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 .
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
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 .
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 .
Sunday, January 17, 2010
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?
-----------FINALLY FINISHED -----------
SJ<3
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?
-----------FINALLY FINISHED -----------
SJ<3
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