Amy
1. Story: Paper.
Quote : It burnt brilliantly, and in three minutes was a heap of ashes on the grave.'
Reason : The dream house Tay Soon wanted just disappeared in a few minutes like how the stocks crashed.
2. Story: The Martyrdom of Helena Rodrigues.
Quote : 'Enabled her to tyrannize most people.'
Reason : Helena had the ability to make people feel guilty indirectly.
3. Story: Sundowner.
Quote : 'which had miraculously materialized within easy reach of Das's right hand.'
Reason : The story ended beautifully with them taking their drinks.
4. Story: Tanjong Rhu.
Quote : 'What am I doing, he thought, talking in an empty room to an old photograph.'
Reason : He has the urge to speak to his mother, but he found it weird to talk to a photograph, thus he felt a rush of craziness.
5. Story: Evening Under Frangipani.
Quote : 'Dignity is all a man has.'
Reason :Prakash's father and himself turned out to have a big ego.
6. Story: Lee.
Quote : 'In a fit of faherly reminiscence one day, he got out all the photographs of herself as a kid.'
Reason :They wanted to share more time to bond together even though they did not communicate for quite sometime.
7. Story: A History of Tea.
Quote : 'A storm in a teacup.'
Reason : A small issue made big, being exaggerated.
8. Story: A Dream of China.
Quote : 'Perhaps like the heaven of Christian converts, it is theirs both as an ideal to strive for.'
Reason : The father's China no longer exists except in him, in his own heart.
9. Story: Release.
Quote : 'The moonlight glanced off her cheek and the tip of her nose, her eyes sank deep in shadow.'
Reason : It described and showed how tired and sick she was of her neighbor.
10. Story: An Obituary for Fifth Aunt Come Late.
Quote : 'Their mother continually bewailed her lot.'
Reason : The mother did not stop bewailing her for quite sometime.
11. Story: Corridor.
Quote : 'There is nothing that I want.'
Reason : Mak wanted nothing more, she did not want to move on.
12. Story: Mid-Autumn.
Quote : 'My daughter thinks she can take poverty.'
Reason : She does not believe her own daughter, she thinks she can't take hardship.
13. Story: Hamid and the Hand of Fate.
Quote : 'Felt like fleeing when anyone warmed up.'
Reason : Hamid was shy and don't really like to interact with people.
14. Story: The Move.
Quote : 'and they began trundling northward up the island to a new life.'
Reason : Madam Teo finally moved on and pursue her new life with the new surroundings in the end.
15. Story: Pastime.
Quote : 'For a long time Tai Poh did not reply.'
Reason : Tai Poh needed to think of what he said because he made sense.
Denise
Paper
“You’re a show off, what’s so grand about marble floor and a swimming pool? Why don’t you put your money to better use?”
This quote is special because it shows that TaySoon is a show off, he is rich and he wants to show how rich he is. His mom finds that he is just wasting the money and he should use his money wisely and put it into better use.
The martyrdom of Helena Rodigues
“Just in case you brought anyone home, dear.”
This quote shows that Helena sounds ‘fake’ and sarcastic. She uses such tone to make her husband feels guilty and sad. So next time when the husband brought people home, he will tell her beforehand.
Tanjong Rhu
“Ah-Wah, things you can buy, I do not need.”
Ah-Wah mom finds that she is old and she do not need anything. But to Ah-Wah, he is trying to be good to his mother but his mother is too stubborn and find that what Ah-Wah bought she do not need and finds is a waste of money.
Evening under the frangipani
“I’m sorry Prakash, but Elaine’s really busy at this moment. Why don’t you call back once finals are over? I’m sure she’ll be free then.”
This quote shows that Elaine’s mom is very happy to pick up the phone and rejects Prakash’s calls. As Elaine’s mom does not like Prakash as he come from a different race from them. Besides that, she finds that Prakash is not suitable for Elaine.
Lee
“When I found mom in a pool that’s what I thought. A David hockey print comes to life.”
This quote shows that when Lee’s mom drown inside the pool. Lee imagines that her mom drowns and the atmosphere around her feels like a David hockey print come to life. Where there are women wearing sunglasses and sitting on the deck chair or floating on the water.
A dream of china
“Your father always sends money when I ask for it, always a little more than I ask for.”
This shows that the author’s father misses his hometown a lot. He finds that as China is where he and his family and it are also his own country hence, he should help China. And whenever the uncle needs money, he will send money that are more than enough so his brother would lead a better life in China.
History of tea
“I have studied the nineteenth and twentieth century Chinese history, you know.”
This shows that Beverly is boasting and arrogance, trying to show to Tien yee that she is more well knowledge and better than her.
Mid-Autumn
“The moon cake, if don’t eat, must throw away. But like that waste Money, it makes me gek sim”
This shows that the mother is very money-minded. When she loses money she will find it very wasted and her heart will hurts.
Corridor
"What judgements it would spell for us.”
This shows that all the murder of the man is still not saved and when he died nobody know. And what happened is only a judgement of people and it is not a fact because no one was there.
Hamid and the hand of fate
“Began trunding northward up the island to a new life.”
This quote shows that after the accident, Hamid had his life changed. He got compensate from the company by having $80000 cheque and free medical treatment besides that he could go holiday to a cap of $2000 to help him recuperate. Also, Salmah comes back to him.
Sundowner
“He wheel s churned up a red dust which he was sure would ruin his white and beautifully polished Alfa Romeo.”
This shows that Das like to show off and he also love his car. And it also shows that he is very rich.
Release
“The woman waved her hand. Her gold bracelet gleamed in the sun. “Yeah. Yeah, you’re like our dog.”
This shows that the neighbour is unfriendly and rude. It also shows how rich is she as she waved her hand to show her gold bracelet.
Past time
“He said an old man like him didn’t have much time to do.”
Taipoh had a boring life and he finds that it is time for him to find a hobby to entertain himself. And he does not want to waste any more time.
The move
“I’m lecturing today on labour laws to protect immigrant textile workers in New York’s garment district.”
It shows that the grandmother is very successful and leading a great life and is proud that her kids and grand children are leading a great life.
An obituary for fifth aunt come late.
“I can’t confirm that she wasn’t good looking or smart or careful.”
It tells me that the aunt is neither talented nor good looking. And she also do not know a lot of her aunt.
Dahlya
Eunice
Paper
Ev : "he's cracking up! He talks to himself, he doesn't eat, he has nightmares, he beats the children. Oh, he's finished!"
Ex : This shows how mad Tay Soon was in other people's eyes.
The Martyrdom of Helena Rodrigues
Ev : "I saw a steely flicker in those long lashed eyes, before they fell in pretty modesty as she warmly made me welcome"
Ex : This means that Helena did not like anyone coming into the house without her consent.
Sundowner
Ev : "There's no need to keep calling me 'tuan', Aman. I prefer to be called Mr Das"
Ex : This shows that Mr Das is a humble person.
Tanjong Rhu
Ev : "If they can see as far away as Tanjong Rhu," she said, "I will try them."
Ex : This shows that Mr Li's mother will only try things that Mr Li got her if it had any relations to Tanjong Rhu, or, the past.
Evening Under Frangipani
Ev : "I'm so glad you're converted to Christianity. It would be such a pity if Elaine couldn't have beef."
Ex : Elaine's mother dislikes Prakash and disrespects his religon.
Lee
Ev : She looked down at it, flicking a infinitesimal speck of dust off the lapel."
Ex : Lee is very clean and hates every thing which is dirty: can it be seen or not.
A History of Tea
Ev : "I studied nineteenth and twentieth century Chinese history, you know."
Ex : Beverly was arrogant.
A Dream of China
Ev : He is too good to us. your uncle knows but will not admit it. Too proud."
Ex : The author's uncle's wife is a humble and undestanding lady. She explains everything to the author for her husband as she knows her husband will not say and she understands him to help him say it.
Release
Ev : "You sure now? Don't forget the moment you put down the phone."
Ex : Philip is an arrogant andnon-understanding man. he knows Elieen is so pregnant and yet he asks her to go get his suit from the dry-cleaners.
An Obituary for Fifth Aunt Come Late
Ev : "Ah kaw, we called her. We saw her gold teeth. Ah kaw. We got more food."
Ex : The children treats Fifth aunt as a maid and cares nothing for her.
Corridor
Ev : "who said I wasn't happy at home?"
Ex : The narrator was an old woman who doesn't like outdoors so she prefers to stay at home.
Mid-Autumn
Ev : "When I lose something, it makes me gek sim, for always."
Ex : The narrator is a person who saves for her daughter and yet her daughter just loses it so easily.
Hamid and the Hand of Fate
Ev : "He recited his declaration of faith"
Ex : Hamid is a religous person.
Farah
1) PAPER
"He wanted it, he dreamed of it, he hankered after it, as an addict after his opiate."
This shows that his desire for the dream house was huge and that he wants nothing else but to own it.
2) THE MARTYRDOM OF HELENA RODRIGUES
"Helena's tactics enabled her to tyrannize most people - with normally sensitive consciences."
This shows that she was able to make others feel guilty by manipulating them.
3) SUNDOWNER
"Imperialism was a thing of the past."
This shows that imperialsim is not used anymore.
4) TANJONG RHU
"things you can buy, i do not need."
This shows that the mother is certain she has everything that she needed and want nothing else.
5) EVENING UNDER FRANGIPANI
"It's your father. His hands. They're like beetles."
This shows that Prakash too finds that Elaine's hands are like beetles and thus, funny. It then started the conflicts between the both of them.
6) LEE
"I don't believe in God."
This shows that Lee is arrogant and ignorant of her own religion by doubting the existence of God.
7) A HISTORY OF TEA
"I studied nineteenth and twientieth century Chinese history, you know."
This shows that how proud and arrogant beverly is just by the way she stuctured her sentence.
8) A DREAM OF CHINA
"It was his decision that in later years he regarded his supreme act of cowardice."
This shows that the father regrets his decision and finds himself a coward for staying in Singapore.
9) RELEASE
"She was so pregnant that she could hardly walk down the street without heaving like a dying dog."
This shows that despite being pregnant, Eileen still took the initiative to welcome her neighbour.
10) AN OBITUARY FOR FIFTH AUNT COME LATE
"She was my aunt but i didn't make it a point to be her niece."
This shows that she didn't do her responsibilty and duty to be a niece to her aunt.
11) CORRIDOR
"And like an answer or a question the warm amber lights in her living-room came on."
This shows that the neighbour has forgiven her and was already to open up to her.
12) MID-AUTUMN
"When i lose something, it makes me gek sim, for always."
This shows that she's someone who treasure and appreciate things.
13) HAMID AND THE HAND OF FATE
"he entrusted his prospects with the opposite sex to his mother."
This shoss that he wants his mother to decide his fate for him.
14) THE MOVE
"she snapped of a branch of pomegranate tree."
This shows that she don't wish to leave her plants behind.
15) PASTIME
"What i told you is just a story."
This shows that it's a hobby, a pastime and that it's not real life.
Fatin
1) Paper
Pg 8 para 1
" I have the money for his funeral and i shall give him the best "
His mother knew all this while her son was going crazy over the money he earned but due to his greed ,he eventually died but his mother gave a house for him to live in,when he is in Heaven.
2)The martydom of Helena Rodrigues.
pg14 para2
"the guilt -mechanism she had constructed in him was now self-perpetuating"
Helena had been making everyone around her feel a sense of guilt so that they will do her bidding without saying a word.
3)Sundowner
"sundowner tuan"
This is the British custom,they will have a alcohol drink which is usually serve during the sunset when during the old times it it a tradition pass from time to time.
4)Tanjung Rhu
pg 30 para 5
"I know i have everything i need "
The mother didnt ask for more than she needed even though she had cataract eyes and couldnt see the world clearly.
5)Evening Under Frangipani
"Its your father, hands.They're like beetles."
Prakash fought with Elaine because he laughed at her hands .
6)Lee
"what was he like?"
Her father ask about the trucker guy whom her mum fell for and he ask it very cautiously.
7)A history of tea
"A storm in the teacup"
Beverly mother wanted to marry a jewish guy but her family objected ,they made the situation worst when they ask her to travel the world first.
8)A dream of china
pg 123 para 1
"sad,sly eyes lost the watery hold they had gain on my sympathy"
The uncle was very pathetic,he suffers in China while his brother enjoyed at Singapore and have a blessed life and it leads him to misery and regret.
9)Released
pg 147 para 5
"Now,dont worry anymore.I understand.I'll take care of it ,just leave it to me"
There was an unknown guy whom helped a woman to quieten down the neighbours dogs who always made the baby cry.
10)An orbituary for fifth aunt comes late
pg 149 para 1
"I am very clumsy"
The fifth aunt was born a clumsy sickly girl.she was adopted because she always felt sick and her parents didnt have enough money to pay for her medical bills.She even fell off a stool .Everyone remembered her negatively.
11)Corridor
pg 175 para 2
"For a moment,i saw a wind steal in to lift the curtains of her house"
Mak hearts was very enlighten because after the murder case she feels that her neighbour whom she fought with was trying to show their warm embrace accepting and forgiving them.
12)Mid-Autumn
"Waste money, very gek sim"
The author is the type who loves to save money and of the money is wasted even a bit it feels that her life is very miserable.
13)Hamid and the hand of fate
"wooden pole broke and the spiralling of the liquid pulled his hand in."
This was the climax of the story the time his hands was pulled in and was sheared into pieces.This is when his confident level decreases and it changed his whole entire life.
14)The move
'New types of automatic trains that go above ground on sky bridges"
The environment ,nowadays are lodern and advanced so the kopi pek was trying to disturb madam teo who is finally moving house to a new HDB flat.
15)Pasttime
"tell me one of your stories"
It is important as Taipoh loves to tell stories and one of his story came true because he finally meet a resemblance of a girl whom he fell for aged ago.
Genevieve
Title:Paper
Quote:"symbol of the peak of earthly achievement"
Explanation: this shows that the dream house is his goal in life and the only thing that drives him.
Title:Martydom of Helena Rodrigues
Quote:"i saw a steely fliver in those long lashed eyes before they fell in pretty modesty as she warmly made me welcomed"
Explanation: she is two faced and hides her frustrations well.
Title:Sundowner
Quote:"Boys must work Aman."
Explanation: this shows that the people there are still having a old-fashioned mindset of boys working and girls staying at home to take care of the family.
Title:tanjong Rhu
Quote:"A skinny little boy, she said, her voice trembling."In a firty shirt and torn khaki shorts."
Explanation: The Ah-ma is looking through her memories instead of her eyes.
Title:Evening under Frangipani.
Quote:"I'm so glad you've converted to christianity. IT would be such a pity if Elaine couldn't have beef."
Explanation: Elaine's mum and prakash were having a mental arguement.
Title:Lee
Quote:"meat is poison, dad"
Explanation: she thinks that it is poison because it was proven.
Title:History of Tea
Quote:"A storm in a teacup
Explanation: something small is made into a big issue."
Title:Dream of China
Quote:"Because of that, he had decided that he would die in ecile, never to return .
Explanation: the author's dad loves china yet he vowed to never step foot on china again. this is an example of irony being presented in the story.
Title:Release
Quote:
Explanation:
Title:An obituary for fifth aunt come late.
Quote:"invisible task made no noise."
Explanation: this shows that the girls are to work with no noice and should be unseen.
Natalie
Evening Under Frangipani
"Prakash came too strong, didn't he?"
Elaine was actually thinking about the pomelo incident. But her mother was really just referring to Prakash wanting to have sex with Elaine, which was supposedly the other way round.
A History of Tea
Pg 112 Paragraph 2.
"So looking forward to China"
Beverly supposed that she is able to adopt in China with the fact that she has Chinese blood but she would not be able to as their culture and living lifestyle is not what she expects.
Thus she would surely not be able to adopt in China.
The Martyrdom Of Helena Rodrigues
Pg 11 Paragraph 3.
"Without him beside me I would feel melancholic and depressed, but he takes away all my pain and make me happy".
Helena was making George feel guilty for leaving her alone. She knew those words were very painful to his conscience.
Sundowner
Pg 22 Paragraph 11.
"Yes, tuan. Whatever the tuan wishes, Aman"s sons will do. They will clean and polish the tuan's car, help at the tuan's parties. If the tuan wishes..."
This shows how faithful and loyal Aman is to his job to the extend that he would "sacrifice" his sons for Das. Aman also continue to call Das "tuan"despite the fact that Das called Aman to call him "Mr.Das".
The Move
Pg 209 Paragraph 2
"The government must have tested them to make sure they were okay before they let us ride them".
The mother has a positive mindset of memory, hence she keeps thinking positive.
Hamid and the hand of fate
Pg 201 Paragraph 4
"Once she tried giving him a breit peck on his lips but he leapt up and fled out of the kitchen.
Salmah was really just using Hamid for his money. She knows that he has a thing for her and she saw this as an opportunity. But knowing better that Salmah is Hamdan"s wife and the fact that she only used him for money, he rejected her.
Release
Pg 140 Paragraph 6
"The woman waved her hand. Her gold bracelet gleamed in the sun. "Yeah yeah , you"re like our dog".
The neighbour is unfriendly, rude. She showed off her gold bracelet showing that she is rich.
Past Time
"He said an old man like him didn"t have much to do. "
Taipoh had a boring life & he finds that it is time for him to find a hobby to entertain himself. And he does not want to waste any more time.
Mid-Autumn
Pg 176 Paragraph 3
"The mooncake, if don't eat, must throw them away. "
The mother is very money-minded. When she loses money she will find it very wasteful, her heart will hurt.
Paper
Pg 3 line 6
"Your're a show off, what's so grand about marble floor and a swimming pool? Why don't you put your money to better use?"
It shows that Taysoon is a show off, he is rich and he wants to show how rich he is. His mother thinks that he is just wasting his money and should put it to a better use.
Tanjong Rhu
Pg 30 Paragraph 5
"Ah-Wah, things you can buy, I do not need."
The mother finds it that she is old and does not need anything but Ah-Wah is just simply trying to be a good son. His mother is just simply too stubborn and thinks its a waste.
Lee
Pg 99 Paragraph 1
"When I found mom-in a pool-thats' what I thought. A David hockey print come to life"
Lee imagined that her mother drowned and she feels like there are women wearing sunglasses and sitting on the deck car or floating on the water.
Dream of China
"Your father always sends money when I ask for it, always a little more than I ask for."
The author father missed his hometown alot. China is his own home and country and thinks that he should show some help to it. Thus he would lend money to the uncle whenever he needs it.
Jummirah
"I'm sorry Prakash but Elaine's very busy at the moment."
- This shows that Elaine's mother want to avoid elaine from talking to Prakash.
"Ma, you're not taking the footstools"
the son does not let the mum bring what she want to. he's being inconsiderate.
Juvena
1. Paper
"You're a show off, what's so good about marble flooring and a swimming pool ?"
: Tay Soon's mother thought he wanted to show off because he wanted marble and a swimming pool in his dream house.
2. The Martyrdom of Helena Rodrigues
"Enabled her to tyrannize most people with normally sensitive consciences."
:Helena was able to make people guilty
3. Sundowner
"There's no need to call me 'tuan', Aman."
:This show that Mr Das is a humble man.
4. Tanjong Rhu
"She has eaten more salts than you have rice."
:She is older and has more expriences.
5. Evening under Frangipani
"Prakash come too strong, didn't he"
:When Elaine's mother asked Elaine about Prakash on her, Elaine answered YES beacuse she do not want to be embarrassed of herself and she make Prakash a bad guy.
6. Lee
"One sometimes needed a modicum of privacy, a moment to take stock."
: One need to know when to do right at certain times.
7. A History of Tea
"A storm of the teacup."
: A small matter that has been exggerated.
8. A Dream of China
" His stories dwelt with increasing frequency of China."
: He missed China dearly & therefore he will talks about China often.
9. Release
" Blinded by the scream that filled her mind."
: The screams of tha dogs were very loud.
10. An Obituary for Fifth Aunt Come Late
" She my aunt but I do not make it a point to be her niece."
: The aouthor do not make it a point that the fifth aunt is her aunty therefore they are not close.
11. Corridor
"What judgement it would spell for us."
: Things have already been set or prepared for them.
12. Mid Autumn
" She told me I was her best gift."
: She felt that her mom was the best she could ever had.
13. Hamid and the Hand of Fate
" Began trundling or toward up the island to a new life
:Begin a new life and forget the past.
14. The Move
" Perhaps I should take the pomegranate tree with me."
: Mdm Teo cannot bare to leave her pomegranate tree behind as the tree contain lots of memories.
15. Pastime
" It's a hobby, a pastime. Its not a real life."
: This show that Tai Poh really loves to tell stories to people.
Kerene
Paper
"You're a show-off, what's so grand about marble flooring and a swimming pool? Why dont you put your money to better use?"
This quote is important to the story because it is made by Tay Soon's mother about them spending their money on their dream house. She is tired of them always talking about the dream house that hasnt even been fulfilled. I feel that it is important to both the story and life because what matters in life isnt always something that can be measured in monetary terms. Whats the use of having marble flooring? Normal flooring would also be just as good. It all depends on the way a person looks at things.
The Martyrdom of Helena Rodigues
"Just in case you brought anyone home, dear."
This quote made by Helena to her husband, Aloysiaus, has a sarcastic tone to it. It was made on the day that the narrator went to visit Helena's house. Aloysiaus did not inform Helena and she had to set an extra set on the table. It's significant to the start of Helena using her subtle ways to make other's feel guilty while they will think that she is just being nice.
Sundowner
"And Mr Das can manage in Malay."
This is said by Das when Aman said he can speak in English when Das spoke to him in Malay. The both of them underestimated each other by thinking the other cannot speak their language.
Tanjong Rhu
"Ah-Wah, things you can buy, i do not need."
A quote made by Ah-Ma when Mr Lee told her he had something to show her. I feel that this is important to the story because when Mr Lee gave Ah-Ma the binoculars and she used it to look out of his office, what she saw wasn't something that can be seen through a binoculars. What she was was through her own eyes. Behind them. It is priceless and cannot be bought with money. Which is why the quote above is important.
Evening Under Frangipani
"I'm sorry, Prakash, but Elaine's really busy at this moment. Why don't you call back once finals are over? I'm sure she'll be free then."
Although this qoute does not seem very significant, it speaks alot. From the tone of what Elaine's mother said to Prakash, it's obvious that she was being polite. She started being polite to Prakash only after Elaine broke up with him. When she said that Elaine is busy, she was also implying that Elaine has work to do, compared to Prakash who still has the time to call Elaine whom has broken up with him.
Lee
"When i found Mom--in the pool--that's what i thought. A David Hockney print came to life."
I like this line because it is pretty amusing, The David Hockney print that Lee was talking about is the one where there are cool glassy pictures of swimming pools in LA with some women sitting a deskchair or floating in the water looking perfectly flat and one-dimensional. I find this a great comparison and also that it's funny in a warped sense that Lee would make such a comparison when the person lying face down in the pool is her own mother.
A Dream of China
"Your father always sends money when i ask for it, always a little more than i ask for. He is a good man."
I feel that this quote is important to the story because it shows how much the father misses his home country and how good he is to send money when his family needs it.
An Orbituary for Fifth Aunt came late
"Dont waste our sugar, your brothers need the sugar for their school sandwiches."
This shows that Fifth Aunt hadn't been treated well since she was young. Her parents did not let her to use the sugar saying that her brothers needs it. It shows how life for Fifth Aunt is--always the one in the background. A person that doesnt really exist.
A History of Tea
"So looking forward to China. I'm not sure why...perhaps it's because i know the history, because i part chinese. I hope it will really be special."
Beverly looked forward to going to China because that is the place where her grandfather came from and also the history of tea.
Corridor
"Who said i wasn't happy at home? You all go to work whole day never see me in the house."
I find this quote interesting because even though they live in a HDB flat, they dont stay at home everyday to know what their own mother do at home everyday.
Mid-Autumn
"I know you can take care of yourself. Your problem is that you dont value what you have. You have something valueable, but when you lose it, you say, 'Forget it, never mind.'. When i lose something, it makes me gek sim. For always."
I find this important and interesting. This is said by the mother to her daughter and she said it because when the daughter lost her new lantern, she said 'forget it'. Now when she had her degree and she chose to go to a missionary in a faraway place when her parents wanted her to be a doctor. She doesnt value what she has.
Hamid & The hand of fate
"Pak Li, i ask you, it's not wrong to accept gifts if people show you they are grateful for your help, right?"
This is interesting because it's about Hamid accepting gifts from Salmah. He feels guilty for accepting a gift from his sister-in-law.
The Move
"Too bad the promegranate has grown so big."
I feel that this is important because the promegranate tree is one of the many things that Mdm Teo wanted to bring with her to their new home. It is significant as an object for the story.
Pastime
"It's a hobby, a pastime. It's not real life."
This line is said by Tai Poh. He has his own pastime and it's to create stories on his own. I like it because, i feel that it will feel good to be able to create your own stories, giving people characters you like, creating the type of person you want. We cannot do that in real life, so in our pastime, to be able to do that is nice.
Release
"Yeah, yeah, you're like our dog."
I like this line because it's funny without even being meant to.
Regina
1.Paper
Quote: "Not to worry," he said jovially, not superstitious like his wife. "After all, it's just paper gains so far." [pg 5]
Yee Lian said not to mention their gain incase they lost their money, I think that the quote is important, as they were hoping to get their dream house but later they did a mistake by putting all their shares into OHTE and West Parks, which crashed rapidly after that, the stocks they were playing with really were just paper gains & losses which turned them into bankrupts overnight.
2.The Martyrdom of Helena Rodrigues
Quote: " She brought him up to believe that to insult his mother devotion to him was the ultimate blasphemy". [pg 13]
This is recurrent throughout the entire story as George tries not to hurt his mother's feelings, though he always feels guilty.
3.Sundowner
Quote: "But, Aman, the bidan is a traditional and untrained mid-wife". [pg 23]
Mr.Das, saying this is like John in his dream/illusion that he saw. I think that later he thinks whether he resembles John or Elizabeth. It is important as Mr.Das does not like the master-servant relationship.
4.Tanjong Rhu
Quote: "Suddenly, he was seized with a longing so sharp his eyes stung." [pg 39]
Sometimes his mother does things which he cannot understand, before his mother died, he looked back at his childhood memories with his mother which he had long forgotten.
5.Evening Under Frangipani
Quote: "To Elaine Prakash had seemed a man of the earth, without artifice or pretension." [pg 63]
To Elaine, Prakash was everything to her, their difference in the intelligence or prospects were different in every way she knew she couldn't change.
6.Lee
Quote:"She's illuminated and he's in the shadows;he still can't see what he wants to desperately see." [pg 93]
Lee is a very artistic, mature in thinking as people oftenly mistook for someone older than she really is. Her father is also amazed by her. Their difference are very obvious. But it is because of their difference that they truly can connect with each other.
7.A History of Tea
Quote:"The girl was not really my cousin". [pg 109]
Tien Yee has a long history behind him, that his grandparents left behind, which was far more complicated, that in a way she related to Beverly but not by blood just through past relationships.
8.A Dream of China
Quote:"His younger brother had done right and he had done wrong". [pg 126]
The narrator's father thinks that when he left for Singapore it was an act of cowardance therefore not allowing himself to go China. This is important because this shows the father's stubborness & not willing to open his eyes to see the truth.
9.Release
Quote:"Her heart froze. The baby cried. She sat down, blinded by the scream that filled her mind." [pg 148]
Eileen is unable to comprehend what just happened. Her neighbor was cold-hearted, annyoying and impatient. What she actually wanted was some peace for her baby, love from her husband, someone to understand her feelings. She did not expect a inhumane act from the neighbors to silence the puppies.
10.An Obituary for Fith Aunt Come Late
Quote:"You remember your aunt, the one who wasn't careful in the kitchen? Do you remember your aunt?" [pg 149]
Though aunt cooks and cleans for her family, she isn't remembered well, they take her granted. She has a pitiful life because people treat her as a door-mat. But aunt doesn't complain or fight back, I think that it is because of her up-bringing in the family, her family only takes that only boys are important, she is then treated as trash.
11.Corridor
Quote:"Yes, there are naughty kids around here". [pg 168]
The hating began when the author's grandchildren started playing with the neighbor's waterpipes. It reminds me how the story will progress.
12.Mid-Autumn
Quote:"but the festival makes me gek sim". [pg 176]
In this story, every mid-autumn reminds the narrator of her daughter, who left for Uganda. She gets photos from her daughter, but with bloodied hands. I think that she feels 'gek sim' because after all the hardwork in her job she expected her daughter to be someone who can support herself unlike the narrator. So she is saddened by this.
13.Hamid and the Hand of Fate
Quote:"He had but brutal fate to thank for that". [pg 192]
The protoganist in this story had lost one side of his arm during his work thus getting compensation for it. But for fate, later his life changed because he had gotten money.
14.The Move
Quote:"In some ways she was not sorry to leave her old housing estate". [pg 207]
I think that she doesn't want to leave her current house is that it was once filled with memories from the past. But once she faces her insecurity, & puts trust in her future she will be willing to move on.
15.Past Time
Quote:"This is just a story, you understand?"
I am not sure if Tai Poh's or Mr Lee's stories are real, this quote made think whether to believe it or not.
Valerie
Paper
"You's re a show off"
This shows that Tay Soon is very proud .
The Martyrdom of Helena Rodrigues
"George was kept tied to Helena's side"
This shows that Helena is always contolling George .
Sundowner
"White and beautifully polished Alfa Romeo"
This shows that he is very show off and rich .
Tanjong Rhu
"Stop it , Ah ma ," he said brusque now ."
This shows that he has no patient with his mother .
Even Under Frangipani
"the sharp scent of glue in their decaying minds ."
She is refering to the teenagers on parade being so stupid .
Lee
"Her tone was imperative"
This shows Lee's character .
A History of Tea
"I studied nineteenth and twentieth century chinese history , you know ,"
This shows how arrogance she was .
A Dream of China
"China lay heavy on my father;s conscience"
Internal conflicts .
Release
"Frustration swelled in Eileen's chest"
This shows that Eileen is ery angry about the dogs next door .
An Obtuary for Fifth Aunt Come Late
"I'm very clumsy"
This shows that Fifth Aunt's character .
Corridor
"Who said I weren't happy at home"
This shows that she is happy at home .
Mid-Autumn
"Don't be so giam siep"
It means that the Mother is stingy and thrifty .
Hamid and the Hand of Fate
"Would one hand make a good enough embrase"
This shows that he wants to be in relationship.
The Move
"Sadness was war , was famine"
This shows that she is not sad about moving house , should be happy instead .
The Pastime
"It's a hobby , a pastime"
The story is about a guy who loves to tell stories .
Mardiana
1. Paper
Quote: " Do you know, Mother, if I sold all my share today, I would have the money to but fifty terrace house like the one you have?"
: This show that Tay Soon is really rich that he can buy fifty terrace house if he sell all his share.
2. The Martyrdom of Helena Rodrigues
Quote: "Without him beside me I would feel melancholic and depressed : but he takes away all my pain and makes me happy."
: This show that Helena want George to feel guilty when Helena say this and maybe George will change his mind of marrying Caroline.
3. Sundowner
Quote: " There's no need to keep calling me 'tuan', Aman"
: This show that Mr Das is a humble man
4. Tanjong Rhu
Quote: " I can see Tanjong Rhu well enough." She emphasis."Behind my eyes."
: Ah Ma is trying to tell Mr Li that she still can remember Tanjong Rhu and the past well.
5. Evening Under Frangipani
Quote: "Prakash came to strong, didn't he"
: When Elaine's mother asked Elaine about Prakash's coming too strong, Elaine answered yes because Elaine do not want to be embarrassed herself and she make Prakash the bad guy
6. Lee
Quote: " Are you my dad?''
: This show that Lee really cannot remember about her father.
7. A history of Tea
Quote: " You're always feeding me, looking after me.'
: Beverly is being ungrateful. She do not think the care & concern that Tien Yee and his family have given her.
8. A Dream Of China
Quote: " Don't keave me to die here...can you get me out?''
: This show that the author's uncle beg the author to get him out of China because he do not want to live in poverty
9. Release
Quote: " Please." she said. " The dog next door are making a lot of noise."
: Eileen cannot stand the noise because the dog is making alot of noise and it id distrubing her sleep.
10. An Obituary for Fifth Aunt Come Late.
Qoute: She was my aunt but I didn't make it a point to be her niece
: The author do not make it a point to admit that she is her fifth aunt.
11.Corridor
Quote: " Mak, we spent a lot on this holiday. Try to be happy."
: Her daughter thought that her mother is not happy as everything they do as family, her mother do not want to follow them
12. Mid- Autumn
Qoute: " I'm not going to be a GP. I'm going to be a missionary in Uganda"
: The daughter is ungrateful towards her parents
13.Hamid and the Hand of Fate
Quote: " First, it was $20, then $50 and sometimes even $100.
: Hamid always make sure that he has enough money to give to Saloma.
14.The Move
Quote: " Perhaps I should take the pomegranate tree with me."
: Mdm Teo cannot bare to leave her pomegranate tree behind the tree as it contain alot of memories.
15. Pastime
Qoute: " It's a hobby, a pastime. It's not real life"
: This show that TaiPoh really loves to tell stories to people.
Melrize
Paper: "He hankered after it, as an addict after his opiate"
How he is like, hungry for the house.
The Martyrdom of Helena Rodrigues: " Helena had the meek gentle face of a nun and the
force personality of an Empress Tzu Hsi."
This shows the charactereistic of Helena.
Sunowner: " Two cubs of ice tinkled within the glass."
Shows the process of sundowner
Tanjong Rhu: " The sand was damp and gritty between his toes."
Shows the time when he was younger at Tanjong Rhu.
Evening Under Frangipani: " Sweating out his fustration and uneasy lassitude."
How Prakash always feels.
Lee: " Twisted, half-sneered, James Dean sorching look."
Characteristic of Lee.
History of Tea: " A storm in a Teacup."
The family ties/relations. How complicated it is.
A Dream of China: " China lay down heavy on my father's conscience."
How her father dream of China.
Release: " Blinded by the scream that filled her mind."
How she was released from the noise.
An Orbituary for Fifth Aunt Come Late: " Like a radio that had been turned on by a strange hand."
Characteristic of Fifth Aunt.
Corridor: " My neighbour looking at me from her window."
What you can do from a corridor.
Mid-Autumn: " So gek-sim"
Mom's favourite phrase.
Hamid and the Hand of Fate: " Take whatever you want."
His attitude towards his brother's wife.
The Move: " Promegranate has grown so big."
How promegranate is similar to the grandmother.
Pastime: " Made up stories."
What the man do during his pastime.
Kelly
PAPER"What's wrong with this house we're living in?"
This quote is important because it shows the main point of the story which is house. The story is about getting their dream house and this quote shows the greed of the family of wanting a new house.
THE MARTYDOM OF HELENA RODRIGUES"I shall stay here with my mother."
This quote summarizes the whole stoy. Having to choose between leaving or staying with his mother. If he leaves, guilt will only surround him for the rest of his life as his mother had sacrificed so much for him but it was all an act. If he stays which he did in the end, he'll suffer.
SUNDOWNER"But my wife cooks and helps with the cleaning. My two sons do the gardening and clean the Tuan's car. My bigger daughters help with their mother. All do something for...."
This quote shows the desperation of Aman needing this job as education, housing and resoucers are provided by his master. Afraid that the master might not want them due to the number of children, he quickly uses but to clarify that his kids are of good use and are useful.
TANJONG RHU"If they can see as far as Tanjong Rhu", I will try them.
This quote shows that hismother wanted to see her late husband's shipyard again if she could, that is why this quote shows that if the mother could ever see or realive those times again, she would, it helps readers to remember as this quote reveals the purpose of this story.
EVENING UNDER FRANGIPANI"Don't get angry. It's your father. His hands. They're like beetles."
This quote changes the whole story of the end. Everything was going nice for the both Prakash and Elaine but after having said that, Elaine became mad at Prakash and both went their separate ways in the end of the story.
LEE"Are you my dad?"
This quote gives an idea of how the story is going to be. A daughter who has never seen her dad in years and asked that question when they first met. It is important as it gives readers to think of why would she ask that question.
A HISTORY OF TEA"I studied nineteenth and twentieth century chinese history, you know."
This quote shows the important of tea to the family as it is important to their family history. Usually, normal citizens wouldnt study tea unless interested but this shows that tea is so important that she studied teh history of tea.
A DREAM OF CHINA"The forest there reminded me so much of China. The Catskin mountains especially reminded me of home."
The father misses China so much that this quote reminded him of China. It also shows part of the main points about the story.
RELEASE"I'm going mad. I don't get enough sleep. I haven slept in days. I can't take this anymore. Can't you do anything at all?"
This quote shows the anger and desperation of the mother trying to get her baby and herself some sleep. She would do anything for the baby to get some sleep so she herself could get hers too. This quote is important as is shows the need of the mother.
AN ORBITUARY FOR FIFTH AUNT COME LATE"She was my aunt but I didn't make it a point to be her niece."
Though they are blood related, she did not make it a point to be her niece and this shows that her aunt must have been away for too long or they were not close with each other though they are blood related.
CORRIDOR"Who said I wasn't happy at home?"
Even though she does not show that she is happy. She actually is.
MID AUTUMN"Whenever I lose money, it makes me gek sim."
The mother is a very thrifty woman.
HAMID AND THE HAND OF FATE"Would one hand make a good enough embrace."
He is actually interested in finding a relationship.
THE MOVE"Ma, you are not taking these footstools."
She wasn't allowed to bring what she wanted .
PASTIME"It's a hobby, a pastime. It's not real life."
The story is basically the security guard who loves to tell stories.
Nuramirah
PAPER
"They talked of the dream house endlessly"
They have been imagining and discussing about how their house would look like.
THE MARTYRDOM OF HELENA RODRIGUEZ
"Helena had bullied him"
Is she acting or really cares? (feels guilty for causing husband's death)
SUNDOWNER
"Menial clerical jobs on the estate, and more cheaply than adults"
Even though Das cares for the children, he also had think of profit in mind.
TANJONG RHU
"The pair of binoculars bumped loudly against his briefcase"
Tanjong Rhu discuss about Ah-ma's difficulty seeing the shipyard of her late husband. This tells us that she would like to see it again, if only she have perfect eyesight.
EVENING UNDER FRANGIPANI
"It would be such a pity if Elaine couldnt have beef"
Boy Girl Relationship; Elaine;s mother was being sarcastic as she disagrees to their relationship.
LEE
"She accepted it with a sort of grudging nonchalence"
Trying to say that both the dad and the daughter dont have a good relationship.
A HISTORY OF TEA
"A storm in a teacup"
Small matters are being exaggerated.
A DREAM OF CHINA
"Die in exile, never to return"
Thrown out of country because did a crime.
RELEASE
"What's a pregnant woman doing here?"
Neighbour was being extremely rude to Elaine, despite knowing she is her neighbour.
AN ORBITUARY FOR FIFTH AUNT COME LATE
"She was my aunt but I didnt make it a point to be her neice"
They are not close to one another even though they have blood related.
CORRIDOR
"Who said i wasnt happy at home?"
Mak was happy at home but her daughter doesnt know that.
MID-AUTUMN
"Whenever i lose money, very gek sim"
Mother is thrifty, doesnt like to waste.
HAMID AND THE HAND OF FATE
"Would one hand make a good enough embrace?"
Hamid plans to be in a relationship and is not confident if she accepts him as who he is now.
THE MOVE
"Ma, you are not taking those footstools"
Ma wasnt allowed to bring alone her antique items along.
PASTIME
"What kind of pastime do you have? Not like me right?"
Thinks that he's pastime is dumb and others wouldnt like it.
Nasirah
PAPER
Quote "You're a show-off what is so good about marble flooring and swimming pool? Why don't you put your money to better use?" (pg 3)
Reason: It shows that Tay Soon thinks of himself that he wants everything around him to be perfect.
The Martyrdom of Helena Rodrigues
Quote: "I shall stay here with my mother"
Reason: It shows that he is a good son and takes good care of his mother.
Sundowner
Quote:"There's no need to keep calling me 'tuan', Aman. I prefer to be called Mr Das."
Reason:It shows that Mr Das is humble and treats his 'servants' equally.
Tanjong Rhu
Quote: "Here our son's almost through Cambridge, and Ying about to leave for New York next month, and still he buys toys for them!" (pg30)
Reason: It shows that their children are all grown up and well-educated but he stills treats them like a small child.
Evening Under Frangipani
Quote: "Your signature has been on so many reports I'm sure that big boys have noticed a new talent in our department." (pg68)
Reason: It shows that Elaine is hardworking, talented and she is succeeding in her career.
Lee
Quote: "I don't believe in God." (pg 77)
Reason: It shows that he is blasphemy and disrespectful.
A History of Tea
Quote: The girl was not really my cousin. (pg109)
Reason: It shows that they are close and treats each other like a family even though they are not cousins or related.
A Dream of China
Quote: "The Chinese are as bad as the Jews when it comes to making money!" (pg 127)
Reason: It shows that Chinese people are very greedy when it comes to money.
Release
Quote: "That blueprint didn't look like one of their property" (pg 143)
Reason: It shows that Eileen thinks that the neighbour's house does not belong to the new owner.
An Obituary of Late Aunt Come Late
Quote: "Don't waste our sugar"
Reason: It shows the depletion of the family fortunes.
Corridor
Quote: I tried to feel for the man.
Reason: It shows that she felt a sense of responsibility & conscience of what happened to the murdered man.
Mid-Autumn
Quote: I don't want her to treat me like a lantern.
Reason: It shows that she doesn't want to be forgotten and replaced.
Hamid and The Hand of Fate=
Quote: "Can I trust you?" (pg 202)
Reason: It shows that Hamid no longer need and trust Salmah.
Nuraini
1) Paper
Quote: " It burned brilliantly and in three minute...."
It show that a paper is worth nothing , no matter whats the value is . It only take minutes for it to vanish .
2)The Marthydom of Helena Rodrigues
Quote : " These gentle words fell like acid on the raw ..."
It show that Helena was only acting to let George marry Caroline She want George to feel guilty and stay by her side .Hence, her words are only acting .
3)Sundowner
Quote: " menial clerial jobs on the estate , and more cheaply than adults"
Das and elizabeth thinking are both different. Even though Das care for them . he also think of the profit and that he could make if he help them .
4) Tanjung Rhu
Quote: " She has eaten more salt tehn you have rice "
it shows that popo have more knowledge through experience and respected her hence , teach Ying to be patient with her .
5) Eveniong Under Frangipani
Quote : "It would be such a pity if if Elaine couldnt eat beef "
Mother wanted to make Prakash give up on Elaine and say their different in class indeliberately.
6)Lee
Quote: " Clumily he hugged her and accepted it with a sort of grudging nonchalance"
It show that they do not have a good relationship
7) A dream of China
Quote : " Die in exile, never to return "
Father felt that he do not deserved to stay in China as wehn China need help he did not went .
8) Release
Quote : " Her husband being away more than he was home "
She have to handle everything and her husn]band is not around to support her.
9) Ab Obituary For fifth Aunt come Late ( pg 49)
Quote : She was my aunt but i didnt make it a point to be her niece "
They are not close and even though they are blood related, they do not act as a family .
!0) History of tea
Qoute: " A storm in the teacup"
It mean that small matter that havebeen made big .
11) Corridor
Qoute : "Who said i wasnt happy at home ? "
Mother did not show her being happy this had make her daughter to think that mother is not happy hence, there is a arguement .
12) Mid-Auturm
Quote :" waste money , very gek sem "
Her moether is very thrify and have hated to waste and when her daughter loss the lantern she say nevermind .
13) Hamid and the hand of fate
Quote : " enough in his wallet to satisfy her"
He went every week to the bank to ensure Salmah have what she need . He is doing things behind his brother back but he is doing charity . As Hamid belief that charity begin at home.
14) The move
Qoute :" automatic trains that go above ground on sky bridges with rodriver"
The older generation do not trust the new technologi even if it is said to be safe .
15) Pastime
Quote :" The fat pink scars on the back of his skull "
The story he been telling is his own story yet, he denied and said to be just a story .
Fateha
1. Paper
"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?"
Reason: Tay Soon mother did adviced him and this showed that she cares for him.
2. The Matyrdom of Helena Rodrigues
"Certainly the casual guest would be sent home confirmed in the general opinion that Helena Rodrigues is was a sweet girl"
Reason: This shows that Helena is not really a 'sweet girl' as people assumed.
3. Sundowner
"Not that kind of work, Aman. They must study. work at school. You don't want them to be a houseboy like you, do you?
Reason: Mr Das is caring for his workers.
4. Tanjung Rhu
"I am not, Ahwah, having my eyes sliced open"
Reason: Mr Lee's mother is traditional.
5.Evening under Frangipani
"Mother, successful lawyer, did not want her career interrupted for too long"
Reason: She is a career-woman who sees class difference.
6. Lee
"Hey - they didn't f__k infront of me. if that's what you mean"
Reason: Lee is open-minded in her words.
7. History Of Tea
"i wonder how they ask for tea in China, in Sri Lanka and in England"
Reason: Shows that different countrie have different kind of teas.
8. A dream of China
"My father is a good man"
Reason: Easy to remember that the author's father is a nice man.
9. Release
"Okay, so this is abit strange."
Reason: Their neighbours are not like normal neighbours. e.g: unfriendly.
10. A Orbituary for Fifth Aunt Come Late
"She was my aunt but i did not make it a point to be her niece."
Reason: It is a strong sentence to explain why the author couldn't remember her aunt clearly.
11. Corridor
"who said i wasn't happy at home? You all go to work whole day never see me in the house."
Reason: This goes to show that her daughter and son does not know how she actually feels.
12. Mid-Autumn
"Very gek sim"
Reason: Author's very stingy.
13. Hamid and the hand of fate
"He remembered her when she was younger."
Reason: It shows how much he was fond of her when they were younger.
14. The Move
"Trundling northward up the island to a new life"
Reason: In the end, she agreed to move.
15. Pastime
"Life of a factory security guard could be very boring"
Reason: This is the reason why making up stories is his hobby.
Pearlyn
Quote: You're a show-off, what's so grand about marble flooring and a swimming-pool?
Importance: It is important as it shows that Tay Soon's mother does not care about all the materalistic things unlike her son who loves money.
Story: The Martyrdom Of Helena Rodrigues
Quote: Just in case you brought anyone home, dear.
Importance: It is important as it shows that Helena was trying to be sarcastic towards her husband to make him feel bad instead of being causions.
Story: Sundowner
Quote: They could stop if tuan wishes.
Importance: It shows that to Aman, Das is his boss and that he would do whatever Das wanted him to do. He would even get his sons to drop out of school if Das wanted it so.
Story:Tanjong Rhu
Quote: I know I have everything I need.
Importance: It shows that Mr Li's mother is contented with everything that is in her life.
Story: Evening Under Frangipani
Quote: Marriage has got nothing to do with the fulfilment of woman as woman.
Importance: It shows that Elaine is a feminist and thinks that career is more important than other things like marriage.
Story: Lee
Quote: Do you miss your mother?
Importance: It shows that he cares for Lee eventhough they were seperated from each other for eight years without any communication.
Story: A History Of Tea
Quote: A storm in the tea cup.
Importance: It shows that Beverly was angry at her parents as they did not allow her to marry a guy just because he was part Jewish.
Story: A Dream Of China
Quote: The forests there reminded me so much of China.
Importance: It shows that the author's father misses his home country alot and that lots of things reminded him about China.
Story: Release
Quote: Are you moving in alright?
Importance: It shows that Eileen cared for her new neighbours and did not want them to hurt themself eventhough they did not know each other at all.
Story: An Obituary For Fifth Aunt Come Late
Quote: Oh sorry, oh sorry, I'm very clumsy.
Importance: It shows that the author's aunt was an honest person who would apologise for every wrong she did.
Story: Corridor
Quote: There's nothing that I want.
Importance: It shows that she did not like going out eventhough they were on holiday and that she would rather stay in the hotel room all day.
Story: Mid-Authumn
Quote: I'm not a child, I can take care of myself.
Importance: It shows that the author's daughter wanted to do everything that she wants without anyone telling her what to do as she is an adult.
Story: Hamid And The Hand Of Fate
Quote: If it happens, it happens, if not...than its god's will.
Importance: It shows that Pak Ali would rather leave things to fate rather than taking things into his own hands, things like marriage.
Story: The Move
Quote: Then you don't have to buy a new one.
Importance: It showa that Madam Teo does not like to spend money but actually resues things from long ago to save money on unnessary things.
Story: Pastime
Quote: It's a hobby, a pastime. Its not real life.
Importance: It shows that although Tai Poh tells stories, it seems like he is telling his past but he tells people that it is all fake and just a hobby he does just to past time. Making him a little of a mysterious person.
Peishuan
Paper
"see what's happening to my husband. He's cracking up ! He talks to himself, he doesn't eat, he has nightmares, he beats the children. Oh, he's finished."
For wealth, they bought shares. But didnt success, and they lost all their money. In the end, from a good husband / father, he became a father who beats up his children, talk to himself and doesnt eat.
Died in the end.
The Martyrdom Of Helena Rodrigues"But you must not give up your time for me, George. You must marry that sweet Caroline and make your home with her. Dont be afraid to leave me alone. I shall never get in the way of my boy's happiness. "
Helena said so, asking George not to give up his time and happiness ; Caroline for her. But she was the one who actually forced George into becoming like this, breaking off his marriage with Caroline, giving up his happiness. Died in the end.
Helena was the one who is scared that George might leave her and is getting in his way.
Sundowner"No doctor, tuan, but bidan says Tijah is all right."
Aman trust bidan a lot, is traditional and we could also think that he is poor, no money to afford the fees.
TanjongRhu" Those see far-glasses of yours, can they see TanjongRhu ? "
Ah-ma is sentimental, thinks of the past, think of TanjongRhu.
Shows that older generation has different thinking from younger generations and they arer sentimental, stubborn towards to the past and does not want to accept the new changes.
Evening Under Frangipani"Im sorry, Prakash, but Elaine's really very busy at the moment. Why dont you call back once finals are over ? Im sure she'' be free then."
The mother was kind of sarcastic towards Prakash, that he doenst have exams, while Elaines has. Doesnt want Elaine and Prakash to get back together and telling / finding or even showing that she doesnt want them to talk to each other.
Mother is protective and realistic.
A History Of Tea" So looking forward to China. Im not sure why...perhaps its because i know the history, because im part chinese. I hope it will be special."
Beverly is looking forward going to China, because China is the place where her grandfather came from and also the history of tea. Tea started out in China and as a tea lover, Beverly is very interested, especially when she is only a part Chinese.
A Dream Of China" Your father always sends money when i ask for it, always a little more than i ask for. He is a good man. "
This show that the father is still taking care of his family even though he is no longer in China. The father didnt forget about his family / hometown even after many years. He is sentimental and to him, once a hometown, forever a hometown. China will be his one and only hometown.
An Obituary of Fifth Aunt Came Late" Dont waste our sugar, your brothers need the sugar for their school sandwiches."
This quote shows that the fifth aunt isnt treated well when she was young. Her parents rather use the sugar for her brothers' sandwiches rather than letting her have them with her medicine. ill-treated, not respected, not important in the household. Her mother doenst care if she's dead, parents are traditional, only care about boys.
Corridor" We're so scared leaving you alone at home, Mak. With that kind of neighbours."
This shows that the HDB flat that they live in does not have good neighbours. Also, we know that Mak does not leave the house frequently, she is always alone at home. With those 'bad' neighbours as according to Mak's daughter. Even though they live in the same HDB flat, same storey, they doesnt talk to one another.
Mid-Autumn"Its a calling from God. Its a fire in my bones. If i dont go, I'll just burn and die."
This quotes show that the daughter wanted to leave for Uganda, to help the poor people, but the mother doesnt want / allow her to go. In the end, the daughter still left. The mother think back to the time when she wanted to leave, but her daughter was the reason why she stayed behind.
This shows that nothing remains the same and things changes.
Hamid and the Hand of Fate"Pak Ali, if you had a choice, would you like being married or being a bachelor ? Would you get married if you had this ?"
Hamid is scared, afraid, sad, confused at the same time. He doesnt know if he should get married without his right arm. Didnt know if he could give his partner happiness, didnt know if there would be anyone willing to marry him. Also, he couldnt be sure if the wife married him for his money or for real love.
The Move" Ah So ! You are finally moving. "
Shows that AhSo, the grandmother had been staying in the house for a very long time. So long that when she move, her friends said that she 'finally' is moving. Instead of things like missing her and would visit her. It also shows that AhSo had finally 'move on' to a new place, new life and not thinking of the past anymore.
Lee"When i found Mom - in the pool - thats what i thought. A David Hockery Print come to life."
When she found her mum dead in the pool, she wasnt sad, instead, she think of the David Hockery Print.
Shumin
1) Paper
Quote : "You're a show off, what's so grand about marble flooring and a swimming pool?"
(Pg 3)
Reason : Mother thinks it's not necessary whereas Tay Soon and Yee Lian wants it.
2) The Martyrdom of Helena Rodrigues
Quote : Artless, gentle flow of conversation.
(Pg 11)
Reason : It shows that Helena is not commited to the conversation.
3) Sundowner
Quote : "No doctor, tuan, but the bidan says Tijah is all right."
(Pg 23)
Reason : It shows that Aman has traditional thinking, as said, bidan.
4) Tanjong Rhu
Quote : "Things you can buy, I do not need."
(Pg 30)
Reason : It shows that Mr Li's mother is satisfied with what she has, such as basic needs.
5) Evening Under Frangipani
Quote : "He paused, not sure what to say."
(Pg 59)
Reason : It shows that Elaine's mother had shot him with questions that Prakash did not know how to answer and made him embarrass.
6) Lee
Quote : "Then you can shove it!"
(Pg 98)
Reason : It shows that Lee is rude, she shouts at her father.
7) A History of Tea
Quote : "Uncle Raja was the oily man."
Reason : It shows that Beverly's grandmother dislikes Uncle Raja.
8) A Dream of China
Quote : "China lay heavy on my father's conscience."
(Pg 125)
Reason : It shows how much China meant to the author's father.
9) Release
Quote : "Everynight for a month she had been trying to catch whatever sleep."
(Pg 143)
Reason : It shows how desperate Elieen is to get some sleep.
10) An Obituary for Fifth Aunt Come Late
Quote : "I didn't make it a point to be her niece."
(Pg 149)
It shows that the author is not close to her aunt at all.
11) Corridor
Quote : "There's nothing that I want."
(Pg 164)
Reason : It shows that Mak just wanted to be home, not going out to Jarkata.
12) Mid-Autumn
Quote : "I couldn't do the job I love."
(Pg 180)
Reason : This shows that the narrator is a loving and dedicated mother.
13) Hamid and the Hand of fate
Quote : "Felt like fleeing when anyone of them warmed up."
(Pg 197)
Reason : It shows that Hamid is shy and has lack of confidence.
14) The Move
Quote : "Ma ! You are not taking those footstools!", "I've sat on them since I was a baby!"
(Pg 204)
Reason : It shows that Tommy does not really treasure the old things.
15) Past Time
Quote : "The system is too intricate."
Reason : It shows that Singapore's system is very strict.
Abdullah
Tanjong Rhu
"like a clove of garlic or what, talking bout peeling my eye"
this shows that ah ma's eyesight was very bad and she doesnt want to be treated in the modern way. she doesnt like the thinking of peeling her eyes.
Evening under frangipani
"I don't suppose you have much in the way of soup at home . Difficult to drink soup with your hands"
Elaine's mother was attacking Prakash by throwing insults at him teling him that his kind used hands to drink soup and not spoons but, he attacked back saying that middle east and India was the first to invent cutleries.
Lee
"meat is poison"
this shows that Lee was vegetarian and doesnt eat meat. she even raised the point saying that maet was poison.
A history of tea
"a storm in the teacup"
its a saying that means a small matter could escalate into a BIG problem.
A dream of china
"could I get him out of china"
He wants to get him out of his own countr and internal conflict struggle with their own feelings
Release
"our dog is pregnant"
the neighbour was being impolite and rude in his words.
An obituary for fifth aunt come late
"a bronchial cough that wouldn't go away"
she was very sick and unhealthy and already in a bad state of health. without medication and treatment she would die.
Corridor
"who said I would not be happy at home"
this shows that the mother loves her home and like to stay at home. maybe she was old and dont like to travel.
Mid autumn
"I forbid you"
this shows that the mother doesnt want her daughter to go to Uganda. the mother is also trying to control her daughter's life and make choices in her life. the mother also didnt want her to go because she had sacrificed alot of things for her and doesnt want her efforts to be wasted.
Hamid and the hand of fate
"salmah fished out two ten dollar notes and stuff them in her bosom''
salmah kept asking money from hamid since she knew that hamid had received alot of money from the freak accident. She also knew that Hamid would not spend the money.
Pastime
"even simple things are so difficult"
he did not have the courage to face the girl and knowing the truth. he was scared about the truth as he know it was going to be painfull.
Paper
"do you know , mother , if I sold all my shares today , I would have the money to buy fifty terrace houses like one you have"
it shows that they earned alot of money from the shares. the money they earned could even buy fifty terrace houses. he aws like showing off his money.
The Martyrdom of Helena Rodrigues
"enable her to tyrannize most people with normally sensitive consciences"
Helena make people feel guilty. She loves to play with people's feelings. She make her "VICTIMS" feel guilty and bad about their actions.
Sundowner
"no doctor tuan, but the bidan says tijah is alright"
this shows that Aman did not believe in modern medicine and used traditional medicine and ways.
Paper
Evidence: He hankered after it as an addict after his opiate
Importance: This shows how much he wanted his dream house; He would do anything to get it.
Martyrdom of Helena Rodrigues
Evidence: Thenceforth Aloysius never brought home visitors without at least three says notice.
Importance: This shows how manipulative she can be, and because of her manipulative ways, Aloysius died.
Sun downer
Evidence: Not that kind of work, Aman. They must study. Work at school. You don’t want them to be a house boy like you, do you?
Importance: This shows how much he cares for his workers.
Tanjong Rhu
Evidence: Things you can buy, I do not need.
Importance: Does not want her son to wastes money on her.
Evening under Frangipani
Evidence: She heard a gurgle from his throat.
Importance: This is where the quarrel leading to their breakup.
Lee
Evidence: Oh.Yeah. Some. Not much Not the humidity.
Importance: This shows that Lee does not remember much about Singapore, ever since she left.
History of tea
Evidence: A storm in a tea cup.
Importance: Shows how a small matter is exaggerated into a big problem.
A dream of China
Evidence: Devote his time bringing me up
Importance: This quote is important as it tells us that the author's father is a very dedicated and caring father who wants to see his child grow up to be a good person. Which maybe the reason why he wants to stay in Singapore, and not go back to china.
Release
Evidence: The woman waved her hand. Her gold bracelet gleamed in the sun. “Yeah. Yeah, you’re like our dog.
Importance: This shows that the neighbour is unfriendly and rude. It also shows how rich and arrogant she is; as she waved her hand to show-off her gold bracelet.
An obituary for fifth aunt come late
Evidence: My aunt developed a bronchial cough that wouldn’t go awayImportance: This shows how sick she is; this was also the cause of her death.
Corridor
Evidence: She had left her window open.
Importance: Tells us that the neighbour might have forgiven them, starting to open up, because they used to close all windows.
MidAutumn
Evidence: But like that waste money, very ‘gek sim’.
Importance: This shows us that the mother is very thrifty.
Hamid and the hand of fate
Evidence: stamped on it was $80,000, a lump sum payment for the loss he suffered.
Importance: At this point he stopped working; this is also where all his problems started.
The move
Evidence: perhaps I should take the pomegranate tree with me she reflected.
Importance: She is in a dilemma, whether to take the tree with her or not, snice it has been with her for so long.
Pastime
Evidence: It's a hobby, a pastime. It's not real life.
Importance: Shows us that he treats his story telling, as a pastime.
Paper
“you leave everything to me !” said mother in law. This shows that mother in law was always angry with Yee Lian as she talked Tay Soon into buying stocks and shares which led to his death.
The martyrdon of Helena Rodriguez
“Helena trained her husband….”Helena has a controlling attitude and always wants things to be done her way always.
Sundowner
“There is no need to keep calling me ‘Tuan’, Anan, I prefer to be called Mr Das.”Mr Das is although powerful but humble unlike other ‘Tuans’.
Tanjong Rhu
“Fathers Shipyard,The one at Tanjong Rhu,don’t you remember?”…..”but mother,that was torn down thirty years ago”
A dream of china
“I didn’t want to see my father again…my father is a good man.”Although the authors father is a good man,nobody respected him due to his timid behavior in China.
Release
“All Eileen could do was smile and say thank you.”Eileen had many problems in her life presently and she could only hope for things to be better.
Evening under Frangipani
“mother had renewed her attack..”Elaine’s mother always showed hatred to Prakash and it is a good thing to remember throughout the story.
Lee
“are you my dad?”Li wen (Lee) has not met her dad for a long time.They do not have much bonding between them so they are not very close.
A History of Tea
“I’m so looking forward to china” Beverly thought she will be able to adapt to china as she has Chinese blood but it doesn’t turn out that way.
An obituary for fifth aunt come late
“I can’t comfirm if she was good-looking or smart or careful” Fifth aunt wasn’t very known around the family due to her appearance causing to be taken advantage of.
Corridor
“What judgements it would spell for us” The murder of the victim has not been solved and it will not be solved easily as there were no bystanders during the murder.
Mid-Autumn
“the moon cake,if don’t eat,must throw away” mother was very concerned about the freshness of the mooncake.She is also money-minded and will fell very hurt when she loses money.
Hamid and the hand of fate
“He called his senior Cambridge in the malay secondary school was embarrassed of his English”Hamid is not very well educated nor independent which means people can take advantage of him.
The move
“Too bad the pomegranate tree has grown so big”Mrs Teo loved her pomegranate tree and she was moving house.This helps me to remember the situations related to the pomegranate tree.
Pastime
“an old man like me doesn’t have much left to do”tai poh is bored and lonely while still trying to find something usefull to do in his life,
Darius
Paper
Quote-“You’re a show-off, what’s sp grand about marble flooring and a swimming pool? Why don’t you put your money to better use?”
Reason- From the quote, we can see that Tay Soon and Yee Lian are people who want to look high-class from the marble flooring to the swimming pool, these are things which they want to use to show others they are rich. Rather than spending their money on this unnecessary things, why not using these money for better use.
The Martydom of Helena Rodrigues
Quote- “Helena’s tactics enabled her to tyrannize most people –with normally sensitive consciences.”
Reason- From the quote, we can understand that Helena is intelligent in finding the tactics and she is also manipulative as the tactics she used helped her to tyrannize others who are scared because they felt sympatize.
Sundowner
Quote- “But my wife cooks and helps with cleaning. My two sons do the gardening and clean the tuan’s car. My bigger daughters help their mother. All do something for…”
Reason- From the quote, it shows that he is trying to defend and justify for the family to stay there and he is also justifying his family presence there.
Tanjong Rhu
Quote-“This things you can buy, I do not need.”
Reason- From this quote, we can see that whatever Mr Li but for his mother, she doesn’t need it and is already satisfied with the things she have.
Evening Under Frangipani
Quote-“I’m so glad you’ve converted to Christianity. It would be such a pity if Elaine couldn’t have beef.”
Reason-From this quote, we can see that Elaine’s Mother still disapprove on their relationship. As Prakash is an Indian, by their religion, he is not able to eat beef. Thus it shows the mother’s sarcasms.
Lee
Quote-“meat is poison, Dad.”
Reason- She believed that meat is poison and she claimed that it had been scientifically proven thus she became a vegetarian eating yogurt, carrots, celery, cream cheese and HVA Health-Fi-All-Vitamin Tonic.
A History Of Tea
Quote-“A storm in the teacup.”
Reason- From the quote, it shows that it is making a matter which is small into something big. She wanted to get engaged to a Jewish but was objected as her parents, after all they’ve been through, they objected to a mixed marriage.
A Dream Of China
Quote-“Whenever he sees anything particularly beautiful he says that’s how it is in China. The Catskill Mountain especially reminded me of home.”
Reason- From the quote, we can see how much he misses China and how much he wanted to return to China.
Release
Quote-“Yeah,yeah, youre like our dog.”
Reason- From this quote, we can see that the neighbor is mean and rude as she compared Eileen who is pregnant to her dog which is also pregnant.
An Orbituary for Fifth Aunt Come Late
Quote-“When she was six years old, my aunt developed a bronchial cough that wouldn’t go away even after weeks of murky, dark brews.”
Reason- From this quote, we can see that the aunt is sick and cannot be cured.
Corridor
Quote-“Who said I wasn’t happy at home? You all go to work whole day never see me in the house.”
Reason- Mak was lonely as the children are all busy at work and do not pay much attention to her so they did not know what Mak was feeling.
Mid Autumn
Quote-“Mummy, don’t be sad, can always buy new one.”
Reason- From the quote, it shows that the daughter is spoit and she have this “I don’t care” attitude which she thinks that when she lost her mickey mouse lantern, she could get a new one which shows that she is very irresponsible for her own belongings.
Hamid And The Hand Of Fate
Quote-“He always made sure he had enough in his wallet to satisfy her, going to the bank almost every week now.”
Reason- From the quote, we can see that Hamid gave in to all the temptation Salmah gave and when she asked for money, he always gave her, from $20, then $50 and sometimes even $100 and so he goes to the bank every week.
The Move
Quote-“Remember how Melissa and I would wait forever for the first pomegranate of the year to turn red? Did you really have this since before we were born?”
Reason- The pomegranate has so much memories in it and the children doesn’t want to bring it along.
Pastime
Quote-“What I told you is just a story.”
Reason- From this quote, we can see that it’s just a hobby, a pastime and everything is not real life.
Bernard
Edmund
Paper
-"It burned brilliantly,and in the three minutes was a heap of ashes on the grave" (Pg 9 )
This quote is important as it tells us that when Tay Soon was alive,he and his wife did not have the chance to realise their dream house.After Tay Soon has passed away,only paper house is burn for him.In the three minutes,it tells us about what are things that Tay Soon and her wife had lost in their past,like their hopes for their dream house is gone as they had lost all their money on stock market
The Martydom of Helena Rodrigues
-"Helena's tactics enable her to tyrannize most people - with normally sensitive consciences." (Pg 12)
This quote explain that in this story ,we able to understand what character Helena is.She always use her tactics to tyrannize other people and also control people like her husband and son.
Sundowner
-"The coolies are drunkards who beat their wives." (Pg 25)
The quote explains the life of peoples last time.The men would like to drink beer when the sun sets.After that,when they went home,they would start to beat up their wives as they are drunk.
Tanjong Rhu
-"The last gesture of propriety to acknowledge her death : that was what he had forgotten to do" (Pg 44)
The quote explains Mr Li had forgotten what to do when he know her mother's death.After she had pass away,Mr Li then start to regret as he starts to understand what her mother is trying to tell him all these times when she was still alive.
Eveining Under Frangipani
-"Yes,Mother.Too strong",Elaine said quietly,giving each word emphasis as she dug her fork into a fresh piece of chicken" ( Pg 84)
This quote is explaining that even though in the end,Elaine and Praskesh have broke up but Elaine,herself still remember all the things that Praskesh do with her.
Lee
-"He enived those father whose long-standing familiarity with their children had enabled them to evolve a comfortable shorthand codes of grunts,pauses and secret family words intelligible only to themselves
The quote is important because when Lee's father met Lee at airport.He was quite happy to see her.But he never thought that as it move along,conflicts started started in between each other.That why he say that he enived those father have good relationship whith their children not like him,eveytime alway have argument with Lee.
A History of tea
- "It can be told over a cup tea" (Pg 111)
It explains that we can through tea,we can understand some chinese history.
A Dream of China
-"China lay heavy on my father's conscience" (Pg 125)
The quote explains that in the writer father's mind,China to him is something that will make him feel gulity as he never go back to help his brother in China when his brother has problems at there while himself is staying in Singapore doing nothing.
Release
-"The monlight glanced off her cheek and tip of her nose ,eyes sank deep in shadow" (Pg 143)
This quote explains that Eileen was mad with her neighbours.She not getting a lot of sleeps because of the neighbour's dogs keep making noise which cause her baby to cry.So,she just stare at the neighbour's backyard instead,at the white kennel that stood just directly below her bedroom.
An Obituary for Fifth Aunt Come Late
-'No one is sure or will say how old she was" (Pg 161)
This quote show us that when fifth aunt was still alive,no one ever thought about her existencein the family.No one in the family appreciate her,For example,she do all the housework and cook for the family but no one actually notice it,act like she is not there.That why after she passed away,no one have much information about her,even her age also.
Corridor
-"I'm sure there was a meaning to it,the two families who hate each other not being in when something evil happens in front of their houses" . (pg 167)
The quote explains to us that there is quite a big hated between the writer's family and her neighbours.Maybe it is cause by her grandchildrens playing with the water pipes.This matter make her neighbour so angry.
Mid-Autumn
-"Fourteen years ago I brought my daughter a lantern." (Pg 177)
In this quote,we can see that the writer is quite a traditional person judging the way she celebrate with her daughter for Mid Autumn Festival.She also a thrifty person as she does not buy expensive lantern but only a normal lantern for her daugther.
Hamid And the Hand Of Fate
-"He told God he accepted what had happened to him" (Pg 194)
From this,we can see that even though Hamid had lost one of his hands but he still accept it and did not give up.He have the will to continue his life with only one hand.
The Move
-"Ma,you are not taking these footstools" (Pg 204)
The quote explain to us that Madam Teo wants to bring all stuffs including all the old ones to her son's new house.Her son does not really like the old stuffs a lot,that why he keep asking her mother to throw away all these things,He can buy new one to replace them.HEr mother is quite reluctant with her old stuffs because they had followed her for many years.
Pastime
-"It a hobby,a pastime.It's not real life"
The quote means Tai Poh is a person just like to make up stories as it is one of his hobby.Her enjoy saying all these stories but as what he say,is only stories not about real life.
Tszho
Paper
`'do you know , mother , if I sold all my shares today , I would have the money to buy fifty terrace houses like one you have
: it shows that they had money from playing shares
The martyrdom of Helena Rodrigues
"enable her to tyrannize most people with normally sensitive consciences "
: Helena make people feel guilty
Tanjong Rhu
"the pairs of binoculars bumped loudly against his brief case"
: discuss about Ah ma's difficult seeing and about the post
Evening under frangipani
Lee
A history of tea
A dream of china
Release
An obituary for fifth aunt come late
Corridor
Mid autumn
Hamid and the hand of fate
Pastime