The Legend of Malin Kundang
In a small coastal village in West Sumatra, Indonesia, lived a young man named Malin Kundang. He was strong, ambitious, and eager to seek his fortune. One day, he decided to leave his poor mother and sail across the seas to distant lands.
Years passed, and Malin Kundang became wealthy. He acquired a grand ship and crew, amassing riches beyond imagination. However, he forgot about his humble origins and the mother he had left behind.
One fateful day, as his ship docked near his old village, Malin Kundang's mother recognized him. She ran to the shore, tears streaming down her face, and called out to her son. But Malin Kundang, ashamed of his past, denied her. He turned to stone, cursed by his own mother, and his ship transformed into a rocky hill overlooking the sea.
To this day, locals believe that the hill is Malin Kundang, forever frozen in stone, a reminder of the consequences of heartlessness and ingratitude.
Essay Questions and Answers
1. What is the central theme of the legend of Malin Kundang?
- The central theme is the importance of filial piety, gratitude, and compassion towards one's family.
2. Describe Malin Kundang's character at the beginning of the story.
- At the beginning, Malin Kundang is ambitious, eager for wealth, and willing to leave his mother behind to seek fortune.
3. How does Malin Kundang's attitude change over time?
- Malin Kundang becomes arrogant, forgets his roots, and denies his own mother when he returns home wealthy.
4. What role does Malin Kundang's mother play in the story?
- His mother represents love, sacrifice, and the consequences of neglecting family bonds.
5. Why does Malin Kundang turn to stone?
- His mother's curse transforms him into stone as punishment for his heartlessness.
6. What does the rocky hill overlooking the sea symbolize?
- The hill symbolizes Malin Kundang's frozen heart and serves as a cautionary tale for future generations.
7. How does the legend reflect Indonesian cultural values?
- It emphasizes the importance of family, respect for elders, and the belief in supernatural consequences.
8. What lesson can modern society learn from Malin Kundang's story?
- Modern society should value family bonds, show gratitude, and avoid selfishness.
9. What emotions do you think Malin Kundang felt when he denied his mother?
- Malin Kundang likely felt shame, guilt, and regret.
10. Why do you think the legend of Malin Kundang endures over time?
- The story's universal themes resonate with people across cultures and serve as a timeless reminder.
True/False Questions and Answers
- Malin Kundang left his mother to seek fortune. (True)
- His ship turned into a rocky hill. (True)
- Malin Kundang's mother recognized him after years of absence. (True)
- The legend takes place in East Java. (False)
- Malin Kundang's wealth made him humble. (False)
- The hill symbolizes prosperity. (False)
- Malin Kundang's mother cursed him out of love. (False)
- The story warns against ingratitude. (True)
- Malin Kundang's transformation was voluntary. (False)
- The legend teaches the importance of family bonds. (True)
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