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Literature Form 5
Novel – The Curse
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Summary
The Plot
Analysis The Text
Analysis The Plot
Analysis : A General
view
Themes
Tone
Mood
Subject Matter
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Point of view
Setting
Characters
Characters (The Minor
Characters)
Quality of Character
Repetition
Foreshadowing
Flashback
Lesson and Moral Value
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Summary
Azreen who is studying in London returns to her
hometown, an island nearby Langkawi as her sister,
Madhuri had passed away. It is rumoured that she was
murdered.
Loud whispers in the Azreen’s house causes her to be
suspicious of her sister’s death.
In addition to that, her mother’s statement that Madhuri
is in danger adds her suspicion to the controversial
death of her sister.
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The old lady who was Azreen’s friend also mentions to
her that Madhuri’s murder was covered up so that some
secrets surrounding the murder is not revealed.
The bomoh further revealed to Azreen that he saw
Madhuri and Asraf together in the rubber estate several
times.
The ghostly person directs Azreen’s attention to the
murder weapon. Saleh, Azreen’s father confesses to
Madhuri’s murder.
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The Plot
Exposition
Azreen’s sister, Madhuri, is murdered but the death is
not classified as murder and the murder is covered
up.
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Conflict
1. Why was Madhuri murdered?
2. Why was the murder covered up?
3. Why is the ghost like lady appearing every once a
while in the village? What is the relationship
between the lady and the characters of the story?
4. Is the relationship of the fact that Madhuri, is a
second wife, a reason for her death? Is Fathihah a
cause for Madhuri’s death?
5. Is the rumour true that Madhuri’s death is a sign of
a curse falling on the village?
6. What is the role of Asraf in the whole story?
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Climax
1. Madhuri was murdered as she wanted to leave her
husband and marry Asraf.
2. The murder was covered up to save En Ghani’s
ego and Madhuri’s innocense and memory.
3. The ghost like lady is Madhuri’s biological mother.
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4. Fathihah is not the cause of her Madhuri’s death
nor is the reason that Madhuri is a second wife
cause of her death.
5. The rumour was created because Madhuri
seemingly bled white blood but the white liquid
spilled on her was actually latex.
6. Asraf was Madhuri’s lover. He was about to run
away with her. As this was discovered by Saleh,
her father, killed her.
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Falling action
Azreen discovers that Asraf was actually not in love
with her. She discovers that Madhuri is not her actual
sister. The old lady dies although she saved Asraf’s
mother. Her last words for Azreen was to forgive.
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Resolution
Saleh dies of heart attack. Asraf leaves the island to
do a teaching course in KL. Azreen leaves for London,
to continue her studies and perhaps accept Julian as
her “special friend”.
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Analysis: The text
1. Pg 3
She did not want to have to explain why she
was leaving
She did not want to explain why she was leaving.
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2. Pg 5
Julian’s head cocked to the side in question.
Julian’s head tilted to the side, questioning her.
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3. Pg 12/1
And the poor girl isn’t even properly laidto
ground yet!
And the poor girl isn’t even properly laid to the
ground yet.
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4. Pg 12/2
She’s still your elder.
She’s still elder to you.
She’s still elder than you.
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5. Pg 14
Azreen did as told.
Azreen did as told by the stewardess.
Azreen did as she was told.
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6. Pg 24
She had been missing for a few hours and her
husband was getting worried.
She had been missing for a few hours and her
husband got worried/was worried.
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7. Pg 32
He sighed again, his wrinkles deepening in
melancholy
He sighed again, wrinkles deepening in melancholy.
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8. Pg 63
She “could turn anyone who came near her into a
squirrel or a rat. She would then mix him with the
herbs and plants from her haunted garden and eat
him for dinner.”
She could turn anyone who came near her into a
squirrel or a rat. She would then mix them with the
herbs and plants from her haunted garden and eat
them for dinner.”
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9. Pg 71
The Old Lady reached over and lifted Azreen’s
fringe from her face.
The Old Lady reached over and tilted Azreen’s face.
(Upwards/downward/sideways)
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10. Pg 83
She could even see the angry veins popping
out from his arms.
She could even see the angry veins popping out on
his arms.
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11. Pg 99
“…old habits died hard and neat clothes made
her appear less like the witch the villagers
thought she was.
“...old habits die hard and neat clothes made her
appear less like the witch the villagers thought she
was.
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12. Pg 110
I do not think them better parents.
I do not think of them as better parents.
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13. Pg 119
He watched in horror as the woman’s body
distorted and bent.
He watched the woman’s distorted and bent body
in horror.
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14. Pg 113
I didn’t realise it as first but then I heard the
rustling of her hair. (Illogical: It is difficult or
impossible to hear the rustling of the hairs!)
I didn’t realise it at first but then i heard the rustling
of leaves created by her movement in the bushes.
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15. Pg 169
Meanwhile, I need you to prepare a clean
mortal and pestle for me, do you have one?
Meanwhile, i need you to prepare a clean mortar and
pestle for me, do you have one?
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16. Pg 197
But nobody would listen. There is nothing in
the novel to suggest that she had said or
convinced then
I tried to convince them but nobody would listen.
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Analysis: The Plot
Too familiar.
The plot centres around the murder of a girl. The
similarity to the famous “The curse of Mahsuri”,
even the name is similar, Mahsuri vs Madhuri, the
place is just south of Langkawi, even the title is
similar, “the curse”.
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To rehash a murder story too close to another makes
one wonder of the creativeness of the story in
question.
The plot is too familiar.
Analysis - A general view
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Analysis: A General view
A super presentation. The writer has used so many
character’s and all of them have been give life.
Although the main character has too many character
traits, that really signifies a human being. We do
have many traits which are exposed in particular
circumstances. The contrast, the differences, the
similarities and logical and emotional responses the
character are imbued with and display carries the
story along very well. Marvellous.
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The story unfolds with twists and turn at every
moment. There is no breather. The story flows
continously. The exceptional reference to the past is
well thought. Although inserted too often, the flow is
so well done that it is quite seamless. There is
always a reason for returning to the past and the
reason is so logical that there is no break in the
storyline. Stupendous.
The story is also full of clues as to who and why
Madhuri was killed. The clues appear as we read. The
idea of the clues appearing makes this story a page
turner.
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The reasoning and the logical answers. The issues
and the resulting answers given appropriately. The
supernatural subject touched upon but with logical
reasonings and answers to those superstitions
creates a modern insight to an ancient story. From
the beginning to the end, the questions are exposed
and answered. Another, plus point for the story.
The writer has taken pain to insert phrases to the
story, although it looks artificial, the insertion is
finely done, safe for some minor issues.
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Last but not least, despite some issues discussed,
the story is a full story. However it should not have
been introduced as a literature book for several
reasons as discussed henceforth.
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Two killing took place in modern Malaysia. One was
covered up by the head of the kampong and some
men. This sends wrong signals. Children should not
be encouraged to get the idea that killing is a small
matter and that it can be swept under the carpet. In
real life this is a major issue. Perhaps, in ancient
times it was allowed. In modern Malaysia, it should
not be so.
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This is a major flaw. Suffice to say, however this is
debated, the issue is, no one is above the law. The
police should have been brought in and perhaps the
murder can be brushed aside on a pretext. This can
be regarded a loose knot which the story addresses
but waves it away. Even Madhuri’s mother should be
in an asylum or hospital. The fact that she arguable
killed En Saleh and was able to escape the law sends
wrong signals, that crime does pay.
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Even stealing, (chickens) by Awang is freated in a
very “simple” manner; the stealing is brushed off
with ridiculous reasons. Sending wrong signals
again.
There were too many strong negative exposition of a
particular race. The story should have emphasised
an equally strong positive exposition of the same
race to balance the issues. As a book intended for
students, again, this book should not have been
recommended.
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Themes
1. Love
The author has covered certain aspects of love:(a) Parental love-Biological and non-biological
Biological parents Love
- Saleh Abdullah and his wife for Azreen
- The ghostly lady for Madhuri
- Puan Khamsiah for Siti
Non-biological parents love
- Saleh Abdullah and his wife for Madhuri
- En Zul and Datin Sharifah for Azreen
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(b) Forbidden love
Mohd Ashraf for Madhuri after she was married.
(c) Unrequited love
Azreen seems to have a crush for Ashraf.
Julian seems to have a crush on Azreen.
(d) Love due to gratitude or respect
Awang for Azreen for saving her.
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2. Forgiving
There is nothing more liberating in receiving
forgiveness than giving it. Once you’ve forgiven
(a) sincerely forgiven - the weight is lifted from your
chest, and you’re finally free.
(Pg161)
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“And you must learn to forgive, Azreen before it’s
too late”. (pg201)
Forgive, the old lady had said to her before she
died.
Was this how
it felt to forgive? (Pg205)
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Themes
(b) As advised by the old lady, Azreen forgave her
father.
The ghostly lady however did not forgive Saleh for
killing her daughter.
Ashraf did not forgive the old lady for the death of his
mother.
Puan Fathihah did not forgive Madhuri for marrying her
husband, Hj Ghani.
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Themes
(c) Violence against women
Old lady’s husband abused her.
Is the murder of Madhuri, violence against women
too?...yes
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Themes
(d) Gender stereotyping
Azreen behaved as a boy...tomboy in her younger days.
example...hangs out with the boys, laughs like a hyena,
plays hockey with the boys, fights with boys.
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Themes
(e) Belief in the supernatural
Awang the shaman - used by the villagers.
Puan Normala - convinced that the village is cursed by
Madhuri. Old lady is an evil person who can turn
human’s into squirrels and rats.
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Tone
Serious, mysterious, sad, reflective, regret, emotional,
humour, envy.
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Mood
A sombre mood throughout the story.
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Subject Matter
The mystery surrounding Madhuri’s murder.
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Point of view
3rd person point of view.
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Setting
Present time - within a week or two.
1. The rubber plantation.
2. The room and hostel where Azreen lived during her
stay in London.
3. Interior of the aeroplane from London to KL.
4. A village in a small island off Langkawi.
- Azreen’s house,
- Madhuri’s room,
- Nek’s home
- En Mohan’s farm
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5. The forest - the abandoned house.
6. The paddy field.
7. The cemetery.
8. The serene part of the island where the old lady and
Azreen find peace.
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Characters (The Main Characters)
1. Azreen Saleh-the protagonist
Azreen, the main character of the novel, is a problematic
child for En Saleh and his wife. She managed to get into
her father’s bad side too often. She was less feminine and
more interested in things boys did. A sort of tomboy. The
trouble she gets into with her father creates a gap with
him, which carries along in the whole novel. Although
Azreen is the biological child of the “Saleh’s” it is her
sister who is the apple of the eye of her parents. Thus at
the first chance of leaving the island village, Azreen grabs
the chance and leaves to London to pursue her studies.
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Characters (The Main Characters)
2. Mohd Ashraf - “the lover”
A teacher. A handsome male, who girls will fall for right
from school days to the present times. The dream boy of
all the girls. Even Azreen was interested in him. Ashraf
however, was more interested in Madhuri, Azreen’s sister.
Eventually, he becomes the cause of her death.
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Characters (The Main Characters)
3. Madhuri - the subject matter of the novel.
To be more accurate, her death is the subject matter of the
novel. Madhuri, is the child of a mysterious lady of the
island who appears out of nowhere to make her presence
felt. The Saleh’s adopted her. Ironically she exhibits
idealistic character as a daughter for the Saleh’s
compared to Azreen. The comparison is obvious and
creates rift between Azreen, Madhuri and En Saleh.
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Characters (The Main Characters)
4. En Saleh Abdullah - the murderer
As a father, En Saleh was wanting as far as Azreen is
concerned. The author subtly showed the unfair way he
treated Azreen. However, his character as a typical strict
father seems to fit into his behavior. He is depicted as an
angry person whenever he appears in the novel. No doubt
when he decides to kill Madhuri, for daring to go against
tradition and moral values, it is no surprise. The issue is
she was the apple of his eyes, and he still went against his
love for her and killed in the spur of the moment.
Supposedly, he would not have hesistated even if Azreen
was the one at the end of his parang.
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Characters (The Main Characters)
5. The Old Lady of the Forest - “the good”
Although she did enjoy a brief happy life with her
husband, economic problems caused her husband to
become a drunk. Eventually he began to beat her up.
Unable to withstand it, she killed him while defending
herself. The villagers shunned her and regarded her a
witch of sort. She left the village and lived in a hut in the
jungle
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Characters (The Main Characters)
Azreen befriended her while on one of her tomboyish
activity and later the old lady became her mentor. She
taught Azreen the good things of life including cooking
and universal good values. She was the good character as
opposed to the evil character, Puan Normala.
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Characters (The Main Characters)
6. Puan Normala - “the bad one”.
The gossip of the village. The bringer of bad news. Creator
of rumours. Incitor. Looks at things negatively. All these
are the traits of Puan Normala. She is the bad one, no
doubts about it.
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Characters (The Main Characters)
7. The mysterious ghostly lady - “the ugly one”.
Madhuri’s real mother. Mourning her daughter’s death, she
appears to avenge her daughter’s death. Her appearance
almost always creates a unique event or tragedy. Finally
she succeeds in her vengence.
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Characters (The Minor Characters)
1. Awang - the bomoh
Provides the supernatural aspect in the novel. However,
he is given a greater role later in the novel, for he seems
to know more about the death of Madhuri than the limited
intelligence he seems to have.
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Characters (The Main Characters)
2. Datin Sharifah and Datuk Zulkifli - the foster parents
The childless rich couple who support Azreen financially
and eventually morally too. They become the avenue for
Azreen to escape the village which to Azreen was more a
“prison”.
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Characters (The Main Characters)
3. En Saleh’s wife - Azreen’s mother
Loses the use of her legs and later becomes senile. A
solace for Azreen and understands her better. Knows
some of Madhuri’s secret. She dies a natural death.
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Characters (The Main Characters)
4.Haji Ghani - the village head
The man who married Madhuri as a second wife. He
certainly loved his wife, probably the reason why he
covered up her death so that no one knew the reason for
her death. Puan Fatihah was his first wife.
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Characters (The Main Characters)
5. Puan Fatihah - the first wife
She was childless. When her husband wanted to marry
Madhuri she acceded as she had no choice. How jealous
she was is known after Madhuri is dead.
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Characters (The Main Characters)
6.Puan Kamsiah - Siti’s mother
Puan Kamsiah explains Puan Normala’s bad actions to her
daughter. Although she dislikes Puan Normala and her
actions, she too makes the same mistake.
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Characters (The Main Characters)
7. Siti - “the future generation”
Siti was cautioned by her mother to adhere to her
supersitions beliefs and traditional beliefs, but in Siti’s
case, common sense prevailed.
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Characters (The Main Characters)
8. Nek - Mohd Ashraf’s grandmother.
Ashraf’ was brought up by his grandmother. Now, he is
returning the favour. However, her sickness seems to be
more fatal than perceived by Ashraff. Although the old
lady cures his grandma, she unfortunately dies. Her death
causes the old lady’s death as well.
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Characters (The Main Characters)
9. Noor - Puan Normala’s daughter.
Like mother, like daughter.
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Quality of Characters
Azreen
Characteristics
 Obliging
 Short
 Bespectled
 Fiery/bad tempered
 Always spoke her mind/
 Opinionated
 Obstinate child
 Not beautiful
 Speaks robustly
Supporting information
...she would feel obliged to
tell him (pg4)
Who would want anything
to do with a short...
soft spoken sister? (pg8)
“I’m still...bad tempered”
(pg127)
“I’m still...opinionated”
(pg127)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Not well liked
Despised her sister
Disrespectful
Rude
Ungrateful
Spiteful
Supporting information
Madhuri...so well liked by
everyone?
Perhaps...despised her sister?
Hates her sister (pg20)
How disrespectful. (pg20)
Very rude
I tell you...ungrateful child
(pg21)
Yes, she could be...spiteful
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Bad tempered
Stubborn
Cold hearted
Tomboy/boyish
Nerdy
Supporting information
and bad tempered...” (pg26)
she stood stubbornly... (pg32)
“I'm...stubborn...” (pg127)
as cold as her heart... (pg33)
“Girls in her class...after class?
(pg37)
“...not to start a fight...
That’s not how a girl should
behave. (pg106)
“...who was so nerdy and...”
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Aggressive
Intelligent
Sportswoman
Bold
Courageous
Supporting information
“Ganas...proved your point.”
(pg37)
“...good in your studies...”
(pg 38)
“Brilliant in the field...”
“...shocked by her bold
confession...” (pg56)
“...Take up their dare...in the
woods” (pg63)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Thoughtfull
Responsible
Physical fighter/
boxer
Loyal
Selfless/Unselfish
Supporting information
“...Repairing the trampled
bed...fingers” (pg65)
“I am...to take responsibility”
(pg88)
“She was in school (pg 88)
...Fell to the ground (pg89)
“But her loyalty to her friend...”
(pg95)
“...greater than her self
preservation”
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Jealous
Protective
Defensive
Sarcasm
Supporting information
“A minute later (pg107)
...A low growl (pg108)
“I do not think of them as better
parents” (pg110)
“Azreen shook her head
defensively” (pg114)
“...since sarcasm was her best
weapon...” (pg138)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Emotional
Fearless
Rational
Supporting information
“Azreen (pg144)
...Mother. (pg146)
“She was fearless. (pg163)
And you once said...thorough
check up” (pg166)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Supporting information
Religious
“She went to cleanse herself
for prayers...” (pg195)
Untraditional/
Disloyal/selfish
“She was to confess everything
to her husband...(to)...
...wanted the best for her.”
(pg204)
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Quality of Characters
Mohd Ashraf
Characteristics
Supporting information
Smart
“He was smart...
Handsome
Friendly
Popular
Witty
Tall
and handsome...
Gave her a big friendly smile.” (pg34)
“But you’re well liked.” (pg38)
“thanks for those flattering words...”
“But then...fascination...for weird stuff”
“He was a tall...
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Supporting information
Dashing
...very dashing...
Charming
Charming
Attractive
...too attractive...
Loyal
Nervous
Sympathetic
...only had eyes for one...” (pg41)
“...A little flustered...” (pg98)
“My sympathies for what happened.”
Prim and
proper
...I’m always smartly dressed (pg112)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Supporting information
Talented
...Join the dikir barat group...
...went to check on his grandmother
Responsible,
(pg116)
compassionate, ...while i go buy lunch” (pg117)
caring
...Mohd Asraf spent the (pg175)
...asleep on the floor... (pg176)
Thoughtful
...Azreen...could sense the concern...”
(pg125)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Supporting information
Gentle/ simple/
Azreen told me...you’re harmless...”
Humble
(pg164)
(indirectly)
“...With a determined look in his face”
Determined
(pg167)
Caring
“...was holding a bowl of gruel...” (pg180)
Grateful
“I haven’t thanked her yet” (pg192)
“Somehow Cikgu Ashraf is convinced
Simple minded (pg197)
“He must be out of his mind”
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Honest/Loving
Supporting information
“When she refused to budge...
...whacked the door open” (pg199)
“I love her. (pg204)
Hopeful
“And i hope against hope...”
Irrational
“Somehow Cikgu Asraf is convinced that
it is true. (pg197)
“he did not appear to recognise her...
...Pushed her away...” (pg199)
Impulsive
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Supporting information
Remorse
“He welcomed the pain and when she
was done, he crumpled on the steps in
defeat.” (pg202)
Despair
“I’m sorry. He gazed at his hands...What
for? (pg203)
Untraditional
“Madhuri and I had been planning to run
away...” (pg203)
Loved
“I loved her(Madhuri)...” (pg204)
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Quality of Characters
Madhuri
Characteristics
Popular
Talented
Supporting information
“...well liked by everyone.” (pg8)
“...She would sew...sweet lilting voice...”
(pg78)
Graceful
“..blossomed into such a graceful
woman...” (pg79)
Kind
“...Don’t be cruel” (pg81)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Supporting information
“...She’s very...to her elders”
Pretty
“Assalamualaikum...It is very sweet of
sweet tempered
you
respectful
to take care of her.” (pg98)
Feminine
“...did not dare...terrified of frogs...”
(pg82)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Sisterly love
/Defensive
Love/
Untraditional/
insolent
Supporting information
“Don’t blame her. She was only hungry.”
(pg83)
“...tried to shield her...” (pg96)
“Madhuri consoled her and soothed
her...”
“I love him.” (pg225)
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Quality of Characters
En Saleh Abdullah
Characteristics
Stern
Supporting information
“...glared at both...the heavy clouds
above.” (pg31)
Insensible/
Accusing
“Don’t lie” (pg83)
“...no right to touch your sister’s things.”
(pg86)
Disciplinarian/
abusive
“...right fist was raised slightly...”
“their father’s anger..rotan all over her
legs and back.” (pg96)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Supporting information
Hard working
“Tell your father ...work too hard? (pg87)
Proud
“We don’t need their symphathies or
their charity” (pg109)
Mean
“..Why don’t you just stay on with them.
...Don’t you?” (pg110)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Supporting information
“he built a ramp...so that she can get in
and out of the house...” (pg110)
“...without a word, pushed her out of the
house...” (pg146)
Love/Protective “Enough!...lifted her to her feet.” (pg188)
“...her rescuer. Her father stood there...”
(pg202)
“She was as much a daughter to me and
your mother as you are.” (pg221)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Heavy hearted
Religious
Supporting information
“The loss he felt exploded within him”
(pg190)
“...hammering away his pain.”
“”...Left the mosque after the prayers...”
(pg152)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Intelligent
Remorse
Supporting information
“That yellow cord...bomoh’s wrist...
...scene of the fire (pg152)
...bomoh had a hand in it (the fire)...”
(pg153)
“...awaiting judgement...
...shoulders hung in defeat... (pg222)
“...eyes closed in anguish and his
shoulders sagging in sorrow...” (pg226)
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Quality of Characters
The Old Lady of the Forest
Characteristics
Humane
Supporting information
“...an old lady, not a wicked witch...”
(pg64)
Sensible
“Indeed...have you learnt to behave in a
feminine manner? (pg68)
“do you want to end up like me then?”
(pg99)
Motherly
“Well...” (pg67)
...started braiding Azreen’s hair. (pg72)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Intelligent
Insightful
Pitiful/Abused
Supporting information
“At first I thought (pg76)
...it would bring more harm to the
innocent...” (pg77)
“...she saw Azreen’s face and her smile
faded...” (pg99)
“it had all happened (pg101)
...murdered her husband in cold blood”
(pg104)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Supporting information
Naive
“I was a naive woman...” (pg161)
Loved
“I love him so much...”
Sincere
“Everything I did, I did for him”
Philosophical
Alert
Cynical
“...tend to get philosophical...”.
“...There is a sad looking boy standing
outside my gate...” (pg162)
“...have you brought me anything?
Like human liver? Lizard’s blood?
(pg164)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Perceptive
Caring
Noble
Supporting information
“...Looks like he needs some
nourishment.” (pg165)
“...fed his grandmother.” (pg180)
“...Get out now, Azreen. Leave me here.”
(pg200)
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Quality of Characters
Pn Normala
Characteristics
Mischievous
Supporting information
“...village gossip was gathering
...from the mass..” (Pg18)
Destructive
“I told you,” (pg 20)...(to)...ugly little
baby. (pg21)
“We have to get rid of the witch.” (Pg172)
Scandalmonger
“Did you hear what happened? (pg132)
...Pretending to be so moral and
virtuous...” (Pg134)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Superstitious
Spiteful
Coward
Intimidating
Supporting information
“There was not a week that passed
without the woman declaring to have
spotted some spirits...” (Pg133)
“What was the witch doing here?”
(Pg170)
“Azreen knew she was too much of a
coward...” (Pg186)
“I’ve warned you,’...better pray it is not
you.” (Pg188)
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Quality of Characters
The mysterious ghostly lady
Characteristics
Stalker
Supporting information
She glared ....crazy woman again.”
(pg96)
“..always staring at us...”
“...a face at the window..” (pg145)
“...silhouette appearing from behind...”
(pg149)
“...rustling of leaves nearby...” (pg219)
“...rustling continued...”
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Hunchback
Sad
Mad
Cruel
Supporting information
“...Watched in horror... (pg119)
...distorted and bent...” (pg120)
“...the sad pleading eyes of the
woman...” (pg150)
“A little mad...” (Pg208)
“She was the one who broke the
chicken’s neck...”
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Heartbroken
Revengeful
Supporting information
“...the mother was heartbroken...”
(pg209)
“...pain of a mother incapable of
providing for her baby...” (pg226)
“agony she felt when her daughter was
taken from her.”
“...She’s furious about Madhuri’s death.”
(pg210)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Supporting information
Furious
“The woman glared at him. Her eyes
burned with rage.” (pg227)
At peace/
light hearted
“...the woman smile.” (pg230)
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Quality of Characters
Awang
Characteristics
Timid
Supporting information
“...Skulked lower (pg56)
...gone from the owner’s view”. (pg57)
(contrast with)
Rational
“...Stared at his big clay pot in disbelief...
...the incident of the day...” (pg75)
“That young lady...This could only
mean...” (pg75)
Grateful
“I owe you so much...” (pg211)
Irrational
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Supporting information
Coward
“It was my fault...it should have been
(he should have
chained...” (pg211)
owned up)
Thief
“He won’t care if a chicken or two are
missing,...” (pg212)
“steal...return them afterwards...”
(pg213)
Silly/
Superstitious
“I’ve burnt some charms around your
house;...” (pg212)
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Quality of Characters
Datin Sharifah
Characteristics
Supporting information
Energetic
“...actions were very quick, very
efficient...
...forever on the move...” (pg15)
Light hearted
“Ah, there she is now...Azreen! Azreen!”
“How brave she was...the poor child”
Compassionate
(pg22)
Thoughtful
“...two tiny throw pillows that Mak Cik
Sharifah had left her.” (pg39)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Generous
Supporting information
...Generous...
“...will be helping out with the my
allowances...” (pg113)
Easy going/
Cooperative
...easy going.” (pg108)
Talkative
“...chattering non-stop...”
“...hoped...wife would stop walking.”
(pg16)
“what is the noise over at your end?...
...see you next week dear! (pg121)
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Quality of Characters
Datuk Zulkifli
Characteristics
Supporting information
Kind
“They were kind...” (pg108)
Generous
...Generous...
Easy going/
Cooperative
...Easy going.”
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Quality of Characters
En Saleh’s wife
Characteristics
Supporting information
Innocent
“...curled up like a kitten...” (pg39)
“She seemed to be in a daze...side to
Senile
side.” (pg80)
“Don’t blame yourself...” (pg87)
Motherly love
“...lovely girl, sayang...i love you”
Unfair
Impulsive
“Why can’t you be more like you
Madhuri?” (pg106)
“Now leave my sight.”
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Quality of Characters
Haji Ghani
Characteristics
Supporting information
Responsible
“Come let us not fight here.”
“...Complaints...he was losing much
sleep over them...” (pg179)
Proud
“Her rendition of...in this little place.”
(pg79)
Naive
“...escaped her husband’s ears.”
Love
“...Filled his heart...known to her
parents.”
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Supporting information
Concerned
“...villagers are having trouble...
...To the island for days now,” (pg179)
Pride
“...he himself will be laughed at for not
being capable of keeping such a pretty
young bride happy.” (pg217)
Love
“It would shame her memory.
Her innocence would be stained...”
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Quality of Characters
Puan Fatihah
Characteristics
Supporting information
Jealous
“...a few framed photos of Madhuri...
...put up at their home...” (pg43)
“...Perhaps...half an hour ago” (pg 44)
“...a trace of jealous...” (pg79)
Heavy heart
“She had lost...wanted to take it all
back.” (pg80)
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Quality of Characters
Characteristics
Irrational
Desperate
Supporting information
“Would the charm work?” (pg148)
(the whole page)
“...We can always save the leftovers...
...give some to our neighbours...”
(pg180)
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Quality of Characters
Puan Kamsiah
Characteristics
Supporting information
Simple-minded
(indirectly)
She’s going around the village telling...”
(pg11)
Patronising
“...Woke up earlier and prepared a feast
for her husband...” (Pg178)
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Quality of Characters
Siti
Characteristics
Supporting information
Innocent
“There can’t be any truth in that. Can
there?” (pg11)
Insightful
“Azreen Saleh’s (pg25)
...quite restrained...” (pg26)
Studious
Sensible
“Back to work” (pg42)
“So in the end what happened Puan
Normala...
...Siti closed the gate in her face” (pg135)
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Quality of Characters
Nek
Characteristics
Love
Supporting information
(loves Mohd Ashraf) “I’m fine.” (Pg117)
contrast with “she burst into another fit
of coughing...”
...Her sides hurt and her joints ached.”
(pg118)
“She had cared for him since his
parent’s demise...nursed him...” (Pg152)
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Quality of Characters
Noor
Characteristics
Supporting information
Mischevious
“Ah, Puteri Suci,” (pg58)
“You’re a hopeless case...your hand in
marriage.” (pg59)
Spiteful
“she went to the bathroom...(to)...the
mirror” (pg60)
Disrespectful
“...speaking ill of the (dead)...” (pg60)
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Quality of Characters
Julian Ng
Characteristics
Friendly
Cooperative
“...exceedingly
agreeable.”
Supporting information
“...a tall amicable-looking young man.”
(pg3)
“...was very likeable...”
“...exceedingly agreeable.”
“... he added gently...I hope everything’s
alright...” (pg5)
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Quality of Characters
Pak Huzaimi a vegetable seller
Characteristics
Supporting information
Irrational
“I hear she can cast...better not steal...”
(pg159)
Helpful
“I think someone else may have all you
need...” (pg159 )
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Quality of Characters
Their daughter (who Azreen slapped)
Characteristics
Supporting information
Nasty
“Never mind...served her right” (pg107)
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Quality of Characters
En Mohan and sons
Characteristics
Supporting information
Bully
“...hovering threateningly...” (pg92)
Stern
En Mohan’s stern...play truant.” (pg93)
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Repetition
Don’t blame yourself, Azreen. (pg87)
Don’t blame yourself, her mother had said.
(pg88)
Don’t blame yourself, Azreen,” Mohd Ashraf had
said many years ago. (pg88)
Don’t blame yourself, Azreen. (pg90)
Do you want to end up like me then? (pg99)
Don’t end up like me, Azreen. (Pg100)
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Foreshadowing
1. Home, she winced at the thought. (pg7)
As Azreen was going home, the sentence becomes
relevant as foreshadowing. It indicates that Azreen
has bitter memories or unpleasant requirements
which will be repeated or reignited when she is home.
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Foreshadowing
2. It would be two more hours, she thought, before her
freedom would end. (pg14)
a. there is no freedom for her on the island, her
actions are regulated on the island.
b. It also indicates that she was free to do whatever
she wanted in UK.
(Note: this is not foreshadowing)
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Foreshadowing
3. Her mother’s eyes looked blankly at her. “But you don’t
have a sister, Azreen”. (Pg51)
The sentence actually prepares us to the fact that
Madhuri is not Azreen sister. On the other hand it also
acts as a clue that Madhuri is not Azreen’s sister.
(A classic foreshadowing.)
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Foreshadowing
4. “It was no accident. It was murder. Listen to me and keep
this in mind. This is just the beginning.” (pg52)
Normala seems to say that there is more murder to
come.
However she added...”We’re all cursed”
suggesting that there is not only more murder but
calamities may fall on them as they are cursed due to
the death of Madhuri in the mysterious manner or due
to the “murder”.
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Foreshadowing
5. A storm was brewing in the village. Something big was
coming. (pg55)
Awang’s dream was the vehicle which was being
used to indicate that something big was about to
happen due to the happenings in the village.
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Flashback
1. The sisterly childhood antics pg8-9.
2. Azreen’s teen pg 34-39
3. Azreen meets the old lady of the forest pg 63-67
4. Madhuri meets her match pg78-79
5. Azreen’s frog and mangosteen tales pg81-84
6. Azreen vs Asraf pg88-101
7. The old lady of the forest and her tale. pg 101-104
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8. Azreen vs Ashraf part 2-The crack pg110-113
9. The basket incident pg 142-144
10. Ashraf vs Madhuri pg 204
11. Awang’s tale-Madhuri’s secret pg209
12. Awang’s secret - Azreen’s loss pg 212
13. The love triangle pg 214
14. The murderer and the murdered pg 223-226
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Lesson and Moral Value
1. One man, one woman.
- A traditional value predominant in any race,
religion or society.
a. Society tolerates a man getting married twice
or more while the first wife is alive or so, but
the same society does not tolerate a woman
who wants the same.
b. One who is married to two spouses may not
be able to live peacefully.
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2. Rumour mongering is very damaging even
though the rumour may be untrue.
Rumour mongering is a good attention grabber attracting
certain individuals who are addicted to being popular.
Rarely does good news spread fast, however the spread
of good news is beneficial. Negative rumours is the one
which is scorned and it is difficult to curtail it, even if it is
arrested, it may be too late and the damage may have
already be done. Thus if the rumour is untrue, the
damage will be too unjustified compared to a genuine
rumour. The shame of it all is that, the penalty may be too
high, when it is the death of an innocent person. The best
solution is not to listen to rumours!
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3. Do not take something (or someone who)/
which does not belong to you.
Awang took the chickens from the farm.Azreen took the
mangosteens which were on the ground. Even then, it
does not belong to her. Azreen had taken something not
belonging to her. Azreen was rightly reprimanded by her
father. Azreen merely tried to take the things belonging to
Madhuri to which her father was angry even though
Madhuri had passed on.
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Saleh Abdullah took Madhuri. Asraf tried to take Madhuri
from HJ Ghani. Madhuri took Ashraf from Azreen. It is not
right and morally wrong to do so. Sometimes it results in
bad consequences, Saleh died, Asraf lost his love,
Madhuri died, Hj Ghani lost one of his love, Azreen lost
someone she loved. It results in loses to everyone
involved.
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4. The truth hurts.
Sometimes we lie to save someone close. Noble indeed.
However it may be detrimental to us. Perhaps the truth
may hurt for that moment but then it may not create such
a long winded problem. Tell the truth and get on with life.
The old lady did not and regreted it. And told Azreen not
to end up like her alone in the forest as Azreen hid the
truth to safe Ashraf. In fact she later discovers she need
not protect Ashraf as the culprit was Awang. A waste.
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5. You can’t run away from problems. You have to
meet it head on.
The old lady warned Azreen that her reason for leaving is
the unbearable situation on the island. The problems she
faced with her father, the comparison with Madhuri, the
cold shoulder of Ashraf are problems she should have
confronted not run away from it. Sometimes problems do
not just go away.
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