Literature Form 5 PDF

FORM 5 (The New Literature Component)
Poems
A Poison Tree by
William Blake
What Has Happened to

Lulu? by Charles Causley
Novels
Captain Nobody by
Dean Pitchford
Sing to the Dawn by

Minfong Ho
Dear Mr Kilmer by
Anne Schraff
English
SPM
Exploring Literature
POEMS
1
A Poison Tree by William Blake
Paraphrase of the Poem

Stanza 1
The persona was angry with his friend. But when he talked it over with his friend, his anger disappeared.
Later on, he was angry with his enemy. However, he does not voice it out and the anger grows.
Stanza 2
The persona waters or feeds the anger with fears and tears. But, he covers up his true feelings with
pretense and insincere smiles.
Stanza 3
The anger grows until it is firmly rooted in the persona and as he puts it, it becomes an apple tree.
His enemy knows the tree belongs to the persona.
Stanza 4
Late one dark night, the enemy goes to the personas garden. He most probably ate the apple from the
poison tree because the next morning, the persona finds him lying on the ground beneath the tree.
Themes
Anger with
friends
Insincerity and
deceit
Communication
and bad feelings
THEMES
Danger of
holding back
ones feelings
Obsession and
consequences
English
SPM
MORAL VALUES
We should not allow

anger to control our
life.
We should express
our feelings and not
bottle them within
us.
Point of View
First person
point of view
We should make
peace with everyone,
no matter friend or
foe.
Language and Style

Indirect expression, difficult to understand
Tendency to use words with multiple
meanings
Message cum advice to get anger out of
ones system
Rhyme & Rhythm

Four stanzas
Rhyme scheme
a, a, b, b
Irony
It is ironical that anger which
is a negative thing, grows
into a tree which is a positive
thing, although it is a poison
tree
LITERARY
DEVICES
We should know that

obsession can lead to
destruction and loss
of self-control.
Tone and Mood

Serious and
perceptive
Unsympathetic
and intense
Imagery
Stanza 2 gives an
image of a tree
being well taken
care of
Symbol
The tree is a symbol
of life, and anger
seems to have been
given life to grow
Metaphor
The tree of anger, like an
apple tree, starts to bear
fruit
Diction
My wrath did grow, my foe beheld it
shine, into my garden stole are examples
of the poets choice of language
3
Personification
The night has veiled the pole,
means the night is personified as
a person putting a veil or cover
on the pole or light
English
SPM
Enrichment Exercises
Exercise 1
Read the poem, A Poison Tree and complete the sentences appropriately.
1. The persona has a difference of opinion with a
.
2. When the persona has a tiff with a
3. He feeds the anger with his
but talks it out and the wrath did
, he does not talk it out and the wrath did

daily, and morning and night with his
4. He covers up his feelings with

.
.
.
and nobody knew how he feels because of his deceitful
5. The anger tree in him grows steadily day and

.
6. My (the personas) enemy sees the fruit
.
until the tree bears a fruit fresh and

on the anger tree and knows it is not his but
7. That night when the darkness blocked the electric

personas garden.
8. The next morning, the persona could
the ground beneath the
.
, the enemy
into the
to his happiness his enemy lying outstretched on
Exercise 2
Read the poem, A Poison Tree and complete the word puzzle below with words from the poem. The letters
in the boxes in bold make up two words. Write the words in the space provided. Use the clues to help you.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
A
O
W
W
S
M
G
Clues
1. A type of fruit
2. Opposite of hard
3. Clear and shiny
4. Reach out or spread out
5. Past tense of steal
The words are:
6. To belong to oneself
7. A deep anger
8. A place to grow flowering plants
9. Covered with a thin cloth
10. Cunning tricks
English
SPM
Practices
Exercise 1
Read the poem, A Poison Tree, and answer the questions that follow.
(a) What is the difference between anger and wrath?
(b) Describe a theme portrayed by the poem.
(c) What two things happened to the personas anger with his enemy?
(d) And into my garden stole

Describe how the personas enemy enters his garden. Give the literal and figurative meaning of the
line above.
Description:
Meaning:
Exercise 2
(a) How has night been personified?
(b) How does the persona feel when he sees his enemy lying on the ground?
(c) What is ironic in the development of the personas anger?
(d) I was angry with my friendmy foe

How does the persona solve the difference of opinion with his friend and his foe? In your opinion,
why is there a difference in his approach to the same problem?
Solution:
Opinion:
5
English
SPM
Exercise 3
(a) What is the meaning of the line and I sunned it with smiles?
(b) Who is said to have entered the personas garden and what is he perceived to have done?
(c) Give a moral value you have learned from the poem.
(d) And I watered it in fears.

What other steps does the persona take to keep his anger alive? What are the end results of this
anger for the persona and the enemy?
Steps:
End results:
Exercise 4
(a) What is the poem mainly about?
(b) In stanza 1, who are the two people the persona was angry with?
(c) List the ways the persona fed his anger. What did it become?
(d) And it grew both day and night.

What does the word it in the line refer to? Do you think it is healthy for the persona to do what
he did with his feelings? Give a reason for your answer.
Word reference:
Opinion and reason:
English
SPM
What Has Happened to Lulu? by Charles Causley
Paraphrase of the Poem

Stanza 1
The persona questions about the whereabouts of Lulu as her bed is empty except for an old rag-doll
and a shoe.
Stanza 2
The window in the room is open and the curtain is flapping while on the dusty shelf the money-box
is missing. There is only the mark of a circle where the money-box used to be.
Stanza 3
The persona wants to know why his mother is shaking her head and shedding tears. She has crumpled
up a note and says it is of no importance.
Stanza 4
The persona heard people talking and the roar of a car engine late at night but is told it was all part
of a dream.
Stanza 5
The persona also heard somebody cry either in pain or anger but is told it was a gust of rain.
Stanza 6
The persona wants to know why his mother is wandering about in a daze not knowing what to do.
He is confused about the disappearance of Lulu.
English
SPM
Themes
The running
away of a young
family member
Parents and
siblings feelings
of loss
Feelings of
helplessness
THEMES
Concern for the

parent
Confusion about
the reason
MORAL VALUES
We should not even

think of running
away from home.
We
should
be
concerned
about
our parents and
appreciate their love
and care.
We
should
be
observant of our
family
members
behavior and show
concern.
We should realize
that running away
from problems is not
a solution.
English
Point of View
First person
point of view
Rhyme & Rhythm

Six stanzas
Rhyme scheme
a, b, c, b
Onomatopoeia
curtain flapping
free
LITERARY
DEVICES
Imagery
A circle on the dusty
shelf where her
money-box used to
be gives an image
of Lulus decision to
disappear completely
as she has taken her
life savings with her
Metaphor
The cry of
anger or pain is
compared to a
gust of rain
Alliteration
Why is her
window wide
Repetition
The question What has
happened to Lulu, mother?
is repeated to emphasize
the desperation of the
persona
Tone and Mood

Inquiring and anxious
Perceptive and aware
Feeling of helplessness
Language & Style

Simple, easy to
understand
Questioning
Rhetorical question
Why do you tell
me a dream and
nothing more?
SPM
Irony
On the night before, the persona
heard voices, a car engines roar
and a cry of anger or pain. But,
his mother told him its a part
of his dream and a gust of rain.
Ironically, now that Lulu has
disappeared, the personas mother
seems worried as she wanders
about in a daze
Symbol
The curtain flapping
free symbolizes the
persons freedom
Nothing on her
bed symbolizes the
emptiness of the
room
English
SPM
Exercise 1
Read the poem, What Has Happened to Lulu?, and tick () the statements that are true.
1. The persona wants to know the whereabouts of his sister, Lulu.
2. He notices an old rag doll and a shoe in Lulus room.
3. The window is wide open and Lulu is climbing out of it.
4. There are dollar notes and coins on the clean shelf.
5. The personas mother turns her head away with tears in her eyes.
6. Lulu has left a note and it is crumpled and burning on the fire.
7. The persona dreams of going for a car ride with Lulu.
8. The persona is sure he heard Lulu and mother quarrelling in the night.
9. It was raining the night before.
10. The persona is curious as to why his mother is wandering about helplessly.
Exercise 2
Read the poem, What Has Happened to Lulu?, and solve the crossword puzzle with the help of the clues
given below.
1. R
2. D
3. S
4. Y
5. S
6. T
7. C
8. O
9. O
10. C
11. M
12. O
13. W
10
English
SPM
Clues
Across
Down
2. Full of dust
5. Something we wear on one foot
7. To crush or wrinkle
8. Either
10. Piece of cloth hung as screen
11. A container for keeping money
13. Not narrow
1. Sound made by an animal or vehicle

3. Flat thin piece of wood attached to the wall
4. Refers to other person one is talking to
6. Discharge from eye when one cries
9. Solely
12. Not young
Practices
Exercise 1
Read the poem, What Has Happened to Lulu?, and answer the questions that follow.
(a) What does the open window signify?
(b) Whom do you think has written the note and to whom is it addressed?
(c) Explain a theme portrayed in the poem.
(d) What has happened to Lu?

Do you think the persona is a small boy? Give two evidence based on the poem for your answer.
Evidence one:
Evidence two:
Exercise 2
(a) What is the poem mainly about and who are the personas?
(b) How do we know that the personas mother feels sad?
11
English
SPM
(c) What does the curtain flapping free symbolise?
(d) I heard somebody cry

Whose cry do you think the persona heard? Give a reason for your answer. Why is it dismissed by
the mother as a gust of rain?
Cry and reason:
Mothers reason:
Exercise 3
(a) What is the tone of the poem and why do you think this is so?
(b) How does the personas mother show that she does not know what to do about the situation?
(c) What moral lesson have you learned from the poem?
(d) And say it is nothing at all

What do you think made Lulu do what she did? How do you think parents feel when children do
what Lulu had done? Give a reason for your answer.
Reason:
Feelings:
12
English
SPM
NOVELS
1
Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford
Setting
Place
Appleton Town
stadium, school, hospital, water tower, City Hall
SETTING
Time
Last Friday in October up to a November evening:
from the day of the Big Game till the victory
parade
Characters
Cecil
Butterworth
Juanita
Josephina
Gonzalez (JJ)
Newton
Newman
CHARACTERS
Mary
Newman
Chris
Newman
Patrick
Newman
13
English
SPM
Plot
EXPOSITION
Newton prepares breakfast for his family, but they are too
preoccupied to entertain him. Wishing to be noticed, Newton and
his friends JJ and Cecil plan to make interesting Halloween
costumes. At the Big Game, Newtons brother, Chris is knocked into
a coma. Reggie is believed to be the culprit.
CONFLICT
Worried about Chris and with his parents busy at the hospital,
Newton cannot think of a Halloween costume. JJ and Cecil help
him to make a costume out of Chriss old clothes, complete with
a mask. Newton feels transformed, and proudly says that he is
Captain Nobody. The Halloween treat-or-trick night is a success.
CLIMAX
Newton feels strong and assured in his costume, and wears it to

school. Over the next few days, as Captain Nobody, he experiences
a series of adventures. He helps old Mr Clay home, stops a robbery,
and averts an airplane tragedy. Newton rescues Reggie, mistakenly
thinking he wanted to kill himself, but ends up falling.
FALLING ACTION
Newton faints and is admitted to the hospital for broken ribs and
ankle, in the same room as Chris. His parents discuss the daring
adventures he was involved in. They feel proud and realize they
should be more caring. Newton is thrilled to be near Chris yet
worried about him at the same time.
RESOLUTION
Feeling steamed, Newton unintentionally shouts Hit the showers!

which makes Chris come out of his coma. JJ and Cecil visit Newton
at the hospital. They are interviewed about Captain Nobody, and
the newspaper headlines say He Went Up a Nobody, but He Came
Down a Hero.
14
English
SPM
Themes
Family
relationship
Excel at ones
work
Creativity
THEMES
Friendship and
teamwork
Sibling bonding
Moral Values
MORAL VALUES
We should build
strong family
relationships and
be there for each
other, as well as
spend quality time
together.
We should have
confidence and trust
in our friends to
keep the friendship
strong, and
cooperate as a team.
We should use our

creative abilities and
hone our skills for
the good of oneself
and others.
15
When we are
engaged in doing
something, we
should make all
efforts to do well.
English
SPM
Exercise 1
Fill in the blanks with appropriate expressions from the list below to complete the synopsis of the story,
Captain Nobody.
stops a robbery football star after six days top of the water tower
Halloween costumesfalls into a comaadventurous rescues
prevent an airplane tragedy
identity as Captain Nobody trick-or-treat
Newton Newman prepares breakfast for his family but they are too busy to enjoy it. His father
. He feels
and mother are workaholics and his brother, Chris, is a (1)
side-lined time and again but he does not feel lonely. His two good friends, JJ and Cecil want
that would reflect their inner self. It is the
to come out with new (2)
. Worried
Big Game of the season but Chris is knocked out and (3)
about Chris, Newton cannot concentrate on making a costume. JJ and Cecil help Newton come
. They have a
out with his costume which ultimately gives him an (4)
night. This is followed by (6)
successful (5)
at a
by Captain Nobody. He helps a confused Mr Clay home and (7)
jewellery store. While trying to save Ferocious, the Fillmore mascot, Captain Nobody clears the
. He then helps to rescue Reggie from the
highway and this helps to (8)
but falls to the ground and ends up in the hospital. He recovers and
(9)
. Newtons parents know of his identity
sees Chris for the first time (10)
as Captain Nobody and his exploits. They are proud and happy as both sons recover and the
family is together again.
Exercise 2
Write True (T) or False (F) for the statements below.
1. Newton prepares breakfast for the family but they are too busy for food.
2. Newton tries desperately to identify his inner other and personal hero.
3. At the Big Game, Chris is on top of the pile of players after his touchdown.
4. Chris is not badly hurt as nothing is broken but he falls into a coma.
5. Newton refuses to wear the costume with C.N. written on it.
6. He takes the name Captain Nobody from his book of comic heroes.
7. He decides to wear his Halloween costume to school as it gives him an identity.
16
English
SPM
8. The teacher phones Newtons parents to complain about his costume.
9. Captain Nobody scores a few successful rescues and is acknowledged in the papers.
10. Newton falls into a coma for two days after he falls down from the water tower.
Practices
Exercise 1
Adventurous acts of Captain Nobody are evident throughout the novel. How have they helped the main
character? Give reasons with close reference to the text.
Exercise 2
Based on the novel, write on the theme of friendship. Use evidence from the text to support your
answer.
Exercise 3
He Went Up a Nobody, but He Came Down a Hero. Explain the circumstances that led to this headline
and its significance in relation to the main character. Use textual evidence to support your answer.
Exercise 4
Based on the novel, do you think the title is appropriate for the novel? Support your answer using
textual evidence.
17
English
SPM
Dear Mr Kilmer by Anne Schraff
Setting
Place
Turtle Lake, Iowa, America
hunting cabin, school, the Knights farmhouse,
Schermers tavern
SETTING
Time
Year of 1917 when America joined the World War
I, to 1918 when the war ended
Characters
Richard
Knight
Joyce Kilmer
Hannah
Schermer
CHARACTERS
Mrs Hansen
Mr. Knight
(Pa)
Angie Knight
Gus Knight
18
English
SPM
Plot
EXPOSITION
Richard, Pa and Gus are on a hunting trip for Richards first killhis
first deer. Richard purposely misses shooting it, disappointing Pa. In
class, Richard learns of the poet, Joyce Kilmer and is fascinated. He
writes to Mr. Kilmer and tells him of his secret interest in poetry.
Richard sees racial harassment directed at Hannah.
CONFLICT
Richard is the only student to sign the sympathy card for the
Schermers. Richard is thrilled to get a reply from Mr. Kilmer. He
encourages Richard to share his poems with people around him.
His family is indifferent at his poetry and the correspondence, but
Mrs. Hansen is impressed. Richard continues writing to Mr. Kilmer.
CLIMAX
Hannah and Richard win the roles for Mrs. Hansens programme.
But pressure from some parents and students make Hannah decline
the role. Richard turns his part down too as he feels it is unfair.
Gus informs the family that he has enlisted for war. This upsets his
father and Richard fears for his brothers safety.
FALLING ACTION
One afternoon in early August, Richard receives an emotional letter

from Mr. Kilmer about his feelings and the war. He pens a reply but
feels an urgency to post it. Along the way, he receives news of Mr.
Kilmers death. He is stunned and the reality of it hits him when he
reads the article in the morning papers.
RESOLUTION
At first, Richard is in anguish. Then, he calms down and writes a

poem in memory of Mr. Kilmer. He shares it with the Schermers,
who encourage him to publish it. Pa is touched when he sees the
poem in the papers, and talks to Richard about his brother, Roland.
World War 1 ends, and Richard and Pa have a good relationship.
19
English
SPM
Themes
Family bonding
Perils of war and

joys of peace
Power of the
written word
THEMES
Racial
harassment
Patriotism
Moral Values
MORAL VALUES
Family relationships can

and must be nurtured
through family bonding.
We should love the

country we live in or are
from, and be ready to
sacrifice for the country
and people.
We should put our

thoughts in writing rather
than keep them inside all
the time.
We should accept the fact

that everyone has a right
to live in any part of the
world and not be harassed
for unfair reasons.
War results in loss of lives,

property and misery while
peace brings joy.
20
English
SPM
Exercise 1
Read the following statements and arrange them in the correct sequence. The first one has been done for
you.
(a) At home, Richard reads Mr. Kilmers reply to his letter and tells his family
about his poetry writing.
( )
(b) Back home, after completing his chores, Richard writes a letter to Mr. Kilmer.
( )
(c) Devastated at the news of Mr. Kilmers death, Richard writes a poem titled
In Memory of Sergeant Joyce Kilmer.
( )
(d) Richard, who is in tenth grade, is mesmerised by Joyce Kilmers poem

read out by Mrs. Hansen in class.
( 1 )
(e) Next day, Richard shows Mr. Kilmers letter and his own poems to Mrs. Hansen.
( )
(f) He borrows a copy of the poetry book and gets the address of the editor of
The New York Times.
( )
(g) Richard continues writing to Mr. Kilmer and learns the latter will be sailing to
France to join the war.
( )
(h) In school, the class is invited to sign a sympathy card to Hannah whose family tavern
was vandalised.
( )
(i) No one wants to sign the card except for Richard who eventually takes the card
to Hannah.
( )
(j) In the ensuing correspondence, Richard learns about the war and
conditions in Europe.
( )
Exercise 2
Complete each of the statements with an expression from the list below.
a famous poet
did not like to kill animals
the right thing to do
found a new hero
only one signature
knew they would not miss
scribbled the words Dirty Hun
seemed to speak directly
1. On his first hunting trip, Richard looked at the deer and wished it would sense their presence
because he
. But, the deer could not smell their presence.
2. When his father and Gus started talking about boxing, Richard slipped away quietly because he
his absence.
was not interested and
3. Hannah was upset when she looked at her book because someone had
on the cover.
21
English
SPM
4. In class, after hearing Joyce Kilmers poem, Richard was impressed because he had
- one who felt the same way as him about nature.
5. Richard read the book, Trees and Other Poems and liked the poems for their simplicity and
to him. So, he wrote a letter to Mr. Kilmer.
because they
6. Richard looked at the card for Hannah and felt upset because there was
Richards.
7. When Richard showed Mr. Kilmers letter to Mrs. Hansen, she was impressed because he had
.
made friends with
8. Otto, Hannahs brother joined the American Expeditionary Forces because he thought it was
as he was patriotic.
Practices
Exercise 1
Based on the novel, write about an important event that happened to the main character at the hunting
cabin. Explain the lessons he learned from this event and how they helped him to cope with later
events.
Exercise 2
Based on the novel, write on the theme of family bonding. Use textual evidence from the text to
support your answer.
Exercise 3
Based on the novel, write about an incident that you disagree with. With close reference to the text, give
reasons for your answer.
Exercise 4
Based on the novel, do you think the title is appropriate for the novel? Use textual evidence to support
your answer.
22
SPM
English
Sing to the Dawn by Minfong Ho
Setting
Place
Village
village school, familys house, old wooden
bridge, Cousin Nois house, marketplace, temple
SETTING
Time
Present day: a week starting from the announcement
of the scholarships winner to Dawan leaving for
the City
Characters
Dawan
Grandmother
Kwai
CHARACTERS
Mother
School teacher
Father
23
English
SPM
Plot
EXPOSITION
Dawan and Kwai are expecting the announcement of the exams

results and scholarships winner. They talk about improving life in
the village. Kwai says Dawan has a good chance of winning. Dawan
is doubtful as she is a girl and the practice of gender inequality
makes it unlikely for her to win.
CONFLICT
The school teacher discusses the issue of rent collection by the

landlord. Dawan is announced as the winner of the scholarship
and Kwai is visibly upset.When Dawan informs her family, Father
cannot believe Kwai didnt win. Mother is not encouraging too, but
brings Dawan to Cousin Nois house to ask for her support. Only
grandmother is openly proud of Dawan.
CLIMAX
Kwai is surprised at Cousin Nois discouragement. He tells Dawan

he may get to go to the City school instead of her as he is placed
second right after her. Dawan feels fear at her diminishing chance,
and is afraid Kwai will tell their father. At dinner time, Kwai tests
their father with a hypothetical question.
FALLING ACTION
Dawan wants the head monk to persuade her father. At the

marketplace, Dawan meets Bao who gives Dawan a free lotus bud
and encourages her. The head monk dissuades Dawan from going
to the City. Upset, she returns to the marketplace. Dawan hurts her
ankle when she tries to stop Kwai from hitting Bao.
RESOLUTION
Father knows the exam results and is angry that they didnt inform
him. In the ensuing discussion, Dawan convinces him to let her go
to the City. On the day of her departure, the siblings realize things
wont be the same for them after this. Dawan leaves with a heavy
heart and encouragement from grandmother. Kwai waves farewell
to her from the wooden bridge.
24
English
SPM
Themes
Family support
and love
Ideals versus
reality
Looking to the
future
THEMES
Exploitation
of the poor by
those in power
Gender
inequality
Moral Values
MORAL VALUES
We should encourage and

support family members who
want to better themselves.
Do not take advantage of those

who are supposedly lower in
status than you are.
We should remember that

actions speak louder than
words.
25
We should look forward to the

future with a positive mind.
English
SPM
Exercise 1
Complete the synopsis of the novel, Sing to the Dawn by filling in the blanks appropriately with expressions
from the list below.
a definite answerexpresses disbeliefimproving lifegender inequality
hurt anklewins the scholarshipa heavy heartexpresses disbelief
encourages her to move on the head monk dissuades things will not be the same
Dawan and Kwai sit on the wooden bridge to watch the sunrise. They discuss the issue of
in the village. Dawan is sure she cannot get the scholarship because
(1)
. The teacher and students discuss the issue of unfair
of the practice of (2)
collection of rent and tax by the landlord. The teacher mentions the responsibility that comes with
and Kwai is visibly upset. Dawan
winning the scholarship. Dawan (3)
informs the family that she has won the scholarship, and Father (4)
that Kwai is not the winner. Kwai as the second place winner may take away Dawans chance
of furthering her studies in the City. Father refuses to give Dawan (5)
for her going to the City. At the marketplace, Bao, a flower stall girl gives Dawan a lotus bud
with her mission against gender inequality. At the temple,
and (6)
Dawan from pursuing her dream of going for further education.
(7)
. Finally,
Dawan returns to the marketplace and ends up getting a (8)
Father relents and gives permission to Dawan while Kwai promises not to challenge her for the
scholarship. On the day of her departure, Dawan and Kwai realise that (9)
and words of encouragement
for them after this. Dawan leaves with (10)
from her grandmother. Kwai waves farewell to Dawan from the wooden bridge.
Exercise 2
Answer the following questions.
1. In school:
(a) What is the atmosphere in the classroom that morning?
(b) Describe the discussion the class had with the teacher.
26
English
SPM
(c) At the end of the lesson, what announcement does the teacher make to the class?
2. The scholarship:
(a) What does Dawan tell the family about the scholarship?
(b) How does her father react? Why does he react this way? Why cant he accept the situation?
HOTS
(c) How does Kwai feel and why is Dawan unsure about her going to the City school?
(d) Whom does Dawan approach to get help to convince her father to give her permission?
3. Dawan and Bao
(a) Who attempts to console Dawan?
(b) Explain the three steps the person takes :

(i) Initial :
(ii) Words of advice :
(iii) Positive step :
(c) Do you think it is successful? Give a reason for your answer.
HOTS
4. Dawan and Kwai

(a) What issue is troubling the two of them?
(b) Kwais feelings
(c) Dawans feelings
(d) What is the real cause for the unhappy feelings for Dawan and Kwai on the morning of
Dawans departure for the City? HOTS
27
English
SPM
5. What grandmother does:

(a) What has grandmother prepared for Dawan?
(b) How does Dawan do the leave-taking with grandmother?
(c) During the leave-taking, how does grandmother advise Dawan?
Practices
Exercise 1
Based on the novel, Sing to the Dawn, do you think the title is appropriate for the novel? Use textual
evidence to support your answer.
Exercise 2
Based on the novel, Sing to the Dawn, write about the main characters actions and ideas taking into
consideration her circumstances and surroundings.
Exercise 3
Based on the novel, Sing to the Dawn, the statement Im / Youre a girl, appears a few times. Write on
the theme in relation to the statement as portrayed in the text.
Exercise 4
Based on the novel, Sing to the Dawn, what are the main characters most important traits? Why are
these traits important?
28
English
SPM
Answers
Exercise 3
POEMS
(a) It means the persona pretended and covered up his anger with
insincere smiles.
(b) The personas enemy is said to have entered his garden and ate
the apple from the poison tree.
(c) We should not allow anger to control our life.
(d) Steps: He sunned it with insincere smiles and deceitful ways and
lies to keep it alive.

End results: The end result is he built up an obsession or a poison
tree that caused destruction to himself and his enemy.
1 A Poison Tree
Exercise 1
1. friend, end
2. foe, grow
3. fears, tears
4. smiles, wiles
5. night, bright
6. shine, mine
7. pole, stole
8. see, tree
Exercise 4
(a) The poem is about how the persona allowed his anger to become
an obsession within himself.
(b) The two people are a friend and an enemy.
(c) He despaired over his anger with tears, smiled falsely and covered
his anger with falsehoods. It became a poison tree or obsession.
(d) Word reference: The word it refers to his feeling of anger.

Opinion and reason:
No, I think it is rather unhealthy because it can consume the
person until he cannot think straight and imagines all sorts of
unsavoury thoughts about the person he is angry with and others
too.
Exercise 2
1. APPLE
2. SOFT
3. BRIGHT
4. OUTSTRETCH
5. STOLE
6. MINE
7. WRATH
8. GARDEN
9. VEILED
10. WILES
2 What Has Happened to Lulu?
Exercise 1
Practices
1. 3
10. 3
Exercise 1
2. 3
5. 3 6.
3 9.
3
Exercise 2
(a) Anger is the feeling of being upset while wrath is deep anger.
(b) A theme portrayed by the poem is the dangers of keeping our
anger within ourselves.
(c) The two things are it festered within the persona until it got out
of control and it affected the enemy to take extreme steps to
overcome it.
(d) Description: The enemy entered the garden like a thief as seen in
the use of the word stole.
Meanings: Literal meaning the enemy entered the personas
compound to steal something

Figurative meaning the enemy tries to outwit the persona who
seems to have lost his self-control for his own benefit but ends up
losing out.
Across
2. DUSTY
5. SHOE
7. CRUMPLE
8. OR
10. CURTAIN
11. MONEYBOX
13. WIDE
Down
1. ROAR
3. SHELF
4. YOU
6. TEARDROPS
9. ONLY
12. OLD
Practices
Exercise 1
(a) It signifies that Lulu went out through the window or that she talked
to whoever she left with from the window.
(b) I think Lulu wrote the note and it is addressed to the mother.
(c) A theme the poem portrays is parents and siblings feeling of grief.
(d) Evidence 1: He only noticed the childish things that are found in
the room.

Evidence 2: His mother dismisses the sounds he heard the night
before.
Exercise 2
(a) Night has been personified as a person who has put a cover or veil
over a pole or light.
(b) He feels happy as it seems he has successfully destroyed his
enemy.
(c) It is ironic that the anger which is a negative feeling has developed
into an apple tree which is a symbol of a good thing.
(d) Solution: He talked it out with his friend but he did not express his
feelings to his enemy.
Opinion: I think he adopts different approaches because it is
easier to discuss feelings, good and bad with friends whereas
with enemies, one tends to be wary and unwilling to solve the
unfriendly, angry feelings.
Exercise 2
(a) The poem is about the running away of a sibling and the personas
are the young brother and their mother.
(b) She cries in helplessness and wanders about the house.
(c) The curtain flapping free symbolises the running away of the girl
and her new life.
29
English
SPM
Answers
(d) Cry and reason: I think it is mothers cry as it was a cry of anger or
pain when she saw Lulu running away.

Mothers reason: She dismissed it when asked by the persona
as she does not want to upset the boy who does not seem to
understand the whole situation.
brother, Chris was a football star and most people did not know that he
had a younger brother. His busy parents mostly left Newton to take care
of himself. Furthermore, Newton was usually ignored by his classmates
due to his small physical size.
But when Newton put on the costume and became Captain
Nobody, he changed from being shy to confident. His classmates who
normally ignored him became his supporters when he was confronted
by some bullies. As JJ said, as long as he was Captain Nobody, people
would not ignore him and his close friends ever, ever again. Newton
also found himself doing things that he usually wouldnt do. He faced his
fear of heights when he helped Cecil get an old drum from a dumpster,
and also when he climbed the rotten ladder up the water tower to
rescue Reggie.
Exercise 3
(a) The tone is one of inquiring and questioning as the persona
questions his mother about his missing sister.
(b) She shows this by wandering about the house and not being able
to tell the persona the truth of the situation.
(c) The moral lesson I have learned from the poem is we should never
at any time think of leaving or running away from our family.
(d) Reason: I think Lulu could have felt her parents are too restrictive
or she is enticed by an adult who wants to take advantage of her
youth and innocence.

Feelings: Parents feel a great loss and grief because this is a
reflection of their parenting and whatever wrong they have done or
not done children are their flesh and blood.
Although Newton fell on his way down from the tower and was
admitted to the hospital, the townspeople recognised him as a hero.
He also gained his parents attention and made them realise they have
neglected him. On top of that, he was able to wake Chris from his coma.
So, the series of adventures did Newton a world of good in all ways.
Exercise 2
The novel Captain Nobody tells the story of 10-year-old Newton
Newman who dons a costume made from some old clothes for
Halloween night and ends up calling himself Captain Nobody. He and
his friends JJ and Cecil enjoy a successful Halloween trick-or-treat night
in the neighbourhood of Appleton. The novel portrays a few themes and
one of these themes is that of friendship between the main character
and two of his classmates and his sibling.
NOVELS
1 Captain Nobody
Newton has two close friends, JJ and Cecil in his fourth grade
class. The bond of friendship between them is so close that they can
tell each other off and yet not take offense at each others remarks and
comments about their mistakes. JJ and Cecil are the only ones that
Newton has showed his secret superhero sketchbooks to, and not even
his family members have seen them. The three of them understand and
support each other. They feel that they are always ignored by others
who act as if they are not visible.
Exercise 1
1. football star
2. Halloween costumes
3. falls into a coma
4. identity as Captain Nobody
5. trick-or-treat
6. adventurous rescues
7. stops a robbery
8. prevent an airplane tragedy
9. top of the water tower
10. after six days

Ever since they met each other in first grade, they had always
gone around to trick-or-treat together for Halloween. For this year, they
decide to come up with new costumes to be noticed. Newton could not
think of a costume as he was worried about his brothers condition. JJ
and Cecil help him to create a costume which gives him confidence,
and take on the identity as Captain Nobody.
Exercise 2
1. T
6. F
2. T
7. T
3. F
8. F
4. T
9. T
5. F
10. F
As Captain Nobody, Newton becomes involved in a series

of adventures with the help of his two good friends. It was actually
because of Cecil that Newton stumbled upon his first rescue. Cecil
wanted Newtons help to retrieve a drum from the dumpster. Old Mr
Clay happened to be lost there, and thus Newton helped him home.
Practices
Exercise 1
in the neighbourhood of Appleton. He continues to wear the costume
over the following few days and get involved in a few adventures as
Captain Nobody.

Next, JJ was horrified with the spelling mistakes in the signs of a
jewellery shop. She wanted Captain Nobody to tell the shop owners.
This caused Newton to unknowingly help to stop the robbery going on
in the shop. Besides that, the support and encouragement from JJ and
Cecil helped Newton to save Reggie at the water tower.

Other than that, Newton has a close relationship with his brother,
Chris in spite of their age difference. They have a little routine whereby
Newton would yell Hit the showers! when Chris overslept in the
mornings, and Chris would tease Newton that there are monsters under
his bed at night. Despite being side-lined due to Chriss popularity as
a football star, Newton only feels pride for his brothers success and is
very worried when Chris goes into a coma. Eventually, it was because
of their close friendship that Newton woke Chris from his coma.
Several adventurous acts of Captain Nobody are evident

throughout the novel. Firstly, Newton as Captain Nobody helped an old,
confused Mr. Clay home. Later on, he stopped a robbery at a jewellery
store. While trying to rescue Ferocious the ferret from the highway
traffic, Captain Nobody unintentionally caused the roads to clear as cars
stopped to avoid hitting them. This action actually helped to avert an
airplane tragedy. In addition, Captain Nobody heroically rescued Reggie
Ratner from the water tower, though he ended up hurt. As described in
the papers, He Went Up a Nobody, but He Came Down a Hero.
Close friendship among the characters is clearly portrayed in the

novel.
These rescue adventures helped Newton, the main character a

great deal mentally and physically. Before gaining an identity as Captain
Nobody, Newton was overlooked both at home and in school. His elder
Exercise 3
30
English
Captain Nobody.
SPM
Answers
hero recognised by the townspeople for his actions. Despite having no

magical powers like his comic book heroes, Newton was able to help
many people as Captain Nobody.
When Reggie Ratner was spotted on top of the water tower,

everyone thought that he was going to commit suicide due to the
harassment from Fillmores football team. They thought that he was
responsible for knocking Chris into a coma. Newton panicked when he
heard about this as he knew that it wasnt Reggies fault. He debated on
telling someone in authority so that they can talk to Reggie. However, he
realised that only he could deliver the news to make Reggie reconsider
his supposed suicide.
2 Dear Mr. Kilmer
Exercise 1
(a) 6
(f) 2
(b) 3
(g) 8
(c) 10
(h) 4
(d) 1
(i) 5
(e) 7
(j) 9
Exercise 2
The water tower was surrounded by the police and many

spectators. Cecil distracted the police while JJ helped Newton to get
on the ladder to climb up the water tower. Newton considered retreating
as the rungs of the ladder were either broken or not in good condition.
On top of that, he has a fear of heights. The faces and sounds of the
crowd which grew dimmer the higher he climbed also made him gag
and grip the ladder. Nevertheless, the thought of Reggie alone on top of
the tower gave Newton the courage to carry on his ascent as Captain
Nobody.
1. did not like to kill animals

2. knew they would not miss
3. scribbled the words Dirty Hun
4. found a new hero
5. seemed to speak directly
6. only one signature
7. a famous poet
8. the right thing to do
After helping to free Reggie, they started the dangerous descent

down the ladder. However, one of the rungs broken by Reggie sent
pieces of wood tumbling down on Newton. Startled, he lost his grip
and fell to the ground. He ended up in the hospital with broken ribs and
ankle as he helped to break Reggies fall.
Practices
Exercise 1
In the novel, Dear Mr. Kilmer, 15-year-old Richard Knight sees the
effects of World War 1 on his family, neighbourhood and personal
friends. Not interested in hunting or sports, he wrote poems on the quiet
and kept it a secret even from his family. Doing this helped Richard
to cope with the changes in his daily life. He started a successful and
fruitful correspondence with the poet Joyce Kilmer until the latters
death in the war in Europe.
The incident was covered by the newspapers. Every front page

carried aerial photographs of Newton falling onto the inflatable rescue
mattresses. This was accompanied by news of Newtons other rescue
activities. The headlines in the papers read He Went Up a Nobody,
but He Came Down a Hero. In this sense, Newton did literally go up
as Captain Nobody and came down a hero for having rescued Reggie
Ratner, to the delight of the townspeople and his parents.

Captain Nobody.

An important event that happened to Richard, the main character
at the hunting cabin was when he fired at the deer he was supposed
to kill, but missed hurting it. From this event, Richard learned two
significant lessons from his father and brother respectively. When
Richard explained to Pa that he did not kill the deer as it was too painful
to take an animals life, Pa told him that he feels it too but death is a
part of life. On the other hand, Gus reminded Richard that he had to
learn to fit in with other people. Richard understood his fathers feelings
in relation to death as he had lost a brother in a war. But, he told Gus
he did not want to fit in.
Newtons parents are workaholics and his brother, Chris is a

football star. Most of the time, they are so busy that they do not even
have time to eat the breakfast Newton prepared for them. After the Big
Game, Chris is severely hurt and goes into a coma. Newtons parents
are concerned with Chris and are cooped up at the hospital, leaving
Newton to care for himself. They give him little news about Chris and
his mother even forgot about Halloween and his clothes for school.
To put it bluntly, he is neglected like a nobody as his family is too
engrossed in their own affairs to really pay attention to him.

These two lessons helped him cope with later events. One of these
was when Hannah Schermers family was harassed for racial reasons.
All of the students did not want to sign the sympathy card for Hannah,
but Richard alone signed it and personally handed it to Hannah. When
Hannah rejected the role of Lady Liberty, Richard did not want to
be Doughboy for the patriotic programme to sell Liberty Bonds. He
did all these because he did not support the anti-German sentiment.
He carried on his friendship with Hannah knowing full well the other
classmates disapprove, as he believed that he was doing the right thing.
For Halloween night, Newtons friendsJJ and Cecilcreate a

costume for him complete with a mask. Newton feels different and
strong in the costume. When asked who he is supposed to be, Newton
has a moment of inspiration and proudly declares that he is not
supposed to be anybody. He is Captain Nobody.

The other event was when Richard heard of the loss of Mr. Kilmer
in Europe. When he heard of Mr. Kilmers death in the war, he was
devastated but calmly accepted the loss by expressing his feelings in a
poem. Richard described Mr. Kilmers death as the loss of a precious
little world. His poem was printed in the Turtle Lake Weekly with
unexpectedly good results. Richard and his father learned to have a
good father-son relationship from these as they shared the same loss
a brother and a friend.
Exercise 4
The Halloween night is successful, but it was the later activities

that enhanced Newtons image as Captain Nobody. With JJ and Cecils
help, Captain Nobody got involved in a few rescue attempts. He helped
a confused Mr Clay home, stopped a robbery at a jewellery store, and
averted an airplane disaster. He also rescued Reggie from the water
tower but ended up hurt in the process.
Lessons that Richard learned from an earlier event stood him in

good stead in his later years. They helped him to learn to accept death
as a part of life and learn to stand up for his decisions even if it didnt fit
in with societys expectations.
Therefore, the title is most appropriate for the novel because

Newton changed from just a neglected nobody to Captain Nobodya
31
English
SPM
Answers
Exercise 2
I do not agree with the action of racial bullying because of the

effects on the school children. Mrs. Hansen felt that a terrible wrong
had been done to the Schermer family and wanted the class to sign a
sympathy card for Hannah. The whole class except for Richard refused
to sign the sympathy card. As Mrs Hansen put it, the students seem to
have lost their integrity and was glad that at least one student still had
some integrity.
Such an incident should not be allowed to take place in any

community.
The novel portrays a few themes and one of these is family

bonding. Family bonding time is the time that a family spends doing
activities together. This is the time for family members to interact, to
exchange ideas and learn how to listen to each other.
Exercise 4

Pa, Gus and Richard spent some time together during the hunting
trip for Richards first kill. Though it may not have been a successful
hunt, it was still family time in which they spent it together doing an
activity. That night after supper, the three of them sat around the living
room as a form of family bonding. Gus and Pa exchanged views about
sports while Richard sat quietly listening to them. In this aspect, the
bonding only happens between Gus and Pa as Richard did not have
any interest in sports so he could not bond with them through the
discussion.
I feel that the title Dear Mr. Kilmer is very appropriate for the
novel. The title refers to the standard, polite salutation used by Richard
to address Mr. Kilmer in his letters. He first learned about the poet when
Mrs. Hansen read aloud the poem Trees in class. Richard felt as if he
had found a new hero as not only did Mr. Kilmer feel the same way as
him about nature, he was also brave enough to fight for the country.
This prompted him to write a letter to Mr. Kilmer and tell him of his
interest in poetry that he hides from everyone. Surprisingly, Mr. Kilmer
replies Richards letter and this begins a chain of exchanges between
the two of them.
During the summer holidays, Richard helped out at the farm

diligently. He spent days on horseback, riding across the meadows with
his father and tending to the cattle. Although there was still a strange
barrier between father and son, Richard felt a closer bond with his
father through these activities they did together.

When Mr. Kilmer is killed in the war, Richard is devastated by the
loss of his hero. He writes a poem titled In Memory of Sergeant Joyce
Kilmer in which he stated a precious little world has died. The poem
strikes a chord in Pa as felt the same things when his brother died in a
war many years ago. This helped Pa to finally understand why Richard
wrote poems. From then onwards, father and son shared an almost
nightly ritual by bonding through poetry. Richard would read his latest
poem aloud and Pa would give him ideas.
The start of this correspondence was a wonderful opportunity for

Richard to develop socially and personally. Mr. Kilmer encourages
Richard to share his poems with the people around him, which help
him to find a sense of identity. He also provides Richard with good
suggestions for his poetry writing and this helps Richard to improve.
Furthermore, Mr. Kilmer gave Richard information about the war and
described the situation at the front, which caused Richard to mature and
endure the effects of World War 1 on his neighbourhood.
Therefore, it can be seen that the novel portrays the theme of

family bonding very well.
As the story developed, so did the bond between Richard and

Mr. Kilmer. Even when Richard used the same salutation of Dear
Mr. Kilmer in his letters to the poet, it had become more than just a
salutation to him. It was addressed to someone important in his life and
had sentimental connections to him. Joyce Kilmer became someone
close to his heart, a hero and a highly valued critic and teacher.
Exercise 3
As the story is centred on Richard and this correspondence, the

title Dear Mr. Kilmer is definitely most appropriate for this novel.

The novel portrays a few interesting incidents and one of the

incidents I disagree with is that of racial bullying by some residents
of Turtle Lake on the Schermer family. This is the time of World War
1 when the allied European powers fought against Germany. America
joined the allies in April 1917 until the war ended in 1918. The Schermer
family was a German family who had lived in United States for many
years and were upstanding members of the community in Turtle Lake.
They ran a tavern and because of the war, the tavern was vandalised
with terrible things painted over the walls. Hannah Schermers book had
the words Dirty Hun written on its cover.
3 Sing to the Dawn
Exercise 1
1. improving life
2. gender inequality
3. wins the scholarship
4. expresses disbelief
5. a definite answer
6. encourages her to move on
7. the head monk dissuades
8. hurt ankle
9. things will not be the same
10. a heavy heart

These actions of the community and classmates were considered
as being patriotic. The Schermers were criticised for singing German
songs, conversing in German and serving German food. This was
misinterpreted as plotting something and not wanting their neighbours
to know about it. I feel that this is unfair as the Schermers were merely
using their own language in their conversations. Singing German songs
was not wrong as people cannot just turn off their whole culture. On top
of that, Otto, Hannahs brother had joined the American Expeditionary
Forces because he was a patriotic American born in America and he
thought it was the right thing to do.
Exercise 2
1. (a) There was a hushed expectancy in the classroom.
32
English
(b) They discuss about paying rent to the landlord with the sacks
of rice, ownership of the land and the rights of the landlord to
the land.
(c) He announces that Dawan is the winner of the scholarship.
2. (a) She tells the family she has won the scholarship and that
there is only one winner.
(b) Her father cannot believe it and refuses to accept the fact
that Dawan won the scholarship instead of Kwai and will be
studying in the City. He cannot accept this because he feels
that girls should not go for further education.
(c) Kwai feels cheated but he holds up well and even teases
Dawan that as the second place winner he still has a chance
to go to the City.
(d) She tries to get cousin Noi and the head monk in the temple
to help her.
3. (a) Bao
(b) (i) Consoles verbally by offering a should to cry on

(ii) Advises Dawan to have belief in herself and not to give
up her ideals

(iii) Offers her to release a bird for free to symbolise she
should use the chance given her properly.
(c) Yes, I think it is successful as Dawan feels a rekindling
of hope and understands she should do whatever to stay
strong.
4. (a) The issue is that both of them want to go for further schooling
for the same reasons.
(b) Kwai after deciding to accept the situation feels frustrated
and challenges Dawan about it being a wasted effort as
Dawan may end up as a housewife like their mother.
(c) Dawan feels confused about the future and wants Kwai to be
supportive and be happy for her.
(d) The real cause is both will miss each other very much
especially the things they have been doing together and as
Kwai says, Nothing will be the same.
5. (a) She has put Dawans new clothes and shoes on the matting.
(b) She kneels down in front of grandmother with hands neatly
folded and head bent.
(c) She advises Dawan this is the first step to a new life and she
should not be afraid to face the world with clear, bold eyes.
SPM
Answers
City and does not think it right for a mere girl to go in his place. He
accuses Dawan of taking her brothers chance as he is second place
after Dawan for the scholarship. Dawan talks frankly and openly with
her father and manages to convince him that she is capable of doing
something worthwhile with her education. He gives her permission to
leave for the City. Another obstacle that Dawan faces is her feeling that
she might really be depriving Kwai of further education. However, Kwai
is supportive of her. So, Dawan is able to have a new start or a new
dawn as she sits in the bus taking her to the City.
The title Sing to the Dawn is appropriate as Dawan faces a new
dawn, a dawn to be treasured and she can sing about her new start.
Knowing that nothing will be the same for her and Kwai after this, she
asks Kwai to watch and sing to the dawn for her. Kwai sings to her as
the bus she is travelling in leaves the village for the City. So, it is literally
and figuratively, singing to the dawn.
Exercise 2
The novel, Sing to the Dawn, tells of the frustrations and prejudices
a young Thai village girl, Dawan faces when she wants to further her
education in the City. She has her early education in the village school
and then wins a scholarship and has a chance for further schooling in
the City school.
Her brother, Kwai comes in second. Both Dawan and Kwai have
great ideas about how they can use their education to improve the
economic situation in the village. However, Dawn has better grasp of
her ideals. She knows that it is hard to change things, even the smallest
things, without changing the overall pattern that these things are part of.
As she puts it, there must be a whole order or a system with rules and
laws. She wants to study how the system works and moves and then
help to find a better one.
With the scholarship, Dawan will be able to get the necessary
education to achieve her ideas and ideals. But, she faces the
disapproval of her father who thinks that studying is not for girls and she
should give the scholarship to her brother. The general feeling in rural
Thailand is that girls do not require further education as ultimately, they
will end up as housewives. Dawan refuses to give in and attempts to
get help from Cousin Noi and the head monk to talk to her father on her
behalf. However, both are not keen as basically they are also gender
biased. Her moral support comes from Bao, a girl who sells flowers at
the marketplace.
Practices
Exercise 1

Finally, although she feels fearful, Dawan talks frankly and openly
with Father about giving her a chance. She insists that if Father keeps
thinking that she will never be capable of doing anything worthwhile,
then of course she really will not be able to. So, in the end she manages
to convince Father to let her go for further schooling in the City.
the City school.

Most mornings, Dawan and her brother, Kwai get up early and they
go to the old wooden bridge that overlooks the rice fields. They sit in
companionable silence to watch the sun rise and the sunglow creep
over the awakening world. Dawan feels the deep joy of a new day
radiate from her and she sings a song she made up herself. It is a song
of tribute to the dawn or a new day.
Exercise 3
the City school.

Dawan wins the scholarship which gives her an opportunity to study
in the City and start a new life away from her village. Dawan wants to
use her education to improve the economic and social conditions in her
village. Economically, the poor farmers are bullied by the landlords and
they do not get much for all their hard work. There is gender inequality
as girls are not given equal rights. Dawan understands it is hard to
change things, even the smallest things, without changing the overall
pattern. As she puts it, there must be a whole order or a system with
rules and laws. It has to be the dawn of a new day. So, her studies is

The novel portrays a few themes and one of the themes is gender
inequality, which is the belief that males and females do not have equal
rights. Males are considered to be of a higher status than females and
so should be given priority socially and economically. This practice of
gender inequality in the rural communities in Thailand is clearly seen
in Dawans village too. Girls should stay at home and do housework
instead of going to school. Although Dawan is a year older than her
brother, their parents had considered it foolish and wasteful to send girls
to school. She started school on the insistence of her brother.
the mark of a new dawn and the title portrays this Dawan sings to
the dawn.
Winning the scholarship is Dawans chance to change the status

quo of gender inequality. But, as Dawan puts it, Im a girl, and others
around her also emphasize Youre a girl. So, it brings out clearly the
Dawan faces obstacles like her fathers disapproval who thinks

that studying is not for girls. He is set on Kwai going for studies in the
33
English
SPM
Answers
problem of sexism. Initially, Kwai in spite of his broad ideals, becomes

jealous of her and this causes a rift in the close relationship of the
two siblings. This hostility is further exacerbated by Dawans father,
who feels that the City is no place for a female. Cousin Noi paints a
bleak future for girls going to the City. The head monk in spite of his
sensitivity tries to impress on Dawan albeit gently the same impression.
Eventually, Dawan overcomes Fathers objection only because Kwai
is adamant that he does not want to rob his sister of her chance and
rights.
patience and obedience. She is caring of her siblings, for example, she
lets Kwai use the umbrella while she walks home in the rain with her
hurt ankle. This action of hers touches Kwai and he makes up his mind
not to contest with her for the scholarship.

Determined and adamant, Dawan is confident and farsighted about
bringing improvements to the present social and economic injustices
through her further education. Having strong feelings about gender
inequality in rural Thailand, she is determined not to lose out just
because she is a girl. She is adamant although as Father and the head
monk put it, she will be wasting her time and spirit. So, with a strong
sense of character, she clarifies with Kwai and Father to get their willing
acceptance for her to go to the City school.

Bullying and physical abuse is another aspect of gender inequality
as portrayed by the actions of Vichai and Kwai towards Bao. Vichai
as the brother of Bao has no hesitation about physically abusing Bao,
his sister. He gives her stinging slaps in the open and nobody in the
marketplace attempts to help. Kwai defends her but when Bao accuses
him of bullying Dawan, he tries to attack her physically too.
When Dawan becomes the object of her fathers anger and

frustration and her brothers challenger, she takes decisive steps to get
outside help to convince Father. However, her efforts are fruitless and
so she tells Father decisively that she wants him to open her cage door
and allow her to soar off and do great things for them all. She wins her
fathers approval as he tells her to go ahead and try.
The story shows gender inequality is a big problem and sets a

good example of the need to exert ones rights and beliefs.
Exercise 4

In spite of her ambitious nature, Dawan is appreciative of the moral
support from her grandmother, mother and Bao. Grandmother tells her
not to be scared all the time and not to be a rabbit and calms her on
the day of her departure. Baos friendliness and encouragement help
to boost her determination. Most of all, she is appreciative of Kwais
understanding and for not challenging her for the scholarship.
the City school.
Dawan, the main character has good character traits like being
loving, caring, patient and obedient. These traits made her a loving
daughter and granddaughter. Her parents are not in favour of her going
to the City school but eventually they gave their full support due to her

So, Dawans strong character traits are very important. They stand
her in good stead in the fight to overcome the obstacles to let her study
in the City school.
34

Literature Form 5 PDF

Enviado por

Dados do documento

Título original

Direitos autorais

Formatos disponíveis

Compartilhar este documento

Compartilhar ou incorporar documento

Opções de compartilhamento

Você considera este documento útil?

Este conteúdo é inapropriado?

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

Literature Form 5 PDF

Enviado por

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

FORM 5 (The New Literature Component)

What Has Happened to

Sing to the Dawn by

A Poison Tree by William Blake

Paraphrase of the Poem

We should not allow

Language and Style

Rhyme & Rhythm

We should know that

Tone and Mood

but talks it out and the wrath did

, he does not talk it out and the wrath did

4. He covers up his feelings with

and nobody knew how he feels because of his deceitful

5. The anger tree in him grows steadily day and

until the tree bears a fruit fresh and

7. That night when the darkness blocked the electric

to his happiness his enemy lying outstretched on

(b) Describe a theme portrayed by the poem.

(d) And into my garden stole

(c) What is ironic in the development of the personas anger?

(d) I was angry with my friendmy foe

(d) And I watered it in fears.

(d) And it grew both day and night.

What Has Happened to Lulu? by Charles Causley

Paraphrase of the Poem

Concern for the

We should not even

Rhyme & Rhythm

Tone and Mood

Language & Style

2. He notices an old rag doll and a shoe in Lulus room.

3. The window is wide open and Lulu is climbing out of it.

4. There are dollar notes and coins on the clean shelf.

7. The persona dreams of going for a car ride with Lulu.

9. It was raining the night before.

1. Sound made by an animal or vehicle

(c) Explain a theme portrayed in the poem.

(d) What has happened to Lu?

(b) How do we know that the personas mother feels sad?

(c) What does the curtain flapping free symbolise?

(d) I heard somebody cry

(d) And say it is nothing at all

Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford

Newton feels strong and assured in his costume, and wears it to

Feeling steamed, Newton unintentionally shouts Hit the showers!

We should use our

identity as Captain Nobody trick-or-treat

5. Newton refuses to wear the costume with C.N. written on it.

7. He decides to wear his Halloween costume to school as it gives him an identity.

8. The teacher phones Newtons parents to complain about his costume.

Dear Mr Kilmer by Anne Schraff

One afternoon in early August, Richard receives an emotional letter

At first, Richard is in anguish. Then, he calms down and writes a

Perils of war and

Family relationships can

We should love the

We should put our

We should accept the fact

War results in loss of lives,

(d) Richard, who is in tenth grade, is mesmerised by Joyce Kilmers poem

did not like to kill animals

the right thing to do