Wednesday 12 October 2011

An Overview of The Course




From this course, we have learnt that literature is a wonderful masterpiece. We discovered that literature is something meaningful because it consists of literal and figurative meaning. Without literature, we might not have any knowledge on our poet and author, classic words and languages, and people's culture and beliefs in the ancient time. Through short stories, we realized that many culture in the world are connected to the art of literature. Before this, we think that literature is mostly about love only. However, after guided by our lecturer, Mr. Camillus Ong, we are very interested to learn literature deeply. Apart from that, we managed to develop our talents in creating and reciting poem, act based on the short stories and drawing. Our lecturer always encourage us to write our analysis of poems and short stories in blog hence, it develop our interest in blogging. We used various techniques of learning literature. Moreover, the uses of technology is very necessary to enhance students' interest, because it can help us to exchange ideas and share information with other students. Technology is very important for us to search for learning materials that is needed for this course. In addition to that, opinions on literature are never right or wrong. We can write anything but if only there is a reason for it. Finally, literature is my faithful teacher




Tuesday 11 October 2011

Suicide Note









1. Why do people commit suicide?


People commit suicide because of depression. They fell tired to face challenges in life hence, they want to take their own life. They also think negatively about themselves that a thought come into their mind like, "everyone would all be better off without me". Besides that, people commit suicide because they are getting tired of people impression towards them. People judge every single thing about them hence, they think they are the worst and useless among all. Commit suicide also happens because of life events. In a society, people tend to neglect someone that belong to a low class and less socialize with others. Apart from that, family environment can caused suicide. For example, if a parent is divorced, children will feel too sad. They feel stressed that they might lost attention and love from their parents. They also worried that their other colleagues will mock them on this issue. 




2. What is Mirikitani's agenda in writing this poem.


Her agenda in writing this poem is to tell us about her own life. This poem related to her childhood experiences. After her parents divorced, and Mirikitani at age 5 was confronted with solitude and poverty in a single parent household. The more crucial trauma was caused by her mother's remarriage and their new country life in Petaluma, California. She was a victim of sexual abuse by her stepfather from five to sixteen years old and, she was save from suicide only by the love and care of her grandmother. She also wants us to see what induces and individual to take her own life. The poem describes the line of thinking of a despaired college girl, who relentlessly thinks that she is not good enough. The poem is presented by the author in the form of suicide not written by a poor girl to her parents. This was a heartbreaking incident that should have never happened in the first place. 


3. As teachers, what is our role in ensuring that students do not take their own life.


As teachers, we should ask students directly if they have the thought to commit suicide. We must show concern towards them so they feel useful, loved, and appreciated. We should listen to their problems. Apart from that, we can share them stories on the past case of suicide hence, they know how terrible does it feel to commit suicide. Teachers also have to reassure them that there is help and they will not feel awful forever. Do not leave students alone when they are having problems but, provide them with constant supervision and give them advices. Teachers need to take suicide as a serious matter if any student has ever mention to kill themselves. Teachers can suggest parents to bring their kids to  a relaxing place or therapy to ease their mind.    

Sunday 9 October 2011

Compare and Contrast Three Beserah Fishermen and The Chimney Sweeper












SIMILARITIES

Theme
- About life
- Hardships in life
- Hopes to survive in life

Literary devices
Both have: 
- alliteration 
- symbolization
- metaphor

DIFFERENCES

Setting
- Three Beserah Fishermen is about local lifestyle while The Chimney Sweeper is about western lifestyle.
- The situation in Three Beserah Fishermen is still happen now while the situation in The Chimney Sweeper occurred awhile ago.
- There is no people working in chimney in our country while western people work in chimney as a source of living.


Friday 30 September 2011

FIRST DAY IN SCHOOL

First Day In School

First day I go,
Realizes that things reluctant to do,
Momma begging me to go,
To the weirdest place I ever saw.

I stare, they stare,
Strangers people everywhere,
Now I here,
Alone.....
Sitting with people I aware.



~Nur Syafawani~

Thursday 29 September 2011

Poem~Outside Looking In

Outside Looking In

You dont know my name,
you dont know anything about me,
I tried to play nice,
I want to be in your game.

The things that you say,
You may think I never hear about them,
But word travels fast,
I am telling you to your face,
I am standing here behind your back.

You do not how it feels to be outside the crowd
And you do not how it feels to be your own best friend
On the outside looking in.

If you could read my mind,
You might see more of me than meets the eyes,
And you have been all wrong,
Not who you think I am,
You have never given me a chance,
You do not know what it is like to be left out.

I am tired of staying at hostel,
I am bored and all alone,
I am sick of wasting all my time.




    ~people cry not because they're weak.
       It's because they have been strong for too long~

     
*Hasfiyah Assan*

My First Wonder

School?
What it is mean?
Is it a playground? 
Everything is my first wonder.
School uniform, white and dark blue outfit,
Suited with a pair of clear white shoes,
Completed with a colorful school bag,

My first wonder,
Entering a place that filled with high buildings,
Chaotic students,
Run here and there with excitements,
Handsome and gorgeous teachers,
Wearing attracting attires,
Patiently teaching and handling the children,

My first wonder,
Entering a huge class that I ever entered,
I see new faces that I never meet,
They are also in the same situation like mine, I thought,
Different feelings are showed in the class,
Happy, sad, scared, crying,
Everything is revealed,
Sitting next to strangers,
A person besides me greeted me,
Then, we slowly become friends,

My first wonder,
A woman walked in into my class,
Greeted all the students with her gorgeous smile,
Carrying her books in her arms,
Suddenly informing us like an alarm,
That she is the class teacher.

My first wonder,
Parents waited for their children,
Watching their attitude in class,
I searched for my mother,
Unfortunately, she was not there,
I kept searching and searching,
Then, I realized,
She cannot wait for me like others,
Why?
I forgot,
She is a teacher,
A teacher in the same school as mine,
School, uniforms, classmates, teacher,
Everything is my first wonder.


by Fatin Syazana binti Yahya

Unforgettable Moments in School








The Story Of Us

A day without a guardian,
An hour without a smile,
A lunch without the one,
Mom, who will spend me days or a while…

Then there she goes,
A lovely rose,
That makes me glows,
With her jokes.

But days can’t be so bright,
Things could be wrong and right,
You make me terrified,
And hurt my pride.

Then the wind talks to me,
Saying you said “I’m sorry”,
Because you will leave me,
So you hurt me badly.

You always there in my thought,
And I miss you a lot,
Thanks for all your support,
You will find happiness with God.

-Izzah-

Journey

From the beginning I step,
I can't say anything just to smile,
Hope to fill my day with blissful,
So the memories will last longer,
When I think about it again,
I'm proud being here,
All the memories start to fly over,
As I walk through my days,
I remembered,
Friends who support me,
Teachers who always be with me,
My rival who always unsatisfied with me,
All of them filled my days in journey of success.


~Naam Fiqa~

Monday 19 September 2011

Favourite poem




WE BELONG


Some things, are not meant to last.
Some, were robbed and some were lost.
Some, were displayed and sold, and…
Some remains intact like a ring of gold.

Things change and so do people.
Friends left, and some just stop being friends
Some just stay and hold you ’till the end, but…
Some, you can never hold on to something…forever.
So learn to let go… except my FRIENDSHIP with you!

I will forever be a friend to you, that’s true, but…
Don’t ever leave me when things go wrong.
Hold on my friend, let’s keep going and let’s stay strong
For the friendship we have started is where we belong.





This poem tells the truth that happened in our everyday life. We make friends, stop being friends and stay as friends till the end are something that common happened. This poem reminds a lot on relationship with friends hence reminds us to appreciate our friendship. In life, nothing is sure unless we keep reaching for it.

Tuesday 6 September 2011

The Garden Party (Diary)

3 August 2011
Dear Diary,

     A party was held in my house today. However, I feel guilty because a neighbor of mine passed on this afternoon. One of my daughter, Laura, insisted to put off the party but I ignored her even though I know she was right. I refused to cancel the party because I have invited many guest to come and I have spent a lot of money and time in order to make sure the party runs well. Apart from that, my children contributed most of their time and energy for this year garden party. They have invited their friends and colleagues. If I cancel the party, I will disappoint them and things would go to waste. No one expect that the death will happened on the same day that my party was going to held. On top of that, I have sent my daughter, Laura to visit them at the end of our party. It's not that we didn't have any sense of humanity at all. Many things has to be taken into consideration so cancelling the party is not the best solution to show respect.

The Garden Party (Second question)

When someone with a title died, do you give he/she the same treat that you give to a fishmonger?

To be honest, when someone with a title passed on, we will surely give them a special treat. As they are well-known people, the funeral procession should be well organized to preserve their dignity. People who come to the funeral would wear a formal outfit in black color to respect the deceased. The crowd would attend their funeral on time and behave themselves.
For commoners like fishmongers, people would rarely attend their funeral because for them, they are less important and not well-known. Their funeral procession will probably be less organized and only common people and their relatives would attend the funeral.





The Garden Party (First question)

You are going to held a party in the evening. Assume that in your neighborhood, someone two doors away died in the afternoon. What would you do?

I would still held the party but in a moderate condition. I will deduct the band so I wouldn't distract the funeral ceremony. I will pay a visit before my party because the incident happened before my party started. Furthermore, I've called many people to attend my party so I shouldn't cancel it. Apart from that, I have to consider my family's opinion because they have prepared well for the garden party. I have spent a lot of time and money to organize the party and many people efforts were involved in preparing for this party.

I Stand Here Ironing

1. The narrator in the short story is the mother and the point of view is interior monologue.

2. The narrator is addressing to the unknown person that wants to talk to her about her daughter.

3. She was 19 when she gave birth to Emily.


4. She was in the world of depression during that time, living in poor condition, and left by her husband. 


5. She follows the experts' advice by sending Emily to a convalescent home in the country. Emily ends up losing seven pounds because of the terrible food in the convalescent home.


6. Emily and Susan are stepsisters because Emily's mother remarried to Susan's father.


7. Emily turns to a passive person because in her early years, she spends less time with her mother. Therefore, she tends to be quiet most of the time. She has a low self-confidence because of her unpopularity in school. She also keep her distance from others because of her sickness. 


8. She discovers that she has a talent in imitating a person.

9. The mother decide not to talk about her daughter. This is proved in the second paragraph where she stated that there is no good to talk about her daughter even though she is Emily's mother.


10. In my opinion, the iron symbolizes the mother's responsibility that never ends to give her children the best care. The iron board symbolizes the hardships she faced when raising her family.

Wednesday 17 August 2011

The Disappearance - The Interview

TODAY'S HOT NEWS!
The woman that was reported missing by her husband 8 months ago, recently spot in one of the district area in United States. Our team grab this opportunity to interview about her reason for leaving her husband and son.

         "I never felt like I'm married since the beginning of the marriage. He's not the one that I'm expecting to live with. In the first place, I really want to leave the house, but I cannot do so since we have a son. I try to love my husband but that just couldn't happened. I listened to everything he said but I'm not sincerely doing it. He did gave me opportunities to make decision sometimes but most of the time he planned everything. I'm not the type of typical village lady who will obey every single order that a husband asked to do so. It's not that I'm against the Indian traditional clothing, but I have a desire to own and wear the casual outfit. I knew his mother doesn't like me from the look in her eyes even before our marriage. It seems that she's expecting someone else to be her daughter-in-law. I lived here for a few months and I never regret that I left my family. I've think about leaving my son thoroughly and I did not regret it because I know how well I taught my son. He can be a very independent person. I want to work. What's the use of getting into college if I end up doing house chores all my life? I need to feel secure because my husband might left me. I did asked for his permission to work but he turned it down. I've pursued my study in the same course that I took before I get married. Apart from that, I'd plan to pay my son a visit but I need some more time to gain enough courage to face him. About the jewellery? Yes, I bring them along with me. There's no wrong about it because it's all mine.", she said. Then, she walked away and reminded us not to reveal her location for the time being.

The Disappearance (Part 1)

1. Does the title hint at anything ominous? Why?

Yes. "The Disappearance" shows that something will disappear either it is a thing or a person so it can attract people to read on what the whole story about.

2. The father does not give any indication to the son that his mother is coming back. Why is that so? Do you think it is acceptable to tell a white lie?

He teaches her son not to lie so he couldn't bring himself to say something pleasant for the boy to hear. Also, he does not want to give her son a false hope that the mother would come back.

3. Do you think the saying 'out of sight, out of mind' summarizes this short story? How?

No, because he could hardly forget his wife even after he has remarried.

4. Do Americans and Indians share the same values? Explain.

No. They are different in terms of clothing, thinking, food. For examples, the protagonist's wife wants to have a casual American clothes however, her husband thinks that she looks more beautiful in Indian outfit. Her husband seems to have a traditional way of thinking.










Thursday 11 August 2011

The Theme for Jade Bracelet

A Great Love and Responsibility


Responsibility is shown through the character of Mrs Wong to her mother. She is willing to take care of her bed-ridden mother for years. Although she has a brother, she plays the role of both son and daughter. It is shown clearly when she prepares the breakfast broth for her mother. She carefully prepares it on her own. Mrs Wong never complaint of the duty while her brother, Ah Kow only shows up during their mother last moment and suggests that their mother should be sent to Sam Poh Tong. Apart from that, Mrs Wong shows great love when she discards the chopsticks to pick the bones from the ashes because to her, the remains of her mother is perfectly clean.

Love and responsibility is also reflected in the other short story which is "Lamb to The Slaughter". In this short story, the wife, Mrs Mary Maloney loves her husband very much. She waits for her husband to get back from work and prepares drinks for her husband. She always wanted her husband to get enough needs. Although her husband treats her badly, she keeps trying to win her husband's heart. Even after the divorce issue been brought up, she's still want to make her husband a perfect supper. This shows that she still carry on with her responsibility towards her husband.

The Possible Resolution for The Jade Bracelet

This is our possible ending for this story:
        
              Suddenly,Mrs Wong stopped.She turned to Siew May and give the jade bracelet to her.

'Why? You said earlier that it ought to be mine.' said Fock Kee.

'No. You are such an irresponsible son. You don't deserve to own it. Mother also had given instructions before that the bracelet should belong to Siew May.'

Siew May stunts but overwhelmed by her mother's action. She was glad that she could own the bracelet.

Mrs. Wong did not regret what she did because,as a filial daughter,she has obeyed her mother's words.

Monday 8 August 2011

The Jade Bracelet (Part 1)

1. What is the relationship between Mrs Wong and Mrs Lee?

    They are neighbors.
   

2. Is Mrs Wong a filial daughter? Give three reasons.

    Yes because he is willing to take care of her mother without any complaint. Besides that, she had to shoulder the burden of duty as daughter and son. When each relative of the deceased was given a pair of chopsticks to pick from the ashes the bones that could be conveniently be stored in a porcelain urn, Mrs Wong discards the chopsticks because to her, the remains of her own mother appeared perfectly clean to her.


3. What is Ah Kow's real name? How is he related to the dying woman in the short story?

     Ah Kow's real name is Fook Kee. Ah Kow is the son of the dying woman.


4. Why is Sam Poh Tong mentioned in the short story.

     Sam Poh Tong mentioned in the short story because it is the place where the grandmother will be send. 


5. What do you think the jade bracelet symbolises? Give your reasons.

    I think the jade bracelet symbolises a person status. Jade is made from a precious stone and it is very har to obtain. That is why it costs a lot. A person who wears jade shows that he or she is a rich people. Apart from that, it symbolises a good health of the person who wear it. The energy in the jade bracelet helps to take extra care and protects the person who wear it. Moreover, people who wear jade have a good luck for years and longer life. 


6. Do you think Siew May is naive? Cite your reasons with quotations.

    Yes because she reacts immaturely when her grandmother died.

     The quotation, "I want to go home...... Grandmother will be waiting alone!"


7. Did Siew May get the jade bracelet in the end? Why?

    No, because her mother claimed that she is not supposed to own the jade bracelet. According to her mother, her uncle is the one who should own the jade bracelet because he is the only son in the family.


8. Do you like the story? Why?

    No, because it requires a lot of thinking. I could not figure out who is the main character actually in this short story. I also could not determine what is the role of some characters in the short story such as Ah Kow and Mrs Lee. Apart from that, the dialogues are not understandable. In addition to that, I could not agree that in the end, Siew May did not own the jade bracelet.  
    




Uncle Teng's Dialog to His Parents


Uncle Teng : Mother, Father, I’m a little bit disappointed about my visit just now. The grandmother’s action irritated me. She has a traditional way of thinking that annoyed me. That woman whom I should marry accidentally spilled the curry she cooked on me. I knew she has been careful enough while carrying it but, her grandmother scolded her unreasonably. She shouldn’t give her that kind of punishment which suitable for a kid. She’s not doing it on purpose, so her grandmother should be more understanding. She might feel uneasy or nervous while preparing it for me that she accidentally spilled it. And I don’t think that girl get enough love and care in the family. Her grandmother’s concern and love were only for C.B, her relatives, I could say. He chatted with us while that young lady did all the chores. I don’t think that as a man, he could be relied on. I’m willing to marry that girl if she wants to. Mother, father, please help me to propose her in a mannerly way. I believe I could cherish her life more than what she had now.




Tuesday 2 August 2011

Birthday by Lee Kok Liang

Characters
  • 'She'
  • Grandmother
  • Uncle Teng
  • C.B 

1. 'She' is the protagonist in this short story. Her parents was dead. She was described as a beautiful woman who has her mother's eyes which were very dark and shiny, and her grandfather's chin. Her 25th birthday was forgotten by her family. Her grandmother was planning to arrange her marriage with Uncle Teng. She has to follow her order because she's getting older and should be married. 

2. Grandmother was described as the antagonist character. She treated her granddaughter badly. She planned to arrange her granddaughter's marriage with Uncle Teng. However, her granddaughter spoiled the chance. Her granddaughter spilled a bowl of curry which drenched Uncle Teng's trousers. She went to her granddaughter's room and uttered bad things to her.

3. Uncle Teng is a minor character. He was invited by grandmother to see her future wife. Unfortunately, an incident happened that the meeting was unsuccessfully done.

4. C.B is well-treated by his grandmother. He can give his opinion about modern girls in front of her grandmother. He did not have to do all the chores like what the protagonist did.

Themes
Life of an unmarried woman which bring sorrow and unfullfillment
  • The main character in this short story had an unpleasant life where she didn't has the chance to have a family. Her grandmother wanted her to get married by arranging her marriage with Uncle Teng but an incident happened that her grandmother was badly mad to her and the plan was cancelled.

Plot
Exposition
  • The protagonist saw a baby at the window. She hopes that the baby's mother would wash the baby as clean as well-washed plate. This shows her desire to have a child. It was her birthday but no one remembered it. She spent her day as usual without any special event was held.  
Rising Action
  • Uncle Teng came to her house and his presence was very welcomed. Her grandmother asked her to sit with them and Uncle Teng smiled while she sat uncomfortably. The protagonist called C.B because her grandmother asked her to. C.B jokes with Uncle Teng while the protagonist prepared the dishes. 

Climax
  • A cockroach whirred in the air and she hopes that it would not drop into the bowl. But the cockroach fell on her right arm which caused the hot curry to spill over the edge and drenched to Uncle Teng's trousers. The protagonist quickly wiped up the mess on the floor. She didn't given any meal that night as a punishment. 
Falling Action
  • The protagonist sat on a pile of firewood while the others were eating. She killed the cockroach with her big toe. She did all the kitchen chores hurriedly and went back to her room crying.
 Resolution
  • Her grandmother came to the protagonist's room and said bad things to her. She cursed her that she will be a spinster for the rest of her life. 

Thursday 28 July 2011

Our reflection on Lamb to the Slaughter






1) What is the message that i"m trying to bring across in the short performance?

The message that we're trying to bring across in the short performance about the short story 'Lamb To The Slaughter' is how intelligent Mary is in hiding the weapon that she used to kill her husband. She knows well on what will happen to her after the murder so she plans to vanish the evidence which is the lamb's leg by asking the policemen to eat the lamb's leg and finish it. Also, we would like to show how proud Mary is when she managed to ask the policemen to eat the evidence. Her giggles show that she is proud of her deed.

2) Are there any areas that we can work on after reviewing the whole scene?

We think that we should work on the part when we're having the meal because we did not act well to show that we are enjoying the meal. Also, we need to improve our English proficiency.

3) What values can we learn from putting up this short sketch?

Values we can learn from putting up this short sketch are we have to brilliant in solving problems. Although Mary's deed is a negative thing, but its show how wise Mary is in solving her trouble. Besides that, we have to think out of the box so that we have many ways to solve things. We cannot rely on one opinion only. For example, the police officers think that the murder of Patrick Maloney is a man and the weapon used is something made from metal.


our group member : HASFIYAH, AFIQAH, IZZAH, SAFAWANI, FATIN