Online Task 2

Do we have a canon for Malaysian literary works? Let's say we do, who do you think are in it? Consider the fact that their works are well-known and most importantly included as part of the school syllabus- (both in BM and English)
- KS Maniam – The Return

- Datuk A. Samad Said- The Dead Crow

- Dr. Muhammad Haji Salleh – Si Tenggang’s Home Coming

-Datuk Dr. Usman Awang –Mother’s grave

The poems by Erica Jong raises some feminist issues. What are they?

-women’s right, sex issues, love

Do you think they are suitable to teach at the secondary school level? Explain.

-The secondary school students are much matured and exposed compared to those days. Hence Erica Jong’s poems will be suitable to teach them and educate them on many issues. It actually enhances their awareness on women’s rights, sex positive issues and male dominance as well.

Is Hillary Tham's poem more suitable?

-Hillary Tham’s poems are also suitable for the students because her works mostly consider Malaysian’s Scenario and sensitive issues in Malaysia. Most importantly her language has been conveyed in simpler way, which actually eases the reader’s understanding too.

The short tale from the Native American group is about a girl who is unsatisfied with her life. How is this a universal experience? Can it teach our students anything?

-This story definitely teaches a lot of moral values to our students. Mainly not to trust the outlook. It is the trend everywhere to fall for a handsome man and ending up with tormenting future. It teaches to respect the elders too.

From your findings about his background, tell me about the dilemma he conveys through the poem CROSS.

- Langston Hughes is from mixed racial heritage. Hence he had expressed his feeling of frustration and grief of slavery in America. He has conveyed about the struggles went through by him. He was unable to accept himself as white or black. He has showed how the society stereotyped these mixed races.

I find "Dinner Guest: Me" laden with irony and sarcasm. Briefly state if you feel the same.

- Yes I feel the same too. This is mainky because the black people was regarded as poor, dirty, uneducated and low class. But the white people was regarded high society, educated and knowledgeable. This is genuinely unfair.

The experience in the poem Harlem is one that is true for many people. Do you agree?

-According to my point of view, it is true. There are many people stills struggling just to achieve their simple dreams. But it is really sad that, their dreams are unattended just because they are considered “low-cast” and extra. But among this list, there are many kept fighting and even many have been successful too. So no matter how tough is our going but we must have the strength and the self esteem to achieve it.

Langston Hughes fights for the voice of his people. What is the movement called?

- The movement is called New Negro Movement.( Implying a more outspoken advocacy of dignity )