Datasets:

WorkInTheDark

/

FairytaleQA

like 7

storks

on the last house in the village there lay a stork 's nest . the mother stork sat in it with her four little ones , who were stretching out their heads with their pointed black bills that had not yet turned red . at a little distance , on the top of the roof , stood the father stork , bolt upright and as stiff as could be . that he might not appear quite idle while standing sentry , he had drawn one leg up under him , as is the manner of storks . one might have taken him to be carved in marble , so still did he stand .

why might someone think the stork was carved in marble ?

because he stood so still .

local

causal relationship

implicit

storks

on the last house in the village there lay a stork 's nest . the mother stork sat in it with her four little ones , who were stretching out their heads with their pointed black bills that had not yet turned red . at a little distance , on the top of the roof , stood the father stork , bolt upright and as stiff as could be . that he might not appear quite idle while standing sentry , he had drawn one leg up under him , as is the manner of storks . one might have taken him to be carved in marble , so still did he stand .

will the pointed black bills stay black forever ?

no , they will turn red someday .

local

prediction

implicit

storks

on the last house in the village there lay a stork 's nest . the mother stork sat in it with her four little ones , who were stretching out their heads with their pointed black bills that had not yet turned red . at a little distance , on the top of the roof , stood the father stork , bolt upright and as stiff as could be . that he might not appear quite idle while standing sentry , he had drawn one leg up under him , as is the manner of storks . one might have taken him to be carved in marble , so still did he stand .

which house was the stork's nest on ?

the last house in the village .

local

setting

explicit

storks

on the last house in the village there lay a stork 's nest . the mother stork sat in it with her four little ones , who were stretching out their heads with their pointed black bills that had not yet turned red . at a little distance , on the top of the roof , stood the father stork , bolt upright and as stiff as could be . that he might not appear quite idle while standing sentry , he had drawn one leg up under him , as is the manner of storks . one might have taken him to be carved in marble , so still did he stand .

who sat in the nest ?

mother stork and four little ones .

local

character

explicit

storks

" it must look very grand for my wife to have a sentinel to guard her nest , " he thought . " they ca n't know that i am her husband and will , of course , conclude that i am commanded to stand here by her nest . it looks aristocratic ! " below , in the street , a crowd of children were playing . when they chanced to catch sight of the storks , one of the boldest of the boys began to sing the old song about the stork . the others soon joined him , but each sang the words that he happened to have heard . this is one of the ways : " stork , stork , fly away ; stand not on one leg to - day . thy dear wife sits in the nest , to lull the little ones to rest . " there 's a halter for one , there 's a stake for another , for the third there 's a gun , and a spit for his brother ! "

what was the crowd of children doing before they saw the stork ?

playing .

local

action

explicit

storks

" it must look very grand for my wife to have a sentinel to guard her nest , " he thought . " they ca n't know that i am her husband and will , of course , conclude that i am commanded to stand here by her nest . it looks aristocratic ! " below , in the street , a crowd of children were playing . when they chanced to catch sight of the storks , one of the boldest of the boys began to sing the old song about the stork . the others soon joined him , but each sang the words that he happened to have heard . this is one of the ways : " stork , stork , fly away ; stand not on one leg to - day . thy dear wife sits in the nest , to lull the little ones to rest . " there 's a halter for one , there 's a stake for another , for the third there 's a gun , and a spit for his brother ! "

what happened when the children saw the stork ?

they started singing .

local

outcome resolution

implicit

storks

" only listen , " said the young storks , " to what the boys are singing . do you hear them say we 're to be hanged and shot ? " " do n't listen to what they say ; if you do n't mind , it wo n't hurt you , " said the mother . but the boys went on singing , and pointed mockingly at the sentinel stork . only one boy , whom they called peter , said it was a shame to make game of animals , and he would not join in the singing at all . the mother stork tried to comfort her young ones . " do n't mind them , " she said ; " see how quiet your father stands on one leg there . " " but we are afraid , " said the little ones , drawing back their beaks into the nest .

what did the mother tell the young stork to do ?

do n't listen to what they say .

local

action

explicit

storks

" only listen , " said the young storks , " to what the boys are singing . do you hear them say we 're to be hanged and shot ? " " do n't listen to what they say ; if you do n't mind , it wo n't hurt you , " said the mother . but the boys went on singing , and pointed mockingly at the sentinel stork . only one boy , whom they called peter , said it was a shame to make game of animals , and he would not join in the singing at all . the mother stork tried to comfort her young ones . " do n't mind them , " she said ; " see how quiet your father stands on one leg there . " " but we are afraid , " said the little ones , drawing back their beaks into the nest .

which boy did not join in the singing ?

peter .

local

character

explicit

storks

" only listen , " said the young storks , " to what the boys are singing . do you hear them say we 're to be hanged and shot ? " " do n't listen to what they say ; if you do n't mind , it wo n't hurt you , " said the mother . but the boys went on singing , and pointed mockingly at the sentinel stork . only one boy , whom they called peter , said it was a shame to make game of animals , and he would not join in the singing at all . the mother stork tried to comfort her young ones . " do n't mind them , " she said ; " see how quiet your father stands on one leg there . " " but we are afraid , " said the little ones , drawing back their beaks into the nest .

why did the little ones draw their beaks into the nest ?

they were afraid .

local

causal relationship

implicit

buckwheat

if you should chance , after a tempest , to cross a field where buckwheat is growing , you may observe that it looks black and singed , as if a flame of fire had passed over it . and should you ask the reason , a farmer will tell you , " the lightning did that . " but how is it that the lightning did it ?

what will a farmer tell you about why the buckwheat looks black and singed ?

the lightning did that .

local

action

explicit

buckwheat

if you should chance , after a tempest , to cross a field where buckwheat is growing , you may observe that it looks black and singed , as if a flame of fire had passed over it . and should you ask the reason , a farmer will tell you , " the lightning did that . " but how is it that the lightning did it ?

who knows about buckwheat ?

farmers .

local

character

implicit

buckwheat

i will tell you what the sparrow told me , and the sparrow heard it from an aged willow which stood -- and still stands for that matter -- close to the field of buckwheat . this willow is tall and venerable , though old and crippled . its trunk is split clear through the middle , and grass and blackberry tendrils creep out through the cleft . the tree bends forward , and its branches droop like long , green hair .

where does the willow stand ?

close to the field of buckwheat .

local

setting

explicit

buckwheat

in the fields around the willow grew rye , wheat , and oats -- beautiful oats that , when ripe , looked like little yellow canary birds sitting on a branch . the harvest had been blessed , and the fuller the ears of grain the lower they bowed their heads in reverent humility . there was also a field of buckwheat lying just in front of the old willow . the buckwheat did not bow its head , like the rest of the grain , but stood erect in stiff - necked pride .

why are the fuller ears of grain lower to the ground ?

because they 're heavier .

local

causal relationship

implicit

buckwheat

in the fields around the willow grew rye , wheat , and oats -- beautiful oats that , when ripe , looked like little yellow canary birds sitting on a branch . the harvest had been blessed , and the fuller the ears of grain the lower they bowed their heads in reverent humility . there was also a field of buckwheat lying just in front of the old willow . the buckwheat did not bow its head , like the rest of the grain , but stood erect in stiff - necked pride .

what else grew in the fields around the willow ?

rye , wheat , and oats .

local

setting

explicit

buckwheat

" i am quite as rich as the oats , " it said ; " and , moreover , i am much more sightly . my flowers are as pretty as apple blossoms . it is a treat to look at me and my companions . old willow , do you know anything more beautiful than we ? " the willow nodded his head , as much as to say , " indeed i do ! " but the buckwheat was so puffed with pride that it only said : " the stupid tree ! he is so old that grass is growing out of his body . "

what does the narrator ask the willow ?

do you know anything more beautiful than we ? .

local

action

explicit

buckwheat

now there came on a dreadful storm , and the flowers of the field folded their leaves or bent their heads as it passed over them . the buckwheat flower alone stood erect in all its pride . " bow your heads , as we do , " called the flowers . " there is no need for me to do that , " answered the buckwheat .

why do the flowers fold their leaves ?

there 's a storm .

local

causal relationship

implicit

buckwheat

now there came on a dreadful storm , and the flowers of the field folded their leaves or bent their heads as it passed over them . the buckwheat flower alone stood erect in all its pride . " bow your heads , as we do , " called the flowers . " there is no need for me to do that , " answered the buckwheat .

why doesn't the buckwheat bow its head ?

it does n't need to .

local

causal relationship

implicit

buckwheat

" bow your head as we do , " said the grain . " the angel of storms comes flying hither . he has wings that reach from the clouds to the earth ; he will smite you before you have time to beg for mercy . " " but i do not choose to bow down , " said the buckwheat .

why won't the buckwheat bow down ?

it 's too proud .

local

prediction

implicit

buckwheat

" close your flowers and fold your leaves , " said the old willow . " do not look at the lightning when the cloud breaks . even human beings dare not do that , for in the midst of the lightning one may look straight into god 's heaven . the sight strikes human beings blind , so dazzling is it . what would not happen to us , mere plants of the field , who are so much humbler , if we should dare do so ? " " so much humbler ! indeed ! if there is a chance , i shall look right into god 's heaven . " and in its pride and haughtiness it did so . the flashes of lightning were so awful that it seemed as if the whole world were in flames .

what does the willow say to do ?

close your flowers , fold your leaves , and do n't look at the lightning .

local

action

explicit

buckwheat

" close your flowers and fold your leaves , " said the old willow . " do not look at the lightning when the cloud breaks . even human beings dare not do that , for in the midst of the lightning one may look straight into god 's heaven . the sight strikes human beings blind , so dazzling is it . what would not happen to us , mere plants of the field , who are so much humbler , if we should dare do so ? " " so much humbler ! indeed ! if there is a chance , i shall look right into god 's heaven . " and in its pride and haughtiness it did so . the flashes of lightning were so awful that it seemed as if the whole world were in flames .

why shouldn't they look at the lightning ?

it can make you blind .

local

causal relationship

implicit

buckwheat

" close your flowers and fold your leaves , " said the old willow . " do not look at the lightning when the cloud breaks . even human beings dare not do that , for in the midst of the lightning one may look straight into god 's heaven . the sight strikes human beings blind , so dazzling is it . what would not happen to us , mere plants of the field , who are so much humbler , if we should dare do so ? " " so much humbler ! indeed ! if there is a chance , i shall look right into god 's heaven . " and in its pride and haughtiness it did so . the flashes of lightning were so awful that it seemed as if the whole world were in flames .

what does the buckwheat do ?

looks at the lightning .

local

action

implicit

buckwheat

when the tempest was over , both the grain and the flowers , greatly refreshed by the rain , again stood erect in the pure , quiet air . but the buckwheat had been burned as black as a cinder by the lightning and stood in the field like a dead , useless weed . the old willow waved his branches to and fro in the wind , and large drops of water fell from his green leaves , as if he were shedding tears . the sparrows asked : " why are you weeping when all around seems blest ? do you not smell the sweet perfume of flowers and bushes ? the sun shines , and the clouds have passed from the sky . why do you weep , old tree ? " then the willow told them of the buckwheat 's stubborn pride and of the punishment which followed . i , who tell this tale , heard it from the sparrows . they told it to me one evening when i had asked them for a story .

what happened to the buckwheat ?

it was burned by the lightning .

local

outcome resolution

explicit

buckwheat

when the tempest was over , both the grain and the flowers , greatly refreshed by the rain , again stood erect in the pure , quiet air . but the buckwheat had been burned as black as a cinder by the lightning and stood in the field like a dead , useless weed . the old willow waved his branches to and fro in the wind , and large drops of water fell from his green leaves , as if he were shedding tears . the sparrows asked : " why are you weeping when all around seems blest ? do you not smell the sweet perfume of flowers and bushes ? the sun shines , and the clouds have passed from the sky . why do you weep , old tree ? " then the willow told them of the buckwheat 's stubborn pride and of the punishment which followed . i , who tell this tale , heard it from the sparrows . they told it to me one evening when i had asked them for a story .

why did the willow cry ?

it was sad that the buckwheat died .

local

causal relationship

implicit

buckwheat

now there came on a dreadful storm , and the flowers of the field folded their leaves or bent their heads as it passed over them . the buckwheat flower alone stood erect in all its pride . " bow your heads , as we do , " called the flowers . " there is no need for me to do that , " answered the buckwheat . " bow your head as we do , " said the grain . " the angel of storms comes flying hither . he has wings that reach from the clouds to the earth ; he will smite you before you have time to beg for mercy . " " but i do not choose to bow down , " said the buckwheat . " close your flowers and fold your leaves , " said the old willow . " do not look at the lightning when the cloud breaks . even human beings dare not do that , for in the midst of the lightning one may look straight into god 's heaven . the sight strikes human beings blind , so dazzling is it . what would not happen to us , mere plants of the field , who are so much humbler , if we should dare do so ? " " so much humbler ! indeed ! if there is a chance , i shall look right into god 's heaven . " and in its pride and haughtiness it did so . the flashes of lightning were so awful that it seemed as if the whole world were in flames . when the tempest was over , both the grain and the flowers , greatly refreshed by the rain , again stood erect in the pure , quiet air . but the buckwheat had been burned as black as a cinder by the lightning and stood in the field like a dead , useless weed . the old willow waved his branches to and fro in the wind , and large drops of water fell from his green leaves , as if he were shedding tears . the sparrows asked : " why are you weeping when all around seems blest ? do you not smell the sweet perfume of flowers and bushes ? the sun shines , and the clouds have passed from the sky . why do you weep , old tree ? " then the willow told them of the buckwheat 's stubborn pride and of the punishment which followed . i , who tell this tale , heard it from the sparrows . they told it to me one evening when i had asked them for a story .

why didn't the buckwheat do what it was told ?

it was too proud .

summary

character

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

once upon a time there was a descendant of confucius . his father had a friend , and this friend held an official position in the south and offered the young man a place as secretary . but when the latter reached the town where he was to have been active , he found that his father 's friend had already died . then he was much embarrassed , seeing that he did not have the means to return home again . so he was glad to take refuge in the monastery of puto , where he copied holy books for the abbot .

who was the descendant of confucius ?

the young man .

local

character

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

once upon a time there was a descendant of confucius . his father had a friend , and this friend held an official position in the south and offered the young man a place as secretary . but when the latter reached the town where he was to have been active , he found that his father 's friend had already died . then he was much embarrassed , seeing that he did not have the means to return home again . so he was glad to take refuge in the monastery of puto , where he copied holy books for the abbot .

how did the young man feel when he saw that he did not have the means to return home again ?

embarassed .

local

feeling

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

once upon a time there was a descendant of confucius . his father had a friend , and this friend held an official position in the south and offered the young man a place as secretary . but when the latter reached the town where he was to have been active , he found that his father 's friend had already died . then he was much embarrassed , seeing that he did not have the means to return home again . so he was glad to take refuge in the monastery of puto , where he copied holy books for the abbot .

where did the young man take refuge ?

the monastery of puto .

local

setting

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

once upon a time there lived a monk at puto who was exceedingly learned . an aged man had led him into the cave in question , where he had seen a number of volumes on the book stands . the aged man had said : " these are the histories of the various dynasties . " in a second room were to be found the histories of all the peoples on earth . a third was guarded by two dogs . the aged man explained : " in this room are kept the secret reports of the immortals , telling the arts by means of which they gained eternal life . the two dogs are two dragons . " the monk turned the pages of the books , and found that they were all works of ancient times , such as he had never seen before . he would gladly have remained in the cave , but the old man said : " that would not do ! " and a boy led him out again . the name of that cave , however , was the coral ring , and it was described in the volume which lay on the table .

where did the monk live ?

puto .

local

setting

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

the youth questioned kung regarding his name and family , and the latter told him his whole history . the youth pitied him greatly and advised him to open a school . kung answered with a sigh : " i am quite unknown in the neighborhood , and have no one to recommend me ! " said the youth : " if you do not consider me altogether too unworthy and stupid , i should like to be your pupil myself . "

why did the youth pity kung greatly ?

told him his whole history .

local

causal relationship

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

then he stepped rapidly into the rear room and soon returned saying : " my father has come . " as kung rose an aged man with a long , white beard and eyebrows stepped into the room and said , greeting him : " you have already declared your willingness to instruct my son , and i am grateful for your kindness . but you must be strict with him and not treat him as a friend . "

what did the youth's father do when he met kung ?

told kung to be strict with him and to not treat him as a friend .

local

action

implicit

giauna-the-beautiful

on the following morning all rose early and study began . the youth was exceptionally gifted . whatever he had seen but once was graven in his memory . hence he made surprising progress in the course of a few months . the old custom was followed of writing an essay every five days , and celebrating its completion with a little banquet . and at each banquet hiang - nu was sent for .

how was the youth exceptionally gifted ?

whatever he had seen but once was graven in his memory .

local

character

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

one evening kung could not remove his glance from hiang - nu . the youth guessed his thoughts and said to him : " you are as yet unmarried . early and late i keep thinking as to how i can provide you with a charming life companion . hiang - nu is the serving - maid of my father , so i can not give her to you . " said kung : " i am grateful to you for your friendly thought . but if the girl you have in mind is not just as beautiful as hiang - nu , then i would rather do without . " the youth laughed : " you are indeed inexperienced if you think that hiang - nu is beautiful . your wish is easily fulfilled . "

who was the serving-maid of the youth's father ?

hiang - nu .

local

character

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

thus half a year went by and the monotonous rainy season had just began . then a swelling the size of a peach developed in young kung 's breast , which increased over night until it was as large as a tea - cup . he lay on his couch groaning with pain , and unable to eat or to sleep . the youth was busy day and night nursing him , and even the old gentleman asked how he was getting along . then the youth said : " my little sister giauna alone is able to cure this illness . please send to grandmother , and have her brought here ! " the old gentleman was willing , and he sent off his boy . the next day the boy came back with the news that giauna would come , together with her aunt and her cousin a - sung .

what will the youth do when king lays on the couch groaning in pain ?

find someone to cure him .

summary

prediction

implicit

giauna-the-beautiful

then the youth said : " my little sister giauna alone is able to cure this illness . please send to grandmother , and have her brought here ! " the old gentleman was willing , and he sent off his boy . the next day the boy came back with the news that giauna would come , together with her aunt and her cousin a - sung .

who was able to cure kung's illness ?

giauna .

local

character

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

the maiden blushed with confusion ; then she stepped up to the sick - bed . while she was feeling his pulse , it seemed to him as though she brought the fragrance of orchards with her . said the maiden with a smile : " no wonder that this illness has befallen him . his heart beats far too stormily . his illness is serious but not incurable . now the blood which has flowed has already gathered , so we will have to cut to cure . "

why did this illness befall on kung ?

his heart beated far too stormily .

local

causal relationship

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

with that she took her golden armlet from her arm and laid it on the aching place . she pressed it down very gently , and the swelling rose a full inch above the armlet so that it enclosed the entire swelling . then she loosed a pen - knife with a blade as thin as paper from her silken girdle . with one hand she held the armlet , and with the other she took the knife and lightly passed it around the bottom of the ring . black blood gushed forth and ran over mattress and bed . but young kung was so enchanted by the presence of the beautiful giauna that not only did he feel no pain , but his one fear was that the whole affair might end too soon , and that she would disappear from his sight . in a moment the diseased flesh had been cut away , and giauna had fresh water brought and cleansed the wound . then she took a small red pellet from her mouth , and laid it on the wound , and when she turned around in a circle , it seemed to kung as though she drew out all the inflammation in steam and flames . once more she turned in a circle , and he felt his wound itch and quiver , and when she turned for the third time , he was completely cured .

what did giauna do to save kung ?

cut the diseased flesh away .

summary

action

implicit

giauna-the-beautiful

the maiden took the pellet into her mouth again and said : " now all is well ! " then she hastened into the inner room . young kung leaped up in order to thank her . true , he was now cured of his illness , but his thoughts continued to dwell on giauna 's pretty face . he neglected his books and sat lost in day - dreams . his friend had noticed it and said to him : " i have at last succeeded , this very day , in finding an attractive life companion for you . "

how did kung feel after he was saved by giauna ?

grateful .

local

feeling

implicit

giauna-the-beautiful

the maiden took the pellet into her mouth again and said : " now all is well ! " then she hastened into the inner room . young kung leaped up in order to thank her . true , he was now cured of his illness , but his thoughts continued to dwell on giauna 's pretty face . he neglected his books and sat lost in day - dreams . his friend had noticed it and said to him : " i have at last succeeded , this very day , in finding an attractive life companion for you . " kung asked who she might be . " the daughter of my aunt , a - sung . she is seventeen years of age , and anything but homely . " " i am sure she is not as beautiful as giauna , " thought kung . then he hummed the lines of a song to himself : " who once has seen the sea close by , all rivers shallow streams declares ; who o'er wu 's hill the clouds watched fly , says nothing with that view compares . "

what will kung do after giauna cures him ?

want to marry her .

summary

prediction

implicit

giauna-the-beautiful

the youth smiled . " my little sister giauna is still very young , " said he . " besides , she is my father 's only daughter , and he would not like to see her marry some one from afar . but my cousin a - sung is not homely either . if you do not believe me , wait until they go walking in the garden , and then you may take a look at them without their knowing it . "

why didn't the youth want kung to marry giauna ?

his little giauna was still very young .

local

causal relationship

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

the youth smiled . " my little sister giauna is still very young , " said he . " besides , she is my father 's only daughter , and he would not like to see her marry some one from afar . but my cousin a - sung is not homely either . if you do not believe me , wait until they go walking in the garden , and then you may take a look at them without their knowing it . " kung posted himself at the open window on the look - out , and sure enough , he saw giauna come along leading another girl by the hand , a girl so beautiful that there was none other like her . giauna and she seemed to be sisters , only to be told apart by a slight difference in age . then young kung was exceedingly happy and begged his friend to act for him in arranging the marriage , which the latter promised to do . the next day he came to kung , and told him amid congratulations that everything was arranged . a special court was put in order for the young pair , and the wedding was celebrated . young kung felt as though he had married a fairy , and the two became very fond of each other .

what will kung do when he sees a-sung walking in the garden ?

beg his friend to act for him in arranging the marriage .

summary

prediction

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

then young kung was exceedingly happy and begged his friend to act for him in arranging the marriage , which the latter promised to do . the next day he came to kung , and told him amid congratulations that everything was arranged . a special court was put in order for the young pair , and the wedding was celebrated . young kung felt as though he had married a fairy , and the two became very fond of each other .

how did kung feel when he married a-sung ?

happy .

local

feeling

implicit

giauna-the-beautiful

one day kung 's friend came to him in a state of great excitement and said : " the owner of this house is coming back , and my father now wishes to return to shensi . the time for us to part draws near , and i am very sad ! " kung wished to accompany them , but his friend advised him to return to his own home . kung mentioned the difficulties in the way , but the youth replied : " that need not worry you , because i will accompany you . "

why did kung and the youth have to part ways ?

the owner of the house was coming back , and the youth 's father wished to return to shensi .

local

causal relationship

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

one day kung 's friend came to him in a state of great excitement and said : " the owner of this house is coming back , and my father now wishes to return to shensi . the time for us to part draws near , and i am very sad ! " kung wished to accompany them , but his friend advised him to return to his own home . kung mentioned the difficulties in the way , but the youth replied : " that need not worry you , because i will accompany you . "

what kung do when he found out the youth was leaving ?

wished to accompany them .

local

action

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

after a time the father came , together with a - sung , and made kung a present of a hundred ounces of gold . then the youth took kung and his wife by the hand , and told them to close their eyes . as soon as they did so off they went through the air like a storm - wind . all kung could notice was that the gale roared about his ears . when some time had passed the youth cried : " now we have arrived ! " kung opened his eyes and saw his old home , and then he knew that his friend was not of human kind .

what did the youth's father give to kung ?

a hundred ounces of gold .

local

action

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

after a time the father came , together with a - sung , and made kung a present of a hundred ounces of gold . then the youth took kung and his wife by the hand , and told them to close their eyes . as soon as they did so off they went through the air like a storm - wind . all kung could notice was that the gale roared about his ears . when some time had passed the youth cried : " now we have arrived ! " kung opened his eyes and saw his old home , and then he knew that his friend was not of human kind . gaily they knocked at the door of his home . his mother opened it and when she saw that he had brought along so charming a wife she was greatly pleased . then kung turned around to his friend , but the latter had already disappeared . a - sung served her mother - in - law with great devotion , and her beauty and virtue was celebrated far and near . soon after young kung gained the doctorate , and was appointed inspector of prisons in shensi . he took his wife along with him , but his mother remained at home , since shensi was too far for her to travel . and heaven gave a - sung and kung a little son .

how will kung's mother feel when she sees that he brought along his wife ?

pleased .

summary

prediction

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

but kung became involved in a dispute with a traveling censor . the latter complained about kung and he was dismissed from his post . so it happened that one day he was idling about before the city , when he saw a handsome youth riding a black mule . when he looked more closely he saw that it was his old friend . they fell into each others ' arms , laughing and weeping , and the youth led him to a village . in the midst of a thick grove of trees which threw a deep shade , stood a house whose upper stories rose to the skies . one could see at a glance that people of distinction lived there . kung now inquired after sister giauna , and was told that she had married . he remained over night and then went off to fetch his wife .

how did the youth and kung feel when they saw each other again ?

excited .

local

feeling

implicit

giauna-the-beautiful

but kung became involved in a dispute with a traveling censor . the latter complained about kung and he was dismissed from his post . so it happened that one day he was idling about before the city , when he saw a handsome youth riding a black mule . when he looked more closely he saw that it was his old friend . they fell into each others ' arms , laughing and weeping , and the youth led him to a village . in the midst of a thick grove of trees which threw a deep shade , stood a house whose upper stories rose to the skies . one could see at a glance that people of distinction lived there . kung now inquired after sister giauna , and was told that she had married . he remained over night and then went off to fetch his wife .

why was kung dismissed from his post ?

a traveling censor complained about kung .

local

causal relationship

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

after a time the father came , together with a - sung , and made kung a present of a hundred ounces of gold . then the youth took kung and his wife by the hand , and told them to close their eyes . as soon as they did so off they went through the air like a storm - wind . all kung could notice was that the gale roared about his ears . when some time had passed the youth cried : " now we have arrived ! " kung opened his eyes and saw his old home , and then he knew that his friend was not of human kind .

what happened when the youth immediately brought kung and his wife to his old home ?

he knew that his friend was not of human kind .

local

outcome resolution

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

he began : " i will tell you the truth just as it is . we are foxes . this day we are threatened by the danger of thunder . if you care to save us , then there is a hope that we may manage to stay alive ; if not , then take your child and go , so that you are not involved in our danger . " but kung vowed that he would share life and death with them . then the youth begged him to stand in the door with a sword in his hand , and said : " now when the thunder begins to roll you must stand there and never stir . "

why did the youth beg kung to save his family ?

they were threatened by the danger of thunder .

local

causal relationship

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

then the tempest cleared away , and the blue sky appeared once more . giauna had regained consciousness , and when she saw kung lying dead beside her she said amid sobs : " he died for my sake ! why should i continue to live ? "

how did giauna feel when kung died for her sake ?

sad .

local

feeling

implicit

giauna-the-beautiful

a - sung also came out , and together they carried him into the cave . giauna told a - sung to hold his head while her brother opened his mouth . she herself took hold of his chin , and brought out her little red pellet . she pressed it against his lips with her own , and breathed into his lungs . then the breath came back to his throat with a rattling noise , and in a short time he was himself once more .

what did giauna do to bring kung back to life ?

pressed the little red pellet against his lips with her own , and breathed into his lungs .

local

action

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

so there was the whole family reunited again , and none of its members had come to harm . they gradually recovered from their fright , and were quite happy : when suddenly a small boy brought the news that giauna 's husband and his whole family had been killed by the thunder . giauna broke down , weeping , and the others tried to comfort her . finally kung said : " it is not well to dwell too long amid the graves of the dead . will you not come home with me ? " thereupon they packed up their belongings and went with him . he assigned a deserted garden , which he carefully walled off , to his friend and his family as a dwelling - place . only when kung and a - sung came to visit them was the bolt drawn . then giauna and her brother played chess , drank tea and chatted with them like members of the same family .

what will kung do when he hears giauna's family is killed by the thunder ?

tell the family to come home with him .

summary

prediction

implicit

giauna-the-beautiful

finally kung said : " it is not well to dwell too long amid the graves of the dead . will you not come home with me ? " thereupon they packed up their belongings and went with him . he assigned a deserted garden , which he carefully walled off , to his friend and his family as a dwelling - place . only when kung and a - sung came to visit them was the bolt drawn . then giauna and her brother played chess , drank tea and chatted with them like members of the same family .

where did kung assign his friend and his family to live ?

a deserted garden .

local

setting

explicit

giauna-the-beautiful

but kung 's little son had a somewhat pointed face , which resembled a fox 's , and when he went along the street , the people would turn around and say : " there goes the fox - child ! "

why did people call kung's little son a fox-child ?

kung 's little son had a somewhat pointed face , which resembled a fox 's .

local

causal relationship

explicit

the-bird-with-nine-heads

long , long ago , there once lived a king and a queen who had a daughter . one day , when the daughter went walking in the garden , a tremendous storm suddenly came up and carried her away with it . now the storm had come from the bird with nine heads , who had robbed the princess , and brought her to his cave . the king did not know whither his daughter had disappeared , so he had proclaimed throughout the land : " whoever brings back the princess may have her for his bride ! "

who had robbed the princess ?

the bird with nine heads .

local

character

explicit

the-bird-with-nine-heads

long , long ago , there once lived a king and a queen who had a daughter . one day , when the daughter went walking in the garden , a tremendous storm suddenly came up and carried her away with it . now the storm had come from the bird with nine heads , who had robbed the princess , and brought her to his cave . the king did not know whither his daughter had disappeared , so he had proclaimed throughout the land : " whoever brings back the princess may have her for his bride ! "

what did the king do when the princess disappeared ?

proclaimed throughout the land : " whoever brought back the princess may have her for his bride ! " .

local

action

explicit

the-bird-with-nine-heads

long , long ago , there once lived a king and a queen who had a daughter . one day , when the daughter went walking in the garden , a tremendous storm suddenly came up and carried her away with it . now the storm had come from the bird with nine heads , who had robbed the princess , and brought her to his cave . the king did not know whither his daughter had disappeared , so he had proclaimed throughout the land : " whoever brings back the princess may have her for his bride ! "

where did the bird with nine heads take the princess ?

to his cave .

local

setting

explicit

the-bird-with-nine-heads

now a youth had seen the bird as he was carrying the princess to his cave . this cave , though , was in the middle of a sheer wall of rock . one could not climb up to it from below , nor could one climb down to it from above . and as the youth was walking around the rock , another youth came along and asked him what he was doing there . so the first youth told him that the bird with nine heads had carried off the king 's daughter , and had brought her up to his cave . the other chap knew what he had to do . he called together his friends , and they lowered the youth to the cave in a basket .

what did the other chap do when he heard that the princess was taken ?

called together his friends , and they lowered the youth to the cave in a basket .

local

action

explicit

the-bird-with-nine-heads

and when he went into the cave , he saw the king 's daughter sitting there , and washing the wound of the bird with nine heads ; for the hound of heaven had bitten off his tenth head , and his wound was still bleeding . the princess , however , motioned to the youth to hide , and he did so . when the king 's daughter had washed his wound and bandaged it , the bird with nine heads felt so comfortable , that one after another , all his nine heads fell asleep . then the youth stepped forth from his hiding - place , and cut off his nine heads with a sword . but the king 's daughter said : " it would be best if you were hauled up first , and i came after . "

what did the other chap see the princess doing ?

saw the king 's daughter sitting there , and washing the wound of the bird with nine heads .

local

action

explicit

the-bird-with-nine-heads

" no , " said the youth . " i will wait below here , until you are in safety . " at first the king 's daughter was not willing ; yet at last she allowed herself to be persuaded , and climbed into the basket . but before she did so , she took a long pin from her hair , broke it into two halves and gave him one and kept the other . she also divided her silken kerchief with him , and told him to take good care of both her gifts . but when the other man had drawn up the king 's daughter , he took her along with him , and left the youth in the cave , in spite of all his calling and pleading .

why was the youth calling and pleading to the other chap ?

the other man left the youth in the cave .

local

causal relationship

explicit

the-bird-with-nine-heads

" no , " said the youth . " i will wait below here , until you are in safety . " at first the king 's daughter was not willing ; yet at last she allowed herself to be persuaded , and climbed into the basket . but before she did so , she took a long pin from her hair , broke it into two halves and gave him one and kept the other . she also divided her silken kerchief with him , and told him to take good care of both her gifts . but when the other man had drawn up the king 's daughter , he took her along with him , and left the youth in the cave , in spite of all his calling and pleading . the youth now took a walk about the cave . there he saw a number of maidens , all of whom had been carried off by the bird with nine heads , and who had perished there of hunger . and on the wall hung a fish , nailed against it with four nails . when he touched the fish , the latter turned into a handsome youth , who thanked him for delivering him , and they agreed to regard each other as brothers . soon the first youth grew very hungry . he stepped out in front of the cave to search for food , but only stones were lying there . then , suddenly , he saw a great dragon , who was licking a stone . the youth imitated him , and before long his hunger had disappeared . he next asked the dragon how he could get away from the cave , and the dragon nodded his head in the direction of his tail , as much as to say he should seat himself upon it . so he climbed up , and in the twinkling of an eye he was down on the ground , and the dragon had disappeared .

what will happen when the youth is left in the cave ?

he will see a great dragon .

summary

prediction

explicit

the-bird-with-nine-heads

he then went on until he found a tortoise - shell full of beautiful pearls . but they were magic pearls , for if you flung them into the fire , the fire ceased to burn and if you flung them into the water , the water divided and you could walk through the midst of it . the youth took the pearls out of the tortoise - shell , and put them in his pocket . not long after he reached the sea - shore . here he flung a pearl into the sea , and at once the waters divided and he could see the sea - dragon . the sea - dragon cried : " who is disturbing me here in my own kingdom ? " the youth answered : " i found pearls in a tortoise - shell , and have flung one into the sea , and now the waters have divided for me . "

what did the youth find on the ground ?

a tortoise - shell full of beautiful pearls .

local

action

explicit

the-bird-with-nine-heads

" if that is the case , " said the dragon , " then come into the sea with me and we will live there together . " then the youth recognized him for the same dragon whom he had seen in the cave . and with him was the youth with whom he had formed a bond of brotherhood : he was the dragon 's son . " since you have saved my son and become his brother , i am your father , " said the old dragon . and he entertained him hospitably with food and wine . one day his friend said to him : " my father is sure to want to reward you . but accept no money , nor any jewels from him , but only the little gourd flask over yonder . with it you can conjure up whatever you wish . " and , sure enough , the old dragon asked him what he wanted by way of a reward , and the youth answered : " i want no money , nor any jewels . all i want is the little gourd flask over yonder . " at first the dragon did not wish to give it up , but at last he did let him have it , after all . and then the youth left the dragon 's castle .

what will the old dragon do when the youth saves his son ?

the little gourd flask .

summary

prediction

explicit

the-bird-with-nine-heads

when the other youth had brought back the king 's daughter , it was decided to hold the wedding . but the king 's daughter was not willing , and said : " he is not the right man . my deliverer will come and bring with him half of the long pin for my hair , and half my silken kerchief as a token . " but when the youth did not appear for so long a time , and the other one pressed the king , the king grew impatient and said : " the wedding shall take place to - morrow ! " then the king 's daughter went sadly through the streets of the city , and searched and searched in the hope of finding her deliverer .

why didn't the princess want to marry the other youth ?

he was not the right man .

local

causal relationship

explicit

the-bird-with-nine-heads

when he set his foot on dry land again he felt hungry . at once a table stood before him , covered with a fine and plenteous meal . he ate and drank . after he had gone on a while , he felt weary . and there stood an ass , waiting for him , on which he mounted . after he had ridden for a while , the ass 's gait seemed too uneven , and along came a wagon , into which he climbed . but the wagon shook him up too , greatly , and he thought : " if i only had a litter ! that would suit me better . " no more had he thought so , than the litter came along , and he seated himself in it . and the bearers carried him to the city in which dwelt the king , the queen and their daughter . and this was on the very day that the litter arrived . the king 's daughter saw the half of her silken handkerchief in the youth 's hand , and filled with joy , she led him to her father . there he had to show his half of the long pin , which fitted the other exactly , and then the king was convinced that he was the right , true deliverer . the false bridegroom was now punished , the wedding celebrated , and they lived in peace and happiness till the end of their days .

what will happen when the youth meets the princess ?

they will get married .

summary

prediction

implicit

the-bird-with-nine-heads

when the other youth had brought back the king 's daughter , it was decided to hold the wedding . but the king 's daughter was not willing , and said : " he is not the right man . my deliverer will come and bring with him half of the long pin for my hair , and half my silken kerchief as a token . " but when the youth did not appear for so long a time , and the other one pressed the king , the king grew impatient and said : " the wedding shall take place to - morrow ! " then the king 's daughter went sadly through the streets of the city , and searched and searched in the hope of finding her deliverer . and this was on the very day that the litter arrived . the king 's daughter saw the half of her silken handkerchief in the youth 's hand , and filled with joy , she led him to her father . there he had to show his half of the long pin , which fitted the other exactly , and then the king was convinced that he was the right , true deliverer . the false bridegroom was now punished , the wedding celebrated , and they lived in peace and happiness till the end of their days .

what will happen when the princess finds her deliverer ?

the false bridegroom will be now punished .

summary

prediction

explicit

the-bird-with-nine-heads

" no , " said the youth . " i will wait below here , until you are in safety . " at first the king 's daughter was not willing ; yet at last she allowed herself to be persuaded , and climbed into the basket . but before she did so , she took a long pin from her hair , broke it into two halves and gave him one and kept the other . she also divided her silken kerchief with him , and told him to take good care of both her gifts . but when the other man had drawn up the king 's daughter , he took her along with him , and left the youth in the cave , in spite of all his calling and pleading . and this was on the very day that the litter arrived . the king 's daughter saw the half of her silken handkerchief in the youth 's hand , and filled with joy , she led him to her father . there he had to show his half of the long pin , which fitted the other exactly , and then the king was convinced that he was the right , true deliverer . the false bridegroom was now punished , the wedding celebrated , and they lived in peace and happiness till the end of their days .

how did the princess know that the youth was her deliverer ?

she gave him half of her silken handkerchief in the cave .

summary

action

implicit

the-bird-with-nine-heads

when the other youth had brought back the king 's daughter , it was decided to hold the wedding . but the king 's daughter was not willing , and said : " he is not the right man . my deliverer will come and bring with him half of the long pin for my hair , and half my silken kerchief as a token . " but when the youth did not appear for so long a time , and the other one pressed the king , the king grew impatient and said : " the wedding shall take place to - morrow ! " then the king 's daughter went sadly through the streets of the city , and searched and searched in the hope of finding her deliverer . and this was on the very day that the litter arrived . the king 's daughter saw the half of her silken handkerchief in the youth 's hand , and filled with joy , she led him to her father . there he had to show his half of the long pin , which fitted the other exactly , and then the king was convinced that he was the right , true deliverer . the false bridegroom was now punished , the wedding celebrated , and they lived in peace and happiness till the end of their days .

how will the princess feel when she meets the youth ?

happy .

summary

prediction

implicit

the-tale-of-peter-rabbit

once upon a time there were four little rabbits , and their names were-- flopsy , mopsy , cotton - tail , and peter . they lived with their mother in a sand - bank , underneath the root of a very big fir tree . " now , my dears , " said old mrs . rabbit one morning , " you may go into the fields or down the lane , but do n't go into mr . mcgregor 's garden : your father had an accident there ; he was put in a pie by mrs . mcgregor . " " now run along , and do n't get into mischief . i am going out . "

where did the four little rabbits live ?

underneath the root of a very big fir tree .

local

setting

explicit

the-tale-of-peter-rabbit

once upon a time there were four little rabbits , and their names were-- flopsy , mopsy , cotton - tail , and peter . they lived with their mother in a sand - bank , underneath the root of a very big fir tree . " now , my dears , " said old mrs . rabbit one morning , " you may go into the fields or down the lane , but do n't go into mr . mcgregor 's garden : your father had an accident there ; he was put in a pie by mrs . mcgregor . " " now run along , and do n't get into mischief . i am going out . "

why does mrs. rabbit warn her children to not go into mr. mcgregor's garden ?

because their father had an accident there .

local

causal relationship

implicit

the-tale-of-peter-rabbit

then old mrs . rabbit took a basket and her umbrella , to the baker 's . she bought a loaf of brown bread and five currant buns . flopsy , mopsy , and cottontail , who were good little bunnies , went down the lane to gather blackberries ; but peter , who was very naughty , ran straight away to mr . mcgregor 's garden and squeezed under the gate ! first he ate some lettuces and some french beans ; and then he ate some radishes ; and then , feeling rather sick , he went to look for some parsley .

which one of the four bunnies run straight to mr. mcgregor's garden ?

peter .

local

action

explicit

the-tale-of-peter-rabbit

then old mrs . rabbit took a basket and her umbrella , to the baker 's . she bought a loaf of brown bread and five currant buns . flopsy , mopsy , and cottontail , who were good little bunnies , went down the lane to gather blackberries ; but peter , who was very naughty , ran straight away to mr . mcgregor 's garden and squeezed under the gate ! first he ate some lettuces and some french beans ; and then he ate some radishes ; and then , feeling rather sick , he went to look for some parsley .

why was peter looking for some parsely ?

because he was feeling sick after stealing some lettuces , french beans , and radishes from mr . mcgregor 's garden .

local

causal relationship

implicit

the-tale-of-peter-rabbit

but round the end of a cucumber frame , whom should he meet but mr . mcgregor ! mr . mcgregor was on his hands and knees planting out young cabbages , but he jumped up and ran after peter , waving a rake and calling out , " stop thief ! " peter was most dreadfully frightened ; he rushed all over the garden , for he had forgotten the way back to the gate . he lost one of his shoes among the cabbages , and the other shoe amongst the potatoes .

what happened to peter's shoes ?

he lost one of his shoes among the cabbages , and the other shoe amongst the potatoes .

local

outcome resolution

explicit

the-tale-of-peter-rabbit

after losing them , he ran on four legs and went faster , so that i think he might have got away altogether if he had not unfortunately run into a gooseberry net , and got caught by the large buttons on his jacket . it was a blue jacket with brass buttons , quite new . peter gave himself up for lost , and shed big tears ; but his sobs were overheard by some friendly sparrows , who flew to him in great excitement , and implored him to exert himself . mr . mcgregor came up with a sieve , which he intended to pop upon the top of peter ; but peter wriggled out just in time , leaving his jacket behind him .

what did the sparrows do when they heard peter cry ?

they flew to him in great excitement and implored him to exert himself .

local

action

explicit

the-tale-of-peter-rabbit

and rushed into the toolshed , and jumped into a can . it would have been a beautiful thing to hide in , if it had not had so much water in it . mr . mcgregor was quite sure that peter was somewhere in the toolshed , perhaps hidden underneath a flower - pot . he began to turn them over carefully , looking under each . presently peter sneezed--"kertyschoo ! " mr . mcgregor was after him in no time , and tried to put his foot upon peter , who jumped out of a window , upsetting three plants . the window was too small for mr . mcgregor , and he was tired of running after peter . he went back to his work .

why did mr. mcgregor return to his work ?

because the window was too small for mr . mcgregor and he was tired to running after peter .

local

causal relationship

explicit

the-tale-of-peter-rabbit

peter sat down to rest ; he was out of breath and trembling with fright , and he had not the least idea which way to go . also he was very damp with sitting in that can . after a time he began to wander about , going lippity -- lippity -- not very fast , and looking all around . he found a door in a wall ; but it was locked , and there was no room for a fat little rabbit to squeeze underneath . an old mouse was running in and out over the stone doorstep , carrying peas and beans to her family in the wood . peter asked her the way to the gate , but she had such a large pea in her mouth that she could not answer . she only shook her head at him . peter began to cry .

who did peter encounter at the door ?

an old mouse carrying peas and beans to her family in the wood .

local

action

explicit

the-tale-of-peter-rabbit

peter sat down to rest ; he was out of breath and trembling with fright , and he had not the least idea which way to go . also he was very damp with sitting in that can . after a time he began to wander about , going lippity -- lippity -- not very fast , and looking all around . he found a door in a wall ; but it was locked , and there was no room for a fat little rabbit to squeeze underneath . an old mouse was running in and out over the stone doorstep , carrying peas and beans to her family in the wood . peter asked her the way to the gate , but she had such a large pea in her mouth that she could not answer . she only shook her head at him . peter began to cry .

why wasn't the old mouse able to answer ?

she had such a large pea in her mouth that she could not answer .

local

causal relationship

explicit

the-tale-of-peter-rabbit

then he tried to find his way straight across the garden , but he became more and more puzzled . presently , he came to a pond where mr . mcgregor filled his water - cans . a white cat was staring at some gold - fish ; she sat very , very still , but now and then the tip of her tail twitched as if it were alive . peter thought it best to go away without speaking to her ; he had heard about cats from his cousin , little benjamin bunny . he went back towards the tool - shed , but suddenly , quite close to him , he heard the noise of a hoe -- scr - r - ritch , scratch , scratch , scritch . peter scuttered underneath the bushes . but presently , as nothing happened , he came out , and climbed upon a wheelbarrow , and peeped over . the first thing he saw was mr . mcgregor hoeing onions . his back was turned towards peter , and beyond him was the gate !

what was the white cat doing near the pond ?

a white cat was staring at some gold fish ; she sat very , very still .

local

action

explicit

the-tale-of-peter-rabbit

peter got down very quietly off the wheelbarrow , and started running as fast as he could go , along a straight walk behind some black - currant bushes . mr . mcgregor caught sight of him at the corner , but peter did not care . he slipped underneath the gate , and was safe at last in the wood outside the garden . mr . mcgregor hung up the little jacket and the shoes for a scare - crow to frighten the blackbirds . peter never stopped running or looked behind him till he got home to the big fir - tree . he was so tired that he flopped down upon the nice soft sand on the floor of the rabbit - hole , and shut his eyes . his mother was busy cooking ; she wondered what he had done with his clothes . it was the second little jacket and pair of shoes that peter had lost in a fortnight !

what did peter's mother think after seeting peter return home ?

she wondered what he had done with his clothes .

local

action

explicit

the-tale-of-peter-rabbit

i am sorry to say that peter was not very well during the evening . his mother put him to bed , and made some camomile tea ; and she gave a dose of it to peter ! " one table - spoonful to be taken at bed - time . " but flopsy , mopsy , and cotton - tail had bread and milk and blackberries , for supper .

what did peter's mother give to peter compared to his siblings ?

the mother gave peter a camomile tea while his sibilings had bread , milk , and blackberries for supper .

local

action

implicit

what-one-can-invent

there was once a young man who was studying to be a poet . he wanted to become one by easter , and to marry , and to live by poetry . to write poems , he knew , only consists in being able to invent something . but he could not invent anything . he had been born too late -- everything had been taken up before he came into the world , and everything had been written and told about .

what was the young man studying to be ?

a poet .

local

character

explicit

what-one-can-invent

there was once a young man who was studying to be a poet . he wanted to become one by easter , and to marry , and to live by poetry . to write poems , he knew , only consists in being able to invent something . but he could not invent anything . he had been born too late -- everything had been taken up before he came into the world , and everything had been written and told about .

why did the young man believe that he could not invent anything ?

he had been born too late - everything had been taken up before he came into the world , and everything had been written and told about .

local

causal relationship

explicit

what-one-can-invent

then he studied till he became ill and wretched , the wretched man ! no doctor could help him , but perhaps the wise woman could . she lived in the little house by the wayside , where the gate is that she opened for those who rode and drove . but she could do more than unlock the gate . she was wiser than the doctor who drives in his own carriage and pays tax for his rank . " i must go to her , " said the young man .

what size was the house that the wise woman lives in ?

little .

local

setting

explicit

what-one-can-invent

the house in which she dwelt was small and neat , but dreary to behold , for there were no flowers near it -- no trees . by the door stood a bee - hive , which was very useful . there was also a little potato - field , very useful , and an earth bank , with sloe bushes upon it , which had done blossoming . it now bore fruit , sloes , that draw one 's mouth together if one tastes them before the frost has touched them .

what stood beside the door ?

bee - hive .

local

setting

explicit

what-one-can-invent

" that 's a true picture of our poetryless time , that i see before me now , " thought the young man . that was at least a thought , a grain of gold that he found by the door of the wise woman . " write that down ! " said she . " even crumbs are bread . i know why you come hither . you can not invent anything , and yet you want to be a poet by easter . "

what does the woman order the young man to do ?

write down his thought .

local

action

implicit

what-one-can-invent

" everything has been written down , " said he . " our time is not the old time . " " no , " said the woman . " in the old time wise women were burnt , and poets went about with empty stomachs , and very much out at elbows . the present time is good , it is the best of times . but you have not the right way of looking at it . your ear is not sharpened to hear , and i fancy you do not say the lord 's prayer in the evening . there is plenty here to write poems about , and to tell of , for any one who knows the way . you can read it in the fruits of the earth , you can draw it from the flowing and the standing water . you must understand how -- you must understand how to catch a sunbeam . now just you try my spectacles on , and put my ear - trumpet to your ear , and then pray to god , and leave off thinking of yourself . "

why wasn't the young man able to write poems according to the wise woman ?

because his ear is not sharpened to hear and he does not say the lord 's prayer in the evening .

local

causal relationship

explicit

what-one-can-invent

the last was a very difficult thing to do -- more than a wise woman ought to ask . he received the spectacles and the ear - trumpet , and was posted in the middle of the potato - field . she put a great potato into his hand . sounds came from within it . there came a song with words , the history of the potato , an every - day story in ten parts , an interesting story . and ten lines were enough to tell it in .

what came from within the great potato ?

sounds .

local

action

explicit

what-one-can-invent

and what did the potato sing ? she sang of herself and of her family , of the arrival of the potato in europe , of the misrepresentation to which she had been exposed before she was acknowledged , as she is now , to be a greater treasure than a lump of gold .

what did the potato sing ?

herself and her family and arrival of the potato in europe an the misrepresentation to which she had been exposed beore she was acknowledged .

local

action

explicit

what-one-can-invent

" we were distributed , by the king 's command , from the council - houses through the various towns , and proclamation was made of our great value . but no one believed in it , or even understood how to plant us . one man dug a hole in the earth and threw in his whole bushel of potatoes . another put one potato here and another there in the ground , and expected that each was to come up a perfect tree , from which he might shake down potatoes . and they certainly grew , and produced flowers and green watery fruit , but it all withered away . nobody thought of what was in the ground -- the blessing -- the potato . yes , we have endured and suffered , that is to say , our forefathers have ; they and we , it is all one . " what a story it was !

what happened to the potatoes that were planted incorrectly ?

they grew and produced flowers and green watery fruit but all withered away .

local

outcome resolution

implicit

what-one-can-invent

" well , and that will do , " said the woman . " now look at the sloe bush . " " we have also some near relations in the home of the potatoes , but higher towards the north than they grew , " said the sloes . " there were northmen , from norway , who steered westward through mist and storm to an unknown land , where , behind ice and snow , they found plants and green meadows , and bushes with blue - black grapes -- sloe bushes . the grapes were ripened by the frost just as we are . and they called the land ' wine - land , ' that is , ' groenland , ' or ' sloeland . ' " " that is quite a romantic story , " said the young man . " yes , certainly . but now come with me , " said the wise woman , and she led him to the bee - hive .

why were the lands named "wine-land", or "groenland" or "sloeland" ?

because there were bushes with blue - black grapes -- sloe bushes -- near where the potatoes grew .

local

causal relationship

implicit

what-one-can-invent

he looked into it . what life and labor ! there were bees standing in all the passages , waving their wings , so that a wholesome draught of air might blow through the great manufactory . that was their business . then there came in bees from without , who had been born with little baskets on their feet . they brought flower - dust , which was poured out , sorted , and manufactured into honey and wax . they flew in and out . the queen - bee wanted to fly out , but then all the other bees must have gone with her . it was not yet the time for that , but still she wanted to fly out . so the others bit off her majesty 's wings , and she had to stay where she was .

what did the bees do ?

they brought flower - dust which was poured out , sorted , and manufactured into honey and wax .

local

action

explicit

what-one-can-invent

" now get upon the earth bank , " said the wise woman . " come and look out over the highway , where you can see the people . " " what a crowd it is ! " said the young man . " one story after another . it whirls and whirls ! it 's quite a confusion before my eyes . i shall go out at the back . " " no , go straight forward , " said the woman . " go straight into the crowd of people . look at them in the right way . have an ear to hear and the right heart to feel , and you will soon invent something . but , before you go away , you must give me my spectacles and my ear - trumpet again . "

from whom does the young man receive aspiration ?

the crowd .

local

action

explicit

what-one-can-invent

and so saying , she took both from him . " now i do not see the smallest thing , " said the young man , " and now i do n't hear anything more . " " why , then , you ca n't be a poet by easter , " said the wise woman . " but , by what time can i be one ? " asked he . " neither by easter nor by whitsuntide ! you will not learn how to invent anything . " " what must i do to earn my bread by poetry ? " " you can do that before shrove tuesday . hunt the poets ! kill their writings and thus you will kill them . do n't be put out of countenance . strike at them boldly , and you 'll have carnival cake , on which you can support yourself and your wife too . " " what one can invent ! " cried the young man . and so he hit out boldly at every second poet , because he could not be a poet himself . we have it from the wise woman . she knows what one can invent .

why does the wise woman order the young man to hunt the poets ?

to support himself and his wife .

local

causal relationship

implicit

the-mother

a mother sat there with her little child . she was so downcast , so afraid that it should die ! it was so pale , the small eyes had closed themselves , and it drew its breath so softly , now and then , with a deep respiration , as if it sighed . the mother looked still more sorrowfully on the little creature . then a knocking was heard at the door , and in came a poor old man wrapped up as in a large horse - cloth , for it warms one . he needed it , as it was the cold winter season ! everything out - of - doors was covered with ice and snow , and the wind blew so that it cut the face . as the old man trembled with cold , and the little child slept a moment , the mother went and poured some ale into a pot and set it on the stove , that it might be warm for him . the old man sat and rocked the cradle , and the mother sat down on a chair close by him , and looked at her little sick child that drew its breath so deep , and raised its little hand .

what was the mother afraid of ?

her child dying .

local

feeling

explicit

the-mother

a mother sat there with her little child . she was so downcast , so afraid that it should die ! it was so pale , the small eyes had closed themselves , and it drew its breath so softly , now and then , with a deep respiration , as if it sighed . the mother looked still more sorrowfully on the little creature . then a knocking was heard at the door , and in came a poor old man wrapped up as in a large horse - cloth , for it warms one . he needed it , as it was the cold winter season ! everything out - of - doors was covered with ice and snow , and the wind blew so that it cut the face . as the old man trembled with cold , and the little child slept a moment , the mother went and poured some ale into a pot and set it on the stove , that it might be warm for him . the old man sat and rocked the cradle , and the mother sat down on a chair close by him , and looked at her little sick child that drew its breath so deep , and raised its little hand .

why was the man wearing a large horse cloth ?

because it keeps him warm .

local

causal relationship

implicit

the-mother

a mother sat there with her little child . she was so downcast , so afraid that it should die ! it was so pale , the small eyes had closed themselves , and it drew its breath so softly , now and then , with a deep respiration , as if it sighed . the mother looked still more sorrowfully on the little creature . then a knocking was heard at the door , and in came a poor old man wrapped up as in a large horse - cloth , for it warms one . he needed it , as it was the cold winter season ! everything out - of - doors was covered with ice and snow , and the wind blew so that it cut the face . as the old man trembled with cold , and the little child slept a moment , the mother went and poured some ale into a pot and set it on the stove , that it might be warm for him . the old man sat and rocked the cradle , and the mother sat down on a chair close by him , and looked at her little sick child that drew its breath so deep , and raised its little hand .

what did the mother pour into a pot ?

some ale .

local

action

explicit

the-mother

a mother sat there with her little child . she was so downcast , so afraid that it should die ! it was so pale , the small eyes had closed themselves , and it drew its breath so softly , now and then , with a deep respiration , as if it sighed . the mother looked still more sorrowfully on the little creature . then a knocking was heard at the door , and in came a poor old man wrapped up as in a large horse - cloth , for it warms one . he needed it , as it was the cold winter season ! everything out - of - doors was covered with ice and snow , and the wind blew so that it cut the face . as the old man trembled with cold , and the little child slept a moment , the mother went and poured some ale into a pot and set it on the stove , that it might be warm for him . the old man sat and rocked the cradle , and the mother sat down on a chair close by him , and looked at her little sick child that drew its breath so deep , and raised its little hand .

what did the old man do when he sat down ?

rocked the cradle .

local

action

explicit

the-mother

" do you not think that i shall save him ? " said she . " our lord will not take him from me ! " and the old man -- it was death himself -- he nodded so strangely , it could just as well signify yes as no . and the mother looked down in her lap , and the tears ran down over her cheeks . her head became so heavy -- she had not closed her eyes for three days and nights . now she slept , but only for a minute , when she started up and trembled with cold . " what is that ? " said she , and looked on all sides . but the old man was gone , and her little child was gone -- he had taken it with him . the old clock in the corner burred , and burred , the great leaden weight ran down to the floor , bump ! and then the clock also stood still . but the poor mother ran out of the house and cried aloud for her child . out there , in the midst of the snow , there sat a woman in long , black clothes . she said , " death has been in thy chamber , and i saw him hasten away with thy little child . he goes faster than the wind , and he never brings back what he takes ! "

why did the woman run out of the house ?

because the old man took her child .

local

causal relationship

implicit

the-mother

" do you not think that i shall save him ? " said she . " our lord will not take him from me ! " and the old man -- it was death himself -- he nodded so strangely , it could just as well signify yes as no . and the mother looked down in her lap , and the tears ran down over her cheeks . her head became so heavy -- she had not closed her eyes for three days and nights . now she slept , but only for a minute , when she started up and trembled with cold . " what is that ? " said she , and looked on all sides . but the old man was gone , and her little child was gone -- he had taken it with him . the old clock in the corner burred , and burred , the great leaden weight ran down to the floor , bump ! and then the clock also stood still . but the poor mother ran out of the house and cried aloud for her child . out there , in the midst of the snow , there sat a woman in long , black clothes . she said , " death has been in thy chamber , and i saw him hasten away with thy little child . he goes faster than the wind , and he never brings back what he takes ! "

who sat outside in the snow ?

a woman in long , black clothes .

local

character

implicit

the-mother

" oh , only tell me which way he went ! " said the mother . " tell me the way , and i shall find him ! " " i know it ! " said the woman in the black clothes . " but before i tell it , thou must first sing for me all the songs thou hast sung for thy child ! i am fond of them . i have heard them before . i am night . i saw thy tears whilst thou sang'st them ! " " i will sing them all , all ! " said the mother . " but do not stop me now -- i may overtake him -- i may find my child ! " but night stood still and mute . then the mother wrung her hands , sang and wept , and there were many songs , but yet many more tears . then night said , " go to the right , into the dark pine forest . go to where i saw death take his way with thy little child ! "

what does night ask the mother to do ?

sing .

local

action

explicit