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