Leaving by M.G Vassanji
Short Summary:
A single mother in Upanga, with five children, faces a dilemma when her youngest son, Aloo, receives a scholarship to study in America. Initially hesitant due to fear of separation, she eventually allows him to go after seeking advice from a former school administrator. Aloo, torn between his desire to study abroad and his loyalty to family, eventually heads to America for his studies.
Long Summary
In Upanga, a single mother with five children lived in a residential area. She moved there for her youngest children to study in peace after selling her shop in Uhuru. The two eldest daughters were married, one child lived separately, and she lived with the two youngest children.
Aloo, a bright student in his last year of school, went on a city tour with his former teacher Mr. Datoo, who had returned from America. Inspired by the trip, Aloo decided to pursue further studies in America, fascinated by magazines featuring American universities.
Aloo received inspiring responses from universities after his exams, including a scholarship offer from the California Institute of Technology. He was surprised to receive a scholarship for agriculture instead of medicine, which he had applied for.
Aloo receives a scholarship to study in America but his mother refuses to let him go, fearing he will leave the family. Aloo, despite his desire to study abroad, obeys his mother and plans to study agriculture at a local college.
A mother takes her children to meet with Mr. Velji, a former school administrator, to seek advice on her son Aloo’s study plan. After discussing her family’s background and showing Aloo’s documents, Mr. Velji suggests that the mother should let Aloo go, but warns her that she will lose her son.
Aloo’s mother made him promise not to marry a white woman, drink, or smoke before letting him go to America for his studies. A week after leaving, Aloo sent a letter from London where he visited a former classmate.
Important Questions:
Explain what Mr. Velji meant when he said, “If you send him, and you will lose your son.”
Answer:
Mr. Velji expressed that if Aloo is sent to America, he might not return due to the country’s allure and opportunities. Studying abroad would expose Aloo to new subjects and better facilities, but would also mean being away from family for an extended period. The benefits for Aloo include furthering his talent, making independent educational choices, exploring diverse fields of study, and learning self-reliance.
Elucidate how the metaphor “a bird flapping its wings” symbolizes Aloo’s future prospects.
Answer:
Aloo, a student in the city, is inspired by his teacher to pursue better education in America. With his mother’s approval, he feels free to pursue his studies and reach his full potential, symbolized by the metaphor of a bird flying high.
Write about the hardship, pain, love, and responsibility of the mother as they are reflected in the story.
Answer:
A single mother raises her five children alone after her husband’s death, marrying off two daughters and caring for the youngest sons. She works tirelessly to provide for their needs, refusing marriage proposals out of fear her children may be sent to an orphanage. Despite her reluctance, she eventually allows her son to go to America for a better future, showing her selfless love and sacrifice for her children’s well-being. The story highlights the mother’s hardships, love, and sense of responsibility towards her family.