5. One Centimetre - Short Stories - Class 12 - Kaleidoscope

BhashaLab
Jul 9
5 min read

Updated: Jul 10

Author: Bi Shu-min

Kaleidoscope – Short Story (Fiction)

Summary

The story “One Centimetre” follows Tao Ying, a humble factory canteen worker, and her young son, Xiao Ye. Though economically constrained, Tao Ying strives to raise her son with dignity and instil moral values in him. A key incident unfolds when Tao Ying decides to take Xiao Ye to a temple using a complimentary ticket. Children below 110 cm are exempt from ticket charges. But at the entrance, the guard insists Xiao Ye is taller than the limit, despite Tao Ying's belief otherwise. In an effort to save face, she momentarily tries to manipulate her son’s height but ultimately refuses to compromise her integrity or set a poor example. The conflict deeply affects their relationship, leaving Xiao Ye feeling betrayed. Later, Tao Ying writes to the temple authorities, and after much waiting, they verify that the measurement was inaccurate. Tao Ying, however, refuses compensation and only asks the officials to clarify to her son that she did nothing wrong. The story ends with her quiet dignity restored. It highlights the struggles of honest living, the complexity of motherhood, and the moral dilemmas faced in day-to-day life.

Character Sketch:

Tao Ying

Tao Ying is a hardworking and principled woman who works as a cook in a factory canteen. Though not well-educated, she strives to lead an honourable life and set a good example for her son, Xiao Ye. She is conscious of appearances and takes pride in small dignities, such as speaking politely and acting responsibly. She is emotionally sensitive and introspective, often questioning her decisions in light of her role as a mother. Despite financial hardship, she values her son’s self-respect over money. Her reaction to public embarrassment at the temple gate is dignified and restrained. She later chooses to seek justice through a written complaint but refuses any monetary compensation, valuing moral vindication over material gain. Tao Ying emerges as a symbol of quiet resilience and ethical motherhood.

Themes

Theme	Description
Motherhood & Responsibility	Tao Ying strives to be a flawless mother and role model for her son.
Dignity vs. Poverty	The story explores how individuals preserve dignity in economically hard lives.
Innocence and Pride in Childhood	Xiao Ye’s emotional response reveals the delicate pride of children.
Conflict Between Ethics and Practicality	Tao Ying is often torn between saving money and doing what is right.
Social Scrutiny and Judgment	Public opinion and officialdom affect how people behave in private matters.

✨ Literary Devices / Poetic Devices

Device	Example	Effect
Simile	“Her jacket ballooning like a tent.”	Highlights her clumsy entry and sets a realistic tone.
Metaphor	“To melt the ice in her son’s eyes.”	Expresses emotional distance and the desire for forgiveness.
Imagery	“Yellow tape turned into a poisonous viper.”	Conveys emotional intensity and guilt.
Irony	“Fitness scales” exaggerating height.	Adds humour while revealing the absurdity of social validation.
Symbolism	The red line/earthworm on the wall.	Represents rigid, dehumanised bureaucratic systems.

Title Justification

The title “One Centimetre” captures the core conflict of the story — a seemingly insignificant difference in height that leads to a crisis of identity, pride, and trust between a mother and her son. This "one centimetre" becomes symbolic of the larger gap between rules and reality, adult reasoning and child sensitivity, as well as the space between doing what is convenient and doing what is right. Through this tiny measurement, the story unravels themes of love, ethics, social perception, and personal integrity.

One-Mark Questions

Why does Tao Ying avoid buying bus tickets sometimes?
She assesses the conductor's attentiveness before deciding to pay. If the conductor appears careless, she saves money by not buying a ticket.
Why did Xiao Ye want a ticket for himself?
He believed a proper ride needed a ticket and saw it as a matter of personal pride. It also reflected his desire to feel grown-up.
What was the significance of the red line at the temple gate?
It was used to measure children for free entry, marking the 110 cm limit. The red line becomes a source of humiliation and misunderstanding.
Why does Tao Ying refuse the refund from the temple authorities?
She believes no compensation can replace the emotional damage and lost moment. Her priority was her son’s faith in her, not money.
How does Tao Ying try to regain her son’s trust?
She writes a letter to the temple, seeking acknowledgment that she wasn’t wrong. Her intention is to restore her image in her son’s eyes.

Three-Mark Questions

How does the author portray the complexity of a mother’s role in the story?
Tao Ying is shown as a deeply conscientious mother trying to lead by example. She often sacrifices her comfort and even savings to teach her son moral lessons. Despite limited education and resources, she strives for dignity and grace. When her son’s trust is shaken at the temple, she is deeply affected and works hard to regain it. Her refusal to accept money from the temple shows her ethical commitment. This makes her character realistic and emotionally resonant.
What role does the temple incident play in the development of Xiao Ye’s character?
The temple incident is a turning point for Xiao Ye. He is confused and saddened by the conflict, especially when his mother appears to lie. The emotional blow is so severe that he begins to mistrust her and silently distances himself. It reflects the sensitive pride and rigid sense of fairness that children hold. The event also marks his psychological growth, as he begins to view adults with suspicion. His silence reflects a loss of innocence.
How does the story expose the arbitrary nature of rules and authority?
The story critiques how rules, like the 110 cm height cut-off, can be applied without compassion or discretion. The temple guard strictly enforces the rule, humiliating a mother based on an imprecise measurement. Later, even though the child is measured again, the exactness of his height cannot undo the emotional damage. The officials offer compensation, but it feels hollow. This reveals how institutional rigidity often fails to consider individual realities. The “one centimetre” becomes a symbol of bureaucratic absurdity.

Value-Based Question

Q: What does the story teach us about the importance of truth and dignity in parenting?

The story shows that raising a child involves more than providing food or shelter; it means being a moral guide. Tao Ying values honesty and wants to instil those values in her son, even when it costs her emotionally. She refuses to lie in front of her child or set a bad example, even under social pressure. This honesty comes at a price — her son temporarily loses faith in her. But her quiet perseverance and dignity eventually help restore the bond. The story teaches that truth and self-respect are the foundation of lasting relationships.

End

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