POEM In the midst of hardship.

By: Latiff Mohidin

THEME Being cheerful in adversity. Being poor do not mean that we need to be miserable. Failure is not a setback. Life goes on. The important thing is to make most of the situation regardless whether it is favourable or unfavourable. The poor couple is undaunted neither by their bleak circumstances nor their failure. They are deprived yet they can remain cheerful. They do not need things or possessions to make them happy. Having the right attitude. We determine our attitude or outlook. We define our own meaning in life. The albino buffalo probably is cherished only by the son as the couple spends the whole day and night seeking it. By having the right attitude we can stay happy even in the worst situation. Mans relationship with nature. Man is seen as helpless against nature or natural occurrences like flood. Nature can be unfriendly or destructive and man is vulnerable as denoted by the scratches and wounds on the villagers who struggle in the flood to locate their sons buffalo. We are also made to question the significance of the albino buffalo, natures creation, which perhaps suggest that man has to learn to accept and appreciate what nature has to offer, in its best or worst forms.

 Lifes hardships and stoicism in life. We may be born into a rich family or into a life of poverty and hardship. Whether it is the former or the latter, we are bound to face difficulties in our everyday life. When this happens, we should be stoic and not give in to despair. The personas in the poem returned home with cuts and wounds after wading through the floodwater, yet they had no complaints. Family love and care Any person or animal whether normal or not, deserves love and care. The personas knew they had to face many obstacles if they went to look for their sons albino buffalo and yet they still did it. This is a clear indication of their love for their son and his special pet. Accepting with a positive outlook It is a good value to go with the flow and to be positive than to be negative a complaining. Everyone will encounter hardships at one time or another. Life is unpredictable and our status in life may change. The family in the poem may be born into a life of hardship, yet they accept their circumstances. They seek solace in the simple things in life instead.

He had such a quiet eyes.

By: Bibsy Soenharjo

THEME The exploration of human feelings in relationships. The persona has gone through a bad experience of being betrayed in love, and her experience is being related by the poet. At the same time, the poet is also giving advice on how to avoid getting into the same predicament as the persona. The betrayal of a young girls love She had believed that the man was sincere as he was able to fool her with his quiet eyes. As a result, she gave her love wholeheartedly to him, only to find out later that he had ulterior motives. Deception The man had deceptive eyes. But the girl was so infatuated with him that she did not realize his hidden agendas. Meaningful relationships The poet advises young women to be careful when starting a relationship. They should make sure that the relationship is based on true love and not merely physical attraction. Have self-respect Do not lower your expectations, demands, or standards in order to get someone to like you or to accept you. By maintaining our self-respect, we will not easily persuade or cajoled into doing something we do not want.

 Listen to advice Listen to advice. Appreciate that people have good intentions when they give advice.

SHORT STORIES Qwertyuiop

By: Vivien Alcock

SETTING The office of Rose and Bannisters Lucy gets her first job as a secretary She works alone in the office. She discovers the ghost of Miss Broome, a previous long-time secretary, who now haunts her typewriter. She succeeds in staying on, and being accepted in her first job.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Lucys home 1. Poor 2. Lucy lives with her mother and Uncle Bert. 3. She wants to move out as soon as she gets a job.

THEME Determination paves the way to success Lucy Beck was determined to keep her job as secretary in the firm. She battled fearlessly with the spirit of Miss Broome who was haunting the typewriter. As a result, Lucy managed to keep her job. Jobs are important For both Lucy and Miss Broome, having a job is important. For Lucy, the job meant an opportunity to have a better life. For Miss Broome, the job was the only thing that gave meaning and significance to her life. Loneliness can be devastating Family and friends are important and no matter how busy we are, we should always spend some time with them. Miss Broome led a lonely life and did not pass away peacefully. She then came back to haunt the typewriter because her job was the only life she knew and ever had. Love and care for family members Uncle Bert was old and stayed with Lucy and her mother. Lucys mother had turned him away once but soon relented and invited him to stay with them again. Lucy also regretted being nasty to Uncle Bert when they had a brief altercation in the kitchen. She immediately apologized and assured Uncle Bert that he was welcomed in their home.

CHARACTERS MAJOR CHARACTER: LUCY BECK. characteristic Was small in stature evidence Lucy Beck was young and small.easily overlooked. (pg 9) A lonely O leveltyping speedmake a tortoise laugh. (pg 9)

Was not competent or high-qualified

Whoever to employ me?(pg 9) Mother- fancy that now! Whodthought it?(pg 1) Harry Darke- looks as if youstill at school.(pg 13) Was ambitious- anxious to have a new Lucy loved her mother(pg 9) lifestyle Lucy was not offended by her mothers surprised reaction. (pg 11) Was enthusiastic about work-punctual Monday morning at ten to nineshe was early(pg 12) She was a touch-typist fingersslow, steady rhythmher eyesround the office(pg 16) tempted to look at the keyboarddont look at the keysno peepingso Lucylooked away(pg 17) Took pride in her wook I dont make mistakes. (pg 14) Was not easily put off by unusual she could not believestared atextra incidents- Was not easily put off by ordinary wordstrembledtore the unusual incidents-showed determination sheetsbegan again.(pg 17) and strength of character when might be young and shyslownot a challenged coward! (pg 20)

Had no confidence in herself initially Did not inspire confidence

Was determined

She sat down in front of the typewriter glared at it. There it crouchedstarring at heralphabetical eyes. (pg 20) Lucy switched it off. She sat her face stubborntook the cap offcorrecting fluid.(pg 20) For an hour, she battled. As fast as QWERTYUIOP appeared, she attacked(pg 22) Lucy showed no mercy(pg 22) After forty-three years? Lucy asked. Shocked into sympathy. (pg 25) He said, I know nuisance me here no! We want you. She said,(pg 28) I am sorryMr. Bannister passed on three years ago(pg 28) It is trueseen his gravewent thereleft you flowers(pg 28) asked you to leaveworriedhealth.(pg 29) Mr. Bannister needslook after him(pg 29) Its my jobneed it..Cant have it forever..My turn now. its a fight to the finishMiss Beck? Yes, she said.(pg 26)

Was sympathetic and understandingtowards Miss Broome after knowing her history. -towards Uncle Bert after his outburst Had initiative-looked for an amicable solution to the problem with Miss Broome-communicated patiently with her

Was able to stand her ground

MINOR CHARACTER 1: HARRY DARKE CHARACTER Was elderly Had a sense of humour Was not an outright person EVIDENCE ..an elderly man.dark eyeswhite hair(pg12) Come ininto the parlour, said the spider to the fly.(pg12) .you stay longer than the others.(pg12) LikeI could mention, but wont.(pg12) This onesdifferent. Dont worryjust ignore it(pg14) still here? well donebraver than you look(pg 23) you catch on quicknot the timid mouse.right little lion.(pg 25) thirty years with Ross and Bannisters, retiredcant keep away(pg12)

Gave credit where credit was due

Was royal to Ross and Bannisters

MINOR CHARACTER 2: MISS BROOME CHARACTER Was dedicated to Ross and Bannisters EVIDENCE been here forty three years: girl, woman old misery. Sitting here her back straight as a ruler..(pg25) each letter she starredit was a criminalshe the judge(pg25) office was her homethe jobshe lived for(pg25) YOU CANT KEEP ME OUTthe typewriter printed. YOULL NEVER BE RID OF ME(pg19) The machine went mad. QWERTYUIOP!...it screamed, shaking and snapping its keys(pg20) The typewriter was silent. Sunlight glitteredthey looked wet.(pg 29)

Took her job seriously Was lonely-no family and friends Was possessive over the secretarial job at Ross and Bannisters

Needed to feel useful- happy to be told Mr. Bannister needed her in the afterlife

MNOR CHARACTER 3: LUCYS MOTHER CHARACTER Had low expectations- did not expect much from Lucy Was practical and realistic- did not believe in luck Accepted status in life Was patient and forgiving EVIDENCE fancy that now! Whod have thought it! (pg11) .lucklooked at it suspiciouslyat a stranger coming late(pg11) we are sailors onsea of life.(pg9) Turned Uncle Bert out once, after a rowsix weeks laterasked him to come back.(pg25) he looked so lonely.all by himselflittle roomworn lioncurtains all shrunk.(pg26)

MINOR CHARACTER 4: UNCLE BERT CHARACTER was old and lonely- depended on Lucy and her mother- lived with them EVIDENCE Hes not drinking up my pay packet(pg 9-10) he looked so lonelyall by himselflittle room(pg26) dont get paid till Fridayno good trying to touch me for a fiver(pg26) Id have your supper readyyoure a working girl.(pg 26) you dont knownot being wantedkindness would help!(pg 26)

Was caring about Lucy Was afraid of being rejected

MINOR CHARACTER 5: MR ROSS CHARACTERISTIC Was insincere EVIDENCE hope you happy there sudden doubt in his voicebehind his smile(pg 10-11) I seedo what you canno better at the end of weekhe let the sentence hang in the air(pg 23) SYNOPSIS QWERTYUIOP is about a young secretary, Lucy and her struggle with the spirit of her predecessor, Miss Broome. On her first day at work, she met Harry Darke, the office handyman who informed her about the office layout. He also told Lucy about Mr. Rosss schedule and her tasks. Lucy started typing out a letter and soon realized that the typewriter was haunted by Miss Broome. Miss Broome did not want Lucy to take over her place and interfered with the typing. So the letter had many mistakes. Previously, many secretaries left the company as they were afraid of Miss Broome. However, Lucy was a different kettle of fish. She was determined to hold on her job and hence, battled it out with Miss Broome. Lucy then found out about Miss Broomes background and used the information to persuade Miss Broome to leave. In the end, Miss Broome stopped disturbing Lucy.

Was not an outright person

MORAL VALUES We must work hard in order to succeed in life. Having a career can be rewarding. We should value our family and friends. Human companionship keeps us alive. Do not judge a book by its cover When we really want something, we should preserve. It is not necessary to use force in solving problems. Thoughtful actions and compassion can be more effective.

The fruitcake special

By: Frank Brennan

SETTING Amos cosmetics factory 1. Anna works as a chemist here 2. She makes a powerful perfume by accident. 3. She wears the perfume and attracts the attention of David Amos, the factory owner. French restaurant 1. David Amos and a waiter try to win Annas love. 2. Both the men fight over her. THEME Determination and hard work bring success This is shown by Armstrong. He rose through the ranks, from a pizza delivery boy, to a successful businessman. Only then, he felt it was worthy to confess his love to Anna. Family love and concern Annas momma and Aunt Mimi cared for Anna when they showed their concern regarding Annas single status. They were also sympathetic, supportive and understanding when Anna felt let down by her boss, Mr. Amos and was humiliated by his girlfriend, Sabina.

 No venture, no gain Annas experiment on putting a fruitcake into her perfume concoction showed that she was willing to take risks and try something that had never been done before (thinking out of the box). As a result, she created a perfume that had a strange effect on men who, upon sniffing the perfume, fell madly in love with the female wearer. This love potion would have made Anna very rich if only she knew the special ingredient used to make the fruitcake. Maintain your self-worth Self-worth is something that cannot be bought over by money. It gives dignity to individuals. At the French restaurant, Anna was annoyed that Mr. Amos had a change of heart regarding his feelings for her. A few days later at the factory, Anna did not take the money that Mr. Amos and Sabina offered her as compensation for her unsuccessful date with Mr. Amos. This infuriated Anna and in retaliation, she poured the remainder of the fruitcake special on Sabinas dress.

CHARACTER

MAJOR CHARACTER: ANNA CHARACTER Was young adult Liked to experience Did things with thought EVIDENCE I am twenty-seven, aunt Mimi, I said.(pg35) I was trying outmix of flowerswhat I always did(pg31) I couldnt give thatto my boss. I am a chemistmake perfumesproper way.(pg32) I knowjust ordinary looking..(pg34) She wanted me to find a husbanddidnt likeme being singlea career.(pg34) Itno use arguingnot going to listenchanged the subject.(pg37) dont changesubject-your auntsomethingtell you.(pg37) I didntmeet aunt Mimis boy (pg37) aunt Mimi withanother perfect boyIm not interested.(pg57) I find out whyhad changed.(pg38) He was sayingcrazy about me! whatmaking him behave like this?(pg41) I dont go out..often.(pg38) I could telldont mean it. mencalling you nicethey dont care how you look.(pg39)

Was a plain looking girl Was single and eligible

Was evasive

Resented being match-made

Was inquisitive

Was homely Was intuitive

All the conversation.. I could tellgetting ready to say(pg39) I knew it.! Hed changedmind..think ofout of our evening(pg39) I noticed thatwas talking about this old ladywasnt around If the meal had been therethrown it at him!(pg40) Ibreaking the furniturehad my pride(pg40) take thatour horrible man!I shouted.(pg56) She held out her handexpected to kiss..I dont.(pg45) excuse mewont be long, I said.(pg41) thank you, Mr. amos, I said.(pg54) But I kept quiethe was m boss,had gone crazy.(pg42) I thought calling him..not be the best thingt this point.(pg54) Sabina,remembered how she had hit him.(pg55) The waitersmell of it..he thought he was in lovepoor man.(pg44) I hadto thinkwhat happened.(pg48) not sure..to make fortune..the old womans secret..secret should lie

Was not a pushover

Was polite

Was cautious

Was empathic Was reflective

Was deductive

buriedagain, perhaps not.(pg53) Whyperfumeeffect on mennottake notice of me? nothingput inan different. exceptfruitcake.(pg48) had a thought. what if Icould find outfruitcake that caused menmad with love? people would pay..to knowmakemoney!(pg48) People would paymakemoney!(pg48) no reasonlet ammos cosmetics knowwasnt their fruitcake.(pg48) I was trying to make a fruitcake(pg57)

Had dreams of being rich Was calculating Was persistent MINOR CHARACTER 1:DAVID AMOS CAHRACTERISTIC Was dark and handsome Was an expert in perfumes Was shallow

EVIDENCE David Amosdark, handsome guy(pg32) Mr. Amosexpert nose for perfumes(pg32) he preferpretty modelsliked his appearancemoney.(pg33-34) my bossfamousgoing outbeautiful women(pg34) He neverspoke to like me.(pg32) English guysaying nice thingsordinary looking girls(pg32) Whenspeakusually complain(pg34) hemake jokes..his friends(pg32) I mean, a man like myselfI mean..he looked towards Sabina.

Was haughty

Ridiculed others Was submissive to his girlfriend

Sabina finished it..(pg56) isnt that right, David? you expresswell, darling he said.(pg56) David wantsacceptmoney..right, David? absolutely,darling, said Mr. Amos(pg56) MINOR CHARACTER 2: SABINA CHARACTERISTIC Was a beautiful young model Was haughty and condescending EVIDENCE Sabina, beautiful young model..(pg45) he means thatman like him..not possiblylove..youhas a beautiful girl like me(pg56) dont you workmaking perfumes?exciting(pg45) She held out her handexpected to kiss it.(pg45) Standing next to him, smilinghad her armhis shoulders.(pg54) I mean, a man like myselfI meanSabina finished it off for him.(pg56)

Was dominant

MINOR CHARACTER 3: AUNT MIMI CHARACTER Was nosy Was caring EVIDENCE shecant mind her own(pg34) Shewanted mefind a husband..(pg34) Aunt Mimithe leastdo for mefind me a husband.(pg34) Theyplan the wedding(pg37) I guessthought wealone togetherhadwedding bells(pg39) Momma and aunt Mimifront doorsee my date.(pg38) this new manhe wantsbake him a cakethink you are, his mother?...were youhaving a cookery class?(pg50) Aunt Mimi was good company wasnt talkinghusbands.(pg48) Shes not bad old ladywhen you..know her.(pg52)

Was excitable

Was sarcastic

Was good company at times Might have certain annoying traits but was, in fact, a nice person

MINOR CHARACTER 4: ANNA S MOMMA CHARACTERISTIC Married young Liked Armstrong EVIDENCE your mothermarriedeighteen.(pg35) there wasArmstrongnice.,: said momma.(pg35) Armstrong was hereI liked him, said momma.(pg35) I dont care, said momma. I liked himnice eyes.(pg35)

Not easily deceived Was excitable

but dont change the subject..to say(pg37) Theyplan the wedding(pg37) I guessthought we..alone togetherhadwedding bells(pg39) Momma and aunt Mimifront door..see my date.(pg38)

MINOR CHARACTER 5: THE WAITER AT THE FRENCH RESTAURANT CHARACTERISTIC We madly attacked to Anna because of the strange effect of the fruitcake special Was musical EVIDENCE Helooked at mehis face.(pg40) when I saw youcouldnt stop myselffalling in love(pg43) Heguitar and singing(pg46)

MINOR CHARACTER 6: ARMSTRONG CHARACTERISTIC Was well-liked by momma EVIDENCE there wasArmstrongnice, said momma.(pg35) Armstrong was hereI liked him, said momma.(pg35) I dont care, said momma.I liked himnice eyes.(pg35) Armstrongowned the pizza(pg 58)\ He..fallen in lovefirst delivered pizza(pg58) .he wantedsuccess before askingI deserved no lessgave

Was successful Was sincerely in love with Anna

Was good-looking

meflowers(pg58) but Armstrong is quite goodlooking(pg58)

SYNOPSIS The fruitcake special is a short story about Anna, a 27-years old single girl who worked as a chemist at Amos Cosmetics Factory. One day, she discovered an amazing perfume concoction by accident. When her boss, Mr. David Amos, was passing nearby, the potent perfume took effect and he was immediately attracted to her and invited her for a date. Annas momma and Aunt Mimi, who had been concerned about her single status, were thrilled to know that she would be dating her boss. That night, Anna wore a different perfume called intrigue and curious to know why her boss had a sudden liking for her. However, during the date, he acted differently towards her. His changed behavior upset her. After that, a dramatic change happen when she put on half a bottle of her fruitcake special perfume. A waiter and Mr. Amos became madly attracted to her. Then she realized that the fruitcake special perfume was the cause of the strange behavior of the two men. After sometime, Sabina, Mr. Amoss latest girlfriend, appeared and was surprised and angry when the two men professed their deep love for Anna. Sabina hit Mr. Amos on the chin and a fight broke out between the two men, Sabina and several other waiters. Anna left the restaurant and went home. The next day, she did not go to work but decided to find out how to make the fruitcake from Aunt Mimi. However, she was disappointed to learn that the fruitcake was made by an old lady who had died. When she returned to work, Anna had a message to see her boss, who was in his office with Sabina. Mr. Amos tried to explain his behavior and Sabina offered

some money as compensation. This made Anna angry. She threw the fruitcake special perfume on Sabina and left her job. Sometime later, Anna started working for a rival perfume company. Armstrong, who silently loved Anna, became a successful businessman. He confessed his love for Anna and started noticing him.

MORAL VALUES Diligence has its reward. Respect and love should be mutual. Money cannot compensate self-worth and dignity. Judge people by their thoughts and actions; not by their looks or status. Physical attraction does not last. We must be able to differentiate between flattery and sincere intentions, between physical attraction and true devotion. Be honest with honest with yourself. Know yourself so that you will not be able misled by flattery and sweet-talk.

Drama Gulp and gasp.

By: John Townsend SETTING An empty railway station at night Cold and foggy night. Lord Septic hopes to find the Gatsby Gold hidden in the station. Rose meets Percy. Lord Septic tries to kill Rose. Percy finds the Gatsby Gold in a locker. Lord Septics father had killed Lady Gatsby, a rich widow at the railway track. Lord Septic, then a boy, had thrown Percy, her baby, away into a litter bin at the station. THEME Pride comes before a fall. This theme is portrayed by Lord Septic, an arrogant and rich villain. He is very proud of his wealth and power. He ends up a nobody as he stands to lose everything that he is detained by the police. Greed of man leads to destruction Lord Septic is greedy for wealth and power. He is prepared to commit murder to attain wealth and fame. He even says, nothing will get in my way. But, in the end, his greed leads to his downfall, as Percy and Rose expose his crimes.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

 Ones fate or destiny is in one hands. Rose and Percy may had experiencing difficult circumstances in their lives, but they do not despair. Instead, they still remain positive and are rewarded in the end when Percy finds Gatsby Gold. Similarly, Lord Septic chooses to be cruel and arrogant, and consequently loses everything. Exploitation of the weak Lord Septic is a heartless employer as he puts his interest above the welfare of his employees. He makes his employees work long hours without pay and in dangerous working condition. crime does not pay crimes committed by man will never go unpunished. Lord Septics life of crime catches up with him when he is arrested by the police. Good over evil Lord Septic is the personification of evil. He has killed and will kill to get what he wants. He also oppresses people who work for him, for example, those at the match factory. Percy triumphs over him through his bravery and generosity. Rose who has been victimized as a result of Lord Septicss cruelty overcomes the odds in the end when she is quick to recognize Percys identity and helps him retrieve the hidden gold.

CHARACTERS

MAJOR CHARACTER: LORD SEPTIC CHARACTERISTIC Nasty, cruel, villainous EVIDENCE and nothing will get in my way.(pg66) tie her to the railway track. I can hear the midnight express.(pg80) The grim reaper has a ticketha, ha.(pg82) the Gatsby kid? I threw it away(pg84) Nobody speaks to me like that.(pg79) Nobody ever tells me what to do.(pg 80) I married her for her arms.(pg68) Lord septic didnt pay us. He didnt keep the matches safecost him money.(pg75) Tell her to go or Ill throw herunder the midnight express(pg70) .power. money. fame.(pg64) I want more. I need itkill for it.(pg64) I willbeing rich. Filthy rich. Thick, black, and oily.(pg66)

Arrogant

Take advantages of others

Sadistic Ambitious, power crazy

MINOR CHARACTER 1: CROUCH CHARACTERISTIC Bullying nature EVIDENCE Shut uplost.(pg70) Who cares?(pg72) Now get out of herefree of fifthof verminof scum.(pg72) If you havent goneyouwill be pulp under the next train.(pg73) Indeed, sirbig lordship sir.(pg64) Most sorry, sirsorry, sir.(pg66) Youregreat man(pg80) MINOR CHARACTER 2: ROSE CHARACTERISTIC Sweet- natured, caring EVIDENCE Im overjoyed for you.(pg88) I will always love you!(91) But..till I earn a few coins. My mother is so sick and I must pay for the pills(pg72) very sad..poor boy.(pg76) your luck will change(pg76) I wishhelp.(pg77) because of you Im blindmy mother is so illI have nothing.(pg79) .I tell my storyevening newscruel ways.(pg79) Percy!...it was Percy!-she was able to

Cruel, sadistic Grovels for a living

Concerned about mother

Sensitive and sympatric

Able to stand up for herself

Intelligent

connect the story of Lady Gatsby to Percy.(pg84) The keymotherNSLunlock the gold.(pg88)

MINOR CHARACTER 3: PERCY CHARACTERISTIC Caring EVIDENCE You need someone to look after youtake you home(pg75) poor girlcant see..?(pg75) .not that bad!...sunny tomorrow.(pg73) rose!...hold you under my nose.(pg75) already hasmet you.(pg76) I was nobodymade me somebodyhave all I need.(pg 91) Half of thisoperation...mothers pillsnew home.(pg89) no shame man? Its time I gave you a bit of it time to tell you whats what!(pg77) .was just in time to climb up the gas lampmy pants over the lampdark reddriver saw itnick of time.(pg87) I told the guardcall the police.(pg87) .last day of your life of crimebehind bars..tell the world.(pg89) My pride is JUSTICE!(pg90)

Positive Romantic

Generous Able to stand up for others

Able to think fast

Keen that justice is served

SYNOPSIS Gulp and gasp is a drama about the triumph of good over evil. It can be classified as a melodrama as it consist of very dramatic incidents and exaggerated emotions Lord Septic is a greedy villain who has no regard for other people. He is rich and powerful and wants to be richer and more powerful. He is also the nasty boss of the railway lines and is interested in getting his hands on the Gatsby Gold. He attempts to get rid of anything and anyone, whom he feels stands in his way, including Rose, who is just a damsel in distress. Percy then comes to Roses rescue. Justice is served when Lord Septic is handed to the police and Percy finds the Gatsby fortune which is rightfully his. In the end, he proposes to Rose who accepts his proposal.

MORAL VALUES We should not let wealth and fame go to our heads. We should always maintain a positive outlook towards life. We must strive to live an honest live. We should not take advantages of others. Good will triumph over evil. Crimes do not pay. A downfall of man is his greed for power, money, or fame. We need to be quick thinking to overcome unexpected odds.