ELE135 | Summer Term, A.Y.
2024 – 2025
Name: MACAORAO, Sittie Salima A.
Making Connections: Kabuliwala by Rabindranath Tagore
A. Based on the story, answer the following questions:
1. What did you think of Kabuliwala in the earlier part of the story?
At the start of the story, I honestly thought the Kabuliwala was a bit suspicious. His big build,
strange clothing, and the bag he carried made me feel like he might be someone to be careful of,
just like Mini felt at first. But as I read on, I saw a softer side to him. He was patient, gentle, and
kind, especially to Mini. That change in how I saw him made me realize how appearances can be
misleading.
2. If you were Mini’s mother, would you do the same?
If I were Mini’s mother, I think I would also feel the same way. It is natural for a mother to
be protective and cautious, especially when it comes to strangers. I believe there’s nothing wrong
with being careful because that is part of a mother’s instinct. But I also think it’s not right to let
prejudice or unfair assumptions decide how we treat people. Being cautious is good, but it should
be balanced with fairness.
3. What made Mini interested in Rahmun or Kabuliwala and vice versa?
I think Mini liked Rahmun because he listened to her so patiently. Her father was usually
busy with his writing, and her mother often scolded her for talking too much, but Rahmun never
seemed annoyed by her chatter. As for Rahmun, I think he liked talking to Mini because she
reminded him of his daughter back in Afghanistan. She was around the same age as Mini when
he last saw her, so being with Mini felt like being close to his own child again.
4. How would you describe the friendship between Mini and Rahmun?
For me, their friendship was innocent and pure. It showed that friendship can grow between
people who are completely different in age, culture, and background. What mattered most was
how much they enjoyed each other’s company. Mini found joy in sharing her endless chatter, and
Rahmun found comfort in her laughter, which reminded him of home. Their bond was simple,
but it was real.
5. What is the most important lesson you learned from the story?
For me, the story is a strong reminder of the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” At
first, I also thought the Kabuliwala might be dangerous because of how he looked and where he
came from, but as I read further, I saw that he was kind and caring. It made me realize that
kindness to others, even strangers, doesn’t cost anything. I believe we should always try to be
respectful and understanding to others, even if they are different from us. At the same time, I
know that kindness should have its limits because we also need to be careful. In the end, the
story reminded me to respect people and not judge them too quickly.
B. Trace the plot of the story Kabuliwala. Present your output through the graphic
organizer below.
EXPOSITION RISING ACTION
Mini is a lively five-year-old girl At first, Mini is scared of
who loves to talk, while her Rahmun, but she slowly warms
father is a writer. One day, she up to him. They become friends,
meets a Kabuliwala named and he often visits to listen to
Rahmun, a fruit seller from her chatter and give her grapes,
Afghanistan. nuts, and raisins.
RESOLUTION
CLIMAX
8 years later, Rahmun is
Rahmun is suddenly arrested for
released and goes to see Mini,
stabbing a man over a business
who is now grown up and about
dispute. He is sentenced to
to be married. He is shocked to
several years in prison,
see how much she has changed
separating him from Mini.
and realizes time has passed.
ENDING
The narrator helps Rahmun
return to Afghanistan so he can
see his own daughter. The story
ends with a bittersweet
goodbye, showing the deep
bond of their friendship despite
distance and time.
C. The story Kabuliwala by Rabindranath Tagore not only talks about friendship and
trust but also presents an important issue regarding our impressions of foreign
individuals. Please write a short commentary or reaction about this issue, as explained
in the story, and relate it to the present.
For me, the story of Kabuliwala shows how quickly people can form wrong
impressions about someone who is foreign. In the story, the Kabuliwala is treated
with suspicion simply because of how he looks, speaks, and where he comes from. I
see this same situation happening today with many OFWs (Overseas Filipino
Workers). Some of them face prejudice in the countries where they work, with people
doubting their character or judging them unfairly just because they are foreigners.
There are times when OFWs are misunderstood or treated as if they do not belong,
even though they are hardworking and kind. This story reminds me that we should
treat everyone, whether local or foreign, with respect and fairness.
