THE CURSE

SPM LITERATURE COMPONENT - NOVEL

THE CURSE
NAME OF WRITERS
NO
NAME
1 ADIBAH BINTI SAID
2

WAN HANIZAH BINTI WAN HALIM

NOORSURIATI BINTI M.A. WAHID

ZURINA BINTI KHAIRUDDIN

SCHOOL
SMK SERI BUDIMAN,
KUALA TERENGGANU
SMK BATU RAKIT,
KUALA TERENGGANU
SMK BUKIT TUNGGAL,
KUALA TERENGGANU
SMK BELARA,
KUALA TERENGGANU

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Mapping of Characters
Datin Sharifah and Datok Zulkifli
(rich, adopted parents)

En.Saleh (father)
(angry and bitter)

Wife
(Crippled and senile)

Azreen (daughter)
(Hard-headed, independent, smart, brave and loyal)

Old Lady
Wise, traditional healer, Azreens true friend
Ostracized by the villagers, accused as the evil witch

Nek
Mohd Asrafgrandmother
Old and sick

Crazy, Pontianak-looking woman

(Madhuris real mother)

Madhuri (adopted daughter)

(Beautiful, obedient, adopted, 2nd wife of Haji Ghani)

Haji Ghani (Madhuris Husband)

Head of village, old,
infatuated with Madhuri

Mohd Asraf
Azreens school-mate, Madhuris secret love

Puan Kamsiah
Ignorant, believes in superstitions and tradition

Fatihah
1st wife, old,
bitter at Madhuri

Awang the Bomoh

Superstitious, practices weird things

Puan Normala
The village gossiper, main cause of havoc in the village

Siti
Kind, open-minded, caring

Julian
Azreens college-mate, cares deeply about Azreen

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Nek

Madhuris real mother

Awang, the Bomoh

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TIME PLOT

Day One
Rubber Estate
A body was discovered

London
Azreen received news of Madhuris death
She reluctantly went back to Malaysia
She had nostalgic memories of her childhood during the flight

Day Two
En.Salehs House
Puan Normala and the gang were gossiping about Madhuris sudden death

Graveyard
En Saleh was furious Azreen brought her sick and senile mother while as Azreen felt the same way because En. Saleh did not wait for her to pay
her last respect towards her dead sister.

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Day Three
Azreen visited the Old Lady but she was not at home

Azreen saw Asraf at the village centre.

She asked about Madhuris death but Asraf was reluctant to go into details

Azreen prepared breakfast for her mother who suddenly exclaimed that Madhuris life was in danger and Azreen had no sister.

En.Saleh was chopping wood when he heard odd sound. He went to investigate but found nothing.

Awang the Bomoh was terrified by the Pontianak-looking figure who dashed past him

Azreen visited the Old Lady who told her that Madhuris death was not an accident and Haji Ghani and his men covered up her death

Fatihah was bitter when her husband fell in love with Madhuri.
She was determined to get her husbands love back

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At home, Azreen discovered torn photographs of Madhuri but her father interrupted her.

Azreen attended to her fragile mother who was still haunted by the accident that caused her leg to be useless.
Her mother told Azreen not to blame herself and be true to herself.

Flashbacks
Azreen recalled the incident with the runaway bull and how she had taken blame for letting the bull out because she thought she was helping
Asraf. Unfortunately, the bull caused an accident which involved her parents and her mother lost her leg as the result. She got the beating of her
life from her father.
She recalled the mysterious woman lady was always following her and Madhuri around.
She also recalled Asrafs meeting Madhuri for the first time and he was immediately smitten by her and totally ignoring Azreen. She ran to the
Old Lady for comfort. Unexpectedly, the Old Lady told Azreen her secret that she had killed her abusive husband in self-defense and was outcast
by the villagers.
Azreen recalled how she had gone on her exchange programme and met her adopted parents who treated her like their own daughter

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Day Four
Azreen met Asraf at the market place and learnt that Awang the Bomoh had been burning some odd things around the village.

Azreen got a letter from Julian and Mahuris letter was enclosed. Madhuri wrote that she was happy and had a secret to share with Azreen.

Fatihah and Haji Ghani had a heated argument.

Day Five
Azreens mother passed away.

Azreen recalled an incident where she and Madhuri tried to replace their mothers broken basket.

That night, Azreen saw a face in the window

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Later, Madhuris room was on fire.

En.Saleh came and rescued Azreen and put out the fire.

Azreen fled to the Old Ladys house and spent the night.

Day Six
Fatihah went out at dawn to seek Awang the Bomoh to get a charm to win back her husband.

She stumbled with the crazy woman and fainted

The Old Lady stumbled on Fatihah who fled the scene immediately once she was conscious.

Asraf was worried because Neks cough was getting worst. He tried to get some herbal plants but the market was flooded. He went to the Old
Ladys place and pleaded with her to come to the village to treat Nek. The Old Lady reluctantly went with Azreen. The Old Lady treated Nek.
Unfortunately, her presence was discovered by Puan Kamsiah and Puan Normala who plotted a plan to oust her from the village.

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Day Seven
Neks condition improved but the Old Lady was worried by the sudden improvement.

Azreen went home and saw Awang the Bomoh around her house. She confronted him. Awing told her about the commotion at Asrafs house
caused by Puan Normala and her gang.

Azreen rushed there to save the Old Lady. She came face to face with Puan Normalas sickle. She was saved by her father and the crowd
dispersed.

At night time, Siti came and told her that Nek had passed away and a mob led by Asraf was heading towards the Old Ladys house for revenge.

Azreen rushed to the Old Ladys house to defend her. During a shuffle with Asraf, Azreen was pushed and she stabbed his foot using a spade.
The torch in Asrafs hand fell and rolled towards the house and a fire started. Azreen went into the house to save the Old Lady but she was
trapped. Before she died, she told Azreen to learn to forgive. Azreen was saved by her father who dragged her out of the burning house.

Azreen went to confront Asraf who told her about his secret relationship with Madhuri.
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Azreen was devastated and ran off to a quiet place and fall asleep.

Day Eight
Azreen visited Maduris grave.

Awang the Bomoh told her that Madhuri was adopted and the crazy woman was her real mother. He also admitted that he was the one who left
the door unlatched in the bull incident. Azreen was shocked but she believed his story.

She went home and saw the mysterious lady was pointing towards the woodpile. En.Saleh appeared and Azreen told him about what she knew.

They went to the woodpile and when Azreen saw the parang with latex on it, she realized it was her father who had murdered Madhuri.

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Flashback
En.Saleh recalled that fateful morning when he had caught Madhuri with another man(Asraf) in the rubber estate. Madhuri would not reveal
the man to En. Saleh but she told him that they were in love and wanted to run away together. En.Saleh was so angry that he did not realize he
had killed his beloved daughter and Madhuri knocked over a latex container, thus came the white blood mystery.

Azreen ran away. She knew there was nothing left for her in the village.

En.Saleh was shocked when he saw the crazy lady was coming towards him and he suffered a fatal heart attack

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IMPORTANT EVENTS
A.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

PROLOGUE
A young Indian boy woke up late to tap rubber.
He hurried to the tool shed to take his equipment.
Before reaching the shed, he stumbled upon a large root and fell down.
Standing up, he stared at the thing and was very shocked to find a dead body full of blood.
He screamed and ran to the village to inform the villagers.

B.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Chapter 1
Azreen Salleh, a Malaysian student in London was on her way to go back to Malaysia.
She didnt want her friends to know the reason of going back to Malaysia.
She was a bit reluctant to leave as she had examination and she had to postpone her exam.
She wanted to avoid her friends and questions but unfortunately met Julian Ng.
She had to explain to Julian the reason of going back.

C.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Chapter 2
On the flight, Azreen s mind wandered off to her sister , Madhuri.
She remembered how she despised/ hated her sister.
The comparison made by people around her caused that feeling.
Madhuri prettier, charming, filial, well-liked, polite, soft-spoken.
Azreen shorter, bespectacled, fiery tempered, obstinate, stubborn.
Azreen also remembered how good her sister was to her, the happier time she had and they were inseparable.

D.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Chapter 3
The gossip-monger of the village spread lies about Madhuri being murdered, having white blood and all the villagers were cursed.
Azreen reached KLIA and then took a connecting flight to Langkawi.
Her adopted parents, Datin Sharifah and Datuk Zul were waiting for her at the airport.
Datin Sharifah reminded her husband not to tell a word about Madhuris death to Azreen.
They drove her to a jetty and took a ferry to Azreens village.
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E.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.

Chapter 4
Azreen arrived at her house and entered the house.
A few women were still inside listening to the gossip monger telling gossip about her sister.
Azreen was angry at them and without acknowledging / greeting them; Azreen pushed her bag and stormed past the living room.
Pn Normala told the women how disrespectful Azreen was to them, how Azreen was so vengeful to the family.
Datin Sharifah asked Azreen whether she wanted to go the burial ground.
Azreen coaxed her adopted mother to tell her the truth about Madhuri.
Datin Sharifah told her about what she knew.
Azreen went to see her mother in her mothers room.
Her mother didnt recognized her and kept on calling her Madhuri.
Azreen pushed her mother to the graveyard.
Her father angrily demanded her to go home and brought her mother along.
Azreen defied her father.
Hj Ghani stopped her father and Datin Sharifah pushed her mothers wheelchair home.
Azreen stood still at the grave.
On the way back, Azreen met Asraf whom she had a crush when she was 13.
She reached home late and everyone had left the house.
When she opened her window she saw a sudden movement and a dark shape fleeted away. The person looked like Madhuri.
Pn Fatihah, Hj Ghanis first wife was angry as her husband was so engrossed with Madhuri.
Pn.Fatihah took the curtain brought by Madhuri to their home and went inside a room full of Hj Ghanis possession. She took out a
keris and ran the dagger through the curtain.
20. She felt satisfied looking at the torn fabric.
F.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Chapter 5
Azreen went into the jungle early in the morning. But the Old Lady of The Forest was not at home.
Azreen left the house and went to the market. She bought some food.
On the way back, she met Asraf. She asked Asraf to tell her what had happened to Madhuri.
Asraf told her how Hj Ghani and his men had cleared the place where Madhuri was found dead.
Azreen helped her mother to wash her face at the sink.
Her mother didnt want to eat nasi lemak but asked for porridge.
Azreen cooked porridge for her mother and her mother reminded her of what had occurred when she was little.
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8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

Her mother seemed incoherent and rambled on claiming that she must warn her sister being in danger.
While chopping wood with his parang, En.Salleh saw movement in the shrubbery beside his house. Then, he heard someone weeping.
Awang , the bomoh was very scared when he saw a woman with thick ,long grey hair, pale gaunt face and large creepy eyes weeping.
Azreen visited the Old Lady of the Forest. She felt so comfortable and she laughed for the first time.
The Old Lady advised Azreen the importance of being tact, feminine and patience.
The Old Lady of the Forest confirmed that Madhuri was murdered.

HOW AZREEN BEFRIEND WITH THE OLD LADY OF THE FOREST

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

It had been a dare by the others.

All the children in the village were told by the parents that the old woman was a witch who had killed her husband.
One day she went to the house and knocked on the door.
As she called out for the old woman, her friends scampered and some looked petrified.
Azreen was sure the Old Lady was not wicked even when the Old Lady tried to scare her away.
She kept on going to the house from that day onward until the Old Lady became friendly with her.
Azreen would visit her twice a week and Azreen would run to the Old Ladys place when she had huge fights with her parents.
The Old Lady quietly welcomed her presence.

G.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Chapter 6
Azreen was shocked to hear about the murder.
The Old Lady confirmed it as she saw Madhuris body lying on the ground before it was taken away.
The Old Lady said they covered up the death to protect the innocent and guilty parties.
The Old Lady was also assured Azreen that the truth would surface one day.
Pn Fatihah entered Madhuris room. She remembered how Madhuri became part of her life.
Azreen entered Madhuris room and found torn photographs.
Her father scolded her for entering the room and grabbed her upper arm leading her out of the room.
Azreen recalled an event which affected her life.

HOW HER MOTHER LOST THE USED OF HER LEG (FLASHBACK)

1. Asraf told her he needed money to buy a motorcycle and had applied for a job in the farm from Mr Mohan on the third day, Azreen paid
him a visit. But the gate was opened and there was a commotion.
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THE CURSE
2.
3.
4.
5.

Asraf got a scolding from Mr Mohan for letting the gate open and the bull escaped.
Azreen interfered and confessed that she was the one who opened the gate.
Everybody was surprised.
Then there was another commotion, the bull rammed into her parentsmotorcycle. Her mother lost lots of blood and because of the
incident, she lost the use of her leg.
6. En Salleh went to see Mr Mohan and Mr Mohan told him that Azreen had admitted of letting the gate open and the bull escape.
7. She was caned at the back and leg. But she was loyal to her friend and did not tell a soul.
HOW THE OLD LADY KILLED HER HUSBAND (FLASHBACK)
1. The Old Lady was a young woman from the mainland and married a young man from the village.
2. They were happy at first. She adapted her life and joined the villagers at any occasion which needed her help. She was a good cook and
she also knew how to prepare herbal concoctions to treat many illnesses.
3. Then her husband lost his job and he was stressed out. He started to hit her.
4. He became an alcoholic and abusive. But she kept it all to herself.
5. She endured all the abuse. But one day, while she was cooking, her husband kneed her in the stomach and kicked her when she went
down. At that time she was holding a knife but the knife fell down to the floor.
6. He forced himself on her and she took the fallen knife and stabbed him.
7. Her husband died. The villagers found her and the dead body.
8. The police let her away after taking her statement and she was called all kinds of names such as a mad woman, a husband killer and so
on. The villagers started to avoid her.
9. She had no money and had to leave her house. So she went into the jungle and found a deserted house. She took refuge in it and made
it her home.
HOW SHE WENT TO STUDY IN LONDON (FLASHBACK)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Azreen was an intelligent girl in school.

She was selected to join an exchange student programme in Penang. Her teacher had arranged everything including her foster parents.
Her parents did not make a fuss at all about the programme.
The two months programme was good for her.
At the end of the programme, her foster parents sent her back to her village and brought a wheelchair to make her mothers movement
easier.
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6.
7.
8.
9.

Her father did not like what the foster parents did.
Azreen told her father to be more open-minded and that her foster parents were kind and generous.
A year later, she received a scholarship to further her studies in London.
Her foster parents also helped with her allowance.

H.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Chapter 7
Mohd Asrafs grandmother was coughing badly. She also had a fever.
Asraf went out to buy lunch before leaving for school.
Hj Ghani went to visit his wifes grave .he recalled how he heard the news and how he reacted after seeing the lifeless body.
Hj Ghani saw movement at the grave and saw a woman looking like Madhuri.
Meanwhile at Azreens house, her father accused her of not latching the chicken coop.
She denied it was her fault and her father demanded her to clean it up.
She found a dead carcass of a chicken. After she turned back for a while, the carcass was gone.
Asraf met Azreen at the market and told her about what the bomoh was doing.
She received a letter from Julian Ng and he enclosed Madhuris letter to her.
Her sister mentioned about her being happy and she had one happy secret to tell Azreen.
Pn Normala told her about her superstitious belief such as the rain, her meetings with a woman roaming at the graveyard and the loud
argument between Hj Ghani and Pn Fatihah. The argument was about Fatihah stealing and disposing of Madhuris things .
12. Mohd Asraf fought with Hj Ghani as Hj Ghani insulted all women in general including his wives.
13. The meeting between Azreen and Asraf made her realized how she dislikes him for playing with her emotion. Because of that she
crushed her sisters letter down the lane.
14. When she wanted to retrieve the letter, she couldnt find it anywhere.
I.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Chapter 8
The village experienced heavy rain for four days.
Azreens mother died on the fifth day.
They buried her next to Madhuri.
That night, Azreen entered her sisters bedroom and recalling a good memory of her mother and sister.
She mourned their death. It was the first time she cried unreservedly.
When she wanted to close the window, she saw movement outside and went to investigate.
She couldnt find anything.
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8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.

She smelt smoke from Madhuris room. The wall was on fire.
She tried to put out the fire but backed out from the room as the smoke burnt her throat and lungs.
Her father appeared from behind and pushed her outside. He threw soil upon the fire tirelessly to put the fire out.
The storm helped them to put out the fire.
Her father collapsed on the ground when it was over.
Pn Fatihah went to see the bomoh discreetly early one morning. This is to get a charm to attract the husband attention back to her.
On her way, she saw a silhouette looking like Madhuri. Pn Fatihah fainted.
Asrafs grandmothers condition was getting worse.
En Salleh went to Awangs house and demanded him to explain his actions.
The Old Lady of The Forest met Pn Fatihah on her way to find the ulam and herbal plants.
Azreen went to the Old Ladys house for comfort. She slept there until dusk.
She ate there and wanted to sleep at the Old Ladys that night.
Someone suggested to Asraf to go to the Old Ladys place for vegetables/herbal remedies as she lived on higher ground that are not
affected by flood.
The Old Lady advised Azreen to forgive those who wronged her as she did. By doing that she would feel better and would feel contented
with life.
Asraf went to the Old Ladys place and urged the Old Lady to help him.
Azreen coaxed the Old Lady to go and see Neks condition on her own.
The Old Lady was a bit reluctant to go until Asraf vouched for her safety.

J. Chapter 9
1. Azreen accompanied the Old Lady to Asrafs house.
2. The Old Lady checked Neks condition and gave instructions on what to prepare while she went back to her house to collect barks, roots
and herbs necessary for the treatment.
3. The villagers didnt like this . Pn Normala especially started the gossip about the curse that they would get if they let the Old Lady
around.
4. The Old Lady prepared her remedies for Nek. Nek regained consciousness and felt much better.
5. Pn Fatihah prepared breakfast for Hj Ghani but he refused to eat them.
6. Neks condition improved. Yet the Old Lady was not satisfied.
7. After she went back to take the eggs at home, she saw Awang. Awang told her about the crowd of villagers going to Asrafs house.
8. She had an argument with Pn Normala.
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9. Someone pushed her from the back and she fell down. All the eggs she gathered were shattered.
10. Her father came to the rescue.
11. Pn Normala wanted him to deal with his daughter and warned Azreen that if the Old Lady didnt leave the village, there would be a
death among them.
12. Asraf told her that Nek had recovered. The Old Lady went back to her place and left Azreen with Asraf.
K.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

Chapter 10
Azreen stayed there until dusk.
She went back to her house, cooked dinner , prayed and then ate dinner with her father quietly.
When she was about to sleep , a loud knock surprised her.
Siti told her about Neks death and Asraf went to the Old Ladys house with a group of men feeling angry towards the Old Lady.
Azreen grabbed her slippers and ran as fast as she could to the Old Ladys.
Seven men and Asraf were there . Asraf with a torch and hoe in hand tried to batter the house down.
She tried to stop Asraf but he pushed her down. Taking the spade she stabbed his feet. As he fell down, the torch dropped and rolled
towards the house.
The house was on fire.
The fire spread very fast. She rushed into the house and tried to find the Old Lady. The Old Lady was stuck as the pillar fell down on her.
She told Azreen to save herself and asked Azreen to forgive the people who wronged her.
Her father came to the rescue again and carried her out of the burning house.
She was so angry at Asraf and attacked him like a wild cat.
Asraf told her about his sadness towards the death of 2 persons he loved the most. He told her about his affair with Madhuri and they
were going to run away to KL.
Azreen ran away in disbelief to the secluded place the Old Lady showed her.
Then she forgave everyone.
On her way back, she met Awang. Awang told her about Madhuris real mother and the illicit affair. Awang also told her that it was he
who let the gate wide open. He also told her that Hj Ghani knew about the affair.

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L.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Chapter 11
Azreen was shocked to hear what the bomoh told her.
She saw the woman near the wood pile. She was trying to show Azreen something.
She told her father about the woman.
She asked her father to tell the truth about Madhuri.
Her father bent down behind the wood pile and theres parang in his hand.
The parang had something sticky and white on it.
She knew her father was the one who killed Madhuri.
Her father had an encounter with her sister in the rubber estate and she was hugging another man, not her husband.
In rage, he stabbed Madhuri for committing adultery and for bringing shame to him.
Azreen left her father.
She didnt realize the woman standing behind the coconut tree.
The woman took the parang trying to kill him.
He was shocked and had a heart attack.
En Salleh died.

M.
1.
2.
3.

Chapter 12
Azreen visited her familys grave before she left.
Before she left, she saw the woman smiling to her.
Her foster parents waited for her and sent her to the airport.

N.
1.
2.
3.

Epilogue
Julian Ng waited for her in London. He wanted to give his support to Azreen.
Asraf took a teaching course in KL and left Langkawi.
She felt gratified to Julian.

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1.

QUESTIONS ON EVENTS
Using details from the novel you have studied,
State an event which you feel should not have happened
Explain why you think the event should not have happened
Support your answer with close reference to the text

How to answer
PARAGRAPH

CONTENT

ITEM MUST HAVE

I choose The Curse by Lee Su Ann.

The event that I feel should not have happened is Madhuris marriage to Haji Ghani.

Madhuri was in love with Asraf and the feeling was mutual. They would not have met in secret in the
rubber estate if she was not a married woman. This could have prevented her from being killed.
I also think that the marriage had caused the relationship between Pn Fatihah, the first wife, and Hj
Ghani turned sour as soon as Madhuri became the second wife. Pn Fatihah felt that Hj Ghani gave
more attention to Madhuri as she was younger and more attractive. They had their first big argument.
The argument was about Puan Fatihah stealing and disposing of Madhuris things. This would not have
happened if Madhuri did not marry Haji Ghani.

Novel
Event should not
have happened
Reason 1
Evidence

Reason 2
Evidence

Puan Fatihah had also turned into a bitter and vindictive woman after her husband married Madhuri.
She took the curtain brought by Madhuri to their home and went inside a room full of Hj Ghanis
possession. She took out a keris and ran the dagger through the curtain. She felt satisfied looking at
the torn fabric. She used to be a very nice and gentle person.

Reason 3
Evidence

In conclusion, I feel that Madhuris marriage to Haji Ghani had broken 3 hearts, Madhuris, Mohd
Asrafs and Puan Fatihahs. This would not have happened if Madhuri did not marry Haji Ghani.

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Conclusion

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2.

Using details from the novel you have studied,

Describe what happens at the end of the novel ( students can choose either epilogue or chapter 12 as the end of the novel)
Explain why you find the ending either happy or sad
Support your answer with close reference to the text

HOW TO ANSWER
PARAGRAPH
1

CONTENT

ITEM TO HAVE
NOVEL OF YOUR CHOICE
DESCRIBING WHAT
HAPPENS AT THE END OF
THE NOVEL
HAPPY OR SAD FOR YOU
REASON 1
EVIDENCE

REASON 2
EVIDENCE

REASON 3
EVIDENCE

REASON 3
EVIDENCE

CONCLUSION

I choose The Curse by Lee Su Ann.

At the end of the story, Azreen lost everyone that she loved so for me this novel ended
sadly.

First, she lost her beautiful sister, Madhuri who was found dead in the rubber estate. She
immediately came back to her village from London but she was denied the final goodbye
when her father, En. Saleh did not wait for her and buried her sister.
Next, she lost her beloved mother who died five days after Madhuri. Her mother was already
sick and her mental state was affected where she sometimes got confused of the past
events. It is also very sad that she did not know that Azreen was not responsible for the
accident that paralysed her.
Azreen lost her mentor, the Old Lady in the fire which almost cost her life if En. Saleh was not
there to pull her out from the burning house. It was an accident caused by malicious series of
gossips and discrimination by the villagers led by Puan Normala. The Old Lady was like her
mother and and her best friend.
She also lost her father who succumbed to a massive heart attack after he was surprised by
the crazy woman who came to him with his parang.
In conclusion, she lost everyone that she loved and had no reason to come back to her
village. That is why it is a sad ending to me.

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QUESTION 3
Based on the novel you have learned,
Write about an important incident that you remember ( example : How Azreen first met the Old Lady of the Forest)
Give reasons why you remember the incident
I choose The Curse by Lee Su Ann. In my opinion, an important incident from the novel is when Azreen first met the Old Lady.
Azreen first met the Old Lady when she was challenged by her friends to go to the Old Ladys house. The villagers believed that the Old
Lady is an evil witch, so they forbade their children to go to the Old Ladys house. However, Azreens curiosity and bravery led her to the Old
Ladys house. As she called out for the Old Lady, her friends scampered and some even looked very scared. When she met the Old Lady and the
Old Lady asked her to go away, she did not think the Old Lady was evil. After that day, Azreen kept going to the house until the Old Lady became
friendly with her.
In my opinion, this incident is important because after the day they became friends, the Old Lady became the person Azreen talked to or
turned to whenever she had problems. For instance, Azreen would go to her house whenever she got into fights with her father. The Old Lady
would listen to her problems and calm her.
Apart from that, this incident is important because from the Old Lady, Azreen had learnt to forgive the people who had done her wrong.
For instance, Azreen had forgiven her father for murdering her sister, Madhuri after understanding the reason of her fathers action. If Azreen
had not met and befriended the Old Lady, she might not have forgiven the people who had done her wrong. As a result, she might not go back
to London feeling free and feeling like a new person.
In conclusion, the important incident is when Azreen first met the Old Lady because of the above reasons.

22

THE CURSE
QUESTION 4
Based on the novel you have learned,

Which event is the most interesting event for you

Give reasons for your answer

(Students can use the same answer as in question 3; just change the phrase from important incident to the most interesting event.
I choose The Curse by Lee Su Ann. In my opinion, the most interesting event from the novel is when Azreen first met the Old Lady.
Azreen first met the Old Lady when she was challenged by her friends to go to the Old Ladys house. The villagers believed that the Old
Lady is an evil witch, so they forbade their children to go to the Old Ladys house. However, Azreens curiosity and bravery led her to the Old
Ladys house. As she called out for the Old Lady, her friends scampered and some even looked very scared. When she met the Old Lady and the
Old Lady asked her to go away, she did not think the Old Lady was evil. After that day, Azreen kept going to the house until the Old Lady became
friendly with her.
In my opinion, this event is most interesting because after the day they became friends, the Old Lady became the person Azreen talked
to or turned to whenever she had problems. For instance, Azreen would go to her house whenever she got into fights with her father. The Old
Lady would listen to her problems and calm her.
Apart from that, this event is the most interesting because from the Old Lady, Azreen had learnt to forgive the people who had done
her wrong. For instance, Azreen had forgiven her father for murdering her sister, Madhuri after understanding the reason of her fathers action.
If Azreen had not met and befriended the Old Lady, she might not have forgiven the people who had done her wrong. As a result, she might not
go back to London feeling free and feeling like a new person.
In conclusion, the most interesting event is when Azreen first met the Old Lady because of the above reasons.

23

THE CURSE
QUESTION 5
Based on the novel you have learned,

Which event has affected the main character

How is the main character affected by the event mentioned
Support your answer with evidence from the text

Students can use the same answer as in question 3; just change the phrase from important incident to the event that has affected the main
character.
I choose The Curse by Lee Su Ann. In my opinion, the event that has affected the main character from the novel is when Azreen first
met the Old Lady.
Azreen first met the Old Lady when she was challenged by her friends to go to the Old Ladys house. The villagers believed that the Old
Lady is an evil witch, so they forbade their children to go to the Old Ladys house. However, Azreens curiosity and bravery led her to the Old
Ladys house. As she called out for the Old Lady, her friends scampered and some even looked very scared. When she met the Old Lady and the
Old Lady asked her to go away, she did not think the Old Lady was evil. After that day, Azreen kept going to the house until the Old Lady became
friendly with her.
In my opinion, this event has affected the main character because after the day they became friends, the Old Lady became the person
Azreen talked to or turned to whenever she had problems. For instance, Azreen would go to her house whenever she got into fights with her
father. The Old Lady would listen to her problems and calm her.
Apart from that, this event has affected the main character because from the Old Lady, Azreen had learnt to forgive the people who
had done her wrong. For instance, Azreen had forgiven her father for murdering her sister, Madhuri after understanding the reason of her
fathers action. If Azreen had not met and befriended the Old Lady, she might not have forgiven the people who had done her wrong. As a result,
she might not go back to London feeling free and feeling like a new person.
In conclusion, the event that has affected the main character is when Azreen first met the Old Lady because of the above reasons.
24

THE CURSE

CHARACTERS
NO CHARACTER
1
AZREEN
SALEH

CHARACTERISTIC
20-year-old intelligent
student
Short and bookish
Tomboy
Independent
Highly opinionated and
outspoken
Courageous
Sensitive
Kind and value love and
friendship
Perceptive and rational
Brave/fearless

SALEH
ABDULLAH

Azreens father
A hardworking farmer
Physically strong with
big fists
Hot-tempered, full of
rage
Strict and traditional
father
Judgmental
Has hidden love and
courageous

EVIDENCE
Is chosen for student exchange programme
Obtains scholarship to study in a university in London
Excels in both academic and sports
Plays hockey with the boys in school
At young age she stays in Penang for two months during student exchange programme
Never afraid to speak her mind, voices her opinion, stand up for herself and her loved
ones
Confronts her father regarding Madhuris death
Hates it when people compare her to Madhuri
Cries her heart out over the sense of loss of her sister and mother
Befriended the Old Lady although others label her as a witch and a murderer
Willing to sacrifice her own life to save the Old Lady during the fire
Willing to take the blame for the escaped bull to save Asrafs job
Able to deduce that the white blood on Madhuris body is actually latex
Do not believe the superstitious about the village being cursed, the pontianak, the ritual,
the witch and rumours.
Faces the punishment/beating from her father calmly although she is not guilty
Stabs Asraf in the foot with a spade to stop him from breaking the Old Ladys house and
confronts him and demands an explanation for his actions.
Tries to stop the angry villagers from hurting the Old Lady when she comes to the
village to treat Asrafs grandmother.
Works in the farm
Does chores such as chopping wood and mending fences and roofs
Azreen is blamed and beaten severely for her parents accident with the bull
Loses control and ends up killing her daughter Madhuri after seeing her with another
man
Caned Azreen when she was a child
Scolds her for stealing mangoesteens
Used to eat his meals alone and in silence
Saves Azreens life during the fire in Madhuris room
Saves Azreens life during the fire in the Old Ladys house
Saves Azreen from the angry crowd when the Old Lady comes to the village to treat
Asrafs grandmother
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THE CURSE
Judgemental, biased and
unfair

MOHD ASRAF

A handsome teacher
Loving and responsible

Coward
Emotional/irrational
Sly and underhanded

Shows preference towards Madhuri, his adopted child and resentment towards own
daughter
Misjudges Azreen and punishes her severely such as in the bull incident
Wrongly accuses her for doing something she has not done such as forgetting to latch
the chicken coop
Admired by girls including Azreen during his school days
Takes trouble to care for his grandmother
Takes leave from work when Nek is sick
Plans to pursue a teaching course in KL so that Nek can get better medical treatment
Finds the courage to see the Old Lady and asks for herbal medicine to cure his Nek
Persuades the Old Lady to come to the village to help his Nek when her condition gets
worse.
Lets Azreen takes the blame for the bull incident that causes her mother to lose her leg.
Lets his feelings overcome his sound judgment
Leads the angry mob to the Old Ladys house after Nek dies and accidentally burns the
Old Ladys house and kills her.
Fools around with Azreens feelings as a mean to cover up his personal feeling for
Madhuri.

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THE CURSE
4

MADHURI

Azreens adopted/dead
sister
Young, pretty, charming
and graceful

Good and obedient

daughter
Kind and self-sacrificing

Naive

THE OLD
LADY

Lonely and isolated

Wise , rational and

strong

Was found abandoned as a baby and brought up by Azreens parents as their own
daughter
Was found dead/murdered in the rubber estate by the Indian rubber tapper.
Appeared in many school concerts and photos
Was invited to recite poetry (syair) at wedding ceremony
Asraf was attracted to Madhuri the first time he saw her when he came over with a
basket of fruits to offer his sympathies to her family after the bull incident.
Haji Ghani fell in love with Madhuri the first time he listened to her melodious voice
reciting syair at wedding reception.
Helped her parents with the house chores
Took care of her ailing mother such as preparing her favaourite porridge and fed her
Listened to her father and agreed to be the headmans second wife although she loved
Asraf.
Used to protect Azreen when she was scolded or beaten by their father
Helped Azreen to find rattan in the forest and wove a new basket to replace their
mothers favourite basket when Azreen ruined it after carrying heavy durian
Consoled and soothed Azreen when she felt guilty for causing her mothers accident
She thought she would be able to persuade Haji Ghani to release her and allow her to
marry Mohd Asraf.
Looked up to her husbands first wife and was unaware of Fatihahs resentment and
jelousy towards her.
Physically, mentally and verbally abused by her alcoholic husband. As a result, she
finally kills him in self-defence.
Lives in the forest alone away from the villagers
Villagers label her as an evil witch after she kills her abusive husband
Villagers forbid their children to go near her in the forest
Skilled in traditional herbal medicine.
Treats Asrafs grandmother with herbs, tree roots and bark from the forest and her
garden.
A good counsellor as she is able to give good advice and to talk with Azreen about her
personal development and educational achievements.
Teaches Azreen the importance of forgiveness.
Able to reveal the important information regarding the people involved in Madhuris
murder.
Confirms that Madhuri was indeed murdered.
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THE CURSE

Friendly, caring and

motherly

Able to live independently and self-sufficient without the help of anyone

Provides friendship and comfort for Azreen.
Azreen turns to when she has disagreement with her parents.
Used to plait Azreens hair
Willing to take risk and come to the village to treat Asrafs grandmother knowing the
villagers would resent her there.

MODEL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CHARACTER

1.

Write on a character that shows responsibility in her or his actions . Support your answer with evidence from the novel.

Based on the Novel The Curse by Lee Sue Ann, a character that shows responsibility is Mohd Asraf as he is being shown as a filial
grandson and cares about her grandmother.
Firstly, he takes care of Nek, especially when she is sick. Mohd Asraf is concerned about his grandmothers deteriorating health. He
is willing to take leave from work as to take care of his grandmother. In addition, Mohd Asrafs effort to look for the cure for his
grandmother further exemplifies that he is indeed a responsible person.
Secondly, Mohd Asraf wants to take Nek to the mainland which she will get better medical care and when offered with a teaching
course in Kuala Lumpur, he plans to take Nek with him as he will get better medical care than staying in Langkawi.
Thirdly, he gathers his strength and courage to face the Old Lady in his effort to cure his grandmother. Not only he asks her to
provide the herbal medicine, but he also persuades her to come to the village and treat his Nek.
In conclusion, based on the evidences given above I would say Mohd Asraf is truly a responsible person. He is willing to do
anything for her grandmother.

28

THE CURSE
2.

Write on a character that is exemplary. Support your answer with evidence from the novel.

In the Curse by Lee Sue Ann, the character whom I think is exemplary is the Old Lady of the forest. Throughout the novel, she
shows strength of character and wisdom.
When she first moves to the village as a newlywed, she is popular among the villagers and she enjoys a blissful marital life with her
husband. Everything changes as her husband who becomes an alcoholic and starts to abuse her and finally she retaliates and kills him in
self defence. From then on, the villagers treat her like an outcast. She is forced to move out of the village and makes an abandoned house
her home. She gathers her strength and starts a new life. She even grows her own vegetables and becomes self-sufficient. She lives alone
for years until she befriends Azreen and becomes her mentor and consoles her whenever she has a fight with her parents.
When Asraf approaches the Old Lady for help, she is hesitant about going back to the village. Yet she agrees and doing so, she puts
her life at risk. When she is trapped in the burning house, she tells Azreen to save herself and she perishes in the fire. Even at deaths door,
she reminds Azreen about the importance of forgiveness and tells her to heed all the advice she has given her.
The Old Lady is therefore an exemplary character as she is strong, wise and honourable.
3. Who is your favourite character? Give reasons to support your answer.
The character that I admire most is of course, the pretty and charming Madhuri from the The Curse
Madhuri is Azreens elder sister and she is about 24 years old. Madhuri is liked by everyone in the village and also by her parents
because she was very filial and obedient. As a good and obedient daughter, she helped her parents in household chores. Madhuri used to
cook chicken porridge for her mother and feed her. Besides, she had never gone against her fathers wish when she married the man that
her father chose for her. She was married to Haji Ghani who was the village headman and he took her as his second wife. Even though she
knew that Haji Ghani was married but just to obey her fathers wishes, she was ready to be the headmans second wife. The sense of
obedience in Madhuris character really attracted me and I learnt to love my parents more after reading this novel.
The second reason why I admire Madhuri is because she was very pretty and charming. She was introduced to the readers when
Azreen recalled about her sisters beauty during her journey back to Malaysia from London. Madhuri was featured in many photos and in
school concerts when she took the role of the beautiful Puteri Gunung Ledang. Madhuri was very graceful and elegant in her costume
during the concert. Azreen herself admired her sisters beauty when she took part in the concert. All these prove Madhuri as a very
beautiful and elegant daughter and I too admire her for that.
29

THE CURSE

The third and final reason why I admire Madhuris character is because she was a kind and thoughtful person. She was very kind
to Fatihah, Haji Ghanis first wife when she wrote about her to Azreen. She even praised Fatihah and took her as Kak because she looked
up to her as an elder sister. Each time when her father, Encik Saleh scolded or caned Azreen, Madhuri took it in a positive way that is, her
father trying to educate her younger sister. As a kind hearted sister, she was always there for Azreen to console and comfort her after
being scolded or caned by their father. When Azreen ruined her mothers favaourite basket carrying durian, Madhuri, being a kind and
thoughtful sister helped her to find some rattan in the forest and wove the basket together the whole night to replace the ruined one. I feel
that Madhuri is not only kind but always thinks positive in each and every incident that happens around her. This is what inspires me to
think positively in my life in order to achieve success.
Mentioned above are all the character traits why I admire Madhuri, the most beautiful lady in this novel. I wish I could be as
graceful as she is and an obedient daughter to my parents.
4. Choose a character that portrayed good or positive traits.
Give reasons to support your answer.
In the novel The Curse, the main character is Azreen. She has a father and his name is Encik Saleh. Encik Saleh has portrayed
positive traits throughout the novel.
Firstly, Encik Saleh is a loving father.He found Madhuri abandoned by her crazy mother in the paddy field. He took her home and
raised her like his own daughter. He never told her that she was adopted.
Next, he was a protective father. Even though he seemed cold and unloving but his actions showed that he loved Azreen. When
Madhuris room was on fire, it was En. Saleh who pushed Azreen out of the room and thus saved her life. He then put out the fire using wet
earth. Furthermore, he came to Azreens rescue when Azreen was confronted with Puan Normalas sickle in a scuffle in front of Mohd
Asrafs house. Moreover, En Saleh rescued Azreen from being burnt to death when Azreen tried to help the Old Lady who was trapped in
her burning house. All these showed that he truly cared for his daughters safety.
Finally, En Saleh was a loving husband. Datin Sharifah and Datok Zulkifli gave a wheelchair to his wife to make it easier for her to
move around. En. Saleh showed his displeasure at the gift but the following day he built a ramp from the veranda so that she could get in
and out of the house easily.

30

THE CURSE

THEME
1. LOVE

NO.
1.

RELATIONSHIP
Love

between

siblings

BETWEEN
Azreen and
Madhuri

PAGE

TEXTUAL EVIDENCE

8-9, 25,

Azreen and Madhuri love and care for each other especially when they were younger.

81

Madhuri was always protective of Azreen against the punishment meted out by their
father.

Madhuris

228

mother

Azreen and
2.

Parental love

her father

Madhuris mother loves Madhuri despite having abandoned her. It is the love that
makes her wants to kill Salleh.

25?,

Azreens father love her but her father tends to be strict with her. She is often punished

82-83,

by him. He wants her to behave herself. This shows he cares enough to discipline her

86, 95
201

Azreen was saved by Saleh from danger. He saved her just in time before the Old Ladys
house collapsed on her during the fire.

189

Saleh rescued Azreen from Puan Normala and her mob whom she has confronted.

Saleh and

209,

Saleh loves Madhuri like his own daughter although she is adopted. He regrets killing

Madhuri

221,

her in a moment of blind anger.

224

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THE CURSE

Azreen and
her mother
87
3.

Childrens love

Azreen and

49

She takes care of her mother by cooking her breakfast.

29-32

She was concerned when her father does not inform her mother of her sisters death.

Salleh
Saleh and

him for killing her sister.

142

his wife

husband and

Haji Ghani loves Madhuri and dotes her. He is very generous by buying her jewels and
beautiful expensive clothes

Haji Ghani

4.

Saleh takes good care of his wife although she is paralyzed and has Alzheimer. She dies
peacefully.

42

Love between

Despite always being angry at and canned, Azreen still loves her father. She forgives

and
Madhuri

wife

32, 42,

He is heartbroken when she dies and he really misses her.

118

Fatihah and
Haji Ghani

147-

Pn Fatihah loves her husband. She resorts to consulting a bomoh for charms to win

148

back her husbands affection.

179

She takes the trouble to prepare his favourite dish for him.

43-44

She is very jealous of Madhuri whom he adores and to keep peace in the house, she
pretends to be kind to his second wife.
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THE CURSE

5.

Scandalous love

Mohd Asraf

203-

Their love will not be accepted by the society if they have been caught together. It is

and

205,

adultery because Madhuri is a married woman. No matter how true the love is, one

Madhuri

215

must live and love within the laws that govern a society.

2. GOSSIP

NO. RELATIONSHIP

EXPLANATIONS

PAGE
63-65

1.

2.

Among adults

Among
children

TEXTUAL EVIDENCE
All the stories around the Old Lady whom they call the witch are

The village is a small community

to incredible to be true, but the villagers believe in them. The

and the people who gather

villagers think she is a cannibal who eats children for dinner after

together for occasions like

turning them into squirrel or rats.

kenduris like to gossip. They are

simple folks who are easily

13-14/

Puan Normala loves to gossip. She told the women-folk that

deceived into believing anything.

18-21/

Madhuri is murdered and she has shed white blood not long after

52

Madhuri dies.

57-61

Noor, the daughter of Puan Normala is as bad as a gossiper as her

mother. She enjoys telling juicy gossips in school, even scandalous

At school

ones like hinting that her teacher, Mohd Asraf, has only eyes for
Madhuri, a married woman.

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THE CURSE
3. SUPERSTITIONS & SUPERNATURAL

NO.

WHO?

PAGE
23, 132

TEXTUAL EVIDENCE
The villagers believed that they are cursed as Madhuri has shed white blood when she dies. This is
because they believe in the curse she put has made Langkawi remained undeveloped for a long time.

1.

Madhuris

They blame the curse for all the problems they face.

death
75

The fact that Madhuri dies at a very young age and the way she dies leaves an indelible impression in the
villagers minds that it was the work of evil

2.

The

40,

53, The appearance of a pale gaunt face lay with long think hair and large creepy red eyes wandering around

appearance

75.

97, the cemetery, rubber plantation and forest has led to the speculation that she is a pontianak. The

of the
ghostly

118-119,

bomoh is relieved that she has not attacked him and sucked his blood.

145

figure
62-63

The villagers believed that the OL has supernatural powers as she can make powerful concoctions. There
are stories of her turning children into squirrels and rats and eating them.

103, 171
3.

The Old Lady

She is barred from entering the village since she kills her abusive husband many years ago. They believe
that if they let her enter the village, more disasters, evil and curses would befall them.

185-189

Neks death has sparked the fire in Puan Normalas heart to start the cause of teaching the OL a lesson.

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THE CURSE
She spearheads the angry mob that led Mohd Asraf and his men to the OLs house in the forest.
171

The villagers blamed her for the floods and continuous rain and they are suspicious that whoever she
has contact with will be cursed.

4.

Certain
beliefs

123-124

Leaving a chicken with its neck broken outside someones house will bring bad luck to the family.

216

Haji Ghanis keris is reputed to be able to fly at night and seek out its owners enemies.

54

The villages still seek the bomoh when they need help in warding off disasters such as floods, fires,
saving a marriage and using charms and amulets to win back husbands who have gone astray.

35

THE CURSE

MORAL VALUES
MORAL VALUES

PAGES
27

TEXTUAL EVIDENCE
Azreens attitude towards her foster parents, Datin Sharifah and Datuk Zulkifli.
There was an exchange programme in school and Azreen, being a top student, was chosen to go. Azreen got
along well with her foster parents, so well that their relationship continued even after the two-month
programme ended. Datin Sharifah and Datuk Zulkifli would visit Azreen and her family in Langkawi often.
Two years back, they even sponsored her studies overseas. In fact, they treated Azreen very much like their
own daughter.

Children should

50

love and care for

their parents

Azreen always help her mother to prepare a bowl of porridge for her breakfast and takes care of her needs
after she got involved in an accident that caused her to be paralysed.

117

Asraf has a responsibility towards his grandmother. She is an old woman. He always checked on her health.
He buys lunch for her.
He also went to look for medicine that would help to ease his grandmothers pain. When he found out that
the market was filled with flood, a man told him to go and see the Old Lady as she knows a lot about herbs
and how they can cure diseases. So, he went to see the Old Lady by the village and begged her to go into the
village to treat his grandmother. He was willing to go against what the villagers believed in by bringing the
Old Lady into the village.

211

Awang confessed to Azreen about being responsible for leaving the gate unlatched. He was stealing some
chickens from the farm and he said that he was in a hurry that he had left the gate wide open. He did not

Be responsible for

know that the bull was going to walk out through the gate on its own. He was thankful that Azreen

your actions

confessed to something that he did. This incident also resulted to the fact that Azreens father and mother
hit the bull and her mother was paralysed. Because of that, she got a beating of a lifetime from her father,
En Salleh.

36

THE CURSE
203

Mohd Asraf and his dark secret. He was in love with Madhuri, who is Haji Ghanis second wife and was
planning to run away from the village with Madhuri as he was offered a teaching course in kl. When he told
Madhuri about his plan, from her reaction, he knew trhat she loved him too. He said that her love was pure
and innocent. Madhuri was to confess everything to her husband and sked his permission to release her.
She was convinced that he was a reasonable man and wanted the best for her. However, after leaving
Madhuri at the plantation, a few hours late, he heard the news that she was dead.

222

En Salleh took the responsibility of his action of killing his adopted daughter, Madhuri by confessing about
it to Azreen, indirectly. When En Salleh viciously flung the parang on the ground near Azreens feet, Azreen
saw a stain of something white and sticky. Like a tree sap. She then remembered when she first arrived
from London, Puan ormala was gossiping how Madhuri had white blood. She figured out that it was not
blood, but white sap from the tree that stained the clothes when Madhuri must have knocked the cup over.

201

The Old Ladys advice to Azreen.

After his grandmother died, Asraf went to the Old Ladys house to take revenge. He was followed by the
villagers who were also angry towards the Old Ladys house. Asraf tried to whack the door and he pushed
Azreen away. Azreen found a spade next to her, grabbed it and stabbed at his foot. He dropped the hoe and
the torch fell and rolled towards the wall of the house. The fire caught at the wooden wall and with a
sudden spark, it rose hungrily like an unstoppable giant. Azreen crashed into the house. She called out, but
there was no response. Then she saw the Old Lady was lying beside her stove and she ran towards her. She

Learn to forgive

tried to help the Old Lady up and get out from the house, but the Old Ladys led was stuck.
The Old Lady told her to leave her and save herself but Azreen refused. Then, she told her to learn to forgive
before its too late.
205

Azreens feelings after she learns the truth about everything.

After she found out what happened between her sister and Asraf, she ran away. Finally, she found herself
looking down from the tall cliff that plunged straight to the sea. Her bones trembled and her breath caught
37

THE CURSE
at her throat. Gasping, she crumpled to her feet. She curled up her body on top of the rock. She shut her
eyes and wished herself away from the island. She did not awaken until she felt the warmth of the rising
sun from behind the hills across the straits.
The warmth touched the tips of her fingers and spread slowly to her chest. The frozen anger within her
melted slowly. She was reminded by the Old Ladys advice before she died.
232

Azreen returned back to London and it showed that she had already forgiven everyone for doing the wrong
things they had done.

38

THE CURSE
QUESTIONS ON THEMES/MORAL VALUES/ MESSAGES
The following are the novels studied in the literature component in English language.
Catch Us If You Can

Catherine Macphail

The Curse

Lee Su Ann

Step by Wicked Step

Anne Fine

Choose any one of the novels that you have studied and answer the question below.
Love is important in a family.
How is this shown in the novel that you have read? Support your answer with close reference to the text.
3. Using details from the novel you have studied,
State the theme
State the event which shows the theme stated
Support your answer with close reference to the text
How to answer???
PARAGRAPH
1

CONTENT

ITEMS YOU MUST HAVE

In order to answer the above question, I would like to choose The Curse by Lee Su
Ann. Love is important in a family.

This was shown very clearly in the commitment and responsibility shown by

Novel

The theme discussed

Event 1

Azreens parents to their daughters, Azreen and Madhuri.

They took care of those two with good care. For instance, although Madhuri was adopted,

Evidence from the text

but Encik Salleh and his wife loved Madhuri as much as they loved Azreen. They took her

(elaboration)

from the rice field and raised her up like their own daughter. They also made sure that
Madhuri married a good man like Haji Ghani. This is due to the fact that Encik Salleh and
39

THE CURSE
his wife wanted Madhuri to be happy and lead a good life.
3

Apart from that, Encik Salleh also showed parental love towards Azreen.
This can be seen when he saved Azreen from danger three times. One of the times was

Event 2

Evidence from the text

when a mob rushed towards the Old Ladys house after Asrafs grandmother died. During

(elaboration)

the riot, Asraf accidentally dropped the torch he was holding and as a result, the Old Ladys
house was on fire. When Azreen entered the house to help the Old Lady, the Old Ladys leg
was stuck and she would not be able to help the Old Lady. Encik Salleh grabbed Azreen out
and saved her just in time before the Old Ladys house collapsed on her during the fire.
4

Finally, love in a family is also shown by the relationship between Azreen and her

Event 3

sister, Madhuri.
They were very close with each other when they were small. They always went out

Evidence from the text

walking or cycling together around the village. They were inseparable. Azreen would sit on

(elaboration)

the carrier at the back of the bicycle as Madhuri cycled to the market or post office to do
some chores for their busy parents. They would also cycle past the paddy field.
Moreover, Madhuri always protected Azreen whenever she was in trouble. For instance,
when their father and mother was mad at Azreen for stealing mangosteens, she ensured
that Azreen ate for dinner
5

In conclusion. The events above proved that this novel showed that love is
important in a family.

40

Conclusion

THE CURSE
The following are the novels studied in the literature component in English language.
Catch Us If You Can

Catherine Macphail

The Curse

Lee Su Ann

Step by Wicked Step

Anne Fine

Choose any one of the novels that you have studied and answer the question below.
We should love our family members.
How is this moral value shown in the novel that you have read? Support your answer with close reference to the text.
How to answer???
(Students can change the answers in the first question to answer this question: just change love in a family to we should love our
family members)
PARAGRAPH
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CONTENT

ITEMS YOU MUST HAVE

In order to answer the above question, I would like to choose The Curse by Lee
Su Ann. We should love our family members.

This was shown very clearly in the commitment and responsibility shown by

Novel

The theme discussed

Event 1

Evidence from the text

Azreens parents to their daughters, Azreen and Madhuri.

They took care of those two with good care. For instance, although Madhuri was
adopted, but Encik Salleh and his wife loved Madhuri as much as they loved Azreen.

(elaboration)

They took her from the rice field and raised her up like their own daughter. They also
made sure that Madhuri married a good man like Haji Ghani. This is due to the fact that
Encik Salleh and his wife wanted Madhuri to be happy and lead a good life.
3

Apart from that, Encik Salleh also showed parental love towards Azreen.
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Event 2

THE CURSE
This can be seen when he saved Azreen from danger three times. One of the times was

when a mob rushed towards the Old Ladys house after Asrafs grandmother died.

Evidence from the text

(elaboration)

During the riot, Asraf accidentally dropped the torch he was holding and as a result, the
Old Ladys house was on fire. When Azreen entered the house to help the Old Lady, the
Old Ladys leg was stuck and she would not be able to help the Old Lady. Encik Salleh
grabbed Azreen out and saved her just in time before the Old Ladys house collapsed on
her during the fire.
4

Finally, we should love our family members is also shown by the relationship

Event 3

between Azreen and her sister, Madhuri.

They were very close with each other when they were small. They always went out

walking or cycling together around the village. They were inseparable. Azreen would sit

Evidence from the text

(elaboration)

on the carrier at the back of the bicycle as Madhuri cycled to the market or post office to
do some chores for their busy parents. They would also cycle past the paddy field.
Moreover, Madhuri always protected Azreen whenever she was in trouble. For instance,
when their father and mother was mad at Azreen for stealing mangosteens, she ensured
that Azreen ate for dinner
5

In conclusion, the events above proved that this novel showed that we should
love our family members.

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Conclusion