KeluarBelakang POEMS KeluarMenu BelakangDepan Novel – The Curse Literature Form 5 SummarySummary The PlotThe Plot Analysis The TextAnalysis The

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Novel – The Curse

Literature Form 5

Summary The Plot Analysis The Text Analysis The Plot Analysis : A General view Themes Tone Mood Subject Matter

Point of view Setting Characters Characters (The Minor Characters) Quality of Character Repetition Foreshadowing Flashback Lesson and Moral Value

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SummarySummary

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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 PlotThe Plot

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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.

6. Asraf was Madhuri’s lover. He was about to run away with her. As this was discovered by Saleh, her father, killed her.

5. The rumour was created because Madhuri seemingly bled white blood but the white liquid spilled on her was actually latex.

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Falling action

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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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1. Pg 3 She did not want to have to explain why she was leaving

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Analysis: The textAnalysis: The text

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 PlotAnalysis: The Plot

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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.

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The plot is too familiar.

Analysis - A general view

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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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Analysis: A General viewAnalysis: A General view

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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 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 isso 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.

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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 superstitionscreates 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 beenrecommended.

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ThemesThemes

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The author has covered certain aspects of love:-(a) Parental love-Biological and non-biological

1. Love

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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There is nothing more liberating in receiving forgiveness than giving it. Once you’ve forgiven

2. Forgiving

(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 howit felt to forgive? (Pg205)

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ThemesThemes

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(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 herhusband, Hj Ghani.

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ThemesThemes

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(c) Violence against women

Old lady’s husband abused her.

Is the murder of Madhuri, violence against women too?...yes

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ThemesThemes

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(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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ThemesThemes

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(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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ToneTone

Serious, mysterious, sad, reflective, regret, emotional, humour, envy.

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MoodMood

A sombre mood throughout the story.A sombre mood throughout the story.

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Subject MatterSubject Matter

The mystery surrounding Madhuri’s murder.

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Point of viewPoint of view

3rd person point of view.3rd person point of view.

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SettingSetting

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)Characters (The Main Characters)

1. Azreen Saleh-the protagonist

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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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2. Mohd Ashraf - “the lover”

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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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3. Madhuri - the subject matter of the novel.

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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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4. En Saleh Abdullah - the murderer

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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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5. The Old Lady of the Forest - “the good”

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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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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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6. Puan Normala - “the bad one”.

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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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7. The mysterious ghostly lady - “the ugly one”.

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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)

Characters (The Minor Characters)

1. Awang - the bomoh

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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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2. Datin Sharifah and Datuk Zulkifli - the foster parents

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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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3. En Saleh’s wife - Azreen’s mother

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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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4.Haji Ghani - the village head

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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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5. Puan Fatihah - the first wife

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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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6.Puan Kamsiah - Siti’s mother

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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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7. Siti - “the future generation”

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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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8. Nek - Mohd Ashraf’s grandmother.

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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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9. Noor - Puan Normala’s daughter.

Like mother, like daughter.

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Quality of CharactersQuality of Characters

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Characteristics Supporting information Obliging Short Bespectled Fiery/bad tempered Always spoke her mind/ Opinionated Obstinate child Not beautiful Speaks robustly

...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)

Azreen

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Characteristics Supporting information

Not well likedMadhuri...so well liked by everyone?

Despised her sisterPerhaps...despised her sister?Hates her sister (pg20)

Disrespectful How disrespectful. (pg20)

Rude Very rude

UngratefulI tell you...ungrateful child (pg21)

Spiteful Yes, she could be...spiteful

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Bad tempered and bad tempered...” (pg26)

Stubbornshe stood stubbornly... (pg32)“I'm...stubborn...” (pg127)

Cold hearted as cold as her heart... (pg33)

Tomboy/boyish

“Girls in her class...after class? (pg37)“...not to start a fight...That’s not how a girl should behave. (pg106)

Nerdy “...who was so nerdy and...”

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Aggressive“Ganas...proved your point.” (pg37)

Intelligent“...good in your studies...”(pg 38)

Sportswoman “Brilliant in the field...”

Bold“...shocked by her bold confession...” (pg56)

Courageous“...Take up their dare...in the woods” (pg63)

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Thoughtfull“...Repairing the trampled bed...fingers” (pg65)

Responsible“I am...to take responsibility” (pg88)

Physical fighter/boxer

“She was in school (pg 88)...Fell to the ground (pg89)

Loyal“But her loyalty to her friend...” (pg95)

Selfless/Unselfish“...greater than her self preservation”

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Jealous“A minute later (pg107)...A low growl (pg108)

Protective“I do not think of them as better parents” (pg110)

Defensive“Azreen shook her head defensively” (pg114)

Sarcasm“...since sarcasm was her best weapon...” (pg138)

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Emotional“Azreen (pg144)...Mother. (pg146)

Fearless “She was fearless. (pg163)

RationalAnd you once said...thorough check up” (pg166)

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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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Mohd Ashraf


Smart “He was smart...

Handsome and handsome...

Friendly Gave her a big friendly smile.” (pg34)

Popular “But you’re well liked.” (pg38)

Witty“thanks for those flattering words...”“But then...fascination...for weird stuff”

Tall “He was a tall...

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Dashing ...very dashing...

Charming Charming

Attractive ...too attractive...

Loyal ...only had eyes for one...” (pg41)

Nervous “...A little flustered...” (pg98)

Sympathetic “My sympathies for what happened.”

Prim and proper

...I’m always smartly dressed (pg112)

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Talented ...Join the dikir barat group...

Responsible,compassionate,caring

...went to check on his grandmother (pg116)...while i go buy lunch” (pg117)...Mohd Asraf spent the (pg175)...asleep on the floor... (pg176)

Thoughtful...Azreen...could sense the concern...”(pg125)

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Gentle/ simple/Humble (indirectly)

Azreen told me...you’re harmless...” (pg164)

Determined“...With a determined look in his face”(pg167)

Caring “...was holding a bowl of gruel...” (pg180)

Grateful “I haven’t thanked her yet” (pg192)

Simple minded“Somehow Cikgu Ashraf is convinced (pg197)“He must be out of his mind”

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Impulsive“When she refused to budge......whacked the door open” (pg199)

Honest/Loving “I love her. (pg204)

Hopeful “And i hope against hope...”

Irrational

“Somehow Cikgu Asraf is convinced thatit is true. (pg197)“he did not appear to recognise her......Pushed her away...” (pg199)

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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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Madhuri


Popular “...well liked by everyone.” (pg8)

Talented“...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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Prettysweet temperedrespectful

“...She’s very...to her elders” “Assalamualaikum...It is very sweet of youto take care of her.” (pg98)

Feminine“...did not dare...terrified of frogs...” (pg82)

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Sisterly love/Defensive

“Don’t blame her. She was only hungry.” (pg83)“...tried to shield her...” (pg96)“Madhuri consoled her and soothed her...”

Love/Untraditional/insolent

“I love him.” (pg225)

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En Saleh Abdullah


Stern“...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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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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Love/Protective

“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)“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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Heavy hearted“The loss he felt exploded within him” (pg190)“...hammering away his pain.”

Religious“”...Left the mosque after the prayers...” (pg152)

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Intelligent

“That yellow cord...bomoh’s wrist......scene of the fire (pg152)...bomoh had a hand in it (the fire)...” (pg153)

Remorse

“...awaiting judgement......shoulders hung in defeat... (pg222)“...eyes closed in anguish and hisshoulders sagging in sorrow...” (pg226)

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The Old Lady of the Forest


Humane“...an old lady, not a wicked witch...” (pg64)

Sensible

“Indeed...have you learnt to behave in afeminine 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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Intelligent“At first I thought (pg76)...it would bring more harm to the innocent...” (pg77)

Insightful“...she saw Azreen’s face and her smile faded...” (pg99)

Pitiful/Abused“it had all happened (pg101) ...murdered her husband in cold blood” (pg104)

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Naive “I was a naive woman...” (pg161)

Loved “I love him so much...”

Sincere “Everything I did, I did for him”

Philosophical “...tend to get philosophical...”.

Alert“...There is a sad looking boy standingoutside my gate...” (pg162)

Cynical“...have you brought me anything? Like human liver? Lizard’s blood? (pg164)

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Perceptive“...Looks like he needs some nourishment.” (pg165)

Caring “...fed his grandmother.” (pg180)

Noble“...Get out now, Azreen. Leave me here.” (pg200)

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Pn Normala


Mischievous“...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)

Scandal-monger

“Did you hear what happened? (pg132)...Pretending to be so moral and virtuous...” (Pg134)

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Superstitious“There was not a week that passed without the woman declaring to have spotted some spirits...” (Pg133)

Spiteful“What was the witch doing here?” (Pg170)

Coward“Azreen knew she was too much of a coward...” (Pg186)

Intimidating“I’ve warned you,’...better pray it is not you.” (Pg188)

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The mysterious ghostly lady


Stalker

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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Hunchback“...Watched in horror... (pg119)...distorted and bent...” (pg120)

Sad“...the sad pleading eyes of the woman...” (pg150)

Mad “A little mad...” (Pg208)

Cruel“She was the one who broke the chicken’s neck...”

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Heartbroken

“...the mother was heartbroken...” (pg209)“...pain of a mother incapable of providing for her baby...” (pg226)“agony she felt when her daughter wastaken from her.”

Revengeful“...She’s furious about Madhuri’s death.”(pg210)

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Furious“The woman glared at him. Her eyes burned with rage.” (pg227)

At peace/light hearted

“...the woman smile.” (pg230)

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Awang


Timid“...Skulked lower (pg56)...gone from the owner’s view”. (pg57)

Irrational“...Stared at his big clay pot in disbelief......the incident of the day...” (pg75)

(contrast with)Rational

“That young lady...This could only mean...” (pg75)

Grateful “I owe you so much...” (pg211)

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Coward(he should haveowned up)

“It was my fault...it should have beenchained...” (pg211)

Thief

“He won’t care if a chicken or two aremissing,...” (pg212)“steal...return them afterwards...” (pg213)

Silly/Superstitious

“I’ve burnt some charms around yourhouse;...” (pg212)

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Datin Sharifah


Energetic“...actions were very quick, very efficient......forever on the move...” (pg15)

Light hearted “Ah, there she is now...Azreen! Azreen!”

Compassionate“How brave she was...the poor child” (pg22)

Thoughtful“...two tiny throw pillows that Mak Cik Sharifah had left her.” (pg39)

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Generous...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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Datuk Zulkifli


Kind “They were kind...” (pg108)

Generous ...Generous...

Easy going/Cooperative

...Easy going.”

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En Saleh’s wife


Innocent “...curled up like a kitten...” (pg39)

Senile“She seemed to be in a daze...side to side.” (pg80)

Motherly love“Don’t blame yourself...” (pg87)“...lovely girl, sayang...i love you”

Unfair“Why can’t you be more like you Madhuri?” (pg106)

Impulsive “Now leave my sight.”

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Haji Ghani


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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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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Puan Fatihah


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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Irrational“Would the charm work?” (pg148)(the whole page)

Desperate“...We can always save the leftovers......give some to our neighbours...” (pg180)

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Puan Kamsiah


Simple-minded(indirectly)

She’s going around the village telling...” (pg11)

Patronising“...Woke up earlier and prepared a feastfor her husband...” (Pg178)

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Siti


Innocent“There can’t be any truth in that. Can there?” (pg11)

Insightful“Azreen Saleh’s (pg25) ...quite restrained...” (pg26)

Studious “Back to work” (pg42)

Sensible“So in the end what happened Puan Normala......Siti closed the gate in her face” (pg135)

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Nek


Love

(loves Mohd Ashraf) “I’m fine.” (Pg117)contrast with “she burst into another fitof 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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Noor


Mischevious “Ah, Puteri Suci,” (pg58)

Spiteful

“You’re a hopeless case...your hand in marriage.” (pg59)“she went to the bathroom...(to)...the mirror” (pg60)

Disrespectful “...speaking ill of the (dead)...” (pg60)

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Julian Ng


Friendly“...a tall amicable-looking young man.” (pg3) “...was very likeable...”

Cooperative “...exceedingly agreeable.”

“...exceedingly agreeable.”

“... he added gently...I hope everything’s alright...” (pg5)

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Pak Huzaimi a vegetable seller


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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Their daughter (who Azreen slapped)


Nasty “Never mind...served her right” (pg107)

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En Mohan and sons


Bully “...hovering threateningly...” (pg92)

Stern En Mohan’s stern...play truant.” (pg93)

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RepetitionRepetition

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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ForeshadowingForeshadowing

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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1. Home, she winced at the thought. (pg7)

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a. there is no freedom for her on the island, her actions are regulated on the island.

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2. It would be two more hours, she thought, before her freedom would end. (pg14)

b. It also indicates that she was free to do whatever she wanted in UK. (Note: this is not foreshadowing)

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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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3. Her mother’s eyes looked blankly at her. “But you don’t have a sister, Azreen”. (Pg51)

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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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4. “It was no accident. It was murder. Listen to me and keep this in mind. This is just the beginning.” (pg52)

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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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5. A storm was brewing in the village. Something big wascoming. (pg55)

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FlashbackFlashback

1. The sisterly childhood antics pg8-9.

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2. Azreen’s teen pg 34-39

5. Azreen’s frog and mangosteen tales pg81-84

3. Azreen meets the old lady of the forest pg 63-67

4. Madhuri meets her match pg78-79

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

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9. The basket incident pg 142-144

11. Awang’s tale-Madhuri’s secret pg209

12. Awang’s secret - Azreen’s loss pg 212

10. Ashraf vs Madhuri pg 204

13. The love triangle pg 214

14. The murderer and the murdered pg 223-226

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Lesson and Moral ValueLesson and Moral Value

1. One man, one woman. - A traditional value predominant in any race, religion or society.

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.

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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.

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.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.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.

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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 tomeet it head on.

5. You can’t run away from problems. You have tomeet 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 donot just go away.

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Documents

KeluarBelakang POEMS KeluarMenu BelakangDepan Novel – The Curse Literature Form 5 SummarySummary The PlotThe Plot Analysis The TextAnalysis The