Exploring Leftenan Adnan's Heroic Journey

May 6, 2025

Novel Leftenan Adnan Wira Bangsa: Sinopsis, Tema, Persoalan

Introduction

  • Written by Abdul Latip Talib, originating from Rembau, Negeri Sembilan.
  • Active in writing since 1990, producing various works including novels, poetry, short stories, and TV drama scripts.
  • This novel is also part of his hero-themed series, including titles like Salahudin Ayubi and Tariq Ziyad.

Sinopsis

  • Main Character: Adnan, born in Sungai Ramal, Selangor, grew up in poverty, helping his parents in rubber tapping.
  • Background: Adnan's great-grandfather was an English fugitive, instilling a sense of patriotism in Adnan.
  • Education: Sent to an English medium school against village norms, showing academic excellence.
  • Career: Became a teacher but aspired to join the military, which he eventually did.
  • Military Service: Joined the Malay Regiment, served in Singapore, and fought in WWII against the Japanese.
  • End: Died heroically in the Battle of Bukit Candu, exemplifying ultimate patriotism and sacrifice.

Themes

  • Courage and patriotism in defending the country against foreign invasion.

Issues Presented

  1. Family love and care.
  2. Education as a guarantee for future success.
  3. Love for the nation.
  4. Sacrifices of a spouse.
  5. Wisdom in warfare.

Characters and Characteristics

Leftenan Adnan

  • Main protagonist, eldest child, educated in English, former teacher, married to Sophia.
  • Brave, intelligent, patriotic, and resourceful in critical situations.

Pak Saidi

  • Father of Adnan, Ahmad, and Amarullah, a farmer with a warrior lineage.
  • Visionary for children’s future through education.

Sophia Pakih Muda

  • Adnan’s wife, a teacher, resilient and responsible.

Mamat

  • Adnan's close friend, joined the Malay Regiment.
  • Loyal and supportive.

Jeneral Tomoyuki Yamashita

  • Japanese military commander, portrayed as cruel and strategic.

Plot

Beginning

  • Adnan’s childhood, education, and marriage to Sophia.

Development

  • Japanese threat to Malaya and Singapore. Adnan’s military role intensified.

Climax

  • Fierce battle at Bukit Candu, leading to Adnan’s capture and tragic death.

Denouement

  • Post-war consequences, Sophia's resilience, and remarriage.

Plot Techniques

  1. Dialogue, eg. Mamat’s inquiries about school.
  2. Description, eg. Adnan’s portrayal as a young Tuah.
  3. Flashforward, eg. Adnan’s dreams of being a soldier.
  4. Flashback, eg. Adnan reminiscing about festive childhood moments.
  5. Internal Monologue, eg. Adnan’s thoughts on circumcision.
  6. Surprise, eg. Deris’ realization about Samad.

Settings

Place

  • Alexandria: British stronghold, attacked by Japan.
  • Bukit Candu: Site of Adnan's heroic last stand.
  • Pasir Panjang: Key defensive position.
  • Haig Lines Port Dickson: Military training ground.
  • Sungai Ramal: Adnan’s hometown.

Time

  • 1937: Adnan’s promotion and royal event participation.
  • 1941: Japanese invasion period.
  • Various war period occasions.

Society

  • Patriotic society: Malay Regiment’s sacrifices.
  • Village life: Pak Saidi and villagers' agricultural life.
  • Education-valuing society: Emphasis on English schooling.

Language Style

  • Proverbs: "As clever as a squirrel jumps, it eventually falls."
  • Personification: "The mind flew," "Cold pierced to the bone."
  • Hyperbole: "Heat intensely scorching."
  • Metaphor: "Flame of anger."
  • Simile: "Like waves crashing."

Values

  1. Wisdom in education decisions.
  2. Patriotism in Adnan’s career choice.
  3. Bravery in battle.
  4. Resilience in adversity.
  5. Responsibility in leadership and family care.

Lessons

  1. Ensuring children’s education for a secure future.
  2. Defending national sovereignty.
  3. Seeking parental approval and wisdom.
  4. Utilizing intellect in crises.
  5. Diligence in achieving goals.

Example Questions

Social Question

  • Community collaboration in the face of adversity.
  • Courage among Malay soldiers.

Setting Question

  • English school in Sungai Ramal.
  • Haig Lines Training Camp.

Moral Events

  • Pak Saidi's educational foresight.
  • Adnan’s unwavering defense of Bukit Candu.

These notes on "Novel Leftenan Adnan Wira Bangsa" serve as a study guide for students preparing for exams or understanding the novel's key elements.