MYTHILE VINGGADAYASAN

D20121058140

1. Novel Analysis
1.1. Issues
Traditional beliefs
In the novel Jungle of Hope, the issue Traditional beliefs versus Religious beliefs
is often seen. An evidence of the issue can be witnessed when Tuk Pawang is called to
treat Pak Kias child whom had fever as they felt that the child was disturbed by a spirit
on Tok Tok Hill. Unfortunately for them, the child died even after the Tuk Pawangs
treatments. We belief that Pak Kia is truly influenced by traditional beliefs and not
religious beliefs as he believed in Tuk Pawang when he said his child was disturbed by a
spirit.
The child had not recovered from her feverAs Tuk Pawang dealt in
medicine as well as magic, he was called to treat the child. (Jungle of Hope,
page 188, line 24)

Religious beliefs
Besides the issue mentioned above, another issue that we have identified is
religious beliefs as the in chapter 8 we are able to witnessed the transition of the
characters from being influenced by traditional beliefs to religious beliefs.
This can be seen when Jusuh prays so that theres no rain for at least a week
more so that all the trees will be completely burnt. The final burning took ten days to
finish. Pak Kia and Pak Abu are very delighted about it and their joy is manifested
through a thanksgiving feast given by Pak Abu which is parallel to Muslim beliefs.
growing to be healthy and muscular after doing all the hard work in Janda Baik daily.
Rahimah is still her old

Let it not rain for a week, Jusuh prayed. Pak Kia silently and solemnly prayed
too with all his heart. (Jungle of Hope, Page 193, line 5)

MYTHILE VINGGADAYASAN

D20121058140

Besides that, the issue religious beliefs can also be seen in chapter 8 when Pak
Kias wife, Mak Sinah faints. Sidin recites prayers into the mug of water and asks Jusuhs
wife to wet Mak Sinahs face and hair with the water. The act of Sidin reciting prayers
shows that he beliefs in religion and not traditional belief which is quite the contrary
when compared to Pak Kia in chapter 6.
He sat with his legs folded under him, as during prayers between two sujud
reciting something under his breath. (Jungle of Hope, page 203, line 7)

In addition to the above, the issue religious beliefs can also be witnessed when
Jusuh was watching Pak Kia and Karim strategize against the monkeys that were eating
their plants. He remembered Ustaz Hilmis teachings, that although Pak Kia has not
heard he practises it.
God had made the world and everything in it for man. Man was given the right
to enjoy it all, to control it all, to manage it all. (Jungle of Hope, page 207, line
21)
Man has been given intelligence to seek knowledge, skills and wisdom.
Through the God-given intelligence, man can make weapons and vanquish all
that comes in the way of his enjoyment and security. But mans greatest weapon
is his faith in Allah, the Creator of the Universe. Man becomes skilled, wise,
patient, diligent and brave because of his faith in the greatness and might of
Allah. (Jungle of Hope, page 208, line 24)