FORM 4

ENGLISH LITERATURE FOLIO

SHORT STORY & POEM

NAME : Nur Asyiqeen bt. Mohd NorCLASS : 402 Al-BiruniCOLLEGE NO : CM095151TEACHER’S NAME : Miss Farah Nadia Mohamad Ishak

CONTENT

ContentIntroduction/overviewShort story [ The Lotus Eater] -synopsis -plot -character/characterization -themes -moral valuesPoem -meaning -themes -moral valuesConclusionSource

Introduction/Overview

The Lotus Eater’s writer-William Somerset Maugham

William Somerset Maugham was an avid traveler, and many on his stories related to the people he met, places he visited and experiences he encountered throughout his travels. Maugham was also a keen observer and his stories contained vivid descriptions of people, places and encounters. Although Maugham died in 1965, his literary works are still widely read and used as texts in schools and universities in many parts of world.

His stories are unique as they are narrative, as seen through the eyes of the narrator or writer. Maugham does not impose any judgment in his stories, he leaves it to the readers to make necessary judgment or form opinions based on the events in the story or the experiences that the characters undergo. This is also true of “The Lotus Eater” where the writer does not make any judgment based on Thomas Wilson’s character and outlook.

The Road Not Taken’s writer- Robert Frost

Robert Frost (1974-1963) is a literary marvel, who brought great meanings to the literary world. He won the Pulitzer Prize for his literary works several times throughout his lifetimes. His works of poetry are unique as they displayed a stylistic form that showed simplicity in language, reflections of distinct poetry forms, and an art of reaching out to the audience. His works of poetry presented deep-thoughts, reflections, philosophical insights, and brought out aspects of the human dimensions that engaged and appealed to the audiences. Robert Frost’s poetry works are read as literary texts in educational institutions and schools throughout the world. Although Frost died in 1963, his works of poetry live on remind the world of him as a person, poet and thinker.

Short Story

The LotusEater

ByWilliam Somerset

Maugham

SYNOPSIS

Thomas Wilson is a strange person. He is a former bank manager who wishes to only live for twenty five years. He has enough money to live until sixty. Wilson wishes to enjoy his life admist the beauty in The Island of Capri. But when his money finishes, he is not able to kill himself. He continues living in the cottage by borrowing money from his landlord. When he is told leave the cottage, he attempts to kill himself. But he is fails to do so and becomes ill. He is a changed person. His life becomes meaningless and he lives like a wild animal. In the end, he dies under the moonlight on the hillside.

PLOT

The Introduction or Opening Stage (Exposition):The story unfolds with the writer’s friend telling him about Thomas Wilson. Wilson plans to die when he reaches the age of sixty. The writer is surprised and wishes to meet Wilson. The writer meets Wilson and learns about him and his strange intention. Very few people would make a decision like Wilson, whose approach to life is unrealistic. Wilson does not reveal what he intends to do with his life or how he is going to end it. The writer fears that he intends to do some irrational act, but does not bother about it as it is Wilson’s life, and he has absolute control over it.

The Rising Action StageWilson has worked for a year to collect money and has bought an annuity (a kind of insurance policy) which would provide a yearly income to him on a regular basis. He plans to only live until his money finishes when he reaches the age of sixty. However, when Wilson money finishes when he reaches the age of sixty, he continues to live. He borrows some money to continue living by telling landlord that his money would come soon. Wilson manages to live under such pretext for over a year. But he luck runs out, and his landlord tells him to leave if he does not pay his rent. Wilson is faced with a dilemma.

ClimaxWilson attempts suicide by starting a fire using charcoal in his bedrooms while the windows are all shut. He is unsuccessful because he is not determined to take his own life. He has not made any major decisions for a long time so when it is time for him to make the most important decision; to take his own life. He is unable to do so.

The Falling Action StageHe is alive but becomes ill. Both Assunta and her husband, take him to hospital where his condition gets better. But, he is no more the same Wilson; he has changed. Assunta and her husband allow Wilson to live in a woodshed and they give him food. In return, he takes care of their goats and chicken. The woodshed is very uncomfortable to live in. It is extremely hot during summer, and on the other hand, freezing cold during winter. Wilson lives a miserable life. But, it is Wilson, who has chosen the manner to live. It is his choice of life.

The Closure or Ending

Wilson lives for six years in the woodshed. He dies in the hillside, on a ninght, when the full moon appears. He dies overlooking the impeccable Bay of Naples.

CHARACTERS

Thomas Wilson-unrealistic about life (after attempting suicide)-emotional/sensitive-impractical (wishes to live only for 25 years)-unwise and not far sighted-irresponsible-irrational-insistent, adamant-undetermined-indecisive-selfish, self-centered, loner, loser, reserved-easygoing, simplistic, unbothered-not ambitious-disillusioned-dishonest

Writer/Narrator-realistic/practical (down-to-earth)-responsible-contented with life-curious, interested to know people and about their lives-friendly-certain about things in life-determined-not judgmental of other people’s characteristics or behaviours-an avid traveler-sympathetic-assertive

Assunta-sympathetic -helpful/kind-generous/concern/caring-wise-friendly-assertive-hardworking-attentive

Writer’s or Narrator’s Friend-friendly and likes to socialize-educated-well-mannered-responsible-concern/caring

Assunta’s Husband -opportunist-strict/stern landlord-money-minded

THEMES

Making DecisionsThe story involves the themes of making decisions. Decision-making is part and parcel of living. Everyone needs to make decisions in life, whether it is major or minor. Throughout the story, the idea of making decision and facing the consequences or the effects of decision is notable. However, he is not determined or courageous to make the most important decision in his life; to commit suicide. Wilson fails to make the decision to takes his life. The decisions that Wilson makes are giving up his job, selling his properties, leaving London, wanting to live for twenty five years, and choosing the way he would live. However, he makes the wrong decisions and his life turns out to be meaningless, empty and miserable. He is a pauper in the end.

ResponsibilityThe theme of responsibility is also present in the story. People have responsibility towards their family and friends. In ‘The Lotus Eater’ Wilson runs away from responsibilities. He does not wish to take any responsibilities and live a simple live, where he does not need to be responsible to anyone or organization. On the other hand, the other characters show their responsibility. Responsibility is not only confirmed to the self, but also is extended to family, friends and organizations. Responsibility entails making the right decisions in life too.

Making JudgmentThe theme of making judgment about someone based on the actions of the respective person or character. While the readers may be judgmental of Wilson, the writer or narrator is not judgmental at all. He does not impose his judgment on the readers or influence them. The writer is neutral and says that everyone is entitled to make his or her decisions in life. However, they have to face the consequences of their decisions and actions. The writer fears that Wilson intends to do some irrational acts, but does not bother about it as it is Wilson’s life, and he has absolute control over it. Making judgment is an important aspect that runs throughout the story.

Live is preciousThe theme also deals with suicide. It is not easy to end one’s life. The moral issue on life is; no one has the right to take his or her life. Life is the gift of God and it is precious. Wilson wishes to end his life after living for twenty five years or when he reaches the age of sixty. But, in reality it is impossible to end one’s life by limiting the span of life. Even Wilson is unable to end his own life, as he has planned and decided. The value of life is discussed in the story as one of the themes.

MORAL VALUES

1. It is important to appreciate the gift of lifeThe story teaches us to appreciate the gift of life. The gift of life is divine. As human we have a moral obligation to protect life and not to end it by committing suicide. Life is too precious and Wilson is unwise to want to end his life upon reaching the age of sixty. We must realise that it is important to live life to the fullest and not act as a coward by committing suicide.

2. It is important to have a vision in lifeThe story teaches us have a vision in life. Wilson’s life is empty, meaningless and miserable. He fails to be a success in life. He ends up as a pauper, shuns away from people, living life as if he is a wild animal. The story teaches us that life would be meaningful if we have a vision or ambition. It is important for us to develop ourselves as knowledgeable individuals who are able to contribute to the betterment of the self, society and country. In Wilson case, he has worked as a manager, is well-educated and should be able to lead a meaningful life. But he chooses to leave everything behind and become a rolling stone which gathers no moss. In the end, he ends up living a pathetic life, and his life is meaningless. The moral of the story is to be positive-minded and have a vision to be a success in life.

3. It is important to be practicalThe story teaches us to be practical and learn to solve problem carefully. There is a need for us to be realistic in life. It is important for a person to be educated, get a decent job and contribute to the betterment of society. This is the reality of living in a society. We cannot isolate ourselves and live life alone. No man is an island, thus we need to be part and parcel of society. Wilson behaves strange, living on his own, away from people and later, he avoids people. It is very impractical. It is so important to what is happening around us, living a meaningful and practical life.

4. The importance of being responsibleFrom the story we learn about responsibility. It is important to be responsible. Throughout the story, Wilson is irresponsible. He is not a very responsible person as he wants to live a meaningless life and he is willing to end his own life. A responsible person will not be thinking of isolating himself. Moreover, a responsible person will not be thinking of committing suicide. Wilson is also not responsible as he cheats his landlady into believing that he will be getting some money soon. He borrows from his landlord and does not repay him. He tries to kill himself by starting a fire inside the cottage. Instead of taking care and protecting the cottage, he behaves

like an arsonist. From the incidents in the story, we learn that responsibility is an important virtue. It is trait that shows that a person is disciplined and can be trusted.

POEM

THE ROAD NOTTAKEN

BY

ROBERT FROST

MEANING

1. “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,” - Two roads appeared at a junction in a forest in autumn.

2. “And sorry I could not travel both” - And I could not travel on both of them on the same time

3. “And be one traveler, long I stood” - I stood there for a long time

4. “And looked down one as far I as I could” - And looked as far as I could

5. “To where it bent in the undergrowth;” - One of the roads bent in thick bushes

6. “Then took the other, as just as fair” - Then took the other path which looked just as good

7. “And having perhaps the better claim,” - And perhaps looked more inviting

8. “Because it was grassy and wanted wear;” - Because it looked grassy and undisturbed

9. “Though as for that the passing there” - At that time when I thought about my two choices

10. “Had worn them really about the same.” - I felt that both roads looked alike

11. “And both that morning equally lay” - And both lay equally inviting

12. “In leaves no step had trodden black.”

- There was no one around to explains things to me or help me decide

13. “Oh, I kept the first for another day!” - I finally decided to keep the first road for another time

14. “Yet knowing how way leads on to way,” - Yet knowing how times passed and one thing led to another

15. “I doubted if I should ever come back.” - I did not think I would ever have the chances to experience the life the other option offered

16. “I shall be telling this with a sigh” - I would be telling this incident with a sigh of relief

17. “Somewhere ages and ages hence:” - For a long time ago

18. “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –” - Two roads appeared at a junction in a forest and I

19. “I took the one less traveled by.” - Took the one that fewer people took

20. “And that has made all the difference.” - And it had made a difference in my life.

THEMES

Making important decision in lifeThe poem deals with making important decision in life. Decision making is an important aspect in life. The persona faces a situation in which he has to a very important decision that would affect his next course of action. In the poem the persona is a traveler who comes across two diverged roads. He has to choose the one that would take him to the right destination. The persona makes the decisions after weighing the pros and cons.

The realities in lifeThe persona faces the realities of life as a solo traveler. There is no one he can turn to for help or assist him to make decisions. This is one of the themes in the poem. The persona realises of his immediate environment and knows that the situation is a real one. He is faced with a problem. There are two options or alternatives available but he can only choose one. This is the reality in life. There are instances in life when one has to make a decision from the number or possibilities or alternatives.

Facing challenges in lifeOne of the themes of the poem also relates to facing challenges in life. There are many challenges in life. The poem shows that persona is willing to face challenges in life. He is willing to make decisions that are risky. Risk-taking is part of facing challenges in life. There are many uncertainties in life as indicated by the persona but as a traveler at the cross-road of life, he is willing to take challenges to achieve his goals. Being optimistic helps face the challenges in life.

Understanding oneselfThe poem also highlights the theme knowing oneself. It shows that the persona knows himself very well especially his strengths and weaknesses. He is willing to make a vital decision and face the consequences of his action. The persona is confident in making decisions.

Forward-lookingThe poem highlights the theme of forward-looking. The persona as a traveler is a forward-looking person. He looks forward to the future even without knowing what the future holds. The persona is also optimistic towards the future.

MORAL VALUES

The poem teaches us to deal with situations in a rational way, by understanding the situation well. It also teaches us to make important decisions carefully. The persona shows that it is important to weigh pros and cons before solving a problem or making an important decision.

The poem highlights positive values that are important to succeed in life. It teaches us to be forward-looking, optimistic, and far-sighted. We need to be focused as life in a journey and we are all travelers. Thus, we need to make the right decisions in life.

We learn the importance of being realistic and practical in life. When we make decisions from available options we have to be careful as we have to face the consequences of our actions. It teaches us to be brave in facing the challenges in life and to make decisions carefully as some in life are risky. Risk-taking is part and parcel of challenges in life.