The farmer loved his only son very much. He wanted the boy to have a companion when he grew up. So he decided to bring home a pet to give his son company.
Did she repent her hasty action? How does she show her repentance?
Answer
The farmer’s wife saw the snake tom into pieces. Her own son was safely asleep. She realised her mistake. She felt very sorry. She touched the mongoose and cried. She saw the painful result of her hasty action.
Why did the farmer’s wife strike the mongoose with her basket?
Answer
The farmer’s wife returned home with a heavy basket. She noticed blood on the face and paws of the mongoose. She had no doubt that the mongoose had killed her son. So in anger she hit the animal with the basket. The poor mongoose died on the spot.
What was the farmer’s comment on his wife’s fears?
Answer
The farmer understood why his wife was afraid of leaving the baby alone with the mongoose. Therefore, he tried to remove her fear. He said that the mongoose was a friendly animal, as sweet and gentle as their own baby.