LITERATURE

MINING FOR MEANING.

POETRY EXERCISE 1. PG 245

1.From my point of view, the poem is about the feelings of a father towards his son that is growing up and is leaving him. He talked about how his son Sean is drifting away from him. This is evident from the way he described it as “like a satalite wrenched from its orbit” this shows that Sean is getting further away from him as he grows up. The writer is unable to comprehend his feelings as his son grows up and goes through the different stages of life. Using words like “ebbing” and “selfhood” it shows that the writer is still trying to accept the fact that his beloved son is no longer the little boy that he used to be.

2. my impression of their relationship is that Sean is not as close to his father compared to the past. The writer expressed through the title "Walking Away" directing the poem at his son Sean. the poem talks about how Sean is "fading away" and has "loosened from its parent stem." it shows that Sean has distanced himself from the writer and he's feeling upset about how they ended up. thus my conclusion is that the relationship between Sean and the writer is a very distant one.

3. oh literature why are you so difficult T.T

poetry exercise 2

1. the subject matter of the poem is about how people in society favour males over females. the speaker feels that people are showing too much favoritism on the males. this is evident from "already ringed by daughters and no son. they keep trying and trying still and trying until" this shows that they do not treasure the females as much as the males, they continue to try and bear a son. which explains the "trying and trying and trying" part. it repeats showing how desperate they are for a male.

2.

ISLAND VOICES

quotes

PAPER

1"You're a show-off, what's so grand about marble flooring and a swimming pool? Why don't you put your money to better use?" - Pg3

"There is a devil in him" - Pg7

The Martydom of Helena Rodrigues

"Helena's tactics enabled her to tyrannize most people - with normally sensitive consciences" - Pg 12

"George was kept tied to Helena's side" - Pg 13

Sundowner

""All right, sir," said the Malay, "Aman can speak English"" - Pg 21

"Only in the mornings, tuan. They could stop if tuan wishes" - Pg 22

Tanjong Rhu

"She has eaten more salt than you have rice" -Pg 35

"They're special glasses, big ones to help you see things faraway." - Pg 31

Evening Under Frangipani

"Their home was in a cul-de-sac lined with frangipani trees: their fragance sweet and cloying when in full blossom." - Pg 53

"I'm so glad you've converted to Christianity. it would be such a pity if Elaine couldn't have beef." - Pg 59

Lee
"She spoke of her mother coolly, without hesitation." - Pg 88

"He learnt to get used to the fact that people mistook Lee to be much older than she really was." - Pg 93

A History of Tea

"Better to let the dead sleep and for her to think as kindly as she can of the grandmother she never saw." - Pg 112

"The drive and teh-halia after make me feel better too. The strength of tea." - Pg 114

A Dream of China
"The sad, sly eyes lost the wary hold they had gained on my sympathy." - Pg 123

"The years passed. I discovered that not everyone viewed China as my father did." - Pg 127

Release
"She woke up with a start." - Pg 144.

"She saw the man emerge from the shadows, wiping the spanner. Her heart froze." - Pg 148

An Obituary for Fifth Aunt Come Late
"She was my aunt but I didn't make it a point to be her niece." - Pg 149

"The imperial army entered the impregnable fortress on their bicycles, the fortress whose guns pointed stubbornly out to sea." - Pg 156.

Corridor
"That man might have been killed at the exact moment when I was sitting in that hotel room with the silly piped music." - Pg 167

"If I was at home when it happened though, I don't know what I would have done." - Pg 169

Mid Autumn
"If God's eye is on the sparrow , he will provide for her" - pg183

"It's a calling from God. It's a fire in my bones. If i don't go, i'll just burn and die." - pg186

Hamid and the Hand of Fate
"it's not wrong to accept gifts if people show you they are grateful for your help, right?" - pg 198

"Young women these days ought not to be trusted." - pg202

The Move
"Too bad the pomegranate has grown so big." - pg 205

"Remember how Melissa and I would wait forever for the first pomegranate of the year to turn red? Did you really have this since we were born?" - pg 206

Pastime
"Then one day -- just like that -- they decide to release him. You don't matter anymore, they tell him. You're history." - pg 214

"It's a hobby, a pastime. It's not real life." - pg 220

OFF CENTER

Q1: In your opinion, how key is the parent-child relationship to Vinod's inevitable end?A: in my opinion, vinod's parents gave him the education and oppotunities that many others would love to have, but they have neglected what he wants instead of what they want. They think that by giving him education and pushing him to the top would make him happy and successful. but little do they know that he does not want the certificates at all. Atleast for himself. he studied for his parent's sake. thus causing the emense pressure and stress that led him to depression and finally his tragic suicide. although there asre other factors that contributed to his suicide, his parents were the ones that pushed him to his limits and even after he falls into depression, they do not want to face the truth and continue to push him. thus leading him to his suicide at the end.

2. 'Vinod's high expectation oh himself caused his downfall." To what extent do you agree with the analysis of Vinod's predicament and tragedy?

I agree to a large extent with the analysis. I think that Vinod's desperation to reintegrate into the society has caused his illness to worsenI agree to large extent with the analysis. His desperation to reintegrate into the society has caused his illness to worsen because of the physical consequences, e.g. his handshakes and people shun him when they see his hands tremble, a side-effect of the medicine as a result he opposes consuming medicine which is necessary to control the symptoms of the illness. His rejection to the medicine can be seen when he said “They see my hands tremble, my eyes sleepy sleepy they will avoid me”, His relationship between Saloma and him is like a project for him. To him Saloma is a kitten he has found, one that he had to protect. Without the friendship, he has no purpose in life. Saloma is his centre. It is clear that Vinod regards Saloma as his inferior in terms of education, He often treat her as someone who needs information, and frequently displays his knowledge about books and philosophy. It is also apparent that Vinod regards he as an inferior in terms of mental girth, which is why he is so devastated when he realizes that she has become stronger than he is after the robbery.Vinod’s presumptuous air of superiority pushes him to reject Saloma when she becomes stronger than him. Instgead of being happy for Saloma when she finally makes progress to be reintegrated into society, Vinod becomes unhappy, even distraught. He hurts her by hurling insults and discouraging her like saying “Great! Saloma Nightingale. Who will faint first? The person receiving the injection or the person giving it?”His inability to protect Saloma and Saloma slowly reintegrating into the society made him feel inferior to her. His failure to become “centre” has made him suicidal with his rejection to medicine. Thus lead to his downfall.Therefore I agree to a large extent to the analysis of his high expectation leading him to his downfall

3. Discuss the reasons for Saloma's transformation in the play.
Saloma changes from a shy girl to one who survives from mental illness. She's even able to reason out with mak at the end. as she expresses her desires to live.

The first turning point for Saloma is when she meets Emily at the halfway house. Even though she starts out using the mantra, Emily taught tentatively, she does turn out to be the stronger chatracter between her and Vinod. For instance, although Vinod is the better educated one between the two, Saloma is one who is set on writing to the newspaper to address the discrimination against mental patients.

When Vinod shuts himself in his room, Saloma grows desperate without him. What becomes the turning point for her, pushing out to face the real world, is the bird in her room. Whether this bird is real or a figment of her imagination is not the point.

This marks the second turning point for Saloma because before Vinod withdrew from the world, including her, she did not know what to do with her self, even where to go or what to do.

One night also argue that Mak is a reason for Saloma's transformation and survival. After all, Mak is constantly reminding her of her need to turn to God, an idea which Saloma accepts and even repeats to Vinod.

4. "Though a minor role in the play , the character Razali is the key to the plot of off centre." To what extent do you agree with this assement?

I do not agree with this assement to a large extend . To Saloma , Razali plays a role that is like her dad , he is the one who buys epok epok (curry puff) for her , one who talks to her & gives her advices . He fufills the role of showing fatherly love to Saloma . However , to Vinod , he is one that protects the community as he is a guard , he must protect everyone in the community . However during the robber incident , he fails and Vinod blames him for not being there to protect the both of them , both Vinod and Saloma . Vinod is tested against his manhood when the robber said "Your boyfriend coward ah ?" and "Your boyfriend got balls anot ?" , he breaks down and this series of events is similar to the one he faced when he went back to army . Pc asked Vinod , "Are you a man or not Vinod" ? Razali plays a role to help both Vinod and Saloma , however , he is not the key to the plot of off centre .

5. "Datta , Dayadhvam , Damyata" means to "Give , Sympathise , Control". How did the major characters in the play exert control in their enviroment and / or their lives? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

6. Based on the text Off Centre, discuss how peer acceptance and family support are vital to social status and mental well-being.


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QUOTES

Act 2 Scene I
Vinod : -Yah, but maybe this is a sign. Two steps into NUS and I already feel like shit. No, maybe I'll wait for a few years, until people don't know who I am anymore.
pg52

Act 2 Scene II
Emily : Good, you are very strong. Yah, you are very strong. Wah, I can see behind your eyes. You are so strong nothing can destroy you.
pg 58

Act1 Scene1
"What are you suffering from?"
PG 7
Act1 Scene4
"So many months you never pray"
PG 39
Act5 Scene3
"We're f***king Singaporeans and Asian societies can't touch touch hug hug right?!!"
PG 129

1. "However, China had nothing to say to my spirit. If indeed land speaks to spirit. my spirit was as alien here as i was. It inclined towards a diamond city of trees and meaningful occupation. Efficiently sparkling in the modern world. that was where i truly belonged.among skyscrapers with glass fonts and gold-encrusted orchids."
Do you think the reference to Singapore as a "diamond city" is apt? Why or why not? How would you describe your feelings towards Singapore, using imagery you feel suitable?

I think Singapore can be labelled as a diamond city to a certain extent. As singapore is a very urbanized country. And being labelled as a diamond city can also mean that singapore is as precious and expensive as a diamond. which can be looked at from a positive or negative point of view. expensive being luxiourous, or expensive being the cost of living is very high. Compared to China.
Towards singapore, I feel very safe and secure as we don't have to worry about natural disasters and terrorist attacks as the security here is very high. i think Singapore is like a shelter. it protects the people and it provides us with a place to live in. providing a sense of security and peace, with the help of everyone.

2. With great grandness, my uncle ordered orange drinks from the waiter. He criticized the glasses as dirty when the drinks arrived and isisted on new ones...I kept buying him the orange drinks he swallowed with such relish.
Why do you think her uncle behaves in this manner? DO you feel sorry for him or do you regard him with distaste, as his niece does?

I think her uncle acted this way to feel alittle superior or richer than he is. Maybe he is trying to hide his background and the little bits and pieces of his character that shows he is poor. As usually the rich would be very particular about little details. I feel sorry for him, I think even in the pitiful state that he is in. He still don't see that he should do something about it. i feel sorry for him because of his stupidity and stubborness in rejecting the thought of changing for his family.

3. " I returned to Singapore alienated from the China i saw. but no less eager to listen to my father's stories of the most beautiful of beautiful lands."
Do you find this a contradiction? why or why not?

Yes. she saw the bad sides of China and the bad sides of her father's family. the so called return to save China act was just a front. after knowing about all that she still looks forward to hearing stories about that same place from her father that have not even stepped on it's land for a long long time.

4. "A country is only as good as it's men. my father is a good man... whichever country can claim him as it's own."

What do you think the narrator means by the first statement? To what extent would you agree that her father is a good man? give reasons for your answer. Which country, do you think, should claim him for it's own?

the narrator is trying to say that if the country is filled with people that are lazy and and no moral values in treasuring the country and trying to bring it to it's peak. then the country is, in a sense a failure. she is saying singapore is a good country thats why her father stayed in singapore.

Paper & Tanjong Rhu

Q1. Do the respective authors use these traditional Chinese rituals (eating paper dissolved in drink, burning of paper money and houses, lighting joss-sticks and praying to dead ancestors) just for irony or of profound purposes? What are these purposes?
From my point of view, i think they use these chinese rituals not just for irony. both authors are trying to convey the message of these traditions. and they believe that eating the burnt paper with water is a way of praying for peace and health. Burning of paper money s also another way to provide for the dead.

Q2. Would you yourself , as a modern young Singaporean, see the relevance of such cultural rituals in your society as necessary still are hindrance to the progress and enlightened?
As I myself am a singaporean, i think these traditions are useful as they teach the younger generations on how to appreciate and see the importance of keeping their culture.

Q3. Do you think the elderly in Singapore are out of touch with the contemporary world? How far is it a virtue to remain contented like old Mrs Li and think that there is nothing more a person especially an elderly one.
From my point of view the elderly are not really in touch with the world of technology as most of them only use things like handphones which do not require alot of skills to punch in afew numbers and the call button. Even though there are some elderly using computers and other machinary. They are just a minority. Mrs Li should not have that kind of thinking as the world is ever changing.

4. Is looking back at the past necessarily a good thing? This particular story uses the past to affirm strong ties, emotion and sentiment, but when can it become a negative habits?

Looking back may or may not be a good thing. some people tend to look into the past too much and thus it becomes a disadvantage. but looking into the past to learn from other's mistake is a good thing. "too much of anything is never good" from this quote we can tell that if everything is done in moderation. it will all work out fine.

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Choose two stories that reveal the thinking of an older generation of Singaporeans . What new insights have you gained from such an revealation .

Dream of China.
The author's father had a stubborn way of thinking as he continously insist that he has no right o go back to china for even a visit. while his children kept on insisting that there is nothing wrong in visiting his home country. From this we can say that the older generations are usually more stubborn than the younger generation. It is because they usually do not heed the advice of the younger ones since they think that they are older and thus they know more. but what they do not see is that times change as they grow older and do not realize the change in many things around them.

Corridor

Mak thought that the younger generation was ignorant regarding customs and how they do things . She thought that if they left her alone , she would feel better as they kept pestering her to go out , to go for a holiday , as long as it takes to make her leave the house . She thought that they were clueless when they go about doing things realating to following customs & traditions .


Choose five links and write comments of 50-100 words about the content of the blogs , you must identify yourself .

how is motherhood presented in any two or three in collection?

motherhood is shown in the story of "the martydom of Helena Rodrigues". Helena may not be the most ideal mother but, she is still willing to go through certain difficulties for her son, George. Even though she has a motive behind all her actions but in the end she still went through them because of her son. she told her son that he should marry the girl he really loves and to not give up his happiness for her. But in the end she was just using a psychological trick to influence other people into doing things her way willingly, even though we can't deny that she is still doing her duties as a mother. After her husband Aloysius passed away she didn't remarry and continued to bring George up single handedly. This shows that she has fufilled her duties as a mother to George.

Mr Li's mother was a caring and traditional woman . She was afraid to spend her son's money as she thought it would come to waste since she was already contented with whatever she had now . For an instance , the binoculars Mr Li bought for Mrs Li , she thought that it was a waste of money as she said why do i want to look at faraway things for ? This showed that she cared a lot for Mr Li because she doesn't want him to spend unless necessary

Select 2 stories in which there is conflict between parent and child and show how there is some resolution of these differences at the end of the story.

In the story "A dream of China" there were conflicts between the author and her father. Her father dreamt of China, loves China, wants to see China again but he doesn't have the courage to as he thinks that he has betrayed China and isn't worthy of stepping on it's land ever again in his lifetime. But his daughter which is also the author thinks differently and she tried to give her dad a push and tried arranging a trip to China for him. To let him see how China is doing these days but in the end he rejected the offer and the author couldn't understand why he doesn't want to listen to her. In the end the author herself went instead and became the "eyes" of her father.

Mr Li didnt not understand why his mother reacted like that (refusing to go for the operation) , they quarreled over it , but only till the end , towards the end of the story , Mr Li finally understand why his mother reacted like this . He was regretful for what he have done , he raised his voice because all he wanted was Mrs Li to go for the operation to get better whereas Mrs Li didnt want to go for the operation as she thought she was already contented with her life , for what she has , to have such a son who cares for her and to reciprocate her love throughout the years of bringing him up didnt go to waste after all


With reference to suitable stories, discuss how far change is shown to be either welcome or feared.

In the story of Sundownder, Das moved to a new house. Even though the servant took great care of Das, he was actually scared of him. but after he visited his family and home they opened up to him. Telling him about the conditions of his home and the things that he needs. But he only told Das because he asked about it. which shows that he is scared Das. but after Das earned his trust and really opened up to him he welcomes the new master instead of serving a master that he is scared of.


How are young people and their ideals presented in two or three stories in the collection ? How far do you identify with these young people ?

hamid was involved in a accident that changed his life. but he did not give up and even though he was lowly educated he was kind and a sincere man. Even if his right arm was taken by the accident he was still able to sense if there were people making use of him to benefit from him.

Tay soon and his wife had dreamed of their "dream house" every now and then . They worked hard for it and would always save an amount of money each month to accumulate , and over a long period of time , it would turn into a big sum , so that they will be able to buy their "dream house" someday . However , everything went wrong when they played with the stock market , all their efforts gone down the drain as they were in debt , all the money that they won from the stock market initially , was all gone , including all their savings each month too . Lastly , they were left with a small sum insted of their ususal amount of money as almost all of it had already gone into paying their debts .

story:Evening under Frangipani
Conflicts External – Elaine and Prakash fought when he laughed at Elaine’s hands..
External – Elaine’s mother did not like prakash very much as she thinks that he is physically aggressive and weak.
Internal – Prakash still went to look for Elaine even though he felt like giving up.
Climax When Prakash laughed at Elaine’s hands and from then, she started to ignore him. And when Prakash found out that a man sent Elaine home.
Resolution Complete Resolution.Elaine broke up with prakash and he decided to stop relying on Elaine.he decided that if they were to ever meet again, it would be by chance. And thus signalling the end of their relationship.

Name Character Page No.
Prakash He is a nervous-wreck - (during the job interview) Pg27
Forgetful - (he had to memorise what he was supposed to say at the interview ) Pg49
Competent - (He used to be a platoon commander) Pg48
Father Not judgemental - (he treated prakash well unlike his wife) Pg60
Humble - (wants a peaceful life) Pg55
Mother Judgemental - (looks down on people lower than her) Pg
Arrogant - (she considers prakash as slow and stupid just because he only has a diploma compared to her.) Pg48, 83
Condescending - (puts on a façade to appear concerned) Pg84
Elaine Strong Willed - (she resisted the urge to talk to prakash) Pg63
Petty - (she did not want to see prakash ever again over a small comment that he made about her hands) Pg62, 63
Persistent - (continues to ignore his calls) Pg64
Story: Evening under Frangipani


I think after Elaine and Prakash fought, Prakash went to look for her and when he finally sees her. He saw that another guy sent her home. Did he actually felt guilty and regretted what he said before about her hands. What did he wanted to say to Elaine before he saw the other guy sending her home. I think that was the most interesting part of the story as there are a lot of questions to be answered which attracts people to continue reading.











Story: Lee
Conflicts External – Li Wen’s dad wasn’t happy with the way she dressed.
External – Li Wen wasn’t religious unlike her dad, and her dad wants to influence her into believing in God.
Climax Li Wen and her dad had a cold war and she did not talk to him for 2 weeks. Even if she did it was in a exaggerated polite tone.
Resolution Open ended Resolution.
The problem wasn’t solved and there are still some questions to be answered. Did Li Wen take her father’s advice?


Name Character Pg No.
Father Caring
(He allowed Li Wen to live with him, instead of leaving her alone after her mother, which was his ex-wife, drowned accidently.) Pg85, 86
Patient
(When Li Wen shouted at him, he endured and did not make a huge fuss out of it.) Pg98
Traditional
(He tried to interest Li Wen in her culture and talk about Chinese stories during dinner.) Pg102
Li Wen Rude
(She keeps swearing, for example, What the hell and Jesus Christ.) Pg103
Straight forward
(When her father mentioned about her mother, blaming her mother for his daughter’s behaviour, she just answered back: “That’s sick.” without thinking.) Pg103
Rebellious
(She lost her temper and gave her father a twisted, half sneer, James Dean scorching look, heavily nasty.) Pg97

The most interesting part I find in this story was when Li Wen started living with her father after not meeting each other for eight years and how she slowly changed herself to adapt in Singapore. Even trying to accept her own Chinese culture after living in America since she was young and mixing with them. And how she coped with her mother’s death, moved on with her life and everything with her father.


Story: Past Time
Conflicts External – between Mr Lee and Tai Poh there was a psychological conflict as they try to trick each other into admitting to something.
Internal – Mr Lee was laughing inside as he thinks that he thinks that Tai Poh has failed in trying to fool him.
Climax The start of the climax is when Mr. Lee started on his own “Story”
Resolution -I can’t remember what its called -
In the end nothing changed as its just a story, it was just a past time and nothing was real.


Name Character Pg No.
Tai Poh Quiet – (he did not talk to the passengers nor disturb them in any way. Pg212
Observant – ( he watched and carefully considered before he picked one person to feature in his story.) Pg212
Secretive - (I stopped to check his face. It betrayed nothing.(refers to Tai Poh’s face) Pg217
Mr. Lee Vigilant – (but I was prepared- Mr lee) Pg216
Cunning ( it betrayed nothing, but I expected that. He was not stupid. After so many years in that kind of life, he could not be stupid) Pg217

When Mr Lee started his story about the man that works as a security manager in a large wafer fab plan. He talked about how important the job of a security guard is. And he then goes on about the plan to make a lot of money, enough for a few people to retire. I think it’s the most interesting part of the story as when Mr Lee was telling his story we can see how Tai Poh’s expressions change from laid back to guilty and frightened. As though he was scared of being tricked into admitting to something he shouldn’t.


Story: Release

Conflicts : Eileen & her neighbours
They intruded her property while she was out.
Eileen & her husband
He was angry at her because she was making a big fuss out of everything.
Climax : Eileen decided to wait for her owner or caretaker of the dogs and wanted to ask him to do something about it.
Resolution : Open ended.
The problem wasn’t fully solved as the dogs are quiet now but the man killed them to silence them.

Characters :

1) Eileen Friendly (pg139)
She went over to say hi and greeted them in a friendly manner
Petty(pg 142)
She got angry at her neighbours when they just intruded a small portion of her garden.
Patient )pg 144)
She kept calm even though the baby kept crying nonstop.
2) Philip Petty (pg 141)
He got angry at Eileen when she forgotten to collect his suit.
Understanding (pg 143)
He told Eileen to let the neighbours have that space, he tried reasoning with her by saying that they do not do a lot of gardening anyway.
3) The man who took care of the dogs Kind (pg 146)
He carried the baby and stroked his cheeks
Understanding(pg147)
He was willing to shift the dogs to help Eileen
Evil(pg148)
He silenced the puppies by killing them.

The most interesting segment is when. . .

The most interesting part of the story is when Eileen got angry at the noise the dog made. She called the police and want to try calling SPCA to help her solve the problem. She just wanted her and her baby to have some sleep but she was becoming mad since the problem is still not solved.


Story: history of tea
Conflicts Internal
In grandmother’s eyes uncle Raja will always be the “black man” that stole her precious daughter, and so she has biased thoughts towards uncle Raja marrying her daughter and she doesn’t like it.
Climax The climax started when Beverly decided to travel around Asia, it could mean that the author wanted to include it in as a way of saying that he wanted to travel around Asia but never got the chance to.
Resolution Complete Resolution
All the conflicts between them were resolved and when she opened her cup she felt that her family and relatives were there with her. When she felt that it was all worth it in the end she could not do anything but .

Characters
Beverly She is high-class - Hers in a pot, trimmed at the top and base in a blue and gold pattern –Japanese imitating Royal Doulton- with matching cup, saucer, tiny jug of milk, a plated spoon and tea strainer on its own base, all produced on a gleaming tray with roses and briars worked onto hangles” Pg 111
arrogant - “I studied nineteenth and twentieth century Chinese history, you know.” Pg 111
Ungrateful - “It’s just that you and your family, and all the other relatives have really spoilt me here in Singapore and Malaysia. You’re always feeding me, looking after me.” Pg 112
Grandmother Mean - “…a man eats the heart of a banana tree and at night becomes the evil oily man, committing atrocious crimes, black and slippery in the night…Uncle Raja was the oily man.” Pg112

I think that the most interesting part of the story was when Beverly and the author was served with different attitudes and their teacups and the level of service was different too. Another way of phrasing it was the level of class was different too as one was very high class, while the other was just served with normal average service. It is the most interesting part because it was in the same place so why is there so difference when it’s the same place and time plus they both paid the same amount of money. Thus shouldn’t they be treated the same?



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SJ<3