Poems

In The Midst of Hardship

IN THE MIDST OF HARDSHIP Latiff Othman
At dawn they returned home their soaky clothes torn and approached the stove their limbs marked by scratches their legs full of wounds but on their brows there was not a sign of despair The whole day and night just passed they had to brave the horrendous flood in the water all the time between bloated carcasses and tiny chips of tree barks desperately looking for their son s albino buffalo that was never found They were born amidst hardship and grew up without a sigh or a complaint now they are in the kitchen, making jokes while rolling their ciggarete leaves

SYNOPSIS (OVERALL)
In this poem, the poet tells of the situation of a farmer and his family. They come back at dawn after being out in the floodwater for a day and night. They are looking for their albino buffalo. They come back wet and hurt but they do not show any despair. They have been born into a life of hardship and have never complained. Now, they are in the kitchen and they joke and talk while preparing to relax with a smoke.

SYNOPSIS (ACCORDING TO STANZA) STANZA 1

They returned home at dawn and headed for the stove. Their clothes were soaking wet and tattered. Their bodies were covered with scratches and wounds. Yet, they did not display any signs of being worried.

STANZA 2
They were out in the flood the whole day and night. They were surrounded by dead animals and parts of trees that had been destroyed by the flood. They searched desperately for their son s albino buffalo but were unable to find it.

STANZA 3
They were born into poverty and difficulty, but they do not complain about their suffer. Instead, they sit in the kitchen, cracking jokes while smoking cigarettes.

SETTING
The setting of the poem is in the house.

THEMES
Stoicism in life Family love Acceptance of way of life

MORAL VALUES
We should learn to accept problems in life with a positive outlook. We must attempt to face and solve problems. Failure is part of growing up. Do not despair in the face of failure.

TONE, MOOD, ATMOSPHERE

Understanding and sympathetic Dismal Acceptance of situation

POINT OF VIEW
Third person pint of view.

LANGUAGE & STYLE

Language is simple and easy to understand. The style is simple with no rhyming scheme.

POETIC DEVICES
Imagery Gives picture of poet s thoughts e.g soaky clothes torn and legs full of wounds Alliteration e.g. but on their brows Symbols e.g. horrendous flood and bloating carcasses Diction e.g. stove and brows

He Had Such Quiet Eyes He Had Such Quiet Eyes By: Bibsy Soenharjo 3.1 SYNOPSIS OF THE POEM
The poem is about a woman who has been deceived to think that she was loved by a man with quiet eyes . She suffers for this and only learns on hindsight not to trust or give in to men who seek women only for pleasure. The poet gives an advice on being able to recognise what is true and what is not, when a person is truly friendly and when he is not. You may lose in the game of love and give your heart away, but knowing the truth of the situation will mean that you will not suffer any lasting losses.

3.2 UNDERSTANDING THE POEM [STANZA BY STANZA]

Stanza 1 The woman is taken up with his quiet eyes . The eyes mesmerise and beg her to be nice to him and make him extremely happy, that is render him paradise . The poet uses a very long imagery of the eyes breathing desolate sighs to enhance the effect of the eyes on the girl. The woman, being enamoured with those eyes, does not notice he is deceiving her. It would not be difficult to see through the man if the woman had her feet on the ground because the eyes have only the thinnest ice , easy to break through to learn the man s true nature. Stanza 2 Something has happened to the woman and she has learnt the truth about the man. The poet suggests that she has learnt the hard way that is she learns her lesson through bad experience. She has made a mistake of trusting the man because she has refused to listen to the advice not to compromise , that is, lower her standards or expectations in order to please a man who seduces women. Stanza 3 The poet extends her friendly advice to women to understand what is meant by nice what it means when men are nice to you. When he is nice , friendly and pleasant to you, make sure that he is sincere and trustworthy and not because he has ulterior motive, that is he wants something from you in return. The poet further comments that love may be a gamble as suggested in dice , you take your chances with someone, you may find true love or you may not. The important issue here is that

ultimately you have not lost anything because you have not compromised, you are not deceived.

3.3 THE POEM LINE BY LINE

STANZA 1 MEANING BY LINE
       

He had such quiet eyes His eyes were calm and quiet She did not realise She did not know They were two pools of lies- His eyes were like two pools filled with lies Layered with thinnest ice Thinly veiled, like very thin ice To her, those quiet eyes To the woman, those calm and quiet eyes Were breathing desolate sighs Looked very sad and desolate Imploring her to be nice The eyes were begging her to be nice to him And to render him to paradise And to give him happiness and bliss so that he would feel like he was in paradise (heaven)

STANZA 2 MEANING BY LINE

 

If only she d been wise The woman wished she had been wiser in her past actions And had listened to the advice And she had listened to the sound advice given to her by people who cared about her Never to compromise They had advised her not to give up her moral values or principles With pleasure-seeking guys When she was with men who wanted only pleasure and fun She d be free from the hows and whys If she had listened to them, she would not be haunted by questions of hows and whys and the difficult situation she was in.

  

STANZA 3 MEANING BY LINE

 

Now here s a bit of advice Let me give you a bit of advice Be sure that nice really means nice Make sure that the person you think is nice, is truly sincere and trustworthy Then you ll never be losing at dice Then, you will not lose in a game of chance or a game of love where you can lose your heart to an undeserving man Though you may lose your heart once or twice Even if you should fall in love and lose your heart to love once or twice

3.4 Elements of the Poem Literal and Figurative Meaning

Stanza 1 Literal Meaning When the persona looked into the young man s sincere-looking eyes, she was deceived into thinking that he needed someone to love. She was not aware that betrayal was second nature to him. His eyes even made her feel compelled to be nice to him.

Figurative Meaning Meeting people and getting involved in a social relationship is part and parcel of life. However, along the way, we may meet two-faced people with ulterior motives. Sometimes, they may come across as so sincere that we innocently accept them as friends or partners. Stanza 2 Literal Meaning When the persona was betrayed by the man, she wondered why she had not been wiser. She should have remembered the age-old advice of not believing man blindly. If she had held on to her principles, she would not be asking herself why she had been cheated. Figurative Meaning Social relationships can turn sour if one party betrays the other. Hence, one should be careful of the other party s motives. In any case, do not compromise your principles, as someone who is sincere would not force you into giving up your morals. Stanza 3 Literal Meaning The poet advises young ladies to be more careful before getting involved in relationships with men. They must make sure they know then men well. They should learn to differentiate between sincerity and falsehood. They will eventually meet the right man, though they may lose their heats to a few times before that. Figurative Meaning It is always good to be cautious before committing to a relationship to avoid serious consequences. You have to make sure you can trust the person you befriend. Do not gamble with your affections, even when you fall in love.

3.5 Themes
(1) Strong Moral Values and Self-Respect The woman in the poem got herself into a difficult situation and was cheated by a man because she gave in to his pleading and his insincere lies. She displayed weakness in her moral standing and lost her self-respect as a result. We should never lower our self-esteem no matter how much we like a man. If a man has respect for the woman he loves, he too would not ask her to do what is morally wrong. (2) Deception in Appearances The woman is taken in by the man s gentle and quiet eyes. She thinks he is a truthful and trustworthy person. The theme in this poem focuses on deception in appearances. Do not judge a person s character by his appearance. As can be seen in this poem, a gentle and kind-looking man can actually be a wolf in sheep s clothing.

(3) Consequences When we make mistakes in life, we have to live with the consequences. The persona tells us that the woman is haunted with questions of hows and whys . She probably asks herself every day how she could have fallen for his lies; how she could have forgotten the moral values instilled in her by her parents; how she could have ignored all the advice given to her by people who love and care about her. She would probably also wonder why she had not been wiser in her choice of men; why she did not see through his deception and insincerity. (4) Listen to Advice The poet wants to reach out to all young readers. The woman in the poem wished she had listened to the advice . She poured out her disappointment, frustration and hurt in this poem and wished she had been wise . The poet cautions young readers that they should not be impulsive in their actions and they should, above all, listen to the advice of their elders so that they would not end up like the woman full of regrets.

3.6 Moral Values & Lessons Learnt

(1) Avoid Being Deluded by Looks or Appearance We sometimes encounter people who have ill intentions towards us. These are con men who prey on young women. They look nice and decent but have bad motives. So we should take precaution against them. We should not judge a book by its cover. (2) Listen to Beneficial Advice We are given good advice when others feel that we need it. We should listen to their advice. The advice is for our own good. It prevents us from getting hurt or getting into trouble.

3.7 Setting
    

The poem is set in the present the world around us now. It highlights the fact that the people around us are not always sincere. They may have ulterior motives towards us. Some have the intention to cheat us. In the case of the woman in the poem, the man only wanted to have sexual pleasure from her. However, she saw him as a man in need of love and consolation. The poem puts forward the need to practise caution when we deal with the people around us.

 

Short Stories
QWERTYUIOP
QWERTYUIOP by Vivien Alcock SYNOPSIS
The story QWERTYUIOP tells of how a young secretary battles with ex-secretary who haunts the typewriter. Lucy Beck is as determined as Miss Broome to hold on to the job for Ross and Bannister s. Miss Broom haunts the typewriter and frightens anyone who uses it with the word QWERTYUIOP and others. Lucy manages to overcome the problem and sends Miss Broome away with a peaceful heart.

THEMES
  

The will to succeed is the road to success Letting go Opportunity knocks but once If we want to be successful, we must work towards it. We must make good use of opportunities that come our way. We must know our limits and let go when the time is right. Main character : Lucy Beck

MORAL VALUES
  

CHARACTERS
 

Minor characters :

1. Harry Darke 2. Miss Broome 3. Lucy s mother and uncle 4. Miss Price and Mr Ross

PLOT


EXPOSITION Lucy starts working in Ross and Bannister s. Harry Darke gives her hints of the haunting of the typewriter by Miss Broome. CONFLICT Lucy types her letter but she is bewildered that her letter has extraordinary words that are not typed by her. CLIMAX Lucy retypes her letter but is challenged by Miss Broome who asks her to leave and even threatens her. Lucy battles woth it by using correcting liquid to clean off words typed by Miss Broome. FALLING ACTION Lucy learns about Miss Broome and her haunting of the typewriter. RESOLUTION Lucy types and talks to Miss Broome and convinces her to leave this world peacefully and go to other world. Lucy keeps her job in Ross and Bannister s.

 

THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL Synopsis

The story is about a young lady, Anna, who works as a chemist in Amos Cosmetics factory in New Jersey. She tries different concoctions to create the best perfume. One day, she accidentally discovers a perfume that can charm men and make them fall in love with her. In addition to using the usual mix of flowers and things , she decides to throw in a piece of fruitcake into the mixture. The mixture produces a perfume which smells pleasant. Anna dabs a little of the perfume on the back of her hands and keeps the rest in her handbag. She does not think too much of it as she knows that she has to make perfumes in a proper way. However, she later discovers Mr Amos, her boss, is suddenly attracted to her. He even invites her for dinner and she accepts it. .That night, she uses her usual perfume called Intrigue for her dinner date. Mr Amos behaves strangely when he comes to pick her up at her home. Instead of the friendly and flirty tone in the office, he seems uninterested. He tries to end the dinner quickly and tells her that It is a reward for her hard work at the factory. Anna is puzzled at the change in his reaction. She thinks it has something to do with the perfume she is wearing. She excuses herself to go to the restroom and applies a generous dab of the new perfume she has concocted. The perfume has the same effects on a waiter, who also declares his love for her. Upon returning to her table, she discovers Mr Amos is once again besotted by her. Anna realises now that the perfume is responsible for his strange behaviour. When she returns to the table, she finds Mr Amos with Sabina, a beautiful and young model. All of a sudden, Mr Amos declares his love for Anna and the waiter too starts singing to her. Soon, a fight starts between Sabina, Mr Amos, the waiter. Several waiters try to calm things down. Anna decides to leave the restaurant immediately and returns home. The next day, she takes leave and investigates the fruitcake. Her conversation with Aunt Mimi reveals that Aunt Mimi actually buys the fruitcake from a strange old lady who uses a secret ingredient. Unfortunately, it is impossible to find the old woman as she has passed away recently. Two days later, Anna returns to work. She meets Sabina with Mr Amos in his office and Sabina insults her. In anger, Anna splashes the perfume on Sabina. She then resigns from the company and finds a new job in the factory that produces Intrigue. Sometime later ,Armstrong, the pizza boy who now owns the company, confesses his love for Anna.

Elements Setting
1. Amos Cosmetic factory in New Jersey, USA Anna works as a chemist designing new perfumes here. When she makes a new perfume witha little piece of fruitcake as part of the ingredients, she attracts her rich and handsome boss,David Amos, who has little regard for ordinary people.

2. Home

Lives with her mother who is worried she is still single.

3. French restaurant

It is an expensive place for food and drinks. David Amos brought her here for their dinner date.Both David and the waiter try to win Anna s love and fight over her.

4. Aunt Mimi s apartment

Aunt Mimi lives in a nice little apartment on the other side of town. She wants to help Anna finda suitable husband.

Themes
1. Physical attraction/superficial love versus true love David Amos has only been attracted to pretty young models in the past. However, after Annawears the special perfume, he becomes physically attracted to Anna and thinks that he lovesher. So does the waiter at the French restaurant who smells her perfume. Anna does notbelieve it because she knows that David Amos does not like plain girls like her.In contrast, Armstrong who has fallen in love with Anna when he was only a pizza delivery man,withholds his declaration of love until he feels that he is worthy of her love. He only dares toproclaim his love for Anna after he has become successful owner of a pizza company. Annarealizes that he truly loves her and would be a suitable life partner for herself.

2. Integrity/self-respect Anna rejects both David Amos and the waiter as they are not genuinely concerned about her.She has integrity and has pride in her own worth. She resigned from her career at AmosCosmetics because she did not like the way her employer, David Amos, belittled her ,particularly in front of his snooty girlfriend, Sabina.

3. Seeking the right life partner is fraught/filled with problems Anna faces wrong suitors, fights and job resignation before finding her true love.

4. The influence of the supernatural is not desirable The special ingredient in the fruitcake that was mixed in the perfume did not bring happyconsequences for Anna because she attracted the wrong type of men who were shallow andfoolish. True love does not need supernatural aid.

5. Fulfilling family obligations to marriage Anna was under pressure from her mother and aunt to get married because they were afraidthat she was too old (27 years) to find a suitable life partner.

Values
Can you suggest some moral values after reading the story? Here are some moral values:

1. We must not be blinded by physical attraction.

2. Appreciate ourselves for who we are and not depend on the supernatural.

3. Do not be deceived by flattery/ We should appreciate true/sincere love.

4. We should respect the opinions of our elders.

5. Hard work is the key to success.

6. We must not compromise our dignity.

Literary Devices in the Story Point of View

This story is written from the first person point of view. The narrator is also the main character.The pronoun I is used. We see the events from Anna s perspective. We can experience her thoughts and feelings.

1. Tone The story is narrated in a humorous way. 2. Diction (the choice of words used in the story) -Lighthearted/ humorous he smiled until I thought his face would break into two -Casual use of slang e.g. momma, guy -use of clichs (overused expressions) e.g. I m crazy about you; You are sobeautiful ;I likefunny stories! -simple vocabulary; short dialogues; lots of exclamation marks (!); unfinishedsentences ( ); use of italics (darling ) to show emphasis and unexpected surprise -American boss 3. Simile The story has several interesting and funny similes e.g. he looked like a dog who had just found a bone; mouths wide open like a couple of fish, 4 .Stereotypes

e.g. pretty young models; rich and handsome employer; 5. Slapstick comedy e.g. ridiculous behavior of singing waiter; silly fights 6. Imagery The fruitcake ingredient makes the sophisticated perfume smell like a glorious mix of all natural,delicious, inviting and warm smells (like fresh bread and flowers and sunshine all mixed together)

DRAMA
Gulp & Gasp SYNOPSIS
The play is about Lord Septic, a cruel and ambitious man. His servant, Crouch, tries hard to please his master by carrying out Lord Septic s orders without question. The entire scene takes place at a deserted railway station at night. Lord Septic paces on the station platform lamenting about the train delay and the foggy night. The conversation is one-sided with Crouch grunting his agreement to his master even though he does not really understand what is being said. Lord Septic mentions his plans to take over all the railway stations along the King s Cross line. We learn from Crouch that Lord Septic is already a rich, powerful and famous man. Yet Lord Septic craves for more money and power so that he can be the richest man in the land. He also has another motive for wanting to buy the railway stations he is trying to get his hands on the Gatsby Gold, a lost fortune, which he believes to be buried along the railway line. When Rose, a blind flower seller, emerges on the platform

Character (ROSE) ROSE

Characteristics: Poor and humble Textual evidence: She lives in poverty and sells flowers for a living. The hardship that she is going through made her lead a simple, humble and homely life. When she came to sell the flowers at the railway station, she has not eaten for 3 days and she is greatly hoping to earn some coins. Her house is in a very poor condition and the attic room has dry rot. Characteristics: Blind and innocent Textual evidence: Rose is blind due to the flames at the match factory owned by Lord Septic. She has to lead a hard life as she lost her eye sight. Though she is blind, she is honest in earning money for living and her deed of working as a flower girl reflects her innocent attribute. Characteristics: Hardworking and strong determination Textual evidence: She is hardworking and strong determined as she is willing to take all the trouble to walk all alone and sell the flowers at her own risk. She wants to save up for an operation on her eyes.

Characteristics: Caring and devoted Textual evidence: She cares for her sick mother, so she sells flowers in order to pay for her mother's medication and treatments. She is a devoted child who looks after her ailing mother although she is blind. Characteristics: Optimistic Textual evidence: She is also optimistic as she never gives up in her effort to earn money to treat her mother and for her eyes operation. She is a person who is always hopeful and expects the best in all things. Characteristics: Smart and efficient Textual evidence: She discovers the identity of Lord Septic, accuses him of victimizing her and threatens to expose his crimes by showing a courageous spirit to fight for her rights. Besides that she is also quick in finding out about Percy's background and gives moral support to him to regain his family fortune. She helps in unraveling the mystery of the key in order to tie up all the loose ends. Characteristics: Romantic Textual evidence: Her romantic admiration towards Percy is revealed through her speech: "Oh, Percy! You're my hero. My knight in shining armour. My good knight." She also said, "It could be the key to my heart!"

Character (PERCY) PERCY

Characteristics: A helpful orphan Textual evidence: Percy's mother was killed on the railway line and he became an orphan living in poverty and hardship. He was found in the litter bin at the railway station, wearing a purse containing a key bearing the initials, NSL. He went through a poor life without realizing that he is actually the rightful heir to Gatsby Gold. Although he is an orphan, he is a selfless and helpful. He helps Rose to pick up her flowers which is thrown by Crouch, and rescued Rose from being killed by Lord Septic when she is tied on the railway tracks by Crouch.

Characteristics: Generous Textual evidence: Although he is poor he is sympathetic towards Rose and he really wish he could give her some money when he first meet her at the railway station. When Percy came to know that he is rightfully the heir of Gatsby Gold, he willing to share his gold with Rose. Characteristics: Intelligent and resourceful Textual evidence: Percy is quick in thinking as he managed to stop the train before it runs on Rose. He is smart enough to dab his bleeding nose with his pants until it become dark re. then he climbed up the gas lamp at the far end of the station and put his pants over the lamp.The train driver thought it was a stop light, so his pants brought the train to a halt. Characteristics: Kind hearted and humble Textual evidence: Percy is willing to share his wealth with Rose although he is an aristocrat. He propose Rose as he is willing to marry her out of love . He willing said that half of his wealth is for her, so that she can pay for the operation to regain her eyesight and pay for her mother's pills to make her well again.Besides that he wants to buy a home and marry Rose and be her life partner. Characteristics: Brave and fights for justice Textual evidence: He grabs Crouch by his color when Crouch treated Rose badly. He rescues Rose from being killed by Lord Septic and he manages to chain him and his servant so that they cannot escape from their evil deeds. Finally the villains are left to their fate as the police are approaching the track.

Character (LORD SEPTIC) LORD SEPTIC

Characteristics: Cruel and greedy Textual evidence: Lord Septic is a cruel owner of the match factory where Rose worked. . When she lost her eyesight due to the fire in the factory, he did not pay her for the damage. Besides that he treats Rose like a beggar and chases her form the railway station. Although he is rich, he want more and more wealth, he seeks more power and willing to kill for it. He wants to be the richest man and wants to find the Gatsby Gold.

Characteristics: Hot tempered and egoistic Textual evidence: He grabs Rose by the wrist and demands Crouch to tie her up. He takes control of the situation and he said that no one ever tells him what to do Characteristics: violent Textual evidence: He creeps from the shadows and mercilessly hits Percy on his head with his stick.Then he slams Percy against the locker. He commands Crouch to tie Rose with the rope to the tracks as he hears the train coming. Characteristics: Selfish Textual evidence: He did not keep the match factory safe because it would cause him money. As a result there was a fire out break which has caused harm and trouble to the poor workers who earn their living working in the factory. He even has no respect for his wife and calls her a nagger and he confesses that he married her wealth as she own a gun factory. Characteristics: Evil in nature Textual evidence: He threw away the Gatsby Kid in the litter bin without any sense of humanity. He mistreats his workers and is very rude to Crouch, Percy and Rose. He is impatient and ill-mannered as he plans to sack the driver and everyone if the train does not arrive. Characteristics: Rude Textual evidence: He is rude and uncouth in language and he looks as though he lacks breeding although he retends to be someone from upper crust. His rudeness is revealed from the way he talks and treats Rose, Crouch and Percy

Character (CROUCH) CROUCH:

Characteristics: Subservient Textual evidence: Crouch is a servant who is so devoted and submissive towards his master. Lord Septic. He gives too much respect to his master. He is dim-witted as he simply agrees with whatever his boss say and instructs. Characteristics: Bully Textual evidence: He bullies Rose and throws away her tray of rose across the platform. He has no sense of humanity although he knows that Rose is poor and blind. Characteristics: Coward Textual evidence: He is actually feeble has he confesses that he is just following orders from Lord Septic and he doesn't want to be blamed for the evil acts he did. Characteristics: Grovel Textual evidence: He has no self dignity and grovels for a living. He grovel at Lord Septic by saying that he is such a great man and he has a big lordship. He even grovels at Percy by saying "By all means, sir. Anything you say, sir." Characteristics: Power crazy Textual evidence: He enjoys the time when he is given power to chase Rose from the railway tracks. Thus he is also power crazy like his master.

Themes
1. Pride goes before fall 2. Greed is destructive 3. Innocence and beauty

Setting
1. An empty train station 2. A cold foggy night

Plot
1. EXPOSITION - Lord Septic, the villain, and his manservant Crouch, a groveling bully, are waiting for the midnight express at the train station. Lord Septic owns all the train stations and he wants wealth and power. 2. RISING ACTION/CONFLICT - Rose, a blind flower girl comes to the station. Crouch bullies her and Percy, the dashing hero comes in to help her. He tells her about himself. 3. CLIMAX - Lord Septic hits Percy and ties Rose to the train track. Percy runs off to try and stop the train coming down the track. 4. FALLING ACTION - Percy stops the train and Rose is saved. Percy learns that he is Sir Percy Gatsby and heir to the Gatsby Gold. 5. RESOLUTION - Lord Septic and Crouch, the villains, are tied up and waiting to be picked up by the police. Percy, the hero, proposes Rose and she agrees to marry him.

Moral Values
1. One should be humble about one's wealth and fame. 2. We should be sensitive to people's feelings. 3. We should live a humble and honest life.

Language Style
1. Simple and clear language 2. Dialogue - exaggeration, repetition of words

MELUNAS RINDU SINOPSIS

Fuad ialah seorang pemuda yang berketurunan Cina dan beragama Islam. Selain nama Fuad, dia juga memiliki dua nama lain iaitu Joshua dan Abdul Halim. Ayahnya ialah Robert Lim yang berketurunan Cina dan berkahwin dengan Mariana yang berketurunan Melayu. Walau bagaimanapun, hidupnya penuh dengan liku kerana sejak kecil lagi dia tidak mengenali dan tidak mendapat kasih sayang daripada ibu dan bapanya. Dia dibesarkan oleh Peter Lim iaitu bapa saudaranya yang juga adik kepada Robert Lim iaitu ayah kandungnya yang sebenar. Selepas itu dia menjadi anak angkat kepada Pak Ismail dan Mak Salmah. Fuad berusaha untuk mencari kubur ibunya yang disangkanya sudah meninggal dunia. Fuad mendapat sokongan Fuad yang telah diminta moral daripada Pak Ismail, Mak Salmah, Peter Lim, Swee Lan, dan Robert Lim sendiri memberikan bantuan untuk mengesan ibunya melalui cincin yang diberikan Robert Lim kepada Mariana. Selain itu, Fuad juga dibantu oleh Pak Said dan Pak Ngah Lias untuk mengesan kubur ibunya itu. Akhirnya Fuad mendapat maklumat bahawa ibunya tidak meninggal dunia dan masih hidup. Fuad telah ditawarkan sebagai guru sandaran tidak terlatih di Sekolah Menengah Seri Setia oleh Cikgu Abas. Setelah mempertimbangkan Fuad telah menerima tawaran tersebut. Di sekolah itu Fuad telah berkenalan dengan Farhana yang menjadi Ketua Panitia Bahasa Inggeris di sekolah yang sama. Fuad sentiasa memberikan komitmen yang tinggi terhadap tugasnya dan hubungannya menjadi semakin rapat dengan Farhana. Hubungan yang rapat itu akhirnya melahirkan perasaan cinta yang suci antara mereka berdua. Walau bagaimanapun, perasaan itu terpaksa diubah kerana hubungan mereka sebenarnya adalah sebagai adik-beradik daripada ibu yang sama tetapi berlainan bapa. Sementara itu Farhana menghadapi konflik dengan Cikgu Zamani di sekolah. Hal ini demikian kerana, Cikgu Zamani selalu mengkritik dan mengutuknya dengan pelbagai kritikan dan kutukan. Farhana pula mengatakan bahawa Cikgu Zamani tidak sepatutnya ponteng kelas dan tidak menunaikan tanggungjawab yang telah diamanahkan kepadanya. Sepatutnya cikgu Zamani melakukan tindakan yang selaras dengan perkara yang dikatakannya. Dia selalu mengatakan orang lain sahaja yang melakukan kesalahan dan kesilapan tetapi tidak menyedari bahawa dia sendiri melakukan kesalahan. Fuad pula menunjukkan keprihatinannya dengan mengambil berat terhadap Farhana. Sebagai contohnya, Fuad mengajak Farhana menaiki keretanya dan dia menghantar Farhana ke rumah ibu Farhana di Kuantan. Selain itu, Fuad juga menemani Farhana di hospital ketika ibu Farhana, iaitu Mariana yang diserang sakit lelah dimasukkan ke hospital. Ketika berada di hospital itulah Fuad mengetahui bahawa nama emak Farhana itu sama dengan nama ibu kandungnya selepas terpandang nama emak Farhana pada rekod catatan perubatan ibu Farhana. Fuad terpaksa menenangkan perasaan Farhana yang agak sukar menerima hakikat bahawa mereka berdua ialah adik-beradik. Fuad cukup bersedia untuk menerima hakikat itu kerana dia sudah biasa hidup dalam keadaan yang penuh dengan cabaran dan masalah. Ayah kandung Fuad juga mengesali perbuatan silamnya yang meninggalkan Mariana selepas tiga bulan berkahwin tanpa sebarang berita. Robert Lim memohon maaf daripada Pak Ismail, Mak Salmah dan juga Mariana atas kesalahankesalahannya itu. Fuad juga akhirnya menerima hakikat bahawa Robert Lim ialah ayah kandungnya, Mariana sebagai ibu kandungnya dan juga Farhana sebagai adik kandungnya.

TEMA & PERSOALAN

Tema novel Melunas Rindu hasil karya Hartini Hamzah ialah kehidupan seorang mualaf yang menjadi mangsa keadaan dan masih mencari penghidupan baru serta mencari asal usul dirinya, contohnya Fuad tidak sanggup untuk berhadapan dengan bapanya dan bapa saudaranya lagi kerana ingin mencari sesuatu yang beliau rasa belum diperoleh, akhirnya dia mencari pusara ibunya yang membawa kepada penemuan ibu kandung dan seterusnya terpaksa melupakan hasrat untuk berkahwin apabila gadis yang ingin dikahwini itu ialah adiknya sendiri yang berlainan bapa. Sejarah pahit hidupnya berulang apabila buat kali kedua beliau jatuh cinta pada adik sendiri. Rupanya perjalanan hidupnya yang agak perit adalah untuk melunasi rindu yang dicari selama ini. Persoalan novel Melunas Rindu hasil karya Hartini Hamzah ialah taat pada perintah agama, contohnya misalnya Fuad sentiasa menunaikan solat secara berjemaah. Selain itu persoalan kasih sayang antara ibu dan anak. Contohnya, Mak Salmah sangat menyayangi anak angkatnya Sofia sehingga terlantar di hospital apabila Sofia dilarikan oleh Fuad. Seterusnya sikap tidak amanah, contohnya Cikgu Zamani yang sering ponteng kelas dan menyusahkan anak-anak muridnya untuk menerima pendidikan sebaik mungkin. Di samping itu bertanggungjawab terhadap tugas yang diamanahkan, contohnya Fuad mendidik anak muridnya dengan bersungguh-sungguh dan sanggup pulang lewat petang untuk memastikan anak didiknya mahir berbahasa Inggeris. Akhir sekali menghargai jasa orang tua, contohnya Fuad menjaga Peter Lim yang rnembesarkannya dengan penuh kasih sayang dan sanggup mengelap muntah bapanya.

WATAK & PERWATAKAN WATAK UTAMA

Watak utama novel Melunas Rindu hasil karya Hartini Hamzah ialah Joshua yang juga dikenali sebagai Fuad dan Abdul Halim. Fuad merupakan seorang pemuda yang berusia 27 tahun. Dilahirkan sebagai Islam dan dibesarkan dalam keluarga Cina dan kembali semula kepada ajaran Islam setelah berlaku tragedi dalam hidupnya. Anak kepada Robert Lim atau dikenali sebagai Roslan dan Mariana. Anak saudara kepada Peter Lim dan Swee Lan yang disangka bapa kandungnya. Anak angkat Pak Ismail dan Mak Salmah. Fuad memiliki ijazah pengurusan perniagaan dari Amerika Syarikat dan menjadi guru sandaran di Sekolah Menengah Seri Setia. Fuad seorang pemuda yang taat kepada perintah agama dengan tidak pernah meninggalkan solat walaupun dia seorang mualaf. Fuad juga mempunyai sikap tanggungjawab dalam memastikan anak muridnya berjaya dalam bahasa Inggeris. Dia juga seorang yang gigih, contohnya beliau berusaha bersungguh-sungguh untuk mengambil hati Mak Salmah yang sangat membencinya. Seorang yang suka membantu orang lain, contohnya membantu Borhan dalam majlis perkahwinannya dengan menanggung segalaa perbelanjaannya.

WATAK SAMPINGAN
Salah seorang watak sampingan dalam novel Melunas Rindu ialah Farhana. Dia merupakan anak kepada Mariana dan Fakhrudin. Dia memiliki ijazah pendidikan dari London dan mengajar di Sekolah Menengah Seri Setia. Dia mempunyai empat orang adik lelaki. Bapanya telah meninggal dunia. Farhana seorang yang periang. Buktinya Fuad tidak pernah melihat Farhana bermasalah. Farhana juga seorang yang tegas, contohnya menegur sikap Cikgu Zamani yang sering tidak masuk ke kelas. Anak yang bertanggungjawab, contohnya segera pulang ke Kuantan apabila mengetahui ibunya sakit lelah. Seorang yang pandai berjimat cermat, contohnya sewaktu tinggal di London, terpaksa mengikat perut untuk memastikan biasiswanya mencukupi agar tidak menyusahkan ibu bapanya

LATAR Latar Masyarakat

Latar masyarakat yang terdapat dalam novel ini ialah masyarakat yang berpegang kuat pada ajaran agama, contohnya Pak Ismail, Mak Salmah dan Fuad sentiasa menunaikan solat secara berjemaah. Seterusnya masyarakat yang berperanan sebagai guru, contohnya Cikgu Abas, Cikgu Farhana, Cikgu Zamani, dan Fuad sendiri yang menjadi guru di Sekolah Menengah Seri Setia. Selain itu masyarakat pelbagai bangsa, contohnya keluarga Fuad yang terdiri daripada kaum Cina dan kaum Melayu; bapa Fuad. iaitu Robert Lim berkahwin dengan ibu Fuad, iaitu Mariana. Di samping itu masyarakat yang terdiri daripada pelbagai latar pekerjaan, contohnya Robert Lim ialah ahli pemiagaan, manakala Peter Lim merupakan pengawal keselamatan dan penoreh getah, manakala Fuad sebagai guru, dan bapa Farhana sebagai polls. Akhir sekali masyarakat yang tahu membalas jasa, contohnya Fuad yang membayar yang akan menanggung persekolahan adik sepupunya kerana jasa bapa saudaranya yang telah membesarkannya.

Latar Tempat
Latar tempat yang terdapat dalam novel ini ialah Danau Seberang, contohnya tempat tersebut merupakan tinggal Pak Ismail, Mak Salmah, dan Fuad. Seterusnya, Sekolah Menengah Seri Setia, contohnya tempat Fuad mengajar sebagai guru sandaran. Selain itu Sungai Ruan, contohnya tempat Fuad dibesarkan oleh bapa saudaranya, iaitu Peter Lim. Latar tempat seterusnya ialah di Lembah Klau, contohnya tempat asal ibu Fuad. Seterusnya di Kampung Sedili, contohnya Fuad mencari pusara ibunya di sini kerana kampung ini menjadi tempat tinggal Mariah. Latar tempat lain ialah di Restoran Terapung di Taman Syahbandar, contohnya tempat Fuad dan Farhana singgah untuk meraikan hari lahir Farhana. Di samping itu di Pantai Batu Buruk, contohnya tempat Fuad melayan perasaannya sendiri. Akhir sekali di Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, contohnya tempat ibu Farhana dirawat kerana penyakit lelah.

Latar Masa
Latar masa berkisar pada awalnya ketika berlaku rusuhan kaum 1969. Ketika itu berlaku pergaduhan antara kaum menyebabkan sukar untuk Mariana mencari anaknya yang dilarikan, iaitu Abdul Halim. Seterusnya setelah 27 tahun usia Fuad, barulah dia mengetahui nama sebenarnya ialah Abdul Halim. Seterusnya, latar masa pada waktu pagi, contohnya Fuad keluar dari rumahnya pada awal pagi untuk melaporkan diri sebagai guru sandaran di Sekolah Mcnengah Seri Setia. Selain itu, pada waktu senja,

contohnya Mak Salmah menegur Fuad yang pulang menghampiri waktu maghrib merisaukan Pak Ismail. Di samping itu pada waktu malam, contohnya apabila Fuad menghantar anak Borhan yang demam panas ke klinik. Selanjutnya pada waktu tengah hari, contohnya apabila Fuad terus makan tengah hari di rumah demi menjaga perasaan Mak Salmah. Latar masa seterusnya pada waktu awal pagi, contohnya sebelum subuh apabila Fuad dan Farhana bertolak ke Terengganu dari Kuantan untuk ke sekolah mereka. Akhir sekali pada waktu petang, contohnya Fuad mengajar bahasa Inggeris sehingga lewat petang selam dua hingga tiga jam selepas tamat sesi persekolahan.

NILAI MURNI
Antara nilai yang terdapat dalam novel Melunas Rindu hasil karya Hartini Hamzah ialah kasih sayang, contohnya Mariana sangat menyayangi Abdul Halim, iaitu anaknya yang dilarikan oleh Ah Sok dan sentiasa merinduinya. Selain itu tanggungjawab, contohnya tanggungjawab yang harus dipikul oleh guru-guru dalam mendidik anak murid supaya berjaya seperti ditunjukkan oleh watak Fuad dan Farhana. Seterusnya kegigihan, contohnya kegigihan Swee Lan mengambil alih tugas ketua kcluarga setelah Peter Lim sakit demi membesarkan anak-anak mereka yang masih bersekolah. Di samping itu keikhlasan, contohnya Fuad membantu membawa anak Borhan yang demam panas ke klinik walaupun sudah lewat malam. Selain itu kerjasama, contohnya Farhana dan Fuad sering bekerjasama untuk meningkatkan pencapaian anak didik mereka dalam bahasa Inggeris. Selanjutnya rasional, contohnya Fuad memujuk dirinya agar menerima dengan reda bahawa gadis yang dicintainya, Farhana merupakan adik kandungnya.

PENGAJARAN
Antara pengajaran yang terdapat dalam novel Melunas Rindu hasil karya Hartini Hamzah ialah kita mesti mengerjakan suruhan Tuhan, contohnya Fuad tidak pernah meninggalkan solat walaupun dalam musafir dan rajin membaca Al-Quran serta Fuad juga rajin solat berjemaah. Selain itu kita wajib mesti menghormati orang yang membesarkan kita, contohnya Fuad menghormati Peter Lim yang telah membesarkannya dengan menjaganya dengan baik sewaktu Peter Lim sakit. Seterusnya kita hendaklah mengamalkan semangat kerjasama dalam pasukan, contohnya Farhana dan Fuad berusaha keras dalam Panitia Bahasa Inggeris untuk memastikan murid-murid berjaya dalam subjek yang agak sukar itu dan sering berbincang untuk meningkatkan prestasi murid-murid. Selanjutnya kita perlulah menerima takdir yang telah ditentukan, contohnya Fuad dan Farhana mula dapat menerima bahawa mereka adalah adik-beradik dalam tempoh yang agak singkat. Seterusnya kita mesti berusaha untuk memperoleh sesuatu yang diinginkan, contohnya Fuad berusaha untuk mencari ibu kandungnya yang disangka telah meninggal dunia. Akhir sekali kita mesti mengenang jasa. contohnya Fuad membayar yuran Ah Soh dan membuka akaun untuk adik sepupunya sebagai mengenang jasa Peter Lim dan Swee Lan.