The Taximan’s Story

By Catherine Lim – "Little Ironies" – Stories Of Singapore

Take me to National University of Singapore, please make it fast cause I got a meeting to attend and I need to be there on time. Very good, Madam. Sure I will take you there in plenty good time for your meeting, Madam. This way better, less traffic, less car jams. Half-hour should make it, Madam, so not to worry.

Review

"The Taximan’s Story" by Catherine Lim offers a compelling narrative about a taxi driver sharing his life experiences and observations with a passenger. The story explores themes of societal changes, family dynamics, and generational differences.

Discussion of Elements

• Title: The title "The Taximan’s Story" appropriately highlights the central character and sets the tone for the narrative.
• Characters: The main characters include the taximan and the passenger (Madam), with the taximan's daughter (Lay Choo) being a significant part of the story.
• Main Conflict: The central conflict revolves around the taximan's discovery of his daughter's inappropriate behavior, leading to a clash between traditional values and changing societal norms.
• Actions Taken: The taximan reacts strongly to his daughter's actions, physically punishing her and imposing strict restrictions.
• Lessons: The narrative imparts lessons on parental vigilance, adapting parenting styles to changing times, and the impact of strict upbringing on the behavior of the younger generation.

Guide Questions

1. Why is it titled "The Taximan’s Story"? The title reflects the focus on the taximan as the central storyteller, emphasizing his experiences and perspectives.
2. Who are the characters, and could you provide brief descriptions of them? The main characters include the taximan, Madam (the passenger), and Lay Choo (the taximan's daughter).
3. What is the main conflict driving the story? The primary conflict centers around the taximan discovering his daughter's inappropriate behavior and the ensuing clash of values.
4. When the Taximan discovered his daughter's actions, what did he do? The taximan reacted strongly, physically punishing his daughter, restricting her movements, and expressing disappointment.
5. If you were the father, would you take similar actions? This is subjective and depends on individual beliefs. Some may empathize with the taximan's reaction, while others may advocate for more open communication.
6. What lessons can be gleaned from the narrative, particularly from the perspectives of being a daughter or son? Lessons include the importance of parental vigilance, adapting to changing times, and understanding the impact of strict upbringing on the younger generation.