Literature Component 2015 for Form 1

Poems
News Break by Max Fatchen
Sad I Ams by Trevor Millum
Short Story
Fairs Fair by Narinder Dhani
Graphic Novel
The Swiss Family
Robinson by Johann
David Wyss
20,000 Leagues Under
The Sea by Jules Verne
King Arthur retold by
Janet Hardy-Gould
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 English Focus PT3 Exploring Literature
POEMS
1 News Break by Max Fatchen
Paraphrase of the Poem
Stanza 1
The persona is greeted with a kiss and a hug from her child who offers to help
her with some
work. She is puzzled with the change in his behaviour.
Stanza 2
The child looks clean and his clothes are not creased. It is surprising that he
did not spend his
lunch money, an unusual occurrence.
Stanza 3
When the child arrives home, he does not drop his school books or shriek out li
ke a rebel as he
usually does.
Stanza 4
The persona feels as if she is talking to a stranger and not her usual noisy ch
ild. She wants to
take a closer look at him to satisfy her curiosity that it is really him.
Stanza 5
She wonders if he had been struck by lightning or hit during a game. Then, she
notices his
school report in his hand and understands the reason for his sudden change in be
haviour.
Themes

Awareness of changes in peoples behaviour

Being alert to changes in our surroundings
Understanding young people
Changes and circumstances
Accepting reasons without prejudice
Necessity is the mother of invention
Values

We must be aware of changes in the ways people think and act.

We need to be alert to changes in our surroundings.
There are times when young people need the support of their elders.
Circumstances may force us to make changes.
When young people hide their reasons for behaving differently, adults should att
empt to
understand them.
We must be prepared to make changes in the face of imperative needs.
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 English Focus PT3 Exploring Literature
Structure, style and language
Tone and mood
Five stanzas
Loving and questioning
Rhyming scheme: abcb
Humourous yet serious
Simple and easy to understand
Point of view
First person point of view
Symbolism
Hyperbole
Alliteration
Imagery
Literary
Devices
in News
Break
Assonance
Rhetoric
questions
Metaphor
Simile
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 English Focus PT3 Exploring Literature
2 Sad I Ams by Trevor Millum
Paraphrase of the Poem
Stanza 1
The persona feels unwanted and compares himself/herself to a ring from an empty
drink can,
leftovers from an unclean porridge pan and a loose arm from an old action figure
toy.
Stanza 2
The persona feel useless like an envelope that cannot be used, a roll of cellop
hane tape that
cannot be peeled off, an empty stapler without bullets, a clip that has no sprin
g, correction
fluid that has dried and an unsent letter.
Stanza 3
The persona feels tired and worn out like a battery that cannot charge, a start
er motor that
does not work, a bald tyre, a sparking plug with no life, a dirty carburettor an
d a tarnished
chromium trim.
Stanza 4
The persona feels abandoned like an overgrown garden, a library book that no on
e chooses to
read and an unheeded a piece of good advice.
Themes

Things that have no value are disposable

Losing direction with family and friends
Feeling unloved or losing confidence
The importance of maintaining and looking after the things we have
Neglecting ones possessions
Negativism about life and how one is treated
Seeking for attention
Values
We should be positive about our status in life.
We need to learn how to recognise and value our abilities and possessions.
We need to keep faith with the people around us and know that every person dese
rves to be loved
equally.
We should have confidence in ourselves.
Material things are valuable but human relationships are even more important.
We should open up and express ourselves when we are feeling unhappy.
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 English Focus PT3 Exploring Literature
Structure, style and language
Tone and mood
Four stanzas
Sad and serious
No fixed rhyming scheme
Disappointed and despondent
Simple and easy to understand
Point of view
First person point of view
Symbolism
Personification
Alliteration
Assonance
Literary
Devices in
Sad I Ams
Simile
Pun
Metaphor
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 English Focus PT3 Exploring Literature
SHORT STORY
Fairs Fair by Narinder Dhani
Place
Childrens neighbourhood playground
Childrens homes
Setting
Time
Morning to afternoon
Sam
Raj
Lee
Characters
Lees
mother
Rajs
father
Sams
father
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 English Focus PT3 Exploring Literature
Plot
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Honesty
Friendship
Resourcefulness
in the face of
problems
Themes in
Fairs Fair
Good
neighbourliness
Determination
Values

We must always be honest with friends and strangers.

We must think of ways to solve problems.
We should not let problems get in our way.
We must be willing to help friends and strangers.
GRAPHIC NOVEL
1 The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss

(Selangor, W.P. Kuala Lumpur, W.P. Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka)

Synopsis
This is the story of a Swiss family, the Robinson family of six (parents and fou
r children) who
are shipwrecked on a deserted island en route to Australia to settle as missiona
ries. Their
sailing ship is hit by a very bad storm. They manage to build a raft and escape
from the ship
to an island. The island becomes their home for ten years. They create a home on
the island
and survive with things they salvage from the ship and sources of food and mater
ials they find
on the island to live a comfortable, though at times dangerous, life. When a Bri
tish ship comes
to the rescue several years later, the children leave the island but the parents
stay on in their
island paradise, a place where they have been perfectly happy.
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 English Focus PT3 Exploring Literature
Setting
Place
A ship sailing en route to Australia
On a raft of planks and barrels on the open sea
A deserted island
Time
Early 19th century
Characters and character traits
Character
Character traits
Mr Robinson
Father narrator of story
Knowledgeable about surroundings plants and
animals
Loving husband and father
Brave and willing to take risks
Self-reliant and creative
Caring and places safety of family top
priority
Mrs Robinson
Mother intelligent and resourceful
Versatile cook
Homemaker keeps childrens safety and wellbeing top priority
Supportive and uncomplaining
Willing to stay out of limelight but a
strong force behind family
Able to adapt to changed circumstances
Fritz Robinson
Oldest boy 15 years old
Intelligent but impetuous
Strongest and accompanies father on many
adventures
Observant and curious of their
surroundings
Adventurous
Gallant willing to help a damsel in
distress
Ernest Robinson
Second oldest 13 years old
Most intelligent but not so physically active
Adventurous
Proud of his achievements
Jack Robinson
Third in the family 11 years old
Quickest of the boys
 Childish
Bold
Franz Robinson
Youngest 8 years old usually stays by mothers
side
Obedient
Playful but careful
Jenny Montrose
A British girl stranded on the other side of the
island
Found by Fritz
Left island with Fritz and they married in London
Brave
Strong survival instinct
Independent and confident
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 English Focus PT3 Exploring Literature
Plot
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Survival
Faith in God
Teamwork
Themes
Family support
and love
Perseverance
Thankfulness
Values

We must never give up in whatever we do.

Family is very important.
In order to live well, you must learn to cooperate with the people around you.
One must always seek Gods help in times of trouble and thank God for the good thi
ngs He has
given us.
No matter what has happened to you in life, it is important to accept what life
has given you and
make the most of it.
Be creative.
Determination will help you succeed.
Structure, style and language
Tone, mood and atmosphere
Simple and easy to understand
Upbeat
Descriptive and full of imagery
Friendly and encouraging
Point of View
First person point of view the story is told by Mr Robinson
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 English Focus PT3 Exploring Literature
2 King Arthur retold by Janet Hardy-Gould

(Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Sabah, Sarawak, W.P. Labuan)

Synopsis
England has no king and there is a lot of civil strife. Merlin the magician drea
ms of a future
king named Arthur. He sets up a magic stone with a sword in it. The spell cast o
n that stone
ensures that only the true king can pull it out. Arthur eventually does it and i
s crowned King
Arthur of England. Merlin helps Arthur to become a good, strong king who is well
-liked by
the people. King Arthur meets Guinevere and makes her his queen despite Merlins w
arnings.
Merlin finds out that he is losing his magic and gives King Arthur a sword which
will help
him rule England well. King Arthur holds a jousting competition to find the best
knights
in England for the Round Table. Lancelot emerged as the winner. King Arthur gets
to know
Lancelot and they become great friends. Guinevere and Lancelot often ride togeth
er. Morgan
and Mordred take advantage of the situation and tell King Arthur that Guinevere
and Lancelot
are in love. King Arthur believes them and drives Lancelot away. The king become
s sad and
does not look after his country. He goes after Lancelot for a fight and loses hi
s throne to
Mordred. In the ensuing battle with Mordred, Arthur is fatally wounded and Lance
lot kills
Mordred. Arthurs last words to Lancelot are to take his sword and throw it into t
he water.
Merlin returns and takes Arthur away.
Setting
Place
Medieval England
Castle of Camelot
Lake where Merlin makes a magic stone and
puts a sword in it
Parts of England where Arthur battles to unite
England under his rule
Time
Year 650s
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 English Focus PT3 Exploring Literature
Characters and character traits
Character
Character traits
King Arthur
Crowned King of England after he pulls out the
sword from the magic stone
Fights many battles to unite England
Loved by his people because his reign brought
peace and prosperity
Has a happy marriage with Guinevere
Does not listen to Merlin
Courageous battled to unite his kingdom
Loving built Castle Camelot for his wife
Guinevere
Intelligent and creative creates the
Knights of the Round Table
Jealous drives Lancelot away and
abandons his wife and kingdom
Merlin
A magician who paves the way for Arthur to
become king
Advisor and teacher to King Arthur
Advises against Arthurs marriage to Guinevere
and battle with Mordred
Visionary sees Arthur as the new king of
England
Helpful gives Arthur a magic sword to
guide him when his power was leaving
him
Loyal returns to take the dying King
Arthur away
Lancelot
Defeats Gawain to become the strongest knight
in England
First knight of the Round Table
Kills Mordred for his treachery
Brave challenges Gawain and defeats
him
Reliable loves Guinevere but does not
betray King Arthurs trust
Loyal Returns to Camelot to fight
Mordred with King Arthur
Mordred
Son of Morgan (King Arthurs half-sister)
Killed by Lancelot for betraying King Arthur
Divisive creates bad feelings between
King Arthur and Lancelot
Opportunistic- seizes the throne in King
Arthurs absence
Guinevere
Married King Arthur, becomes his Queen and
has a happy marriage
Supportive gives Arthur the Round
Table so he can select the best knights in
the kingdom
Morgan
King Arthurs half-sister
Can see into the future
Helps Mordred to usurp the throne
Ambitious wants her son Mordred to
become king
Not trustworthy wins Guineveres trust
but later spreads lies about the Queen
and Lancelot
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Plot
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Themes
Strong and true
leadership
The value of
friendship
Treachery and
betrayal
Chivalry and
gallantry
Values

A leader should provide strong and proper leadership.

We should look after the interest of our team members.
A leader should give opportunities to his or her members to grow mentally and ph
ysically.
We should value friendship that is true and sincere.
Do not be taken in by people, including family members who are insincere.
We must learn how to differentiate between true and false friendships.
Structure, style and language
Tone, mood and atmosphere
Simple and easy to understand
Intimate and sombre
Descriptive and full of imagery
Heroic, but turns bleak in the end
Point of View
Third person point of view
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 English Focus PT3 Exploring Literature
3 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea by Jules Verne

(Kelantan, Kedah, Perlis, Perak, Pulau Pinang)

Synopsis
A mysterious submarine called the Nautilus journeys underwater around the world
under
the navigation of Captain Nemo. Professor Pierre Aronnax, Ned Land and Conseil,
who have
been thrown overboard from the American warship the Abraham Lincoln, are aboard
the
Nautilus as captives of Captain Nemo. They are safe as long as they do not attem
pt to make
an escape. Professor Aronnax is thrilled by the library within the ship. There a
re incredible
facilities that enable the Nautilus to make its incredible journey. He is happy
to be able to
observe the real wonders of sea life from the submarine. They experience many ex
citing
adventures like hunting underwater at night and during the day; landing on an is
land with
angry natives, fishing for giant pearls, seeing the lost city of Atlantis and th
e South Pole. The
Nautilus runs into trouble a few times but Captain Nemo is able to overcome them
. Finally,
Professor Aronnax, Ned and Conseil manage to escape from the Nautilus and Captai
n Nemo.
Setting
Place
Professor Aronnaxs library at home
Open sea off the coast of Australia
On board the American warship, the Abraham
Lincoln
On board the submarine, the Nautilus
In the open seas and oceans of the world
The South Pole
A fishermans cottage
Time
The 1860s (1867 1868)
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 English Focus PT3 Exploring Literature
Characters and character traits
Character
Character traits
Professor Pierre Aronnax
Assistant Professor in Museum of Natural
History in Paris
Deep interest in secrets of the sea
Captive on board Nautilus wrote journal
on board of Nautilus
Determined to learn about the secrets of
the sea
Curious interested to know the workings of
Nautilus and personality of Nemo
Non-judgmental forms opinions about
people and surroundings after observing
them
Fair and appreciative credits Captain Nemo
for his technical achievements
Captain Nemo
Captain of the ship Nautilus
A scientific genius built the Nautilus
An enigma cruel yet kind
Difficult to get close to
Self-confident and takes pride in his work
Enjoys showing off his scientific discoveries
Cruel yet kind and passionate about loss of
his crew has a soft side
Courageous goes after what he wants with
determination
Quick tempered strong self-control
Ned Land
A Canadian 40 years old tall
Quick with hand nicknamed prince of
harpooners
Captive on board Nautilus
Cool and confident of his skill as a harpooner
Bold and willing to risk his life to save
Professor Aronnax and Captain Nemo
Alert points out possibilities to escape from
the Nautilus
Conseil
Professors Aronnaxs manservant
Captive on board Nautilus
Loyal to Professor Aronnax
Brave and courageous jumps into sea to
save Professor Aronnax
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 English Focus PT3 Exploring Literature
Plot
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Themes
The complexity of
human personality
Freedom / Liberty
Revenge
Values

We should be kind and generous.

We should be loyal.
We should be ambitious.
We should have determination.
We should have compassion and sympathy.
We need to be patient.
We can be adventurous.
We should cooperate.
Language and style
Tone, mood and atmosphere
Simple and easy to understand
Solemn
Descriptive and full of imagery
Suspenseful
Point of View
First person point of view the story is told by Professor Pierre Aronnax
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