the curse by lee su ann. the curse about the novel in “the curse” by lee su ann, azreen takes...
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The curse
ByLee Su Ann
The curse
ABOUT THE NOVEL
In “The Curse” by Lee Su Ann, Azreen takes time off from her studies in London, UK, to return to her village in one of the legendary islands of Langkawi. She returns to mourn the loss of her older sister, Madhuri.
However, she finds out via rumours and loud whispers that Madhuri was murdered. At her village Azreen has to contend with a cold-hearted father and support an Alzheimer stricken mother.
ABOUT THE NOVEL Azreen is subjected to negative comments and
suspicion from her neighbours. She finds consolation in the company of the Old Lady, an outcast of the village.
Although the grand Old Lady is educated and knowledgeable, the villagers shun her because she had murdered her abusive husband.
ABOUT THE NOVEL
Azreen has to confront the mystery that shrouds her sister's sudden death under suspicious circumstances.
Bit by bit, the mysterious death of Madhuri is revealed to Azreen.
Plot Summary
Chapter 1: The news of the death of Madhuri. Chapter 2: Flashback of Azreen’s early days with
Madhuri. Chapter 3: Azreen’s arrival & Rumours about
the death of Madhuri. Chapter 4: Madhuri’s Funeral.
(cont..) Chapter 5: The meeting with Mohd Asraf (Azreen
enquires about her sister’s death) Awang, (the Bomoh) and Encik Mohan’s
chicken farm fiasco. Chapter 6: The murder cover up. Puan Fatihah’s recollection of her
husband’s infatuation with Madhuri. The incident that had caused Azreen’s
mother to become paralysed.
(cont..)
Chapter 7: Mohd Asraf struggles with Nek’s
deteriorating health. The discovery of Madhuri’s letter.
Chapter 8: The death of Azreen’s mother. Mohd Asraf’s visit to the Old Lady’s
house.
(cont..) Chapter 9: The mob at Mohd Asraf’s house Nek’s health recovery.
Chapter 10: The death of Nek. The avengance of Nek’s death The fire at the Old Lady’s house Mohd Asraf’s confession about his
affair. The disclosure of Madhuri’s secret by
Awang.
(cont..) Chapter 11: The truth behind Madhuri’s death The death of Saleh
Chapter 12: Azreen’s final respect at the burial
site.
PLOT STRUCTURE
EXPOSITION – Azreen takes time off her studies to attend Madhuri’s funeral only to discover rumours shrouding her sister’s death. Everyone believes that Madhuri’s death will cast a curse upon them.
CONFLICT/ RISING ACTION- Strange things occurred on Azreen.
CLIMAX – Suspicions are fuelled by superstition.
Cont…
FALLING ACTION- Mohd Asraf admits about his affair with Madhuri and confesses about their plan to leave Langkawi.
RESOLUTION- Azreen found out the truth behind Madhuri’s death.
CHARACTERS
Main Characters Azreen Bomoh (Awang) Madhuri Fatihah Mohd Asraf Saleh Abdullah Haji Ghani Siti Puan Normala Old Lady Datin Sharifah & Datuk Zulkifli
SETTINGS LONDON Azreen furthers her studies in London.
A VILLAGE ON A SMALL ISLAND OFF LANGKAWI.
Some of the places mentioned in the story.
SETTINGS Azreen’s house Azreen lives with her father, mother and Madhuri.
The rubber plantation The scene where Madhuri’s body is found.
SETTINGS
Madhuri’s room Azreen finds Madhuri’s photos are all torn
in three parts. The room is also burnt down.
Nek’s house Mohd Mohd. Asraf lives with his
grandmother.
SETTINGSThe farm Awang leaves the gate open and Mohd. Asraf gets the blame when the bull
escapes.
The forest The Old Lady runs to the forest and settles in an abandoned wooden
house after the villagers outcast her.
SETTINGSThe school The school where Azreen studied during her
secondary years. This is also where she gets acquainted with Mohd. Asraf.
Paddy field Salleh Abdullah finds Madhuri as a baby in the
makeshift bed of rags and leaves.
The cemetery Madhuri and her mother are laid to rest here.
THEMES
LOVE: Parental, Forbidden & Unrequited Love
FORGIVENESS
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
GENDER STEREOTYPING
BELIEF IN SUPERNATURAL
FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN
VALUES CARING STANDING UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN RESPONSIBILITY DILIGENCE CONCERN BRAVERY LOYALTY PERSISTENT THOUGHTFULNESS HELPFUL
LITERARY DEVICES
SYMBOL IMAGERY- VISUAL, SOUND PERSONIFICATION METAPHOR SIMILE TONE, MOOD, ATMOSPHERE ONOMATOPOEIA HYPERBOLES
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY ONE Get the messageDuration: 40 minutes
Aim: To identify and analyze the themes in the novel.
Material: Worksheet 8
Steps:
1. Distribute worksheet 8.
2. Match the evidence with the theme.
3. The students may refer to the novel using the page reference.
ACTIVITY TWO That says it all
Duration: 80 minutes
Aim: To identify the themes in the novel based on the plot
Material: Worksheet 9
Steps:
1. Organize students in groups of 3-4
2. Distribute worksheet to the students. Students write down the information required in the boxes.
3. Check the answers.
ACTIVITY THREE The good, the bad and the ugly
Duration: 40 minutes Aims: To analyse the events that help Azreen transform into a better
person. To write about Azreen’s transformation.
Material: a)Worksheet 11
b) Coloured Pens
Steps:
1. Discuss with students the kind of spiritual journey that the character Azreen took while making the actual journey
Cont.. 2. Give each pair of students the graphic
organizer (worksheet 11) 3. In the boxes, students list events that reflect
the different values shown. 4. Ask students to display their worksheet on the
class notice board.
Notes: For low proficient students, teacher may provide
the events and students will match them to the correct suitcase.
ACTIVITY FOUR
Imagery Duration: 80 minutes Aim: To allow students to explore ways in which
figurative language is used in the story. Material: Worksheet 14
Steps:
1. Elicits different literary devices that students are familiar with.
2. Discuss the meaning of the literary devices identified by the students.
Cont..3. Introduce an example of a simile and gives its
definition and evidence from the text.
4. Distribute Worksheet 14.
5. Ask students to work in groups or pairs to find textual evidence from the text for each of the literary devices.
Notes:
For Low English Proficient students, they may be given the pages of the text to help them. Alternatively, they can also be paired with higher proficient students to promote peer teaching/learning.
ACTIVITY FIVE
Prove me right Duration: 80 minutes Aims: To explore character traits in the novel. To give description. To provide evidence. Material: Worksheet 5
Steps:
1. Call out a student at random and introduce him to the class.
Cont..
2. Ask students to describe his character traits.
3. Ask students to pick characters they like from the novel and describe them.
4. Distribute Worksheet 5.
5. Ask students to read and understand the character traits given in the handout.
6.Instruct students to show textual evidence from the novel.
7.Ask students to write down the evidence in the column provided by quoting it from the novel.
Thank You
- Good Luck -
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