Let's talk about Madhuri!
Do you know anyone in school who is beautiful,kind-hearted and helpful? In other words, do you know someone who is an angel? She is admired by the men and the envy of her female friends?
Madhuri has everything that her parents want. She grows up to be a fine woman and wife. She has always been the obedient daughter. She is being compared to her boisterous and rude sister, Azreen. However in "The Curse", fate plays its role. Read the novel and find out how fate changes Madhuri's life.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Saturday, December 18, 2010
More on "Azreen" from The Curse
Dear readers,
I was not in a very good mood yesterday when I discovered my synopsis on "The Curse" has been copied and pasted by a blogger who claims it as hers.I'm writing this blog to help Malaysian students in their SPM.I've also indicated to the writer of the book,Lee Su Ann, I will write more of her work on my blog so that people recognise and acknowledge her work. I am proud that she is a Malaysian and is really looking forward to reading more novels written by her.
MORE ON AZREEN
I find Azreen in many of us.At one period of our lives,we can be so vulnerable and emotional.However as we grow up, we learn a few tricks about how to live a happy contented life.A person changes with time.So does Azreen.Her friendship with the Old Lady has changed her outlook towards life.She begins to accept what has been fated and not to suck over small things that happen around her.
I have heard many times people saying that you cannot choose your parents.It is very true in Azreen's case.Though Salleh is extremely strict and hot-tempered, as a daughter,she ought to accept him. She mustn't have any ill-thoughts about her father.He must have loved her so much.He lays out some of his expectations clearly.He may be orthodox in his thinking but he never abandons her.He comes to her rescue in a few occasions such as when she is being attacked by Puan Normala and the villagers.
Many of us have conflict with our parents because we have so much in common with them.Lee tries to show this through Azreen.Azreen takes after her father a lot!She has his temper, his stubbornness and frankness.
So my dear readers/students, do read the novel.Try to understand the characters.Relate them to you or people around you.
I was not in a very good mood yesterday when I discovered my synopsis on "The Curse" has been copied and pasted by a blogger who claims it as hers.I'm writing this blog to help Malaysian students in their SPM.I've also indicated to the writer of the book,Lee Su Ann, I will write more of her work on my blog so that people recognise and acknowledge her work. I am proud that she is a Malaysian and is really looking forward to reading more novels written by her.
MORE ON AZREEN
I find Azreen in many of us.At one period of our lives,we can be so vulnerable and emotional.However as we grow up, we learn a few tricks about how to live a happy contented life.A person changes with time.So does Azreen.Her friendship with the Old Lady has changed her outlook towards life.She begins to accept what has been fated and not to suck over small things that happen around her.
I have heard many times people saying that you cannot choose your parents.It is very true in Azreen's case.Though Salleh is extremely strict and hot-tempered, as a daughter,she ought to accept him. She mustn't have any ill-thoughts about her father.He must have loved her so much.He lays out some of his expectations clearly.He may be orthodox in his thinking but he never abandons her.He comes to her rescue in a few occasions such as when she is being attacked by Puan Normala and the villagers.
Many of us have conflict with our parents because we have so much in common with them.Lee tries to show this through Azreen.Azreen takes after her father a lot!She has his temper, his stubbornness and frankness.
So my dear readers/students, do read the novel.Try to understand the characters.Relate them to you or people around you.
Characters in "The Curse" by Lee Su Ann
Dear readers,
Today,I am not going to discuss the characters in the novel for exam purposes. I shall state what I have in my mind for the sake of appreciating it as a piece of literature.
Lee succeeds to explore the various themes in her novel through her main and minor characters.I can personally relate to the characters even though they are only fictional characters.
In my own life journey, I have met a person like Puan Normala, the gossiper or "Mami Jarum"(as called in the famous movie "Mami Jarum.)- the kind of person who causes misery to other people's life but still feels that she is the benevolent one.
There are many real-life characters like Madhuri and Mohd Asraf(or Asraf)- the ill-fated lovers whom I have met.Being a practical person, I can't help feeling how silly a person can be when it comes to love.To me,if the person is not meant for you, then he or she is not meant for you. (The fans of the romantic movies will definitely disagree with me on this matter.)If I were Asraf,I would seek the love of a single woman.Why should I make my life miserable?
I love Azreen.She represents the modern woman.The kind of woman who fights to improve her life and not easily swayed by emotions.She dares to speak out her mind.(I guess most successful woman has some of her characteristics)
That's all for now.I shall continue some other time.
Today,I am not going to discuss the characters in the novel for exam purposes. I shall state what I have in my mind for the sake of appreciating it as a piece of literature.
Lee succeeds to explore the various themes in her novel through her main and minor characters.I can personally relate to the characters even though they are only fictional characters.
In my own life journey, I have met a person like Puan Normala, the gossiper or "Mami Jarum"(as called in the famous movie "Mami Jarum.)- the kind of person who causes misery to other people's life but still feels that she is the benevolent one.
There are many real-life characters like Madhuri and Mohd Asraf(or Asraf)- the ill-fated lovers whom I have met.Being a practical person, I can't help feeling how silly a person can be when it comes to love.To me,if the person is not meant for you, then he or she is not meant for you. (The fans of the romantic movies will definitely disagree with me on this matter.)If I were Asraf,I would seek the love of a single woman.Why should I make my life miserable?
I love Azreen.She represents the modern woman.The kind of woman who fights to improve her life and not easily swayed by emotions.She dares to speak out her mind.(I guess most successful woman has some of her characteristics)
That's all for now.I shall continue some other time.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Theme:Education "The Pearl"
Based on the novel “The Pearl”, written by John Steinbeck, explain the role of "education".
First of all, it is shown that education plays an important role in Mexico during the colonisation of the Spanish. It widens the gap between the two classes of people; the coloniser and the Mexican Indians. The colonisers like the doctor, the priest and the pearl buyers live a luxurious life because they are educated. The doctor for example earns his living because of his medical qualification. Kino has to trust him to treat his son even though the doctor is known for his corruption. The doctor able to live in a huge mansion, drink hot chocolates from porcelain cup, wear silk robe and pay a servant to serve him. Meanwhile, the Mexican Indian, like Kino who is uneducated lives in a brush hut and eats simple corn cakes for breakfast. Unlike the doctor, he has to live from hand to mouth every day. He has to dive into the sea to look for pearl.
Moreover, when Kino finds the great pearl, he determines to sell it at a high price so that he can send his son, Coyotito to school. He believes that education can help to improve his standard of living. He does not want his son to be ignorant like him and can easily be cheated by the rich and educated. At one point of the story when the doctor visits his brush hut, Kino has no other choice but to let the doctor to treat his son. He has to rely on the doctor’s expertise because of his lack of education.
Finally, education determines one’s status in a society. “The Priest” is one figure which is highly respected in La Paz City because he is the only one who can read and write in Latin. He is the only one who understands the bible which is written in Latin. So, by being given the authority as a priest at the church, “The Priest” earns the highest status and respects from the people. In the novel, it is depicted that after Kino finds the great pearl, “The Priest” visits Kino and Juana at their brush hut and reminds them to get marry at the church. The Priest seems to have an authority over them and very much respected by them and other Mexican Indians.
Education is clearly shown as important in this novel. Education determines one’s way of life, one’s standard of living and one’s status in a society.
First of all, it is shown that education plays an important role in Mexico during the colonisation of the Spanish. It widens the gap between the two classes of people; the coloniser and the Mexican Indians. The colonisers like the doctor, the priest and the pearl buyers live a luxurious life because they are educated. The doctor for example earns his living because of his medical qualification. Kino has to trust him to treat his son even though the doctor is known for his corruption. The doctor able to live in a huge mansion, drink hot chocolates from porcelain cup, wear silk robe and pay a servant to serve him. Meanwhile, the Mexican Indian, like Kino who is uneducated lives in a brush hut and eats simple corn cakes for breakfast. Unlike the doctor, he has to live from hand to mouth every day. He has to dive into the sea to look for pearl.
Moreover, when Kino finds the great pearl, he determines to sell it at a high price so that he can send his son, Coyotito to school. He believes that education can help to improve his standard of living. He does not want his son to be ignorant like him and can easily be cheated by the rich and educated. At one point of the story when the doctor visits his brush hut, Kino has no other choice but to let the doctor to treat his son. He has to rely on the doctor’s expertise because of his lack of education.
Finally, education determines one’s status in a society. “The Priest” is one figure which is highly respected in La Paz City because he is the only one who can read and write in Latin. He is the only one who understands the bible which is written in Latin. So, by being given the authority as a priest at the church, “The Priest” earns the highest status and respects from the people. In the novel, it is depicted that after Kino finds the great pearl, “The Priest” visits Kino and Juana at their brush hut and reminds them to get marry at the church. The Priest seems to have an authority over them and very much respected by them and other Mexican Indians.
Education is clearly shown as important in this novel. Education determines one’s way of life, one’s standard of living and one’s status in a society.
Friday, November 12, 2010
SYNOPSIS "The Curse" by Lee Su Ann
“The Curse” is about a girl, named Azreen, her parents and sister, Madhuri. Azreen, a strong-headed girl is studying in London but has to take a leave from her study when she receives the news about her sister’s death. She is curious about the cause of her sister’s sudden death. When she reaches home, her sister’s body has been brought to the cemetery. She overhears a village gossiper, Puan Normala talks about her sister’s death. Normala claims that her sister has been murdered and has shed white blood.
On her return, Azreen discovers a few truths about her family and people around her. First she finds out that her sister has been in love with Asraf, and has planned to marry and divorced her husband, Hj Ghani. Second, Awang, the Shaman has actually caused the accident which his parents are involved in and causes her mother to become paralysed. Third, she learns that Madhuri is actually her adopted sister and the crazy woman is Madhuri’s biological mother. Fourth and finally, she discovers that Madhuri has accidentally been killed by her father.
There is one old woman whom Azreen has turned to for emotional support. The old woman lives alone in an abandoned house in the jungle. Azreen learns a lot about life from this wise old woman. The old woman however dies in a fire started by Asraf who has blamed her for his grandmother’s death.
At the end, Azreen returns to London to finish her study. She has learned a valuable lesson from her short break at her little village in Langkawi Island. She has learned to forgive others and to look ahead.
Contact me for further information about this novel.Good Luck dear.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Curse, by Lee Su Ann
The Curse will be taught as a literary text to form 5 students beginning next year. It's a wonderful book to read. A good work by a Malaysian writer.
About the Author
Lee Su Ann
Born 11th June 1978
Penang-born author.
The eldest child in a family of five.
She had her education at St George’s Girls’ School in Penang from 1991 – 1997.
Her novel, “The Curse” won second prizewinner in the English Novel Category of the Utusan Group’s Young Adult Literature Competition of 2005.
She began writing “The Curse” while she was at university and completed it in 2005.
She is happily married to a handsome local and bright young lad.
Presently, she is a full-time medical writer.
About the Author
Lee Su Ann
Born 11th June 1978
Penang-born author.
The eldest child in a family of five.
She had her education at St George’s Girls’ School in Penang from 1991 – 1997.
Her novel, “The Curse” won second prizewinner in the English Novel Category of the Utusan Group’s Young Adult Literature Competition of 2005.
She began writing “The Curse” while she was at university and completed it in 2005.
She is happily married to a handsome local and bright young lad.
Presently, she is a full-time medical writer.
An Embarassing Incident
I had never arrived late to school. That Monday morning, I woke up much earlier than usual as the fan was not functioning. Feeling hot, I pressed down the switch but to my disappointment it was not moving at all. I then turned on the lights. Dark! I realised by then that there was a cut on electricity supply.
I found a torch in the chest in front of my bed but it had run out of batteries. It had been ages since I last replaced the batteries. I went to the closet and took out my school shirt and a pair of long green pants. They were creased all over but I did not mind as everyone would understand. Most people would be wearing creased shirts.
After drinking a cup of milo and a packet of “nasi lemak”, under the dim light of a candle, I left home. I walked past the recreation park and saw an elderly man whom I often met at the park. He waved his hands at me.
“You look awfully handsome, today young man!” he shouted.
“No electricity!” I explained briefly and signalling to him that I was in hurry.
I was assigned to deliver a speech during assembly. I was going to talk about “How to Cope with Stress” So, I had to be in school earlier. I would rehearse my speech a few more times before everyone entered the hall.
When I reached the school gate, only the guard, a few teachers and a number of students had arrived. The guard who was not friendly suddenly was very nice to me. “Good morning boy! Today must be a special day for you!”
Even the guard knew that I was going to deliver my speech. Today’s assembly must be really important then. So, I hastened my pace towards the hall and went on stage to rehearse my speech. Soon, it was bright. It’s already 7.00 a.m. The assembly will begin in 15 minutes. I decided to go to the changing room at the back of the hall. Practising in front of the mirror would be much better. I could check on my body language and facial expression.
Oh no! To my horror, I finally discovered that I had put on “Batik” shirt instead of my white shirt. Too late to go home and change.
“Afiq! Afiq!”
I heard someone calling my name. It was Puan Adida.
She was smiling and in her cheerful voice she said;
“I knew that you would make me proud......but what are you wearing?
I wanted to quit but Puan Adida insisted that I continue for a good warrior will never surrender even in the most difficult situation.
As I stood in front of the audience, I could feel blood rushing up my face. I ended my speech saying, choosing the appropriate colour for the shirt we wear can actually help to balance our emotion. Colour influences how we feel and it definitely helps to keep us calm. That’s why you find me wearing this colourful batik shirt on this bright morning. With that, I thank you.
Everyone, including my principal and teachers laughed until they shed some tears. They gave me a standing ovation. I was so embarrassed. My friends talked about the incident for the whole year. I bet they would talk about it on our twentieth reunion.
I found a torch in the chest in front of my bed but it had run out of batteries. It had been ages since I last replaced the batteries. I went to the closet and took out my school shirt and a pair of long green pants. They were creased all over but I did not mind as everyone would understand. Most people would be wearing creased shirts.
After drinking a cup of milo and a packet of “nasi lemak”, under the dim light of a candle, I left home. I walked past the recreation park and saw an elderly man whom I often met at the park. He waved his hands at me.
“You look awfully handsome, today young man!” he shouted.
“No electricity!” I explained briefly and signalling to him that I was in hurry.
I was assigned to deliver a speech during assembly. I was going to talk about “How to Cope with Stress” So, I had to be in school earlier. I would rehearse my speech a few more times before everyone entered the hall.
When I reached the school gate, only the guard, a few teachers and a number of students had arrived. The guard who was not friendly suddenly was very nice to me. “Good morning boy! Today must be a special day for you!”
Even the guard knew that I was going to deliver my speech. Today’s assembly must be really important then. So, I hastened my pace towards the hall and went on stage to rehearse my speech. Soon, it was bright. It’s already 7.00 a.m. The assembly will begin in 15 minutes. I decided to go to the changing room at the back of the hall. Practising in front of the mirror would be much better. I could check on my body language and facial expression.
Oh no! To my horror, I finally discovered that I had put on “Batik” shirt instead of my white shirt. Too late to go home and change.
“Afiq! Afiq!”
I heard someone calling my name. It was Puan Adida.
She was smiling and in her cheerful voice she said;
“I knew that you would make me proud......but what are you wearing?
I wanted to quit but Puan Adida insisted that I continue for a good warrior will never surrender even in the most difficult situation.
As I stood in front of the audience, I could feel blood rushing up my face. I ended my speech saying, choosing the appropriate colour for the shirt we wear can actually help to balance our emotion. Colour influences how we feel and it definitely helps to keep us calm. That’s why you find me wearing this colourful batik shirt on this bright morning. With that, I thank you.
Everyone, including my principal and teachers laughed until they shed some tears. They gave me a standing ovation. I was so embarrassed. My friends talked about the incident for the whole year. I bet they would talk about it on our twentieth reunion.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
MY DREAM PLACE
My Dream Place
I have always dreamt to visit the most romantic city in the world. People say it is a city that is full of many amazing love stories. Many newlyweds go to Paris to spend their time together. It is also a city famous for its Eiffel Tower and the painting of “Monalisa”.
I would love to go there and climb the tower with the person that I love.It must be very romantic. My friend, Hanida always laughs at me. She keeps saying that I will only step my feet there if I have a chance to marry a rich business tycoon.
No way! I will prove her wrong. I would visit Paris with my own hard-earned money. I would take my mum,dad and sister.Yes! Paris! Wait for me!
My teacher said that from the top of Eiffel Tower, a visitor can witness the fascinating view of the city. Paris is beautiful because the Seine River ,which is running across it, is lined on both sides by beautiful architecture of old historical buildings from the fifteenth century.
She further informed me that a visit to the Lourves is a must to visitors. It is an art gallery where many famous paintings and scuptures are displayed. Almost half a day is needed to tour around the gallery.
If you are a keen perfume collector,then Paris is the place to shop for popular brands like “ Beautiful” and “Eternity”.You can get your favourites at lower price. I remember my friend once said after her visit. How I envy her.
However I am very positive that one day I shall fly to Paris. Before I leave for the metropolitan city, I will first of all learn French Language so that I can
communicate with the locals. I will learn how to order garlic bread, croissant and a cup of pure black coffee in French.
I have always dreamt to visit the most romantic city in the world. People say it is a city that is full of many amazing love stories. Many newlyweds go to Paris to spend their time together. It is also a city famous for its Eiffel Tower and the painting of “Monalisa”.
I would love to go there and climb the tower with the person that I love.It must be very romantic. My friend, Hanida always laughs at me. She keeps saying that I will only step my feet there if I have a chance to marry a rich business tycoon.
No way! I will prove her wrong. I would visit Paris with my own hard-earned money. I would take my mum,dad and sister.Yes! Paris! Wait for me!
My teacher said that from the top of Eiffel Tower, a visitor can witness the fascinating view of the city. Paris is beautiful because the Seine River ,which is running across it, is lined on both sides by beautiful architecture of old historical buildings from the fifteenth century.
She further informed me that a visit to the Lourves is a must to visitors. It is an art gallery where many famous paintings and scuptures are displayed. Almost half a day is needed to tour around the gallery.
If you are a keen perfume collector,then Paris is the place to shop for popular brands like “ Beautiful” and “Eternity”.You can get your favourites at lower price. I remember my friend once said after her visit. How I envy her.
However I am very positive that one day I shall fly to Paris. Before I leave for the metropolitan city, I will first of all learn French Language so that I can
communicate with the locals. I will learn how to order garlic bread, croissant and a cup of pure black coffee in French.
MY FAVOURITE HOLIDAY RESORT
My Favourite Holiday Resort
The long winding narrow road made me felt so sick.Terribly sick! I really hated the journey up the mountain. Fortunately, my dad enjoyed driving.
Yet the moment my dad announced “We have arrived!”, I changed my opinion. I fell in love with Cameron Highland's breathtaking view and temperate climate.
A visit to the strawberry park was an unforgettable one. My mum bought a packet of strawberries sprinkled with sugar. Being skeptikal, my dad refused to eat them. He said he preferred to have them without sugar.So, he bought two packets of strawberries and gobbled them all. Mum warned dad “ Your tongue will surely get sore!”
Half an hour later,while mum was immersed in the sweet scents of roses grown proudly on the hilly areas of Brinchang, dad secretly asked for some sweets from my little brother.
Another spot I enjoyed visiting was the tea plantation. It was fascinating to witness the workers plucking the tea leaves at such a fast speed. I felt so small when I stood among the tea trees.
The stay at Merlin Hotel was great.The room was large and comfortable.What I like most was the view fom the balcony. I could see the large golf field framed by the natural landscape of tall trees and small thick tropical ferns.On top of that,the rental was reasonable and affordable.
Mum took the opportunity to do facial and went for a spa massage at the beauty salon. Meanwhile dad tried to get some naps. My brother made some cute poses while I took charge as the camera girl.
On the way home down the highland,mum made dad stopped at a few places. The boot of the car was filled with vegetables,strawberries,oranges and lots of roses. When questioned on her lavish spending, she answered “ They are all for your mum,aunties and sisters”
If mum loves Cameron Highland so much, I love it even more. One day, I will definitely go there again.Cameron Highland is indeed my favourite holiday resort.
(This is the description of Cameron Highland back in 2001.Now, Merlin Hotel has been taken over by another hotel)
The long winding narrow road made me felt so sick.Terribly sick! I really hated the journey up the mountain. Fortunately, my dad enjoyed driving.
Yet the moment my dad announced “We have arrived!”, I changed my opinion. I fell in love with Cameron Highland's breathtaking view and temperate climate.
A visit to the strawberry park was an unforgettable one. My mum bought a packet of strawberries sprinkled with sugar. Being skeptikal, my dad refused to eat them. He said he preferred to have them without sugar.So, he bought two packets of strawberries and gobbled them all. Mum warned dad “ Your tongue will surely get sore!”
Half an hour later,while mum was immersed in the sweet scents of roses grown proudly on the hilly areas of Brinchang, dad secretly asked for some sweets from my little brother.
Another spot I enjoyed visiting was the tea plantation. It was fascinating to witness the workers plucking the tea leaves at such a fast speed. I felt so small when I stood among the tea trees.
The stay at Merlin Hotel was great.The room was large and comfortable.What I like most was the view fom the balcony. I could see the large golf field framed by the natural landscape of tall trees and small thick tropical ferns.On top of that,the rental was reasonable and affordable.
Mum took the opportunity to do facial and went for a spa massage at the beauty salon. Meanwhile dad tried to get some naps. My brother made some cute poses while I took charge as the camera girl.
On the way home down the highland,mum made dad stopped at a few places. The boot of the car was filled with vegetables,strawberries,oranges and lots of roses. When questioned on her lavish spending, she answered “ They are all for your mum,aunties and sisters”
If mum loves Cameron Highland so much, I love it even more. One day, I will definitely go there again.Cameron Highland is indeed my favourite holiday resort.
(This is the description of Cameron Highland back in 2001.Now, Merlin Hotel has been taken over by another hotel)
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
PROVERB
Where there's a will,there's a way
meaning: if you have the determination,you will find ways to achieve your dream
Sentence:
Adam is determined to win the scholarship to study medicine at London University. He knows that where there's a will,there's a way.He will not easily give up and must therefore study really hard.
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