ISLAND VOICES QUOTES

PAPER

1. "You're a show-off, what's so grand about marble flooring and a swimming pool? Why don't you put your money to better use?" (pg 03)

2. " Oh we'll just leave her alone. I was kind enough to offer to help her make money,but since she's so nasty and ungrateful, we'll leave her alone." (pg 05)

THE MARTYRDOM OF HELENA RODRIGUES

1. " Just in case you brought anyone home, dear." (pg 11)

2. Helena's tactics enabled her to tyrannize most people-with normally sensitive consciences.

SUNDOWNER

1. "Only in the mornings, tuan. They could stop if tuan wishes." (pg 22)

2. "It's the children i think about the most, John. The coolies spend all their money on drink and the children are just skin and bone and riddled with disease." (pg 25)

TANJUNG RHU

1. And yet, Mr Li was not ready to go. (pg 27)

2. " Here's our son's almost through Cambridge, and Ying about to leave for New York next month, and still he buys toys for them!" (pg 30)

EVENING UNDER FRANGIPANI

1.' I don't suppose you have much in the way of soup at home. Difficult to drink soup with your hands." (pg 59)

2.

LEE

1. " Man, it'll really be funny calling someone Dad again. The guy mom lived with - Alan Piscopo_he didn't like me calling him Dad; he said the future of the nuclear family unit was doomed and parents were jut another symbol of repression."

2. It constantly amazed him to see her coming out of a room, calling him Dad. (pg 93)

A HISTORY OF TEA

1. Hers in a pot, trimmed at the top and base in blue and golden pattern-Japanese imitating Royal Doulton-with matching cup, saucer, tiny jug of milk, a plated spoon and tea strainer on its own base, all worked on a gleaming tray with roses and briars worked onto the handles.

2.

AN OBITUARY FOR FIFTH AUNT COME LATE

A DREAM OF CHINA

1. " Whenever he sees anything particularly beautiful he sys that's how it is in China. You mustn't believe all of it tou know!"(pg 124)

2. " Did you send money?" (pg 130)

RELEASE

1.

Essay questions.

(1) In you opinion, how key is the parent-child relationship to Vinod's inevitable end?

In my opinion, parent-child relationship plays an important role in Vinod's life. One of the reason why he committed suicide was because of the lack of support he get from his parents. His parents was way to busy with their own business to even bother about Vinod. They weren't there for Vinod in all of his sufferings, in fact, they expect Vinod to live his life in a very fast-forward pace. Despite knowing his illness, they still continued to apply for him to an overseas university to study. I think that Vinod's inevitable ending has got to do with the lack of parental love that he received.

(2)' Vinod's high expectation of himself caused his downfall.' To what extent do you agree with this analysis of Vinod's predicament and tragedy?

It is obvious that Vinod set's a high expectation for himself and the people around him. His high expectation may be another reason to his tragedy that he faced before he committed suicide. Firstly, Vinod set quite a high expectation in terms of his academics. He expects himself to do well and be top in everything. But when he fails to achieve so, he gets upset and this will definitely worsen his condition. Secondly, he expect to protect Saloma 24/7. It is ironic as he can't even take care of himself. During the robbery, it turns out that Saloma was the one protecting Vinod when he broke down. Vinod somehow felt useless and it adds on to his depression.

(3)Discuss the reasons for Saloma's transformation in the play.

In this play, instead of Vinod getting better, Saloma is the one who faces the most transformation. I think this is because Saloma's mindset is positive whereas Vinod thinks lowly of himself. In my opinion, Vinod is getting weaker and weaker due to him not showing any effort in helpnig himself get better. Even Saloma knows that she has to constantly take her medication in order for her to get well, but on the other hand, inod does not take his pills. He gave excuses saying that the pills only hides his illness, not totally heal it. Saloma knows that she has to take her pills and visit the doctors for consultation. She makes the effort to be normal. Vinod does not.

(4)"Though a minor role in the play, the character of Razali is key to the plot of Off Centre." To what extent do you agree with this assessment?

-_-

(5) "Datta, Dayadhvam, Damyata" means to " Give, Symphatise, Control". How did the major characters in the play exert control on their environment and/or their lives? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

err.

(6) Based on the text Off Centre, discuss how peer acceptance and family support are vital to social status and mental well-being.

From the text Off Centre, it is shown that peer acceptance and family support is vital to social status and well being through Saloma and Vinod's friendship.

QUOTES FROM OFF CENTRE

Act One Scene Three :

"I want to talk to other people, but very hard.[slight pause] I'm not mad." (pg 23)

Act One Scene Four :

"Azan!! Why you say that name? Hah? WHY?!! Kenapa ni saloma?" (pg 40)

Act Two Scene Two :

"They are jealous because i am special. They are jealous because i am special." (pg 56)

Act Three Scene One :

"You won't... you won't shout shout in the middle of the night right? We all damn scared." (pg83)

Act Four Scene One :

"I don't want to see you for a long long time" (pg 104)