasn't the kind to cry, and besides, he was too old for that. He had just gone in to get Granddad's harmonica. The blanket dropped to the floor as the old man took the harmonica. It was the last night they would have together. Neither the old man nor the young boy had to say a word. Granddad played a few notes and then said, "You'll remember this one." The thin moon was high overhead and the gentle breeze blew down the valley. The last time, Peter thought. He would never hear Granddad play again. It was well that Dad was moving to a new house away from here. He did not want to sit here outside on fine evenings under a white moon with Granddad gone. The music ended, and the two sat for a few minutes in silence. Then Granddad spoke. "Here is something happier."
Questions:
i. Suggest a titles of the passage that could summarize its content?
ii. Interpret the expressions "going away" and "that government place" in the context of the passage.
iii. Analyze the emotions and thoughts of Peter as reflected in the passage, especially when he sees the blanket and later hears Granddad play the harmonica.
iv. What theme or message is conveyed through the symbolic significance of the blanket and the harmonica in the context of the impending separation?
v. How does the change and separation on relationships, particularly the bond between Peter and Granddad impact the overall environment?
vi. In what real-life situations can people relate to the emotions and experiences described in the passage, and how might they cope with the challenges of separation and change?
