Helpful Literature Notes - "How Dalat Got Its Name"

Dear students,

Here are some helpful literature notes for the short story - "How Dalat Got Its Name" as reference for your group assignment.

Themes:

a) Unity is important

- We must be united to help maintain peace and order in our lives. The village was peaceful and villagers lived happily when it was ruled by the wise old chief. After his death, the sons quarrelled about who should be the new chief. The disagreement between brothers severed their relationship and of their extended families. Soon, the villagers were taking sides and chaos followed.

b) Greed

- Greed for power and position will lead to disaster. It makes us selfishly pursue our personal interest without thought of the consequences of our actions on the people around us.

c) Respecting Customs and Our Elders

1. We must always respect traditions. The tradition of the people in the village says that the eldest son should be the new chief. Umat disregarded this and felt he should be the new chief. He felt that being taller and braver than Galau and leading an army made him the better candidate.

2. We must respect our elders. Umat was more concerned about knowing who his father was going to pick as the new chief that he pressed him to name the successor. He should have been more considerate and respectful of his dying father.

d) Wisdom Is Greater Than Physical Strength

- We must not underestimate the power of wisdom to help overcome the most difficult problem. Not every problem can be solved by physical strength. Having a good head on your shoulders is far better as it gives you choices in dealing with any problem. Some of the villagers thought that Galau was weak, not brave and not a war leader. In the end, the villagers realized that his wisdom was as good as another man's strength after he planned a good strategy to prepare for war against Umat and the enemies.

Moral Values:

a) Respecting Customs and Traditions

- We must respect customs as laws and tradition in a community help maintain peace and unity.

b) Being Loyal and Respectful To Our Elders

- We should be loyal and respectful to our family. Lutong tried many times to help his brothers come to an agreement as his father wanted him to give advice to the new chief. He also remained loyal to Galau and stayed in the village.

c) Being Forgiving

- Galau loved his brother even after he betrayed his family and villagers. He mourned and forgave him in the end.

d) Do Not Be Jealous and Proud

1. We should not be jealous of others. Instead be happy for them and support them in any way we can.

2. We must not be proud or think highly of ourselves. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Umat was very proud of his physical strength and ability to lead an army. He did not consider other attributes that make a good chief. He was blind to Galau's good traits.

e) Do Not Be Greedy or Over-Ambitious

- Greed and being over-ambitious can lead to our fall. Umat's extreme greed to be the new chief drove him to join forces with the enemies in order to take control by force. This only led to his demise.

Characters and Characteristics

a) Galau

-fair

-just

-wise and clever

-good to everyone

-peace-loving

-compassionate

-kind and forgiving

-has leadership qualities

b) Umat

-hot-tempered

-good leader

-brave

-proud and presumptuous

c) Lutong

-patient

-sensible

-fair

-respectful

-loyal and faithful

-concerned, loving and caring