Tanjong Rhu by Minfong Ho

Synopsis
Tanjung Rhu is a simple yet profound
story about the relationship between Mr
T.W. Li, a rich businessman in the
shipping business and his mother (Ah
Ma). Mr Li has his office at Shenton Way
and is modern in his ways and ideas.
His mother is traditional with strong
religious beliefs and practices ancestor
The day after Ah Mas funeral, Mr Li
recalls the day he told his mother
about using binoculars or see-far
glasses. While he wants her to have
better vision with the binoculars, she
however hopes to see her husbands
shipyard in Tanjung Rhu with the
binoculars. She uses them but does
not see anything. Instead, she tells Mr
Li she sees his childhood days when
But, she becomes very sick and is
unable to talk much. She manages to
convey the urgency of a hidden key to
the altar before she draws her last
breath. He promises to fulfil this last
wish of hers. But, he is unable to find
the key.
 Setting
Place
Office of Mr Li which is high above
Shenton Way near the Singapore
harbor
Home of Mr Li Sitting room and the
altar room
Hospital- Mr Lis mother was
admitted to hospital
Time
 Themes
Filial piety
Family relationships
Accepting changes
Keeping alive memories of family
members childhood.
Traditional practices versus
modern ways and ideas
Generation gap
Moral values
We should always voice out our
feelings especially if we want to
express feelings of love for a family
member especially an old parent.
We should take care of our parents
especially if they are not able to move
on their own.
We should consider and accept
changes in our lives and progress with
the time.
Point of view
Third person point of view or
omniscient point of view.
Gives insight into the feelings and
thoughts of the characters.
Language and style.
Simple language and descriptive
especially with reference to the
prayer rituals
Style- the writer uses flashback to