Poetry Exercise 2
1) The subject matter of this poem is how a couple is unable to produce baby boys instead, plenty of girls. With evidence as, "Already ringed by daughters, And no son, they keep trying". This shows that this couple is having an unlucky turn of events as no boy offsprings are produced which places the couple in a much stressful n annoyed position to be in.
2)The significants of "ringed by daughters" is trying to suggest that the couple is being surrounded by daughters, this shows that they are annoyed by it. "Contoured by choices" means that she only have limited choice of 'bearing or diapering', which shows that women have cannot be like men, in a way that men work till they are old, whereas most women have to stay at home to look after their child, a very sad and lonely way to pass on as stated, "And singleness is theirs".
3)I feel that the women in this poem is lonely and has a sad life, as the poem mention "And singleness is theirs, Again." From here I could tell that the women is lonely, even if their "man" is with them as this phrase uses "Again."
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Mining For Meaning.
Poetry Exercise 1
1) From my point of view, the poem is about the feelings of a father towards his son that is growing up and is leaving him. He talked about how his son Sean is drifting away from him. This is evident from the way he described it as “like a satalite wrenched from its orbit” this shows that Sean is getting further away from him as he grows up. The writer is unable to comprehend his feelings as his son grows up and goes through the different stages of life. Using words like “ebbing” and “selfhood” it shows that the writer is still trying to accept the fact that his beloved son is no longer the little boy that he used to be.
2) My impression of their relationship is that Sean is not as close to his father compared to the past. The writer expressed through the title "Walking Away" directing the poem at his son Sean. the poem talks about how Sean is "fading away" and has "loosened from its parent stem." it shows that Sean has distanced himself from the writer and he's feeling upset about how they ended up. thus my conclusion is that the relationship between Sean and the writer is a very distant one.
3)The poet is trying to express his feelings with evidence as, "setting free a grown bird away". He thinks that he has to let "Sean" go, as he's growing up. The mood of the poem is sad, because he has to let go of a "child" that hasn't completely grown up. Another evidence would be, "Selfhood begins with walking away". This shows that one will be independent when one leaves or departs from it's pillar of support.
1) From my point of view, the poem is about the feelings of a father towards his son that is growing up and is leaving him. He talked about how his son Sean is drifting away from him. This is evident from the way he described it as “like a satalite wrenched from its orbit” this shows that Sean is getting further away from him as he grows up. The writer is unable to comprehend his feelings as his son grows up and goes through the different stages of life. Using words like “ebbing” and “selfhood” it shows that the writer is still trying to accept the fact that his beloved son is no longer the little boy that he used to be.
2) My impression of their relationship is that Sean is not as close to his father compared to the past. The writer expressed through the title "Walking Away" directing the poem at his son Sean. the poem talks about how Sean is "fading away" and has "loosened from its parent stem." it shows that Sean has distanced himself from the writer and he's feeling upset about how they ended up. thus my conclusion is that the relationship between Sean and the writer is a very distant one.
3)The poet is trying to express his feelings with evidence as, "setting free a grown bird away". He thinks that he has to let "Sean" go, as he's growing up. The mood of the poem is sad, because he has to let go of a "child" that hasn't completely grown up. Another evidence would be, "Selfhood begins with walking away". This shows that one will be independent when one leaves or departs from it's pillar of support.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Island Voices Quotes.
~Paper
1) "That stupid Soo woman!" shrieked Yee Lian. "I think she deliberately led me astray with her advice! She's always jealous of me" Pg 6.
2) Tight-kipped and grim, the elderly woman made herbal medicines for Tay Soon. Pg 7.
~The Martyrdom of Helena Rodrigues
1) She was mistress in the use of Christian martyrdom on the domestic front. Pg 10
2) "Don't give in to her, George! You must stand up to her, now or never. If you promise her now to stay in this room of hers, you'll never get out again." Pg 18
~Sundowner
1) As he passed the workers' quarters, there was the old familiar smell of woodsmoke and the sound of women's voices. Pg 19
2) The baby's head appeared larger than normal. Its eyes were permanently downcast. Das realized he was no expert on infants, but the child looked abnormal. Pg 23.
~Tanjong Rhu
1) "They're special glasses, big ones to help you see things faraway." Pg 31
2) "If something is to be done," she said with the loud solemnity which she reserved for the altar room, "it must be done properly. If I am to visit your place of work, I must tell your father of it properly." Pg 33
~Evening Under Frangipani
1) The bungalow all to themselves! A release from the claustrophobia of Singapore courtship, the lack of places away from the watching judging eyes of parents, friends and strangers. Pg 53
2) Their home was in a cul-de-sac lined with frangipani trees: their fragance sweet and cloying when in full blossom. Pg 53
~Lee
1) All he had was a rather smudged photograph to go by, showing a girl with long Janis Joplin hair framing her face, her smile wide and lopsided. Pg 85
2) "When I found Mom - in the pool - that's what I thought. A David Hockney print come to life." Pg 99
~A History Of Tea
1) The drive and teh-halia after make me feel better too. The strenght of tea. Pg 114
2) It is her hot and spicy cooking I crave for, not the steamed and healthier dishes that are Grandmother Tee's traditon. Pg 116
~A Dream Of China
1) "Whenever he sees anything particularly beautiful he says that's how it is in China. You mustn't believe all of it, you know!" Pg 124
2) "The Chinese are as bad as the Jews when it comes to making money!" Pg 127
~Release
1) When Eileen came back from the hospital with her baby, the first thing she noticed was that the fence was crooked. Pg 141.
2) She saw the man emerge from the shadows, wiping the spanner. Her heart froze. Pg 148.
~An Obituary For Fifth Aunt Come Late
1) She was my aunt but I didn't make it a point to be her niece. Pg 149
2) My aunt particularly liked to repeat her one-time employer's last words to her. Pg 157.
~Corridor
1) His wife also looks like a runner, skinny, all elbows and knees, but you can imagine her on the track. Pg 165
2) Our neighbours did the same, closed their windows and doors, bought air-con, stayed cocooned in their house as if they were plotting something diabolical and new. Pg 172
~Mid-Autumn
1) But like that waste money, very gek sim. Whenever I lose money, it makes gek sim- it hurts my hearts. Pg 176.
2) He has a Rolex and a Mercedes - but he still used the shaky stools from ten years ago. Pg 181.
~Hamid And The Hand Of Fate
1) Hamid was not qualified for such a job. He failed his Senior Cambridge in the Malay secondary school and he was embarrassed about his English. Pg 192.
2) When he came to, Hamid saw his mother seated by his side, the edges of her scarf mottled with tears. Pg 193
~The Move
1) "I mean, you could take some of the small ones, but those big potted palms and trees - I think you'd be blocking people's way." Pg 205
2) She could smell steam from Char Siew Bao and the occasional humid waft of Nasi Lemak coconut rice from the Malay stall. Pg 207
~Pastime
1) The sun shines in the sky and even from across the years, you can tell that this woman knows her mind, that she doesn't bow to injustice, doesn't fear tyranny or hardship. Pg 216
2) "You know this is just a story, a story to pass time. This isn't real life!" Pg 218
1) "That stupid Soo woman!" shrieked Yee Lian. "I think she deliberately led me astray with her advice! She's always jealous of me" Pg 6.
2) Tight-kipped and grim, the elderly woman made herbal medicines for Tay Soon. Pg 7.
~The Martyrdom of Helena Rodrigues
1) She was mistress in the use of Christian martyrdom on the domestic front. Pg 10
2) "Don't give in to her, George! You must stand up to her, now or never. If you promise her now to stay in this room of hers, you'll never get out again." Pg 18
~Sundowner
1) As he passed the workers' quarters, there was the old familiar smell of woodsmoke and the sound of women's voices. Pg 19
2) The baby's head appeared larger than normal. Its eyes were permanently downcast. Das realized he was no expert on infants, but the child looked abnormal. Pg 23.
~Tanjong Rhu
1) "They're special glasses, big ones to help you see things faraway." Pg 31
2) "If something is to be done," she said with the loud solemnity which she reserved for the altar room, "it must be done properly. If I am to visit your place of work, I must tell your father of it properly." Pg 33
~Evening Under Frangipani
1) The bungalow all to themselves! A release from the claustrophobia of Singapore courtship, the lack of places away from the watching judging eyes of parents, friends and strangers. Pg 53
2) Their home was in a cul-de-sac lined with frangipani trees: their fragance sweet and cloying when in full blossom. Pg 53
~Lee
1) All he had was a rather smudged photograph to go by, showing a girl with long Janis Joplin hair framing her face, her smile wide and lopsided. Pg 85
2) "When I found Mom - in the pool - that's what I thought. A David Hockney print come to life." Pg 99
~A History Of Tea
1) The drive and teh-halia after make me feel better too. The strenght of tea. Pg 114
2) It is her hot and spicy cooking I crave for, not the steamed and healthier dishes that are Grandmother Tee's traditon. Pg 116
~A Dream Of China
1) "Whenever he sees anything particularly beautiful he says that's how it is in China. You mustn't believe all of it, you know!" Pg 124
2) "The Chinese are as bad as the Jews when it comes to making money!" Pg 127
~Release
1) When Eileen came back from the hospital with her baby, the first thing she noticed was that the fence was crooked. Pg 141.
2) She saw the man emerge from the shadows, wiping the spanner. Her heart froze. Pg 148.
~An Obituary For Fifth Aunt Come Late
1) She was my aunt but I didn't make it a point to be her niece. Pg 149
2) My aunt particularly liked to repeat her one-time employer's last words to her. Pg 157.
~Corridor
1) His wife also looks like a runner, skinny, all elbows and knees, but you can imagine her on the track. Pg 165
2) Our neighbours did the same, closed their windows and doors, bought air-con, stayed cocooned in their house as if they were plotting something diabolical and new. Pg 172
~Mid-Autumn
1) But like that waste money, very gek sim. Whenever I lose money, it makes gek sim- it hurts my hearts. Pg 176.
2) He has a Rolex and a Mercedes - but he still used the shaky stools from ten years ago. Pg 181.
~Hamid And The Hand Of Fate
1) Hamid was not qualified for such a job. He failed his Senior Cambridge in the Malay secondary school and he was embarrassed about his English. Pg 192.
2) When he came to, Hamid saw his mother seated by his side, the edges of her scarf mottled with tears. Pg 193
~The Move
1) "I mean, you could take some of the small ones, but those big potted palms and trees - I think you'd be blocking people's way." Pg 205
2) She could smell steam from Char Siew Bao and the occasional humid waft of Nasi Lemak coconut rice from the Malay stall. Pg 207
~Pastime
1) The sun shines in the sky and even from across the years, you can tell that this woman knows her mind, that she doesn't bow to injustice, doesn't fear tyranny or hardship. Pg 216
2) "You know this is just a story, a story to pass time. This isn't real life!" Pg 218
Questions 1 ~ 6 (Off Centre Guide Book Pg 91)
Q1: In your opinion, how key is the parent-child relationship to Vinod's inevitable end?
A: Well, because of their high working status, Vinod's parents have little or no time at all to take care of him, yet alone to watch him grow up. Feeling left out, Vinod tries to seek attention of his parents by being the top student and even winning the best debater award. As any ordinary child, his/her only request is to be loved or to be spoilt by their parents but for Vinod's case, he neither received love nor care from his parents but only hardship. His bond with his parents get wider everytime he grows older and as a result of that his illness, depression could have surfaced. In my opinion, I think that his parent-child relationshop is not a key factor to Vinod's inevitable end but may be the cause of his suffering.
Q2: 'Vinod's high expectations of himself caused his downfall.' To what extent do you agree with this analysis of Vinod's predicament and tragedy?
A: To a large extent, I agree that 'Vinod's high expectations of himself caaused his downfall'. When Vinod is around Saloma, his ego becomes bigger because firstly, he sees Saloma as a lost kitten that he has to protect and secondly, he wants himself and Saloma to always stay off-centred instead of being sane however in reverse psychology, he thinks that they are very centred, as sane as any other people. Vinod took care of Saloma eventhough in my opinion, he is just carrying this heavy burden to please himself, his ego. Not knowing that it is actually causing his depression to grow. Nearing the end of the book, Saloma told him that she wants to become a nurse, applied for her credit card, etc, it shows that Saloma was becoming more sane or normal which Vinod did not want, he wants Saloma to be by his side, being off-centred. However, he thinks that his job to look after Saloma was over, always thinking negatively, his depression finally consumed him thus Vinod committed suicide.
Q3: Discuss the reasons for Saloma's transformation in the play.
A: It can be clearly seen that Saloma's transformation was drastic, from a lost kitten(in Vinod's eyes) to a exquisite and impeccable character in the end. There are a few factors for Saloma's transformation, firstly, Vinod was always there for her and secondly, she has the determination to be sane. With Vinod by her side, Saloma vision about society had been widened. She sees that society was no longer a bad place and sees it as an oppurtunity to change and to live better, a lifestyle better than her current self. With help from Vinod, she became more bold and courageous by applying for a job in a hospital and applying for her first credit card. She was also able to share her thoughts and emotions to Vinod of what she was experiencing, making it easier to think about other possibilities of how life can improve for herself and Vinods'. She does have determination to change, to a sane lady to fit into society which esd completely different from Vinod. She took her medicine everyday instead of flushing it away and changes could be seen when she was less afraid of society. The fact that she wants to help and support her mother, played an important role in her transformation. She did not want to be a burden for her mother, she wants to provide money for her mother when she gets old or retire in the near future. Having said that, these are my reasons for Saloma's transformation in the play.
Q4: "Though a minor role in the play, the character of Razali is key to the plot of Off Centre." To what extent do you agree with this assessment?
A: There are alot of speculations that Razali is a mere fraction or conscience of Vinod. I too think so as there are some scenes where both Razali and Vinod are very similar alike at times. To a certain extent, I believe that the character of Razali is key to the plot of Off Centre because he is someone who understands and care for both Saloma and Vinod, a fatherly-figure for both. Though Razali is a guard of the void deck, he shows care and concern to both Vinod and Saloma, teaching malay and giving advice to Vinod, while taking care of Saloma and once bought apok-apok(curry puffs) for Saloma, which reminded her of her real father, saying he'll buy some apok-apok for her when he returns, to Saloma, Razali was like a father to her. During Act 5 Scene 1, after the incident of the robbery, Vinod was furious towards Razali as he thought that Razali would come and rescue them but he did not. Razali said that he was just a guard of the void deck. When he said that, it let me thinks that he is not real and that he is truely a conscience of Vinod as HDB flats do not haf security guards. Because of that incident, Vinod's life began to change.
Q5: "Datta, Dayadhvam, Damyatta" means to "Give, Sympathise, Control". How did the major characters in the play exert control in their environment and/or their lives? Support your answer with evidence from the text.
A: For Vinod, he exerted control by trying to control Saloma's life while for Saloma, she controlled her life and did not allow her illness, schizophrenia to consume her.
Q6: Based on the text Off Centre, discuss how peer acceptance and family support are vital to social status and mental well-being.
A: Peer Acceptance and Family Support are definitely vital to social status and mental well-being because, without these, life would be aimless and boring. Based on Vinod, he lacked on these factors thats why he committed suicide. His friends are not genuine, they only treated him as a friend because they used Vinod and his brilliant essay papers. I say this because, his friends do not call him or even visit him when Vinod was in woodbridge, making him think that he was just been used by them. Vinod's parents also played a role because they were not there for Vinod when he need them the most. Vinod thinks that society is a bad place and a torture compared to Saloma who thinks that society is a place where they can be better.
A: Well, because of their high working status, Vinod's parents have little or no time at all to take care of him, yet alone to watch him grow up. Feeling left out, Vinod tries to seek attention of his parents by being the top student and even winning the best debater award. As any ordinary child, his/her only request is to be loved or to be spoilt by their parents but for Vinod's case, he neither received love nor care from his parents but only hardship. His bond with his parents get wider everytime he grows older and as a result of that his illness, depression could have surfaced. In my opinion, I think that his parent-child relationshop is not a key factor to Vinod's inevitable end but may be the cause of his suffering.
Q2: 'Vinod's high expectations of himself caused his downfall.' To what extent do you agree with this analysis of Vinod's predicament and tragedy?
A: To a large extent, I agree that 'Vinod's high expectations of himself caaused his downfall'. When Vinod is around Saloma, his ego becomes bigger because firstly, he sees Saloma as a lost kitten that he has to protect and secondly, he wants himself and Saloma to always stay off-centred instead of being sane however in reverse psychology, he thinks that they are very centred, as sane as any other people. Vinod took care of Saloma eventhough in my opinion, he is just carrying this heavy burden to please himself, his ego. Not knowing that it is actually causing his depression to grow. Nearing the end of the book, Saloma told him that she wants to become a nurse, applied for her credit card, etc, it shows that Saloma was becoming more sane or normal which Vinod did not want, he wants Saloma to be by his side, being off-centred. However, he thinks that his job to look after Saloma was over, always thinking negatively, his depression finally consumed him thus Vinod committed suicide.
Q3: Discuss the reasons for Saloma's transformation in the play.
A: It can be clearly seen that Saloma's transformation was drastic, from a lost kitten(in Vinod's eyes) to a exquisite and impeccable character in the end. There are a few factors for Saloma's transformation, firstly, Vinod was always there for her and secondly, she has the determination to be sane. With Vinod by her side, Saloma vision about society had been widened. She sees that society was no longer a bad place and sees it as an oppurtunity to change and to live better, a lifestyle better than her current self. With help from Vinod, she became more bold and courageous by applying for a job in a hospital and applying for her first credit card. She was also able to share her thoughts and emotions to Vinod of what she was experiencing, making it easier to think about other possibilities of how life can improve for herself and Vinods'. She does have determination to change, to a sane lady to fit into society which esd completely different from Vinod. She took her medicine everyday instead of flushing it away and changes could be seen when she was less afraid of society. The fact that she wants to help and support her mother, played an important role in her transformation. She did not want to be a burden for her mother, she wants to provide money for her mother when she gets old or retire in the near future. Having said that, these are my reasons for Saloma's transformation in the play.
Q4: "Though a minor role in the play, the character of Razali is key to the plot of Off Centre." To what extent do you agree with this assessment?
A: There are alot of speculations that Razali is a mere fraction or conscience of Vinod. I too think so as there are some scenes where both Razali and Vinod are very similar alike at times. To a certain extent, I believe that the character of Razali is key to the plot of Off Centre because he is someone who understands and care for both Saloma and Vinod, a fatherly-figure for both. Though Razali is a guard of the void deck, he shows care and concern to both Vinod and Saloma, teaching malay and giving advice to Vinod, while taking care of Saloma and once bought apok-apok(curry puffs) for Saloma, which reminded her of her real father, saying he'll buy some apok-apok for her when he returns, to Saloma, Razali was like a father to her. During Act 5 Scene 1, after the incident of the robbery, Vinod was furious towards Razali as he thought that Razali would come and rescue them but he did not. Razali said that he was just a guard of the void deck. When he said that, it let me thinks that he is not real and that he is truely a conscience of Vinod as HDB flats do not haf security guards. Because of that incident, Vinod's life began to change.
Q5: "Datta, Dayadhvam, Damyatta" means to "Give, Sympathise, Control". How did the major characters in the play exert control in their environment and/or their lives? Support your answer with evidence from the text.
A: For Vinod, he exerted control by trying to control Saloma's life while for Saloma, she controlled her life and did not allow her illness, schizophrenia to consume her.
Q6: Based on the text Off Centre, discuss how peer acceptance and family support are vital to social status and mental well-being.
A: Peer Acceptance and Family Support are definitely vital to social status and mental well-being because, without these, life would be aimless and boring. Based on Vinod, he lacked on these factors thats why he committed suicide. His friends are not genuine, they only treated him as a friend because they used Vinod and his brilliant essay papers. I say this because, his friends do not call him or even visit him when Vinod was in woodbridge, making him think that he was just been used by them. Vinod's parents also played a role because they were not there for Vinod when he need them the most. Vinod thinks that society is a bad place and a torture compared to Saloma who thinks that society is a place where they can be better.
5 Memorable Quotes. ( Off Centre )
Quotes :
1) My shoulders will be ver big, like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
~Act 1 Scene 3, Pg 29.
2) I still have your essays the others always photostat.
~Act 2 Scene 1, Pg 44.
3) They are jealous... because I am special.
~Act 2 Scene 2, Pg 54.
4) Your mind is very pure Saloma. Very pure.
~Act 2 Scene 2, Pg 56
5) Vinod: You are the guardian!
Razali: I am the guard! [soft] I am the guard at the void deck.
~Act 5 Scene 1, Pg 113
1) My shoulders will be ver big, like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
~Act 1 Scene 3, Pg 29.
2) I still have your essays the others always photostat.
~Act 2 Scene 1, Pg 44.
3) They are jealous... because I am special.
~Act 2 Scene 2, Pg 54.
4) Your mind is very pure Saloma. Very pure.
~Act 2 Scene 2, Pg 56
5) Vinod: You are the guardian!
Razali: I am the guard! [soft] I am the guard at the void deck.
~Act 5 Scene 1, Pg 113
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Page 23 - 24; Q 1 - 4
Q1. "However, China had nothing to say to my spirit, if indeed land speaks to spirit. My spirit was as alien here as I was. It inclined towards a diamond city of trees and meaningful occupation, efficiently sparkling in the modern world. that was where I truly belonged, among skyscrapers with glass fonts and gold-encrusted orchids."Do you think the reference to Singapore as a "diamond city" is apt? Why or why not? How would you describe your feelings towards Singapore, using imagery you feel suitable?
A: I think the reference to Singapore as a "diamond city" is apt. When he mentioned 'my spirit was as alien here as I was', he can no longer treat China like his 'diamond city' as he has left there since young. And now, he feels much more closer to Singapore and he does treat it as a 'diamond city' without fail. My feelings towards Singapore would probably be described as fascinated for there are many unexpected things happening in our everyday life, regardless of whether we are students or working adults.
2. "With great grandness, my uncle ordered orange drinks from the waiter. He criticized the glasses as dirty when the drinks arrived and insisted on new ones..... I kept buying him the orange drinks he swallowed with suck relish."Why do you think her uncle behaves in this manner? Do you feel sorry for him or do you regard him with distaste, as his niece does?
A: In my opinion, I think her uncle behaves this way because he was required to do all the hard work when he returned to China and suffer all the hardship that took place, but not her father. He found it unfair for himself, and he starts to demand more and more from his brother to recoup his losses in the early days. I do not feel sorry for him at all for it was his job to take charge of the situation and he has no one to blame, but himself. He could have chosen to stay in Singapore and not return, but he did not. I do regard him with distaste for he fails to look up to his own mistakes but blame others.
3. "I returned to Singapore alienated from the china I saw, but no less eager to listen to my father's stories of the most beautiful lands."Do you find this contradiction? Why or why not?A: Yes, I find it contradicting. She did not find what her father said and what she saw any bit that's similar, but she is still willing to find out more about what her father thinks of China in his own heart without knowing that China has changed so much so that it's no longer the China he knew. She used beautiful land for she believes that her father stopped at that point of time that China was still a piece of beautiful and perfect land for her father to stay in.
4. "A country is only as good as its men. My father is a good man.... whichever country can clain him as its own."What do you think the narrator means by the first statement? To what extent would you agree that her father is a good man? Give reasons for your answer. Which country, do you think, should claim him for its own?
A: 'A country is only as good as its men.' I believe that the narrator means that whatever the men believes the country is, as long as he has confidence in the country, the country will be what the men believes. To a large extent I would agree her father is a good man. When he had to send more money to his brother in china, he did not grumble or complain a single thing to anyone. He might feel annoyed by his brother's act, but he did not express it out, for he believed that his brother is still wonderful deep down in his heart. Thus he did not want to spoil his image in front of other people. In my opinion, Singapore should claim him for its own. It's only fair for him to enjoy his life in Singapore but not return to China to work hard again to support his brother
Q1. "However, China had nothing to say to my spirit, if indeed land speaks to spirit. My spirit was as alien here as I was. It inclined towards a diamond city of trees and meaningful occupation, efficiently sparkling in the modern world. that was where I truly belonged, among skyscrapers with glass fonts and gold-encrusted orchids."Do you think the reference to Singapore as a "diamond city" is apt? Why or why not? How would you describe your feelings towards Singapore, using imagery you feel suitable?
A: I think the reference to Singapore as a "diamond city" is apt. When he mentioned 'my spirit was as alien here as I was', he can no longer treat China like his 'diamond city' as he has left there since young. And now, he feels much more closer to Singapore and he does treat it as a 'diamond city' without fail. My feelings towards Singapore would probably be described as fascinated for there are many unexpected things happening in our everyday life, regardless of whether we are students or working adults.
2. "With great grandness, my uncle ordered orange drinks from the waiter. He criticized the glasses as dirty when the drinks arrived and insisted on new ones..... I kept buying him the orange drinks he swallowed with suck relish."Why do you think her uncle behaves in this manner? Do you feel sorry for him or do you regard him with distaste, as his niece does?
A: In my opinion, I think her uncle behaves this way because he was required to do all the hard work when he returned to China and suffer all the hardship that took place, but not her father. He found it unfair for himself, and he starts to demand more and more from his brother to recoup his losses in the early days. I do not feel sorry for him at all for it was his job to take charge of the situation and he has no one to blame, but himself. He could have chosen to stay in Singapore and not return, but he did not. I do regard him with distaste for he fails to look up to his own mistakes but blame others.
3. "I returned to Singapore alienated from the china I saw, but no less eager to listen to my father's stories of the most beautiful lands."Do you find this contradiction? Why or why not?A: Yes, I find it contradicting. She did not find what her father said and what she saw any bit that's similar, but she is still willing to find out more about what her father thinks of China in his own heart without knowing that China has changed so much so that it's no longer the China he knew. She used beautiful land for she believes that her father stopped at that point of time that China was still a piece of beautiful and perfect land for her father to stay in.
4. "A country is only as good as its men. My father is a good man.... whichever country can clain him as its own."What do you think the narrator means by the first statement? To what extent would you agree that her father is a good man? Give reasons for your answer. Which country, do you think, should claim him for its own?
A: 'A country is only as good as its men.' I believe that the narrator means that whatever the men believes the country is, as long as he has confidence in the country, the country will be what the men believes. To a large extent I would agree her father is a good man. When he had to send more money to his brother in china, he did not grumble or complain a single thing to anyone. He might feel annoyed by his brother's act, but he did not express it out, for he believed that his brother is still wonderful deep down in his heart. Thus he did not want to spoil his image in front of other people. In my opinion, Singapore should claim him for its own. It's only fair for him to enjoy his life in Singapore but not return to China to work hard again to support his brother
Page 13 - 14. Questions 1 - 4.
Q 1. Do the respective authors use these taditional Chinese rituals (eating paper dissolved in drink, burning of paper money and houses, lightinng of joss-sticks and praying to dead ancestors) just for irony or for more profound purposes? What are these purposes?
A : It is more for profound purposes as it is mainly practiced by Buddhists. For the story Tanjong Rhu, Madam Li often make her way to the ancestral room to 'communicate' or 'speak' to Mr Li's father, which have passed away. She did not go to the extent to drink eating paper dissolved in it, but she did commence the daily ritual of lighting up the joss-stick and praying to the dead. Therefore, these tradional practices are practiced by Madam Li for it's the only way she can communicate with people she have loved and died.
Q 2. Would you yourself, as a mordern young Singaporean, see the relevance of such cultural rituals as necessary still, or are a hindrance to progress and enlightened thinking?
A : I personally think that it is alright to have such cultural rituals being practiced in my soceity as it is their traditional. It is not seen as a hindrance to progress and enlightened thinking for it is not a sin to prcatice their own cultural rituals. Many may find it a trouble to do all this rituals but these simple rituals may have brought the family closer as they can have one more topic to talk on. Overtime, as the society progresses, this rituals may disappear as many youngsters do find it a hindrance. However, when the elderly practices these rituals, there are many disadvantages to it like creating a hindrance, to others, which may find them boring to carry out this practices everytime.
Q 3. Do you think the elderly in Singapore are out of touch with the contemporary world? How far is it a virtue to remain contented likd old Mrs Li and think that there is nothing more than a person, especially an elderly one, can want?
A : I do not think all elderly in Singapore are out of touch with the contemporary world. Many of the elderly still do interact with their grandchildren when they have time and they still do catch up with the mordern times like these.However, some elderly still do carry traditional and out-dated thoughts in their mind which makes many think that elderly in Singapore at out of touch with the contemporary world. It may be quite difficult for a vitue to remain contended like old Mrs Li and think that there is nothing more that a person can want. In modern times like this, many are not easily satisfacted. they demand more from their surroundings, thus it is far from easy for a virtue to remain contented.
Q 4. Is looking back at the past necessarily a good thing? This particular story uses the past to affirm strong ties, emotion and sentiment, but when can it become a negative habit?
A : Looking back at the past can be a good thing. Remembering all the good times he/she have spent with their family members or friends may aid one become more motivated to move on and find the happiness again in the future with his/her new friends. However, when looking back at the past changes from reminiscence to nostalgia, it may become a harm for the person may get a little too engrossed in it's past and do not want to move on. In the story, Mrs Li did look back to the extent that she could not differentiate the past from now, and it is a bad habit already.
Q 1. Do the respective authors use these taditional Chinese rituals (eating paper dissolved in drink, burning of paper money and houses, lightinng of joss-sticks and praying to dead ancestors) just for irony or for more profound purposes? What are these purposes?
A : It is more for profound purposes as it is mainly practiced by Buddhists. For the story Tanjong Rhu, Madam Li often make her way to the ancestral room to 'communicate' or 'speak' to Mr Li's father, which have passed away. She did not go to the extent to drink eating paper dissolved in it, but she did commence the daily ritual of lighting up the joss-stick and praying to the dead. Therefore, these tradional practices are practiced by Madam Li for it's the only way she can communicate with people she have loved and died.
Q 2. Would you yourself, as a mordern young Singaporean, see the relevance of such cultural rituals as necessary still, or are a hindrance to progress and enlightened thinking?
A : I personally think that it is alright to have such cultural rituals being practiced in my soceity as it is their traditional. It is not seen as a hindrance to progress and enlightened thinking for it is not a sin to prcatice their own cultural rituals. Many may find it a trouble to do all this rituals but these simple rituals may have brought the family closer as they can have one more topic to talk on. Overtime, as the society progresses, this rituals may disappear as many youngsters do find it a hindrance. However, when the elderly practices these rituals, there are many disadvantages to it like creating a hindrance, to others, which may find them boring to carry out this practices everytime.
Q 3. Do you think the elderly in Singapore are out of touch with the contemporary world? How far is it a virtue to remain contented likd old Mrs Li and think that there is nothing more than a person, especially an elderly one, can want?
A : I do not think all elderly in Singapore are out of touch with the contemporary world. Many of the elderly still do interact with their grandchildren when they have time and they still do catch up with the mordern times like these.However, some elderly still do carry traditional and out-dated thoughts in their mind which makes many think that elderly in Singapore at out of touch with the contemporary world. It may be quite difficult for a vitue to remain contended like old Mrs Li and think that there is nothing more that a person can want. In modern times like this, many are not easily satisfacted. they demand more from their surroundings, thus it is far from easy for a virtue to remain contented.
Q 4. Is looking back at the past necessarily a good thing? This particular story uses the past to affirm strong ties, emotion and sentiment, but when can it become a negative habit?
A : Looking back at the past can be a good thing. Remembering all the good times he/she have spent with their family members or friends may aid one become more motivated to move on and find the happiness again in the future with his/her new friends. However, when looking back at the past changes from reminiscence to nostalgia, it may become a harm for the person may get a little too engrossed in it's past and do not want to move on. In the story, Mrs Li did look back to the extent that she could not differentiate the past from now, and it is a bad habit already.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)