SPM Literature Component : Leaving by M.G. Vassanji. Read more.

Assalamualaikum WBT and hello everyone.

I noticed that my writings were read by many people who came from various backgrounds. Thank you very much. 

Now, as promised, I will write on Moral Values, Point of View, Tone and Mood, Language and Style and last but not least, Literary Devices.

As you all know that Leaving by M.G. Vassanji is from the book Changing their Skies. Stories from Africa. We are going to jump straight at the topic.

Moral Values : 

1. Thinking rationally.

Rational thinking is important because in this story, Aloo's mother needs to stop being emotional because she needs to put her emotions aside, just to let her mind do all the thinking. Remember when Aloo said that he wanted to go abroad because he wanted to study differently from what his mum has planned for him? Medicine instead of agriculture. But then, after have a deep thought of it, his mother decided to talk to the school officer, Mr. Velji before making the decision. She is shown as a very humble, balanced and yet emotional mother. Well, who does not want the best for their children, right?

2. Paying attention to important things is what bring success to Aloo.

As told in the story, Aloo is a very hard-working and smart student. He passed all the exams with flying colours. Why? It is because he is talented, gifted and yet very hard-working student. He listened to his teachers. He too read all the brochures about the university that he wanted to go, in America. The land where dream comes true.

3. Be a responsible person

The moral values of responsibility can be found anywhere in the short story IF you read it carefully understood the story and you can relate it to your lives. Trust me, it would make a lot better. Let say, you take the example of Aloo's mother of being responsible to her children or Aloo being responsible of being a student at school. You can elaborate simple based on that. Connect the dots, okay?

Point of View :

Leaving was told by Aloo's sister, remember that right? It was in first person point of view. It is the family relationships through her eyes.

Tone and Mood :

Heartwarming is the tone for this story and it generally reflects the love and care the family members have for each other. The mood is positive and optimistic. The main character also hopes to have better future and one day he will comeback to his hometown and take care of his mother. Now, usually in the SPM question, it needs you to put some examples and do not hesitate to put some example from you point of view, okay?

Language and Style :

After you read Leaving by M.G. Vassanji, you will find that the author was using basically simple and direct language. Easy to understand.

Literary Devices :

The famous Literary Devices used by authors are Imagery, Simile and also Symbolism, but you can choose any from many Literary Devices that you know but you have to put the example. Find it for yourself but here I will write a few for your reference.

1. Imagery

Descriptive words create interesting and vivid images in the reader's mind.

E.G.

"Wild land, with tall trees and at night it felt lonely, frightening place." (Page 32)

"An exciting new world was waiting or him." (Page 33)

Simile

A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind.

E.G.

"He had a large head, which looked like an egg". (Page 36)

"He walked in like a soldier...". (Page 36)

IronyThe expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect or in other words, sarcasm.

E.G.

Aloo's mother refers to Aloo's uncles in America who will pay for the university fees. (Page 32,34)

Now, Aloo's mother was being sarcastic and Aloo did not have uncles or relatives in the USA and the reason why she said that because, she was trying to cover her sadness because she does not have money to pay for the college.

Tips for SPM in answering the questions.

1. You need to read and understand the story and also the gist of the story. Do not neglect that.

2. You need to understand the pages, well, at least a few of it.

3. You CANNOT LEAVE blank answer sheet. PLEASE, write anything that related to the questions. Anything.

4. Be prepared.

5. Read.

Assalamualaikum WBT,

Good luck for your SPM dear readers.

p/s: Keep reading and understand the concept then you will be able to answer the questions.