The Curse: Setting

Using details from the novel you have studied, describe the setting, explain why you find the setting suitable for the novel. Support your answer with close reference to the text.

Based on the novel “The Curse” by Lee Su Ann, the story tells of the death of Madhuri and how it affects the villagers. Azreen returns from London to mourn the death of her sister, Madhuri. Madhuri’s body is found in a rubber estate and is taken away from the place by her husband, Haji Ghani. Puan Normala claims that Madhuri has white blood and that this is a sign that their village is cursed. There is an air of mystery and Azreen cannot get any answers as to the cause of her sister’s death.

The story is set in the present day and covers the space of a few months. It is based on a village in an island to the south of Pulau Langkawi. The village is small and is surrounded by rubber estates, fruit plantations, paddy fields and jungles. The village has its share of the usual characters who adds to the mysterious mood. There is a ‘bomoh’, the village gossipers and a vampire-like figure who flits in and out of the village and jungle and a witch (the Old Lady) who lives in the jungle. For a period of time, the weather is stormy and there are floods.

The mood in the story is mysterious, intense, dramatic and full of suspense. There is fear among the villagers as they are superstitious and any unusual incident is linked to the supernatural. Madhuri’s death is seen as the start of a curse enveloping the island. She is said to have white blood. The ‘bomoh’ can see a calamity brewing. When the Old Lady from the jungle comes to a village, it is also seen as a bad omen. Added to these is the likeness of the long-haired lady to Madhuri. Some think it is the spirit of Madhuri who comes back to haunt them

I find the setting suitable for the mood as it enhances the suspense and drama of the story.