Chapter 1: How I Taught My Grandmother to Read (How I Taught My Grandmother …)

No. She "had never seen her cry even in the most difficult situations". Avva was a strong, cheerful woman, and the narrator had only been away enjoying a wedding, so she had no idea anything was wrong.

No. She "had never seen her cry even in the most difficult situations".

She could teach her the Kannada alphabet daily, help her join letters into words, give her homework, and let her practise by reading familiar stories like Kashi Yatre, the newspaper and signboards.

She was a respected, well-off elder of the village. Asking others would reveal that she could not read and make her feel small and dependent; her self-respect stopped her.

She was a respected, well-off elder of the village.

As a child, she thought learning was only for the young. Avva's age, grey hair, wrinkled hands, spectacles and kitchen work made the idea seem funny and impossible.

As a child, she thought learning was only for the young.

In Avva's life, it is the story she loves and identifies with; being unable to read it makes her feel helpless and inspires her to learn. In the story, it frames the plot: it begins the reading sessions, causes the crisis and becomes the gift at the end, proving her success. Its message (kindness above personal merit) also mirrors Avva's goodness.

In Avva's life, it is the story she loves and identifies with; being unable to read it makes her feel helpless and inspires her to learn.

A teacher deserves respect regardless of age or gender; humility is a sign of greatness; gratitude should be expressed openly; knowledge, not age, earns respect.

It sums up the theme: willpower overcomes obstacles such as age and circumstance. Avva overcomes her age and busy life to become literate within months.

It sums up the theme: willpower overcomes obstacles such as age and circumstance.

Very effectively. Avva is wealthy and respected, yet feels "dependent and helpless" because she cannot read a magazine. Once she learns, she says, "Now I am independent." The contrast shows that literacy, not money, gives true freedom.

Very effectively. Avva is wealthy and respected, yet feels "dependent and helpless" because she cannot read a magazine.