Question 3:

Using details from the novel you have studied, write about a
theme that you can relate to in your daily life. Give examples of
the theme that you have chosen. Support your answer with
close reference to the text.
The novel I have read is The Curse by Lee Su Ann. A theme
from The Curse is about the negative effects or rumours and
hearsay. Gossip is basically idle talk that goes bad if one is not
careful enough but malicious gossip is even more dangerous
because it does the most damage.
For example, in the past, the villagers constant gossiping had caused
the Old Lady to move to the jungle because they thought that she
was a crazy woman who killed her husband in cold blood. They failed
to understand and consider the reason behind the act and it caused
the Old Lady to live alone for the rest of her life in the jungle. The
villagers continued to spread wrong information about the Old Lady
by saying that she will cast a spell or kill those who trespass on her
property.
Puan Normala warned that a curse will befall the village by
claiming that the incessant rain was caused by the Old Lady coming
into the village even though she came only to cure
Nek, Mohd Asrafsgrandmother. She gathered some of
her neighbours and convinced them to drive the Old Lady out of the
village. Sadly, not long after the Old Lady had cured Nek, Nek passed
away and the neighboursconvinced Mohd Asraf that the Old Lady
was to be blamed. The confrontation between them and the Old Lady
ended tragically with her house being burnt down and her untimely
death.
Throughout the novel, we are constantly reminded of
howrumours can turn bad and how they can lead to destruction or a
tragic conclusion. As stated by the Old Lady, Rumours can be
damaging even if they are untrue, especially if they are untrue. All a
person can do is to ignore them and the rumours will die off as soon
as another juicier one comes along.
I have learnt from the theme in this novel that I should not
believe or be influenced by rumours in our daily lives. More
importantly, I should also not create and spread rumours about
another person. These, we must apply in our daily lives.