1 bout the Author A Chinese-American award winning writer Born in Myanmar

1951 Has lived in Singapore and Thailand Currently resides in New York Studied
Chinese History and Literature at Tunghai University, Taiwan
2 7. About the Author Writes on the lives of people in South East Asia Writes
stories for young adult readers and young children 1983, worked for National
University of Singapore for 7 years Her works have been selected as teaching
material of English Literature in lower secondary school
3 8. Synopsis Simple yet profound story Relationship between Mr T.W. Li , a
rich businessman and Ah Ma, his mother Mr Li has his office at Shenton Way and is
modern in ways and ideas. Ah Ma is traditional with strong religious beliefs and
practices ancestor worship The day after Ah Mas funeral, Mr Li recalls the day he
told his mother about using binoculars or see-far glasses
4 9. Synopsis He wants her to have better vision She hopes to see her
husbands shipyard in Tanjung Rhu She tells Mr Li she sees his childhood days
when they enjoyed walks on Tanjung Rhu beach She then becomes sick and unable
to talk much. She manages to tell him of a hidden key in the altar before she passes
away He promises to fulfil her last wish but is unable to find the key
5 10. Mr T. W. Li Successful business man Has a happy childhood in Tanjung Rhu
Close relationship with his mother but does not open up easily Modern in his ways
and ideas Tolerant- does not interfere in his mothers traditional ways Meticulouskeeps track of the number of ships everyday
6 11. Mr T. W. Li Filial made sure the funeral of his mother is done in the right
way Strict and does not entertain disrespect for the young Regrets not talking to Ah
Ma and never listens when she talks
7 12. Ah Ma (Mr Lis mother) Traditional with strong religious beliefs Values
Chinese ancestors worship Meticulous keeps prayer paraphernalia under lock and
key Determined to do things her own way Often lost in memories yearns to see
Tanjung Rhu Old fashioned doesnt want surgery for her eye cataract Proud of her
sons success
8 13. Ying (Mr Lis daughter) Loving takes care of her grandmother in the
hospital Modern speaks English to her parents and takes the traditional customs and
rituals lightly When young, loves helping her grandmother to pray Persuasive tries
to persuade her grandmother to let her do the praying
9 14. Themes: Traditional values vs modern ideas: - Ah Ma is steeped in
traditional values while Mr Li and Ying represent the modern society. - Ah Ma has
high regard for the traditional practices of the Chinese community while the new
generation does not place much importance on tradition.
10 15. Past vs Present: Ah Ma represents the past while Mr Li symbolizes the
present. Mr Li sees the ships at the harbor at present while Ah Ma sees the port of
Tanjung Rhu when they used to live there in the past
11 16. Regret: Mr Li feels deep regret for the way he treats Ah Ma after his
mother falls ill and later passes away He never pays much attention to his mothers
stories about the past and realizes a little too late that most of his questions remained
unanswered.
12 17. Generation Gap: The characters in 3 different generations Ah Ma, Mr Li
and Ying Each generation behaves differently and has their own beliefs and ideas,

and they do not often agree with each other.

13 18. Moral Values: Although we live in a modern world, we must not forget our
traditional values We must learn to appreciate people while we can Money cannot
buy everything Learn to respect and tolerate each other
14 19. Question: In the story Tanjung Rhu, we are exposed to characters who hold
on dearly to traditional values. Do you think that this is a wise thing to do? Why?