The Family Farm, short story

The manner in which Masumoto’s friends reacted was probably not out of disdain and condescension.  Most young people are hell-bent on getting away from their families and creating a different life.  Temporarily rejecting the family of origin allows them to build an identity.  Clearly Masumoto still felt an innocent sense of pride to carry on the family tradition.  His friends were likely unwilling to impose their own values and paths upon him, so they remained silent and unresponsive to his future wishes out of respect.  I hope my friends would not respond in a similar manner.