Summary of Bawangputi's Story

Characters

• Merchant: Wealthy man, father of Bawangputi.
• Bawangputi: Kind-hearted obedient daughter of the merchant.
• Stepmother: New wife of the merchant, harsh towards Bawangputi.
• Bawang Mera: Stepmother's daughter, also treats Bawangputi poorly.
• Old Grandmother: Lives in the mountains, helps Bawangputi.

Plot Overview

• Life of Bawangputi Before Step-Mother:

  • Lived happily with her father after her mother's death.
  • Father’s love and support.

• Arrival of Stepmother and Stepsister:

  • Merchant brings home a woman and her daughter.
  • Bawangputi becomes a servant in her own home.
  • Stepmother and Bawang Mera mistreat her, forcing her to do all household chores.
  • Bawangputi becomes weak due to hard work and punishments.

• Father's Illness and Death:

  • Merchant falls ill, Bawangputi cares for him.
  • His death leads to further mistreatment by the stepfamily.
  • They are excited about inheriting the merchant's wealth.

Bawangputi's Encounter with the Old Grandmother

• Lost Scarf:

  • Bawangputi accidentally loses her stepmother's scarf while washing clothes.
  • Meets a farmer who directs her to the grandmother.

• Helping the Old Grandmother:

  • Bawangputi helps the grandmother with chores.
  • In return, she receives the lost scarf and a small pumpkin.
  • Grandmother warns her not to open the pumpkin until home.

The Transformation of the Pumpkin

• Surprise Inside the Pumpkin:
  • At home, Bawangputi's stepfamily punishes her and opens the pumpkin.
  • The pumpkin is filled with jewels, leading to jealousy from her stepfamily.

Stepmother and Bawang Mera's Greed**:

• Their Attempt to Duplicate Bawangputi's Luck:

  • They wash away another scarf to seek the grandmother’s help.
  • They complain and are impatient while helping the grandmother.

• Choosing the Large Pumpkin:

  • Instead of a small pumpkin, they choose a large one, ignoring the grandmother's warning.
  • Upon opening it, they find venomous creatures instead of jewels.

Conclusion

• End of Stepmother and Bawang Mera:

  • They are bitten by snakes and die due to their greed.

• Bawangputi's Happy Ending:

  • Learns the value of kindness and obedience.
  • Uses her newfound wealth to continue her father's business and live happily.