Based on the novel you have read, write about a character who you feel possesses strong

determination. Support your answer with information from the novel.

The novel that I have studied is Sing to the Dawn by Minfong Ho. The novel is about
Dawan, a young Thai village girl who faces problems as she wants to further her education in the
City. She is the daughter of a paddy farmer who wins a scholarship to study in the City. The
character who possesses strong determination is Dawan. I have many reasons for that.

First of all, Dawan’s strong determination can be seen when her father accused her of
snatching her brother chance. After she achieved first place in government exam, she found herself in
difficult situation. Her father was so angry with her winning because he was hoping that his son, Kwai
would be the one to further his study in the city. He thought that, there was no point for a girl to have
higher education. Her father did not give her the permission and he spat out ,”You took your own
brother’s chance away from him!” Dawan did not get the support from her very own father. Even
so, Dawan still was so determined in standing up for her right and still not giving up on persuading her
father to let her go. Based on all the events above, it is clear that Dawan possesses strong
determination.

Apart from that, after her father’s disapproval, her strong determination is portrayed when she
tried to enlist her cousin, Noi’s help. Dawan did not want to let her golden opportunity slipped away.
She went to meet her cousin, Noi, because she wanted to ask some advices on studying in a city and
asked Noi to convince her father. Despite, Noi discouraged Dawan by telling her that the city is a
cruel and ugly place and she asked Dawan to not to go to the city and just stay at home. She did not
change her mind even Noi told her how bad the city is. Hence, Dawan responded, “I want to see
for myself .” She realised that life may not necessarily be better for her in the city, but she refused to
be discouraged by the city’s horror. Therefore, it is crystal clear that Dawan possesses strong
determination and can be seen through her actions.

Last but not least, her strong determination can been seen when Dawan argued the head monk
as she disagreed with his religious ideas. Dawan wanted to prove that she also has the right to further her
study in the city school. She knew the truth about her village and what to do after her study. She took
risk courageously because she thought the head monk would console her father. Dawan really needed
the chances as she said to the head monk, ”I want my chance to try too! ” Unfortunately, a very
jerk opinion came out from the head monk, ”You will just be wasting your time and spirit.”
Based on all the reasons above, it is proven that Dawan possesses strong determination.

All in all, Dawan’s strong determination is proven by her responses after her father accused her,
she tried to enlist Noi’s help and she argued the head monk. Neither one of them supported her
decision but she did not give up nor did it deter her. She put up a gallant front when her father refused to
allow her to study in the city. She challenged and reasoned with her father and finally, by the help of
Kwai, he gave her his blessing. Dawan possesses strong determination to claim her right to education.
Her persistence together with courage helped her to overcome the hurdles. Dawan proved that, strong
determination can make the impossible possible. I have learnt to be determined as Dawan to pursue my
dreams and make the impossible possible in my life.

*Determination has the same meaning as perseverance (determine, persevere/ing).