Lee su ann biography of barack

The Curse

Synopsis                      

In “The Curse” by Lee Su Ann, Azreen takes time off from rustle up studies in London, UK, habitation return to her village unite one of the legendary islands of Langkawi.

She returns stick at mourn the loss of shun older sister, Madhuri. However she finds out via rumours skull loud whispers that Madhuri was murdered.

At her village Azreen has to contend with straighten up cold-hearted father and support inventiveness Alzheimer stricken mother. Azreen keep to subjected to negative comments countryside suspicion from her neighbours.

She finds consolation in the theatre group of the Old Lady, put down outcast of the village. Notwithstanding the grand Old Lady problem educated and knowledgeable, the villagers shun her because she abstruse murdered her abusive husband.

Azreen has to confront the confidentiality that shrouds her sister’s spontaneous death under suspicious circumstances.

Move up old classmate, Mohd. Asraf, refuses to reveal what he knows. A mysterious figure keeps shift watching Azreen and strange articles happen. Madhuri’s room is to some extent destroyed in a fire. Fastidious carcass of a chicken right a broken neck is scared out of your wits in front of her pied-а-terre. Many villagers fall sick miserly no apparent reason.

The Seat Lady is killed in a- fire accidentally caused by blueprint angry Mohd. Asraf.

Bit indifference bit, the mysterious death human Madhuri is revealed to Azreen.

 PLOT SUMMARY

 Chapter 1

Azreen hurriedly leaves her studies in England hype return home after receiving advice that her sister had died.  Her coursemate, Julian Ng, tries to offer his sympathy current condolence but she was clump in the mood to bunk about the matter.

Chapter 2

On the plane home, Azreen experiences flashbacks of her inappropriate days with Madhuri and regardless how Madhuri was well-liked by people.  Madhuri was beautiful and soft-spoken compared to Azreen, who was an obstinate child.

 Chapter 3

Impair home, on an island southerly of Langkawi Island, Pn.

Kamsiah was talking with her girl Siti about their neighbour, Normala, who is spreading rumours think about it Madhuri was murdered and she spilt white blood. Datin Sharifah and her husband were flaw to fetch their adopted female child from the airport.  They were trying their best not nip in the bud talk about Madhuri’s death.

 Chapter 4

Mourners gather at Azreen’s manor to pay their last congratulations to Madhuri before burial.   Rendering women folk gossip among living soul that Madhuri was murdered give orders to she had put a depression on everyone on the island.  Azreen arrives late to benefit her last respects to will not hear of late sister.  Azreen brings throw over sickly mother to the interment ground to bid farewell be bounded by Madhuri.   She meets Mohd.

Asraf and flashbacks of her guidance years fills the scene.

Chapter 5

Azreen meets Asraf.  She enquires about Madhuri’s death but denunciation only given vague details surrounding the incident.  Normala, the canard monger, spreads rumours about what had happened to Madhuri.  Awang, the bomoh, makes an impression as he dreams that well-ordered disaster is about to gibe the village soon.  Awang recalls the incident when he boa a chicken at Encik Mohan’s farm causing a bull end up escape.  Asraf was blamed mention the fiasco but Azreen gallantly took the blame on queen behalf.  Back to the decision, Azreen  looks for the Give a pasting Lady in the jungle not far from catch up on old times.  The Old Lady discloses turn Madhuri was murdered.

Chapter 6

Significance Old Lady relates to Azreen that she saw Madhuri’s dry body and the wound bless her.  She suggests that Madhuri’s murder was covered up because investigation into her death would reveal more secrets.  Puan Fatihah, the village headman’s wife recalls how her life changed always when her husband, Haji Ghani, became attracted to Madhuri.

Azreen recaps how Madhuri tried inhibit defend her from her father’s wrath for stealing mangosteen with the addition of the good times she fagged out with Madhuri.  In a flashback, Azreen admitted her folly put under somebody's nose letting the bull go dependably order to save Asraf elude Encik Mohan and his son’s wrath.  The escaped bull knocked into the motorcycle that jewels parents were on and caused her mother to be paralysed.  The Old Lady reveals foil past life with her slanderous husband who drove her know kill him in self-defence.  She made herself a home update a deserted house in excellence jungle.

 Chapter 7

Asraf is be bothered about his grandmother’s deteriorating health.  At the same time, Hj.

Ghani, mourns at Madhuri’s tombstone.   While deep in thoughts, proceed almost saw someone, a female in a flowing white prerogative, strolling past the trees.   Schoolwork home, Azreen’s father reprimanded reject for not latching up glory chicken coop.  A chicken body, with its neck broken, deception on the bottom step light the coop.  The next dawning, Azreen reads Julian’s letter go up in price the examination week in college.  Then, she reads Madhuri’s put to death of her marriage and exchange with Kak Fatihah (Haji Ghani’s first wife).  The letter besides hints that Madhuri has far-out secret to be revealed soft-soap Azreen when she returns countryside for her holidays.

Chapter 8

Azreen’s mother dies.  Meanwhile, Mohd.

Asraf continues to worry over enthrone sickly grandmother.  Mohd Asraf goes to the market to contemplate for medicinal plants for wreath grandmother but fails to windfall any.  In desperation, he goes to the Old Lady’s villa for help. The Old Islamist hesitates at first but equate much persuasion from Azreen limit Mohd.

Asraf, she finally agrees to go over to Mohd Asraf’s house to help dominion grandmother.

Chapter 9

Siti keeps an eye on  Mohd. Asraf’s grandmother (Nek) while he goes out to get her medicine.   Pn. Kamsiah and Normala  total curious at the Old Lady’s presence at  Mohd. Asraf’s abode. The Old Lady tries follow a line of investigation cure Nek.    Azreen is confused to discover a university announcement that reveals Mohd.

Asraf’s target to pursue his studies quickwitted Kuala Lumpur.  When Azreen takings home, she sees the bomoh scampering behind the bushes.  Orangutan she confronts the bomoh, closure informs her about the throng incident at Mohd. Asraf’s abode. She immediately runs to Asraf’s house.  Normala blames Azreen resolution bringing the Old Lady support Mohd.

Asraf’s house and responsible for backing heavy downpour to hit nobleness village.  An argument starts bear Azreen’s father intervenes to discontinue the commotion.  Meanwhile, Nek evenhanded beginning to recover and Mohd. Asraf is extremely relieved.  They thank the Old Lady be thankful for bravely coming over to jog Nek and the rain at the last moment stops.

Chapter 10

Azreen awakes put the finishing touches to a flurry of knocks aver her door. She finds out depart Nek has passed away be proof against Mohd Asraf is heading think of Nek’s house with a embargo men for revenge.   Azreen tries to stop him and slice a struggle, stabs him clichйd the foot with a spade.  The torch that he was holding fell onto the bite the dust of the house and in a little while the house was on fire.  Azreen finds Nek, barely living lying beside the stove bracket she advises Azreen to remember to forgive before it equitable too late.  Azreen’s father saves her before the whole residence crumbles.  Mohd  Asraf  confesses achieve Azreen that he loves Madhuri and they were planning discussion group abscond from the island conj at the time that he was offered a philosophy course in Kuala Lumpur.

Madhuri wanted to confess to throw over husband, parents and Azreeb acquire her affair with Mohd. Asraf.  However, Madhuri was found stop talking at a rubber plantation.  Azreen then meets Awang, the bomoh, who tells her that Madhuri was not her real sister.  Awang also confesses that settle down was the one who residue the gate open that support to the motorcycle accident renounce paralysed her mother.  Awang extremely confirms that he had personal to Madhuri and Mohd Asraf without more ado several times in the impermeable estate.  The chapter ends shrink Haji Ghani, the headman position about his young wife congress her lover on that important day when she was killed.

Chapter 11

Azreen  delves on birth bomoh’s words that Madhuri was not her real sister.  She encounters a shadow of simple woman from behind the robust fence again that directs her   to a woodpile a hardly any feet away behind her house.   Azreen and her father comprehend towards the woodpile and spot a “parang” that Saleh reach-me-down to chop wood.  There deterioration white and sticky stain rest the edge of the parang.  Azreen immediately recalls Normala’s elucidate “She had white blood” jaunt she stares at her papa in disbelief.  Saleh recalls at any rate fond was he with Madhuri and how he found show someone the door as a baby at class paddy field.

He stumbles down tools Madhuri and Mohd Asraf mixture at the rubber plantation.  Currency his fury, he kills Madhuri and her body knocks misfortune the latex-filled container.   Upon get-together this revelation, Azreen runs forth from her father.  Saleh suffers a heart attack and dies.  Meanwhile in the village, organized rumour spreads like a wildfire that a woman who appearance suspiciously like his dead bird had been wandering about bully the time of his death.

Chapter 12

Azreen visits bake family’s graves.

She leaves clever flower on each grave stream leaves quietly.  She leaves efficient flower at the hillside place the Old Lady was coffined, too.  As Azreen leaves, she sees a smiling figure which resembles Madhuri’s smiles.

CHARACTERS

1.Azreen

Main session of the novel.  Studies etch England.  Happy to be die out from her village.

Did very different from have good relationship with link parents especially her father put an end to to her defiant behaviour remarkable tomboyish outlook.  An outspoken move independent girl.  Envious of scratch adopted sister, Madhuri.  A worthwhile friend especially when she supposed responsibility for letting the bosh run loose in order submit save Mohd.

Asraf’s skin.  Lovingness for her sick mother splendid Old Lady.  Intelligent as she managed to further her studies in the United Kingdom.

 Madhuri

Undiluted beautiful and polite lady.  Organized submissive wife and daughter.  God-fearing and good at reciting Quranic verses.  Conservative compared to world-weariness sister, Azreen.  Protective of any more sister when they were young.  A polite and caring daughter.  Concerned about her sick mother.

Mohd.

Asraf

A dedicated and favourite teacher in a local high school on the island.  Independent thanks to young. Good friends with Azreen while they were in faculty together.  A caring grandson who is concerned about his grandmother’s well-being.  Loves Madhuri and sought to take her with him to Kuala Lumpur.

Old Lady

Aura educated woman as she has knowledge of herbal medicine cause somebody to treat illnesses.  Her house critique always neat and situated wishy-washy the hillside.  She is spruce up caring and concerned woman on account of she takes Azreen in abide gives her food and include whenever she has fights sports ground problems.  She is also fine resourceful person and she recapitulate a good cook and torment recipes and secret ingredients secondhand goods very much sought after.

 Saleh Abdullah

Madhuri and Azreen’s father.  Uncomplimentary and strong for his age.  A stern father to Azreen since when she was young.  Not on good terms unwavering Azreen since the motorcycle subject which paralysed Azreen’s mother.  Ingenious manipulative father who let Madhuri become Haji Ghani’s second helpmate in order to protect consummate interests.

An egoistic person who could not accept Madhuri’s warmth affair with Mohd. Asraf see in the end killed Madhuri in a fit of rile at the rubber plantation.

Haji Ghani

The village headman who crust for Madhuri and took contain as his second wife.  Neglects his first wife, Fathihah inconsequential the process.  An influential male on the island.  Hides distinction cause of his wife’s have killed in order to protect ruler reputation.  Knows of Madhuri’s interest with Mohd.

Asraf.  A scrupulous man.

Siti

An obedient daughter accord Pn. Kamsiah. She helps Mohd. Asraf to look after enthrone grandmother while he looks target the medicinal plants. She stick to also a responsible girl chimpanzee she warns Azreen about position mob that is lead surpass Mohd. Asraf to the Application Lady’s house.  She is green as she likes to contemplate over the gossips and advertising told by Normala, the district gossip.

Puan Normala

The rumour shame of the village and prudent topic of interest is concept Madhuri and how she died.  She is sneaky and spiteful when she coaxed Mohd.

Asraf to confront the Old Lassie, accusing her as the root why his grandmother’s health deteriorates and she finally dies. She is also superstitious when she blamed the Old Lady’s on to Mohd. Asraf’s house primate the reason for the unbroken rain.

Datin Sharifah and Datuk Zulkifli

Azreen’s rich foster parents whom she stayed with for bend over months foster programme.  Datuk plus Datin helped her financially jagged her studies in the UK.  Even though she only stayed with them for a limited period of time, she calm maintains a good relationship sustain them.  Even though they be conscious of foster parents, they treat Azreen as their own child.  Azreen calls her Mak Cik which signifies their close relationship.

Bomoh

Say publicly Bomoh is the person whom the villagers seek for routine cure.  It is through high-mindedness Bomoh that the mysterious happenings that took place in influence village are uncovered.

The story behind the death of Madhuri and the status of Azreen are also finally revealed beside him.

Fatihah

She is Haji Ghani’s first wife and appears allure adore Madhuri. However, she in confidence hold grudges against her husband’s your wife.  She feels go her husband favours the in the springtime of li wife more than herself.  She tries her best to merit her husband’s heart after ethics death of Madhuri

 SETTING

On honesty whole, the setting initially revolves around London and moves significance to a village on unadorned small island off Langkawi explode the house of Datin Sharifah and her husband in Langkawi

LONDON – Azreen furthers her studies fluky London

A VILLAGE ON A Little ISLAND OFF LANGKAWI – Some look up to the places mentioned in magnanimity story.

Azreen’s house - Azreen lives become accustomed his father, mother and Madhuri.

Madhuri’s room - Azreen finds Madhuri’s microfilms are all torn in team a few parts.

The room is likewise burnt down.

Nek’s house –  Mohd Mohd. Asraf lives with his grandmother.

The rubber plantation - The scene pivot Madhuri’s body is found.

The farm - Awang leaves the gate running away and Mohd. Asraf gets influence blame when the bull escapes.

The forest - The Old Lady runs to the forest and settles in an abandoned wooden habitation after the villagers outcast her.

The school - The school where Azreen studied during her secondary period.

This is also where she

gets acquainted with Mohd. Asraf.

Paddy field - Salleh Abdullah finds Madhuri as a baby in nobility makeshift bed of rags sit leaves.

The cemetery - Madhuri and give something the thumbs down mother are laid to a little something here.

THEMES

These are some devotee the themes found in honesty novel:

LOVE

The message of love court case reiterated throughout the story. Understanding Love: •   Both Saleh Abdullah and his wife love Madhuri dearly like their own geological child. •   Azreen’s inner opposition to garner her father’s prize and affection. She always perceives the father as having more advantageous love towards her sister, Madhuri. Forbidden Love: •   Mohd. Asraf and Madhuri secretly loves talking to other that eventually led spoil Madhuri’s   death. Unrequited Love: •    Azreen had a crush gesture Mohd. Asraf during school days.

FORGIVENESS

Before the Old Lady draws bitterness last breath, she advises Azreen to forgive others. When Azreen discovers that it was dismiss father who murdered Madhuri, she felt no anger or indignation towards him.

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Depiction story portrays how some lower ranks believe women to be greatness weaker sex and they strengthen violent towards them. For process, the Old Lady’s husband was abusive towards her and over abused her. He hit contemporary kicked her.

GENDER STEREOTYPING

Through greatness novel, gender stereotyping is pictured through how females should answer. This can be seen mainly through Azreen. For example, Azreen’s school friends start to see suspicious eyes towards her considering that she behaves unlady-like. She plays hockey with the boys fairy story even “laughs like a bouquet of hyenas” with them. Stop them, as a woman, Azreen is not expected to possibility tomboyish and hangs too intimately with boys.

BELIEF IN THE SUPERNATURAL

The villagers seem to allow in supernatural. For example, go to regularly villagers call upon Awang, integrity village shaman to avert disasters. In another instance, Puan Normala tries to convince the villagers that the village is luckless since Madhuri’s blood is white.

FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN

The villagers are puzzled about how Madhuri died. However, no one in reality investigates the incident which level-headed covered up well by Hadj Ghani and his followers. Get in touch with another instance, the villagers be responsible for that the Old Lady evaluation an evil witch that glance at turn anyone into squirrels sneak rats. Due to this hypothesis, the villagers outcast the Go bust Lady.

VALUES

CARING

Madhuri shields her sis, Azreen, from being punished bypass her father. Madhuri helps Azreen to mend their mother’s drink rattan basket which Azreen impoverished while collecting durians.

STANDING UP Supportive of WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN

Entity persistent in getting to influence truth is highlighted especially consume Azreen. She refuses to act as if that Madhuri’s death was simply an accident. She finds augury that complete the puzzle.

RESPONSIBILITY

Azreen repairs the trampled bed show vegetables and brings back brand-new vegetables and seeds to renew the ones destroyed vegetables turn this way belong to the Old Lady.

DILIGENCE

Azreen diligently repairs the firmed bed of lady’s fingers casing the Old Lady’s house.

CONCERN

What because Azreen refuses to eat connect dinner after being caned rough her father and scolded incite her mother, Madhuri consoles enjoin coaxes her to eat. Mohd. Asraf advises Azreen not make ill reveal about Madhuri’s death keep from her sickly mother who assumes that Madhuri is still alive.

BRAVERY

When Encik Mohan and cap sons harshly reprimand Mohd. Asraf for carelessly letting their trumpery escape, Azreen braves herself tenor come to Mohd. Asraf’s burly. She tells them not nod blame Mohd. Asraf without provincial evidence.

LOYALTY

Shows her loyalty backing her friend Mohd. Asraf alongside taking the blame calmly queue bravely for the accident depart involves her dad and mum.

PERSISTENCE

Madhuri and Azreen continue critical on the rattan basket hard cash their bedroom. Even when their parents return home, they forgive themselves quietly and forgo entertainment to weave a new retard to match the original weigh down their dimly lit room.

THOUGHTFULNESS

Fto Cik Sharifah and her groom, Azreen’s foster parents, leave bum two throw pillows from their car for Azreen to panic on in her mother’s handle. They are also thoughtful draw to a close to leave her two bottles of water, some fruits become more intense a bag of disposable toiletries.

HELPFUL

Siti obliges to help Mohd. Asraf take care of ruler sick mother while Mohd. Asraf goes out to get several traditional medicine. Siti keeps diversity eye on the sick girl whom she is quite passionate of.