BBL 4306 Literature of Malaysia

SCORPION ORCHID (1976) Lloyd Fernando

Biography Malaysian, born in Sri Lanka in 1926, and in 1938, at the age of twelve, migrated to Singapore with his family. Continued schooling at St Patrick’s, but the Japanese occupation of Singapore from 1943 to 1945 interrupted his formal schooling and, most tragically, costing his father’s life in one of the Japanese bombing raids. Started working as a trishaw rider, construction labourer and apprentice mechanic, to support himself and the family. Completed his Cambridge School Certificate and embarked on a school teaching career.

In 1955, he entered the University of Malaya in Singapore, graduating in 1959 with double Honours in English and Philosophy. In 1960, he joined the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur as an assistant lecturer. In 1964, he obtained a Ph.D. in English from the University of Leeds, England. In 1967, he was elevated to Professor and Head of English at the University of Malaya, posts he held until 1979. Went to England and studied law.

Joined a firm, and eventually started his own practice, which he continued right up to the time he had a stroke, which was in December 1997. Died on 28 February 2008.

Publications Twenty-two Malaysian Stories: an anthology of writing in English (1968) – edited anthologies New Drama One (1972) - edited anthology New Drama Two (1972) - edited anthology Scorpion Orchid (1976) – 1st novel "New Women" in Late Victorian Novel (1977) – criticism Modern Malaysian Stories (1982) – edited anthology Cultures in Conflict (1986) - criticism Green is the Colour (1993) – 2nd novel

Synopsis Story of four university friends of different ethnic background: Sabran (Malay), Santinathan (Indian), Guan Kheng (Chinese) & Peter (Eurasian). Set in colonial Singapore (British colonisation). Their friendship is challenged with the political and social changes that take place in Singapore during the pre-independence stage. Social niceties are stripped away as the characters are reduced to the bare bones of their racial prejudices. Ending – the four friends go their separate ways and the multiracial relationships especially between a Malay and non-Malay face tremendous reservations.

“The first Malaysian novel in English to take a hard look at the realities of the Malaysian situation, and to consider in forthright manner the inexpressible and perhaps, even inexplicable racial dilemma confronting the country and to try and suggest not only a solution to the racial problem but also a perspective or approach to it” (Baksh 52)

Style Events in the past : “reminds the readers that what may seem current has already occurred in the past” “to open history to the non-linear reading” (Roxas Tope 141) Bridging two literary traditions – Malay and English - incorporating extracts from classical Malay literatures i.e. Hikayat Abdullah, Sejarah Melayu & Hikayat Hang Tuah Different characters with different mindsets – numerous voices in Malaysia – given equal attention – dynamic & static

Mystical characters i.e. Tok Said, Sally-Salmah Symbolism i.e. Scorpion Orchid

Themes & Issues Central question: How can Singapore with its lack of shared history and internal social cohesion, create a collective soul for itself and chart a common national destiny? Dismantling of racial and gender hierarchies Active and objective settlement of the language question Mutual trust between the races through interdependence & cultural exchange