Short Story Analysis

Short Story Analysis
In Philippine Literature
Submitted by:
Don M. Velasquez
Submitted to:
Sir Miller Duron
March 02, 2009
Anabella
By Magdalena Julandoni
1. Explain the title. In what way is it suitable to the story?

Anabella is the name of the main character of the story. It talks about the love story of Anabella
in which she had a love interest in the person of Tito. Their love story is not that success at first due to
some conflicts that they encounter during their relationship. It is suitable in a way that it focuses
mainly on Anabella as a woman fighting for her right to love and be loved by somebody. In addition,
Anabella’s story made the story evolves and revolves.
2. What is the predominant element in the story- plot, theme, character, and setting? Explain.
The 2 predominant elements on the story are the characters and the theme. The theme was
dominant in a sense that it is a imperfect love story of 2 different and opposing individuals wherein in
their relationship, many conflicts occur that made it somehow fail but when love really finds it way,
there is no thing that can separate them. Characters is also one of the dominant element since the
title talks about Anabella, Anabella is the main character that plays a big role on their love story. She
is the one we see struggling, changing from a simple woman into a wealthy person, and making her
love come true.
3. Who is the single main character about whom the story centers? Explain.
Anabella is the single main character about whom the story centers. She is the one who made
the story happened. Because in the story, she fell in love, she struggles with love, and she waited for
her love, and finally she reach happiness because of her love. She is the one made the story colorful
and made it interesting because it shows how a woman survives a relationship because of her love.
4. What sort of conflict confronts the leading character or characters? Explain.

External conflict confronts the leading character since that their relationship is not that strong
because there where person whom are not happy about their relationship and that is Julia. Julia
made some influencing talks to Tito that made him agree to follow his dream and leave Anabella.
Also, if you read the story, you saw that also time is one of the conflicts due to that Tito will leave the
country to pursue his violin career.
5. How is the conflict resolved?

It was resolved by the long wait of Anabella to Tito because she believed that Tito would also
wait for her and thus the long wait is worth because they happened to be together again for a long
time. It is like their love grew and grew after the long wait. Also because of the event, Christmas night,
they finally saw together and happen to pursue their fail relationship and to start again another one.
Also, Julia has these realizations that she was wrong in judging Anabella for whom she are. She
made a letter offering sorry for her actions that made their relationship with Tito a miserable one.
6. How does the author handle the characterization? Justify

It is the combination of all the methods which are through description, conversation of each
character, and their actions. In the story, the characters descriptions are made for them to be easily
recognized in the story. The author describes their physical and financial aspects were seen in the
story. Conversations of the characters were also differing from one another; each has a strong way of
conversing that made it more distinguish. Lastly, the way they act also follows in the description and
conversation because you can see that if they act, you can see their emotions and how they feel on
that moment.
7. Who tells the story? What point of view is used? Explain
The author is the one who is telling the story of Anabella. The omniscient point of view is used
since a third person narrator who knows everything about all the characters is all-knowing. The
reader knows about the thoughts and feelings of all the characters in the story.
8. Where does the primary action take place? Explain.

The primary action takes place at Don Juan’s palatial home for the reason that there it was
held a gathering that wherein Anabella and Tito will have their own numbers. This was the place
wherein Tito saw Anabella and after that, the love between Anabella and Tito evolves.
9. What is the time setting for the action? Period of history? Season? Time of the day?
The story happened during the American or Spanish era during the Christmas season and it is
actually done in the evening wherein the moon shines brightly.
10. How much time does the story cover?

The story cover for almost 5 years because Tito flew to another country to pursue his violin
career and Anabella waited for him until he arrived again at the their place after 7 years.
11. How does the story get started? What is the initial incident?
The story started at a gathering at Don Juan’s place, wherein upstairs, there were a group of
young ladies preparing for their numbers and their stood a beautiful woman named Anabella wherein
they sung a song and because Tito was one of the audiences for that time, he was captivated by the
voice of Anabella. Then with his violin at his hand, Tito approached Anabella to request her to sing.
And Anabella grant his wish and they present a “kundiman” song that the audience applauded
heartily.
12. Briefly describe the rising action of the story?

It was a scene that Anabella received a letter coming from Tito that is saying that he will bid
farewell for he will pursue of his parents wish to fly to America. And Anabella covered her eyes with
the letter and weep like a child.
13. What is the high point or the climax of the story?

The highest point in the story is that it happens 5 years after and there is a grand party on
Anabella’s house for the Christmas night wherein in the midst of the young guest, Lirio Aguilar stood
up and introduced Tito Navarro wherein Anabella was one of the audiences.
14. Discuss the falling action of the story or the close of the story.
The falling action of the story of Anabella was there is a confrontation between Anabella and
Tito expressing their hope and love for each other during the Christmas night. After that they got
married that coincide with the feast of the Three Kings. Then, Anabella received a letter coming from
Dona Julia begging for forgiveness and saying sorry for judging her too much without knowing her so
well.
15. Does this story create any special mood? Explain.

Yes, it does create a special mood and the mood for that is happiness and enthralled.
Happiness for the reason that she lives now a peaceful life with Tito because they got married for the
reason that long wait was worthy. Also enthralled is another mood that is created because of the
magical touch on their love story.
16. Is this story realistic or true to life? Explain your answers by giving examples.
Yes this story is true in reality. It is for me, a typical love story for all the Filipinos because all of
us got to feel and experience love to someone special to our hearts. Nowadays, I have witness many
stories of love experiences with my friends. That they love one person but their parents doesn’t agree
with their relationship that they are ask to stop their relationship as soon as possible and if they
continue it, punishment will be granted to them but because of their love for one another, they in fact
follow their heart and now they are still together, happy and in love.
17. Are the events or incidents of the plot presented in flashback or in chronological order?
Justify.
The events of the plot presented in chronological order. Because it flows by events from the
start that when Anabella and Tito first met, how they pursue their relationship, how the conflict
influence Tito, when Tito Flew to America, when Anabella waited for 5 years, and until Tito and
Anabella reunited again and got married and lived happily.
18. Was the selection written as a short story or is it a condensation or excerpt? Is it taken
from a collection of stories?
The selection is naturally came and written form a short story. It is not taken from a collection
of stories.
19. What is the general theme of the story? What is the underlying theme? Name any other
stories with a similar theme?
The general theme for this story is about how love definitely makes a difference from two
different people. On how they fight for love and how they became strong because of love. The
underlying theme for this story for me is that in every struggle that a relationship faces, love will be
the basis for a much stronger connection between two lovers. “Daddy long legs” is a story which is
connected and similar with the theme of Anabella.
20. Identify yourself with any of the characters? Explain.

I would actually see myself from the character of Tito. Tito has the value of patience that which
is seen in me also. Also we are both determining to fight for what we are fighting for whatever it takes.
Also if we fall in love, we give all and sacrifice all. We also appreciate the love that is given by us by
women.
21. Does the story contain any following elements? Explain.

It has some symbolism like the letter given to Anabella. It shows the determination of Tito to
wait for his love and the determination of Anabella to wait for him for a long time. Surprise ending is
one of the elements that contains in the story. Because we in fact do not know how would their
relationship will end because Tito is in America while Anabella was in here waiting for him and Lirio
Aguilar was somehow put into scene and made a move for Anabella. But then again, Tito and
Anabella was still the one who got married and has a happy life. And it was also a shocking revelation
that Dona Julia asks for forgiveness through a letter.
22. Was there a villain in the story? A hero? A dynamic character? Describe.
There are villain the story in the persons of Dona Julia which is the mother of Tito who is not
agrees on the relationship of Anabella and Tito. Also Lirio Aguilar, the nephew of her late father. He
was the one who is making a move for Anabella to fell in love with him. Also there is a dynamic
character in the story in the person of Don Eduardo Aguilar, which is Anabella’s father. He was a rich
old man that passed his wealth to Anabella as a result, made Anabella a wealthy person.
23. Can you find any examples of figurative language? Cite them from the selection.
Simile is one of the figurative languages used in the story. It was cited on the second
paragraph: “bluish bulbs from the two crystal chandeliers radiated light as bright as day…”
24. Does the story contain a single effect or impression for the reader? If so, what?
Yes it contains a single impression for the reader. Because the idea of the story is about love
and inspires all of us to fell in love and to experience love whatever happens. It also give us the
sense of worthiness in terms of battling over the conflicts or struggles in life.
25. Name one major personality trait of each leading character, and tell how the author makes
the reader conscious of its trait.
On major personality trait that we can see is the patience of the character. Because in the
story, Anabella waited for almost 5 years just to see him and fulfill their wish to be together after Tito
fulfill his career. Anabella, being faithful to Tito, didn’t search for love but waited for her true love to
come back to her arms.
26. Does the story have a moral? If not, what do you think the purpose of the author was?
Yes it has a moral lesson and that is love is the key for a lasting relationship. Also we must
learn to be patient and we must determine for us to get what we want and for it to be worthy. Also
forgiveness and reconciliation is emphasize in this story moreover it utters that we must not judge a
person if we don’t know the person much. It is like giving a first impression and that impression is a
wrong impression.
Footnote to Youth
By Jose Garcia Villa

Footnote to youth is the title of the story. It is said that it is a footnote to youth because it is a
brief reminder for the Filipinos especially the youth of what a real life could be today. It also indicates
the sources or the causes why youth act this way. It furthermore adds comment, whether it is a
positive or negative, on today’s generation. Yes it is suitable to the story because it gives a warning
for those apathetic youth that ones committed mistake because of their stubbornness.
The predominant element on this story is the character and the setting. The setting has a great
impact because the story definitely empathizes the situations of a Filipino person and it is appealing
for us because we are at the poverty line. The setting is most likely the same setting as today. Also
the characters, because characters had their own definite description, their conversation is different
from one another, and they act as unique as their personality it enhances the story even more. The
act of the characters seems to bring up the whole story.
The story centers at the character of Dodong. Dodong is the one who represents the typical
youth that experiencing a lot of uncertainties in life that make him realize that he sacrifice his youth
just for the sake of proving himself that he can manage his own life because he is matured enough to
face this life’s challenges.

Internal conflict confronts the leading character. Internal character in a way that he was
struggling if he can managed himself to have a family because he knows that he is in the legal age
that he can be independent and can definitely choose the right from wrong. But because of his
foolishness, he had difficult time meeting the expectations that he must achieve.

Actually, it was not resolved at all. Why? Because he just realized that he was wrong for being
stubborn and foolish that he was not listening to his parents about dealing with marriage, family and
life after marriage. And now that he has his own family, he just accepts the fact that it already
happens. Also because of his unconditional love to Teang, he did not lose the battle and give up. The
story just finished with realization and somehow patching up things for the sake of his family.

It is the mixture of all the methods which are through description, conversation of each
character, and their actions. Footnote to youth talks about the youth as of today. It make possible to
illustrate what a typical youth will be in the story so as a result, the author really brings out each
individual through describing them one by one. And in this story it comes to pass. It also embarks
upon on how the characters will converse to one another and how they act in accordance on how
they stick to their main beliefs. As you can see every deed and tête-à-tête made by each of the
character are equally diverse.

The writer is the one responsible in letting know the story of Footnote to Youth. The omniscient
viewpoint is used since a third person speaker who recognizes the whole thing about all the
characters is all-knowing. The person who reads distinguishes about the impression and feelings of
all the characters in the piece. He knows every detailed event that happens on Dodong’s life.
The primary action takes place on their farm land especially on the field where the crops are
planted wherein the ground is broken up into many fresh wounds and fragrant with a sweetish early
smell. It has many slender soft worms emerged from the furrows and then burrowed again deeper in
the soil.
The time setting is almost the whole day from the morning until evening. The period of history
on this story is on the 20th-21st century. It is the time of planting season almost June to August. There
is no specific time of the day because it happens almost the whole day.

The story covers from the day that Dodong proposed to Teang until they receive 7 children.
The story started when Dodong started homeward or going home as fast as he can, thinking
on how he would break the news to his father about wanting to marry Teang because Dodong knows
that he is seventeen and he is legal and mature enough to have a family and to face life. The initial
incident is that when Dodong already breaks the news to his father.

The rising action of the story of Footnote to Youth is that when Dodong was afraid to go to his
home because he wanted to get out of it without clear reason at all. He felt afraid that it seems to
caged him and also of Teang because Teang was giving birth in the house. It was the first child of
Teang and Dodong for that matter. He began to wonder madly if the process of childbirth was really
painful. And after that Dodong was feeling a little bit embarrassment because he was ashamed to his
mother of his youthful paternity.

The highest point in the story is when Dodong saw her wife in the “papag” with his firstborn
child. He heard his baby’s cry that pierced him queerly. He could not control the swelling happiness in
him. Then Dodong wanted to touch the baby and give her a sense of father’s touch.
The falling action of the story is that he had 7 children all in all. And since the coming of the
children could not be helped, Dodong got angry at himself sometimes. And these things came to him
as a realization. He wanted to ask questions and somebody to answer him. And he realize that why
Life did not fulfill Youth’s entire dream. The close of the story is that Dodong returned to the house
humiliated by him. He has wanted to know a little wisdom but was denied it.

Yes, it does create a special aura and the tone for that is the sense of mercy and pity to
Dodong because he was suffering of life’s real experiences. And he had no way to stop this and
because of this, he was embarrassed and humiliated on what he had done because of his eager to
face life without any guarantee of orienting himself about it. You can also see the disappointment
because the youth of today is like Dodong who is apathetic about the real score in life and because
they say that they are mature, close-mindedness are being seen for this.
Yes, this story is true to life and all the youth is experiencing this kind of trouble. For example
at the provinces, because of lack of education and orientation of the parents and siblings about
responsible adulthood and parenthood, their siblings are engaging to a lot of relationship and turns
out to be marrying at the young age because of there stubbornness and foolishness. Because in
provinces, it is not wrong to marry at the young age but there is certain limitation. If the man is mature
enough to face life challenges to avoid consequences. He will get to marry his partner provided that
he has his parent’s consent. Like Dodong.
Justify.
The events are presented in chronological order from the time that Dodong proposed to Teang,
to breaking the news to his father, until marrying Teang and having their first born, and lastly having 7
children and realizing the fact that it is hard to have a family with a very young age and because of
these things, his youth was sacrificed and put at stake.
The selection is clearly written as a short story. It is not taken from a collection of stories.
The general theme for this story is youth must triumph now. Love must triumph now. As long
ago did youth and love triumph for Dodong and then life. That life is not as easy as it should be. Life
is said to be simple but it is hard to manage and hard to deal with. “Bagong Paraiso” is mostly similar
with the theme.

I would like to identify myself with the father of Dodong. Because as an educated person, I
know how life would bring me if I marry at the young age. Life is really difficult and it is not an easy
task to deal with. Like me, parents know more about this stuff because they already experienced it.
And I do empathize and sympathize with his father. He wants only the best for his son. And I, I want
first to see the best in me so that I could face the reality and do not suffer that life will bring to me.

It has some incongruity because at the end of the story, there is a situation wherein Teang was
put into spot about her realization although it revolves about Dodong, the author place Teang’s
realization about her life with Dodong. I saw also an element of satire in which work that blends a
critical attitude with humor and wit for improving institutions and humanity. In its positive direction, it
attempts to inspire an improvement in society rather than just tear down with criticism.
There is a dynamic character in this story in the person of the father of Dodong. He is the one
that made Dodong to think twice in his decisions because his father knows what will happen if he will
pursue on marrying Teang. He is at first not supportive to his son’s news but because he wants him to
learn about the life’s pros and cons, he let his son to experienced it.
Personification is one of the figurative speeches that are used for this story. And its example:
“A short colorless worm marched blindly to Dodong’s foot…” Also it uses hyperbole like for example:
“youth must be dreamfully sweet. Dreamfully sweet”
Yes. It simply tells the story of an older person who made a mistake in the past who ended up
with a not so pleasurable life. Then he had a son who is like him when he was young. His son is hasty
in making the decision to get married, just like he was when he was 17. And it really applies to us
Filipinos specially the youth. It gives the impression to have a wise choice in dealing with life.
One major personality trait of each leading character is the uninterested with in comes to
reality of life. The author makes the reader conscious about this through the way Dodong act when he
was married with Teang that he realized that it is difficult to be a father and to have a family. They
know that life is just sweet and easy because they are living a simple life.
Yes. We learned that having a family is really hard to do and needs a lot of thinking before
pursuing to do it. Also, being aware and conscious of the Filipinos in terms of our status in life that it is
not practical for a typical youth to get married if they are not physically, financially, emotionally,
psychologically stable. Furthermore, it is better for us to follow what our parents what is think for us is
best because our parents really knows how life should be. They already experienced these things
and they do not want to experience this kind of things. Finally, we must have proper education about
responsible parenthood to avoid consequences when we engaged to have a family.
The Mats
By Francisco Arcellana
1. Explain the title. In what way is it suitable to the story.

The title of the story is the Mats. Arcellana chose the title because it revolves around the
different yet colorful mats and how the mats related and important to the characters most especially
to Mr. Angeles. Mats in the story are somehow symbolic representation about their family’s tradition
and also the family’s happiness and centeredness.
The 2 predominant element on the story the plot and the theme. Plot is important than others
because it centers on the story about how mats are related to Mr. Angeles, Mats related to his wife
and siblings and also how mats are related to the three dead siblings of Mr. Angeles. It somehow
tributes the death of his 3 siblings. Theme is also important because it focuses more on how the
family deals with the issue about death of the siblings. It also appreciates the family ties, the family
centeredness and orientation. It values the traditions of the family.
Mr. Angeles for me centers the whole story. Because at first, he is the one who bought the
mats and follows their family tradition which giving the mats to his family. He is also the one why we
one way or another know what they do for the mats. It revolves to him also because he is the one
who opens the topic about the death of their 3 siblings. .

The conflict confronts the leading character is the internal character which is the character vs.
himself. Because Mr. Angeles wants to commemorate his 3 death siblings and he was so emotional
that this sensitive issue must not be talked about. They all know already that they have 3 dead
siblings and now, because of the mats, they reminisce the past that is buried already. Because of also
the emotion was lock before in himself and he find the way out to burst that emotion by offering mats
to the 3 dead siblings.

The conflict was resolved by the argument between Mr. Angeles and Nana Emilia. But for me,
it was not yet resolved because they just have this silent environment that makes the reader
empathize and sympathize for the two characters. It is just sort of realization for all of them. For me,
because of the silence, Mr. Angeles tries to reflect what he has done and what should be done. This
story in some way a hanging story. For me, this story has a continuation.

The author handles the characterization using the conversation of each character. Because
when they have some conversations, argumentations, and talks, they can all be distinguish. Because
the tone of Mr. Angeles on the latter part of the story in some way a little bit angry to himself and
having this sense of disappointment. While when they argue about the 3 dead siblings, Nana Emilia,
made it more dominant to see her characterization, which is having a strong determination over the
sadness that she encounter because of her dead siblings. The siblings also are different from one
another in how they converse.
The writer is the one who is telltale the story of The Mats. The omniscient point of view is used
since a third person narrator who knows everything about all the characters is all-knowing. The
reader knows about the thoughts and feelings of all the characters in the story.

The primary action takes place on Mariveles wherein Mr. Angeles wrote to Nana Emilia about
his homecoming and he would surprise them by giving wonderful and one-of-a kind mats which is
made by the artistic craftsman from the city.
The time setting for the action is in the afternoon. This story happened somewhat between
1950’s up to the present time. There is no specific season for the said story but the story evolves in
the evening.

The story covers for a life time or a long time. Because this story is someway a hanging story
that the conflict is not yet resolve due to Mr. Angeles is in the stage of realization when the story is
finished. Having dead siblings and remembering them and fighting the emotion behind it really take a
longer time. It is like a wound that heals slow and needs to be cured for a longer time.
The story is started by Mr. Angeles who is coming home for his periodic inspection trip. Then
he had written in Mariveles to Nana Emilia that he has a surprise to him that he bought mats that are
made by an artistic craftsman at this area. These mats have colorful designs with their own
distinguish weaves, design, and colors. He is excited to give it to them all. .

When Mr. Angeles is giving his surprised gift to the whole family. And the siblings were very
excited to get their gifts. And one by one, on the lighted area of the house, he gave the mats with
distinguish names and symbolism on it.
13. What is the high point, or the climax of the story?

The highest part of the story is wherein they all get the mats but there are 3 remaining mats
that must be unfolded. And Mr. Angeles unfold it one by one and he speaks in a loud voice that he
offers this simple mats to his 3 dead siblings which are Josefina, Victoria, and Concepcion. .
The falling action of the story is where Nana Emilia and Mr. Angeles argues about this
sensitive issue that they must forget already because they are dead but Mr. Angeles is so stubborn
that he emphasized that these children must not be taken for granted. And at the end of the story,
there was a total silence on the house. Then the mats were unfolded and each name was slowly
revealed. And the mats for the 3 dead siblings were described.

Yes it does create a special mood which is longing for the person who is lost. It is hard for all of
us to lost someone important to us specially our family. In this story, it shows how Mr. Angeles is really
longing for his 3 dead siblings. That they are not forgotten in his mind and heart and they will be
forever be remembered whatever it takes. You actually sympathized with him because of what
happened. All of us we’ll be dead and we want our relatives to remember us and does Mr. Angeles
did.
16. is this story realistic or true to life? Explain your answers by giving examples.
It is true to life for all of us. Especially the father who has their baby passed away would relate
to this. Because it is a story not about the mats but the sensitive issue between a families who had
their own siblings passed away. You can see also the paternity love of a father to his children. A good
example for that is Bong Revilla Jr. He had lost his sibling but he stayed strong but deep inside him,
he was longing for that baby, it is really applicable to our lives.
Justify.
The story was presented in a chronological order. I want to just clarify that when he thought of
the 3 siblings, he is just remembering them and it is not a flashback. The story was in chronological
order since the story starts when he is coming home from his work, then he had dinner with the whole
family, then giving the mats to his wife and children, then offering the remaining mats to the 3 siblings
who are dead, next is the argument of Nana Emilia with Mr. Angeles and finally, the realization of Mr.
Angeles when he unfolded the mats.
of stories.
The general theme for the mats is how a father remembers his dead siblings and also the
theme shows in the story about the paternity love of a father to his siblings. The underlying theme is
that we must not forget and take for granted the people whom passed away because they contributed
to our life and we must respect them by commemorating them.

I would actually see myself from the character of Mr. Angeles. Because if I have a relative who
passed away, I make sure they are properly remembered and I also remember them once in a while
and when I have time, I got to go the cemetery and offering something to them to show honor and
respect to them. Even if they are already dead, they are still in my heart and I know that they are with
me all along helping me and guiding me. We are also the same in terms of determination in seeking
what is right. And I know that is principle is right and he must fight for it.

It has symbolisms. And the most dominant symbol for this story is the mats. These mats
represent the Angeles family’s tradition. It also observed the uniqueness and individuality of each
member of the family. It shows how the family is bonded and how they are happy with each other.
Also the silence on the last part has its symbolism. It symbolizes the tribute for the siblings and the
father’s realization about what he had done.
There is no villain and a hero in this story but there is a dynamic character that we can see on
the story. The dynamic character is Nana Emilia. She is the wife of Mr. Angeles. She is the one who
argues with Mr. Angeles that he must not talk about these things because it is not a good time to talk
about it and it is already buried in their family and must never be talked about ever again because
they might again be filled with sadness.
Hyperbole is one of the figurative languages used in the story. It was cited on the middle part
of the story and it is: “The air was punctuated by their breathless exclamation of delight”
Yes it contains a single impression for the reader. Because the idea of the story is longing and
honoring the persons who passed away. It made us all realized that it is not easy for us to just let go
of the people whom we really loved. It gives the reader also a feeling of importance as a person thus,
we are so blessed that we are still alive. Furthermore it gives an impression that man especially
fathers has also weaknesses.
The family centeredness is the major personality trait of each character in the story. The author
make the reader conscious to this trait by having this situation that the father is going home with hi
surprise gifts from his family then the wife and the children are eager and excited to see their father
and the gifts that they will receive. And you can see that they are all together ate during dinner time.
And also the tribute of the father to his departed children.
Yes it has a moral story that whatever it takes, when someone passed away, we must always
put them in our hearts because they contribute to our life. We must honor and respect the dead and
somehow remember them by offering something to them. Also, life is very important that we must
appreciate every single of it and we must do good because life is so short and we must thank God
that we are alive.
Magnificence
By Francisco Arcellana

Magnificence is a story written by Francisco Arellana that literally means grand, elegant or
splendid in appearance; grand or noble in action; exceptional for its kind. But Arellana further give it a
deeper definition and that is being a mother turned into a woman. It is suitable in the story due to its
representation. The representation of this story is to represent all women against man’s abuses. It
shows woman empowerment and awareness.
The 2 predominant elements on the story are the theme and the plot. The theme because it
empowers all the women in the world to fight with their rights against all the cruelty, violence, and
exploitation that they receive. In the story, it was being focused and being considered by Arcellana.
The plot is also one of the predominant elements because it gave the reader an idea on how
Arcellana would interpret his message and he showed it in the plot. He used the typical situations
before, during, and after the abuse and how the writer solves this kind of conflict and what should be
the preventive measures to avoid such abuse. In the plot, they show how mothers really see to it the
safety of her children.
The single main character about which the story center is the young girl (the mother’s child).
Because in the story, she is the one who was sexually violated by a bus conductor named Vicente.
She is the one whom Vicente take advantage for. Because he can see her weakness because of her
innocence. And because of the situation that she was maltreated by Vicente, this made the mother to
became a woman to fight with their civil liberties. And the young girl was the character that the story
revolves and evolves and represents the youth who are violated.

The external conflict confronts the characters. Because it is in the “Man vs. Man” situation that
Vicente uses the young girl’s innocence by gaining her trust by offering them the pencils. And when
Vicente fulfill to gain the child’s trust, he make use of the child’s innocence to make a move and then
to abuse her.

The conflict was resolved through the character of the mother. She is the one who fight for the
rights of her child especially the young girl when she slapped Vicente and throw Vicente out of their
house. It somehow represents that women are not apathetic in terms of these situation especially the
situation that there is an abuse. The mother draws the line to stop this kind of circumstances. That the
mother, being a woman should protect her child and preventing abuse that will come to her family.

The author handles the characterization using the actions of the characters. First of all, abuse
is associated with the act of molesting a child. This means that in the story itself, it focuses the
actions done by Vicente to take advantage of the girl’s blamelessness. The young girl’s happiness
and actions also shows her innocence against things surrounding her. Also the act of slapping and
throwing away Vicente out of their house is an act that women must end this kind of maltreatment.
And this is an act that give power to all the women to struggle against ill-treat.
In the story, the writer does tells us the story. The point of view used in the story was the
omniscient point of view because the author sees all, knows all, and tells all what is the story
supposed to be. The story is told by an all-knowing narrator, allowing us to see the world through the
eyes of many characters, not just the young girl.

The primary action was done on the downstairs hall wherein the little girl and her brother were
studying at their big study table. It was the situation wherein the man named Vicente knocked and
comes in and gives them tutorial lessons.
The time setting for the primary action happens on the evening where the two children where
doing their assignments and studying their lessons. This story supposed to be in the 21 st century. The
season is within July-February or school days. Time of the day that the most situations happened is in
the afternoon and in the evening.

The story covers for a specific period of time. Almost a month or two. As the story shows,
Vicente does not come to the young girl’s child from some weeks. Vicente certainly tries to maximized
the time to get the trust of the girl and abuse her. So it takes time also makes the story somehow
much longer.
The story happens on the Barangay meeting wherein the mother of the two child where having
a meeting and the two children were there listening to the meeting of the neighborhood association.
And after the meeting, Vicente came to scene that he talks to the mother and somehow talking about
the children’s performance at school. And after that, Vicente introduced himself that he wants to help
the children doing their homework.

The rising action of the story is when Vicente came earlier usual in that evening. The children
immediately put their lesson down, telling him of the envy of their schoolmates and would buy them
more pencils. Then Vicente asked Oscar, the young brother, to get him some glass of water.
13. What is the high point, or the climax of the story?

The climax of the story is wherein Vicente held the little girl by the arm then let the girl take her
full trust and when he took the little girl up lightly in his arms and holding her under the armpits and
held her to sit down on his lap. Then the girl kept squiming and for somehow felt uncomfortable to be
held and looked around at Vicente interrupting her careful writing to twist around. Then Vicente’s face
was wet with sweat and his eye looks strange.
When the girl jumped up away from Vicente’s lap and then she stood looking at him not
knowing what to do. And for a short while, the mother came downstairs holding in her hand the
"merienda" for them. And Vicente jumped up too as soon as the little girl had jumped from his lap.
Then the mother looked at him and then she said to him: “do not move”. And after that, the mother
said to the two children that they must go now to their room and she and Vicente will talked. After
that, she slapped Vicente and throws him out of the house as soon as possible. The close of story is
wherein she bathed the little girl and she throws the clothes at the garbage bin and on the next day
burned it with the pencil on it.
Yes it does create a special mood. Wherein in the climax, you can see the suspense of what
will happen next to Vicente and the little girl. Because we all know that there are a lot of possibilities
that would happen. And also the feeling of disappointment to Vicente and a sense of annoyance
because of what he did to the incorruptibility of the child. Lastly it also seen the triumphant of the
women when the mother slapped Vicente.
For me, it is a true to life story. Because there are many instances that had this situations. Like
for example, the show “Draw the Line” by Rhea Santos, it shows many women and also young girls
taking advantage of their rights. And It also showed the abuses of men to them and how they react
and do some actions beyond it.
Justify.
The plot of this story is presented on a flashback on the first paragraph of the story and the
rest is in chronological order already. Because in the first paragraph of the story, it tells about how
Vicente does when he is in the children’s study table and helping them with their lesson. Then the rest
happen on chronological order when Vicente met the children, introduce himself to the mother to be
their tutor, then he went to house to help the children, brought some pencils to gain their trust, then
the act of molesting the young girl until the mother put into action what Vicente did to her child and
burned the clothes of the children with the pencil.
of stories.
The theme of the story is that how a mother will turned to a woman to fight for her rights in
terms of abuses. It also shows the empowerment of women. The underlying theme is that this story it
represents all the women against man’s abuses. Stories in the “Draw the Line” show have this similar
theme.

I would actually see myself to the father of the child. Because as you can see, Vicente is just a
bus conductor and he does not have this certain educational to teach the children. And I know that
the father has this doubt about the motive of Vicente to their children. The father wants to make sure
that his children would have a safe interaction with him. He knows that because Vicente is a stranger
for their child and putting trust on a stranger like him is really a question that must be answered.

It has symbolism, suspense, and surprise ending. Symbolism because the young girl
represents that youth who are being maltreated by men. Then the mother represents the women who
are fighting for what are right. Suspense because of the way the characters act wherein in the
situation that young girl was being molested already because you do not know what will happen next.
Then surprise ending because the reader thought that the act will pursue but the mother came and
the mother driven off Vicente and burned the pencil together with the clothes of the child.
The villain of the story is Vicente. Vicente is a bus conductor that has a bad motive on the
young girl. The hero for this story is the mother herself. She is the one who fights for what is right and
she is the one who protects the child from abuse. She is the one who ends this abuse. The dynamic
character here is the father. The father is having the strange feeling that Vicente is a not trustworthy
person.
The figurative language uses are personification: “the cool air of the free night touched him…”
Then metaphor and hyperbole: ”they were both very tall for their age, and their legs were the long
gangly legs of fine spirited colts.”
Yes it does give a single effect on the reader. And that effect is that we must be aware of what
motives really a stranger gave us. And also we must not put our trust that fast to strangers to avoid
kind of abuse. If you have a doubt or gut-feel about the motive of a person, trust your instincts and
make sure that you have plans to proved that doubt before putting it into action.
The major personality trait of the character shown in the story is the trait of trust. Because in
the fist place, Vicente is a stranger to the children and somehow to the mother. And because the
mother is already know him (actually not that much), she hired him to be their tutor. Also Vicente gave
the children pencils, some kind of “panuhol”, for Vicente to gain their trust. Also when the mother and
the father talking about Vicente that the father has this doubt about the trust given to Vicente.
Yes it has moral lessons that we must not be an apathetic person that we must be aware of
what really a stranger could do to us. Also trust is not inherited but it is gained. Then, for the women,
you should fight for your life and draw the line for the man’s abuses because your dignity and
personality depends on it. If you know that it is enough, fight for it.
The Chieftest Mourner
By Aida Rivera Ford

The chieftest Mourner is the title chose by Aida Rivera Ford because it discusses in the story
of the two wives that were on the wake of the poet. Who will be the chieftest mourner for that wake,
is it the legal one? Or is it the second wife. In a nutshell, who has the right to be the chieftest mourner
for the poet and the poet’s family. It is suitable to the story because the story occurred on the wake of
the poet and the story revolves and evolves on the two women who are battling for their rights for the
dead poet and having the title of the chieftest mourner..
The predominant elements in the story are the character and the setting. The Characters are
one of the predominant element in this story because, the two wives has this unique characteristics
and differences as described in the poet. They have these arguments also that give emphasis on who
should have the rights for the poet. And the setting, it predominant in a sense that it all happen in the
wake that all of the actions and emotions of the characters are seen on that location. Furthermore the
rising of the story, climax and the closing part of the story are all happen in the wake which is the
setting.
The single main character about whom the story centers is the poet who passed away.
Because this poet has two wives, wherein these wives are arguing about their rights to him most
especially on his wake. He is the one on why he was separated from his legal wife and he is also the
one who gets another one to be his wife. Also he has this close connection to his niece wherein his
niece is the speaker of the story.

The external conflict confronts the characters. Because it is in the “Man vs. Man” situation die
to the battle and argument of the two wives of the poet having to whom the recognition to be the right
wife for the poet. Also the poet and the legal wife, as you can see in the story, they was a situation
that they had this quarrel and it reached to the point that the wife tie him on the chair for that the poet
could not again do his vices. And because of these, the poet struggles to his wife and as a result, the
poet decides to escape and separate from the legal wife.

The conflict was resolved by the help of the relatives and friends of the poets. Because the two
wives are already making a scandal on the wake, the relatives of the poet tries to stop them and talks
to them that the one whom they are battling with is already dead and they must respect his wake and
just honor it. And they commented on the second wife that she made enough scandal that the
relatives could not go to the poet when he was sick. And for the 2nd wife, it was a big slap for her and
it was a realization that makes her stay away to the wake. In the battle between the legal wife and the
poet, the poet did not result the problem but he made a solution that it will be better for him to have
another confidante different from her legal wife. So the issue between him and the legal wife sort of
not resolved then making another conflict out of it which is the battle of the 2 wives.

The author handles the characterization by combing the action of the characters and also the
conversation on the wake. The actions made by characters are making enough statement that the
reader can see. For example, the cry of the legal wife means that it is already enough that she wants
the 2nd wife to stop. Then the conversation make the whole emotion complete. Because on the last
part, they were quarrelling, there conversations were tough and so deep that you can observed
personality and individuality of the characters.

The niece of the poet is the one who tells the story for what happened on the wake and the
flashback scenes. The first person is used as the point of view wherein the narrator is a character in
the story, the story is told in the first-person point of view. The narrator uses the first-person pronouns
I and me.

The primary action takes place on the college boarding house of the poet’s niece in Manila.
Here, she read on the newspaper that her Uncle was dead.
It was on the morning before class that the niece read the news about the death of her Uncle.
It is somewhat from Spanish era up to the present time. The season was during the school days. The
story on the wake happened merely all throughout the day.

The story covers from the day that her Aunt and Uncle were separated until the 2nd wife leaves
the wake. The period of the story is somewhat quite long and the ending of the story will be also take
a quite longer time because, I know that the 2nd wife would not have this so called “finished business”
for the poet and his legal wife.
The story started when the poet’s niece together with her friends got to read the news about
her Uncle. And in the news, it was aid that her Uncle was dead. And because it was morning before
their classes’ starts, she thought that she must be brave to face this reality. Then there are flashback
scenes that came to the niece’s mind.

The rising action of the story is when the poet’s niece went over to sit with her aunt who was
gazing not so steadily at nothing in particular. At first the women spoke in whispers, and then the
voices raised a trifle. Still, everybody was polite. There was more talking back and forth, and suddenly
the conversation doesn’t seem polite anymore.

The highest point in the story is when the two wives were arguing already and making a scene
on the wake. The 2 wives are now talking and battling their rights to whom the wake should be
handed and then the legal wife started to cry and shutting up the second wife.
One of the clan said, taking up Aunt Sophia that they don not care for the honors and they
don’t want it to themselves and they want the poet to be honored in death and to have a descent and
respectable funeral without a scandal. And they utter to the second wife that the least that she should
do is to leave the poet in peace as he lies there. Then the second wife’s face went livid with shock
and rage. She stood speechless then her face began to twitch and then sobs came into her that
spilled tears on her eyes and then the young man guided her on the casket where the poet is smiling
and then she lose the battle and walk away.

Yes, it creates a special mood. At the establishing point of the story, the first story lines already
shows a tint of innocence and simplicity but the gloomy tone of the story is already felt. The situation
is just a very typical scenario in the Philippines but through the writer’s prolific used of diction and
imagery a common situation is turned into something new – a work of art. As you look at it, the plot is
so simple. But what will move most of the readers is the author’s command of language and smooth
flow of situations
This story is a true to life story. The good example for this is in the Chinese culture wherein the
Chinese man may have many wives. And when the Chinese man is dead, the wives want and battle it
out to have their rights for their husband. But the relatives of the Chinese man are still in favors of the
legal one. Moreover, she has the right over his husband.
Justify.
It was presented in flashback order at first until the middle of the story. And on the latter part, it
presented on a chronological order. Because when the niece read the article that her uncle was dead,
she reminisces the past of the poet’s life (his love life, his separation to his legal wife, his decision to
have another one, and also the status of the health of the poet). Then on the wake, it was already
presented in a chronological order that poet’s niece arrive at the wake, then they stayed on the wake,
then went home again, and then arrived at the venue because the guess will come already until the
argument of the 2 wives were observed lastly the walking away of the 2nd wife because of humiliation.
of stories.
The general theme is a story with a focal point focused on love and innocence in the context of
death. The underlying theme is the disloyalty of people through their love ones. The story of “Mano
Po” has this somehow similar in the theme.

I would actually see myself at the case of the niece. Because of the bravery that she was able
to released during the tough situations and her strong determination to face the reality and handles
this sensitive issue.

Yes. It has the following elements: symbolism, suspense and surprise ending. She used
symbolism for the reason that the niece saw white flowers shaped like a dove that means that the
legal one has the right to have the position in the wake. And this also symbolizes here pure intention
with the poet and also her love to his husband. Suspense because, there is an argument that makes
the readers wants to know the real ending for that argument. And finally, the surprise ending, as we
all know that it can be the legal one who will leave the wake but as we can see, the 2 nd wife was the
one who lose the battle about taking the rights for the poet. And also we did not imagine that the
relatives of the poet would stand for Aunt Sophia.
The villain in the story was the 2nd wife. She was the one who made the scandal at the funeral
and made more scandal when she entered the life of the Poet. The hero for that fact is the relatives of
the poet because they don’t want to make the wake a scandalous one, so they don’t tolerate the
situation and they forcedly fixed it. The dynamic hero in the story is the niece because she is the one
who is experiencing the more hardships on the life of his uncle. Because she is the one who sees all
these and because she is the one who is close to her Uncle’s heart.
Metaphor is one of the figurative speeches that are used in the story: “During the war when the
poet was hard up do you suppose I deserted him?” Then simile: “Aunt Sophia’s unwillingness lasted
as long as forty centavos.”
Ye it contain a single effect for the reader. The story is so culture bounded and is so reflective
of our society. Some reflective traits are the “delicadeza” system being practiced, the unfaithfulness of
husbands, presence of gossipers, scandals in public and ridiculous funeral set-up with two different
camps in opposite sides.
A minimal Spanish colonialism practices is also being reflective in the story through the
practiced of “delicadeza” system. The author makes the reader conscious of its trait by placing it on
the arguments of the 2 wives on the wake and also how they behave and act on the wake.
The story does not have any moral lesson but it has a purpose. The purpose of the author is to
show the consequences of having infidelity in a relationship. Furthermore, it pays more attention on
fondness and virtuousness in the perspective of bereavement.
Summer Solstice
By Nick Joaquin

"The Summer Solstice" is one of the most popular short stories authored by National Artist for
Literature Nick Joaquin. Summer solstice literally means during the summer, the Sun is also above
the horizon longer than it is during the winter. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year. It is
suitable to the story because it is set in the 1850's and portrays the tensions between human nature
and decorum, passion and discipline, as experienced by a woman.
The predominant element in this story is the plot and the theme. The plot because it revolves
around the festive of St. John and the story starts on Amada that her body was reunited with St. John
and until the end of the story that Donya Lupeng has with her the spirit of Tadtarin. The theme was
also predominant because it definitely calls attention to the empowerment of the woman over the man
and also the dominance of the women on that period. In the story, it really engages in.
Don Paeng is the main character whom the story centers. Don Paeng is the type of person
who is stiff and very strict of her wife. The author wants to realize to us that even if that is the trait of
Don Paeng, he loves Donya Lupeng. For the reason that she kissed and licked Donya Lupeng’s feet
is an act to show respect and adoration to her. Of course, in a relationship, they should have the
same feelings for each other that they are being loved and being cared for. In the start of the story,
Don Paeng has this gestures that are so insensitive to the feelings of Donya Lupeng. Maybe it came
to a point that Donya Lupeng realize in the Tadtarin that she has not felt that love and adoration from
her husband, that is why she wants to insists to Don Paeng to say and do what she orders in the
story.

Internal conflict confronts the leading character. It is internal character in a way that Don Paeng
is so insensitive to the feelings of Donya Lupeng that he doesn’t comply with the love and care that
Donya Lupeng gives to him. He has this insensitive side that in fact came to a point that he disgust
Donya Lupeng when she did the Tadtarin.

It was resolved when Donya Lupeng joined in the Tadtarin wherein, he realizes that Donya
Lupeng did the ritual because Donya Lupeng wants Don Paeng to comply with her love and to adore
her forever. Don Paeng’s realization made him love Donya Lupeng again.

It is a mixture of action and description of each character. It is action in a sense that, Lupeng
joined to the ritual for her to experience dominance to Don Paeng. Also you can see the action when
Don Paeng disgusts Donya Lupeng when they are in the ritual; it shows the insensitivity of Don
Paeng. Then the Description of the characters was also an element of characterization that Nick
Joaquin place. Nick Joaquin definitely differentiates all the characters through their descriptions and
appearances. And for that, he had to describe also the negative traits of the characters that will
somehow intertwine in the story.

The writer is the one liable in revealing the account of Summer Solstice. The third person
omniscient is a narrative mode in which both the reader and author observe the situation either
through the senses and thoughts of more than one character, or through an overarching godlike
perspective that sees and knows everything that happens and everything the characters are thinking.
Third-person omniscient simply means that the narrator can tell the reader things that the main
character does not know, or things that none of the characters know, or things that no human being
could ever know

The primary takes place on the Moretas residence wherein they will spend St. John's Day with
the children's grandfather, whose feast day it was. Donya Lupeng awoke feeling faint with the heat, a
sound of screaming in her ears. In the dining room the three boys already attired in their holiday suits,
were at breakfast, and came crowding around her, talking all at once.
The time setting of the primary action was done at exactly seven in the morning. This story
happened wither on the Spanish era or after the World War II. The story focuses on the season of
harvesting. The dominant time of the day for the story is in the evening.

The story covers before and after the Feast Day of St. John. So it started on the morning
before the celebration begins and until the last day of the said celebration that Don Paeng licked and
kissed Donya Lupeng.
The story started when Donya Lupeng saw Amada doing the Tadtarin ritual. That Amada is on
the bed merely stared. Her sweat-beaded brows contracted, as if in an effort to understand. Then her
face relax her mouth sagged open humorously and, rolling over on her back and spreading out her
big soft arms and legs, she began noiselessly quaking with laughter—the mute mirth jerking in her
throat; the moist pile of her flesh quivering like brown jelly. Saliva dribbled from the corners of her
mouth.

The rising action of the story is when the girls broke away from their parents and wives from
their husbands to join in the orgy. And when Don Paeng said to his wife that they must leave the ritual
dance, Donya Lupeng was shaking with fascination; tears trembled on her lashes; but she nodded
meekly and allowed herself to be led away. But suddenly she pulled free from his grasp, darted off,
and ran into the crowd of dancing women. She flung her hands to her hair and whirled and her hair
came undone. Then, planting her arms akimbo, she began to trip a nimble measure, an indistinctive
folk-movement. She tossed her head back and her arched throat bloomed whitely. Her eyes brimmed
with moonlight, and her mouth with laughter.

Don Paeng ran after her, shouting her name, but she laughed and shook her head and darted
deeper into the dense maze of procession. He followed her, shouting; she eluded him, laughing—and
through the thick of the female horde they lost and found and lost each other again—she, dancing
and he pursuing—till, carried along by the tide, they were both swallowed up into the hot, packed,
turbulent darkness of the chapel. Inside poured the entire procession, and Don Paeng, finding himself
trapped tight among milling female bodies, struggled with sudden panic to fight his way out. Angry
voices rose all about him in the stifling darkness. Terror possessed him and he struck out savagely
with both fists, with all his strength—but they closed in as savagely: solid walls of flesh that crushed
upon him and pinned his arms helpless, while unseen hands struck and struck his face, and ravaged
his hair and clothes, and clawed at his flesh, as—kicked and buffeted, his eyes blind and his torn
mouth salty with blood—he was pushed down, down to his knees, and half-shoved, half-dragged to
the doorway and rolled out to the street. He picked himself up at once and walked away with a dignity
that forbade the crowd gathered outside to laugh or to pity. Entoy came running to meet him.
When they are home and stood facing each other in the bedroom, she was still as light-
hearted. Don Paeng argues with Donya Lupeng on what she did on the ritual that makes him disgust
to her and to himself. Then there came to a point that Don Paeng would whip Donya Lupeng but
never did because she love Lupeng and adored her he cannot do it in spite that Lupeng insisted it.
Then because of love and respect given by Don Paeng to her, she will do anything to prove it and
now, Donya Lupeng ordered him to lie down and kissed her feet. Without moment's hesitation, he
sprawled down flat and, working his arms and legs, gaspingly clawed his way across the floor, like a
great agonized lizard, the woman steadily backing away as he approached. He lay exhausted at her
feet, his face flat on the floor. She raised her skirts and contemptuously thrust out a naked foot. He
lifted his hands and grasped the white foot and kisses it savagely—kissed the step, the sole, and the
frail ankle.

Yes. It gave a certain mood of worshipping a women’s worth. Because in the story, it shows
how a man can give up his pride for the woman that she love. Tadtarin is just an instrument for Don
Paeng to realize that he was wrong that she set aside Donya Lupeng’s feelings and love.
Yes it is a true to life story. This story happens after the World War II wherein there are few
men on the Philippines and they are sexually passive because of the trauma that causes the war. And
the women, because they are also has this sexual and biological urge, they used the ritual of Tadtarin
that make the men sexually active. Tadtarin also is the way to seduce the men and also it makes the
women satisfy their needs.
Justify.
The events presented were in chronological order. Because it started on the morning at the
Moretas residence wherein they are preparing to go the Feast of St. John, Then the story progress on
the celebration until on the last day of the celebration. Lastly, until they went home and suddenly after
the arguments, Don Paeng showed her loved by licking Donya Lupeng’s feet.
The theme for this story is the portrayal of the collision between instincts and refined culture.
The underlying theme is that the mutual love, care, and understanding relationship between couples.
The movie “Tatarin” is the movie that has the same story with similar theme.

If given a chance, I would be Donya Lupeng. Because Donya Lupeng do the ritual not just
doing the ritual itself because she wants to do this for Don Paeng to realize something that he must
also comply to her love. Donya Lupeng like me is hungry with love with people close to me. And
because he has this fighting spirit, she decided to do it. And her plan succeeded. I like also the
determination of Donya Lupeng to bring out the comfort side of Don Paeng.
The story has the following elements which are symbolisms, suspense, and surprise ending.
It has symbolism due to the representation of Tadtarin ritual wherein this ritual is a love-seeking ritual
for those couples who are somehow loosing their love for each other. Then we have the suspense as
one of the elements. Because, it has the sort of action on the climax that wherein Don Paeng search
Donya Lupeng because Donya Lupeng is inside the crowd doing the ritual of Tadtarin while Don
Paeng had many scratches and bruises that the women made because he tried to mess up the ritual.
Surprise ending was also a part because we are shocked at the last scene that Don Paeng kissed the
feet of Donya Lupeng to just show his love to her.
There is no villain in the story hence there is a hero and somehow a dynamic character in the
story. And that is Guido, who tries to draw her out from her moral stiffness by enticing her with the
Tadtarin ritual he is the one who influenced Donya Lupeng to join the ritual.
It has irony as the figurative language: “she began noiselessly quaking with laughter—the mute
mirth jerking in her throat…” Next is metaphor: “She is the Tadtarin.” Lastly, is the hyperbole: “Their
teeth flashed white in their laughing faces and their hot bodies glowed crimson as they pranced
past…”
Yes it gives a single effect on the reader most especially on the ritual that being described on
the story. Women are seductively dancing and flirting and as if they are possessed by bad spirit and
not by the spirit of St, John. The ritual is somehow is explicit because of the action that the woman
does. It is for me violates the Christian principles and moral values.
The dominance of men is the trait that we can see in the story that author wants to be
conscious at. Because as the story reveal that Donya Lupeng is inferior of the characteristics of Don
Paeng but after the ritual of Tadtarin, it had change, turning 360 degrees that now Don Paeng is
under the control of Donya Lupeng. And thus it showed that women can also be superior in terms of
relationship.
Yes. It has a moral lesson. The moral lesson is that we must sensitive to feelings of another
because insensitive may cause a lot of trouble definitely with the relationship between you and the
one you love. It also expressed in the story that we must love and adore women and not taken them
for granted. Because I believed that women compliments all men. Lastly, we must be somehow
change the principle that men always dominant or superior because I can see nowadays that some
women already reached the expectations of a man. They are now highly educated and mannered and
thus they achieve success in their career.
The Virgin
By Kerima Polotan

The title of Kerima Polotan's "The Virgin" gives us the area under discussion like virginity, most
specifically female virginity. Female virginity is a cherished and respected value of Filipino Male
culture. Yes it is appropriate and fitting to the story by presenting its central character as "victim"
rather than heroine of this value system, the text challenges it. Reflecting on her virginal state, Miss
Mijares does so "with a combination of indignity and resentment and lastly guiltiness "
The predominant elements in this story are the theme and the character. Theme is one of the
predominant elements in the story because it focuses not just the virginity of Miss Mijares but also
how she dealt also with her life most especially in her love life. The character also is predominant as
the theme because we can see Miss Mijares strong personality above the other characters but in the
end, her strong personality became tender when he met this carpenter that she thinks that he is the
one.
Miss Mijares is the single main character which the story center. It focuses on her life and how
she deals with it. Miss Mijares also is a dutiful daughter, sacrificing herself, in this case, for a sick
mother, and becoming a spinster, a pathetic figure, her sternness of manner and abruptness of
speech, disguise for an aching loneliness. Referring to her as "Miss Mijares" underlines her primness,
as well as her distance from the carpenter. She is slim and frail-looking, which contrasts with the
carpenter's physical strength and size

Internal conflict confronts the leading character. It is internal character in a way that Miss
Mijares close his mind and her heart on the possibilities to have a companion because of her
ambition and desire for success. Also because of what happened to her mother, she forgets about
herself and continues to live life without the need of others.

The conflict was settled by the appearance of the carpenter in which he is the one that made
the life of Miss Mijares somehow colorful. When a new carpenter applied at her agency, she is
unwittingly drawn to the man. After a confrontation, the two find themselves stranded on an unknown
street in the rain, and Miss Mijares allows herself to be led by her feelings for the carpenter and
responds to his invitation.

It is the combination of the three which are the character’s description, conversation, and
action. Because the author describe Miss Mijares is properly characterized that she lives a dull life
and behaves with stiffness and aloofness, camouflaging her tiredness and loneliness with ruffled and
pastel-colored clothes. Then Polotan handle the characterization thru the conversation. For example
is that when she asked the carpenter when he leaves the construction site for almost a week. This,
you can see the dominant character of Miss Mijares. Lastly, the character’s action. The character’s
speaks to itself that for example that when Miss Mijares hug the carpenter, it definitely means that
Miss Mijares strong personality and dull life slowly changes. Making them equally dominant.

The author which is Poloton put in the picture the story of “The Virgin”. The story uses the third
person omniscient because the all-knowing narrator (like God) gives thoughts of and judgments about
the characters as well as details of action and dialogue. Furthermore, in third person omniscient point
of view, the narrator has the ability to look in to the hearts and minds of all characters at all times, and
may describe the thoughts or feelings of any o.

The primary takes place on the human resource agency specifically the office of Miss Mijares.
This is were the first encounter of Miss Mijares and the carpenter. And the carpenter was applying for
the job in the construction site.
The time setting for the primary action happened on the morning where there a lot applicants
applying for the same position. It is the period of 1970’s to the present time. There is no specific
season for this story. And the time of the day that the most story focuses on the afternoon until the
evening.

The story covers approximately one to two months. Because the story happens so quickly and
it started from the application period of the carpenter until they hug each other while raining.
The story started at this incident where the carpenter went to where Miss Mijares’ office is to
apply a job to be a carpenter for a construction site. He sat in the low chair worn old by countless
other interviewers. Then Miss Mijares pushed a sheet towards him, rolling a pencil along with it. While
he read the question and wrote down his answers, she glanced at her watch and saw that it was ten.
Then she said to the carpenter that she will go somewhere and just wait for him for a while.

The new hand was absent for a week. Miss Mijares waited on that Tuesday he first failed to
report for some word from him sent to Ato and then to her. That was regulation. Briefly though they
were held, the bureau jobs were not ones to take chances with. When a man was absent and he sent
no word, it upset the system. In the absence of a definite notice, someone else who needed a job
badly was kept away from it. Then they met again and the carpenter spoke to Miss Mijares why he is
absent these past few days. And on that moment, he said to Miss Mijares that he has a child but he is
not married. And for that, Miss Mijares got mad because of what he said and because he lied to her
and furthermore, their lives are her business here.

The climax of the story is when it was past six when Miss Mijares, ventured outside the office.
Night had come swiftly and from the dark sky the thick, black, rainy curtain continued to fall. She
stood on the curb, telling herself she must not lose her way tonight. When she flagged a jeepney and
got in, somebody jumped in after her. She looked up into the carpenter's faintly smiling eyes. She
nodded her head once in recognition and then turned away. The cold tight fear of the old dream was
upon her. Before she had time to think, the driver had swerved his vehicle and swung into a side
street. Perhaps it was a different alley this time. But it wound itself in the same tortuous manner as
before, now by the banks of overflowing "esteros", again behind faintly familiar buildings. She bent
her tiny, distraught face, conjuring in her heart the lonely safety of the street island she had stood on
for an hour that night of her confusion.
Miss Mijares stepped down to a sidewalk in front of a boarded store. "Ma'am," the man's voice
sounded at Miss Mijares and he apologizes that he lied. Miss Mijares grant the pardon. In her secret
heart, Miss Mijares' young dreams fluttered faintly to life, seeming monstrous in the rain, near this
man. Miss Mijares thought that she must get away, but the carpenter had moved and brushed against
Miss Mijares, and where his touch had fallen, her flesh leaped, and she recalled how his hands had
looked that first day, lain tenderly on the edge of her desk and about the wooden bird (that had looked
like a moving, shining dove) and she turned to him with her ruffles wet and wilted, in the dark she
turned to him.

Yes it gave a certain mood. It gives a sense of freedom and experience desire. Miss Mijares
unleashed her freedom from the scene on the rain that he sacrifice her to be happy. She experiences
the desire to let go of the cover of darkness in her heart that makes the reader feel of triumph and
exultation and also the romance between the two characters.
Somehow it is a realistic type of story for all of us. A good example for this is some actors and
actresses in the local entertainment that sacrifices first their life to achieve success in their career.
And because they have sacrifice these things, they life is somehow not complete because they have
no companion in life. And when the time comes that they meet their companion in life, they also
choose to have a good life with him/her and sacrifice his/her career. Because he/she knows that
she/he a confidante would reach their self-fulfillment.
Justify.
The events presented on a chronological sequence of events. Because as we can see, it all
started when the carpenter is applying for the job, then the start of the training of the carpenter, then
when Miss Mijares visited the site, next is that she increased the carpenter’s salary, furthermore when
the carpenter leave the construction site for a week without any reason, after that the quarrel between
the carpenter and Miss Mijares and lastly, when they hug in each others arm. But there are some
parts that use flashback wherein we figured out the reason why she is like that now. That her mother
died and because they have no money, she was determined by it and sacrifices herself for that
success.
The Virgin’s theme was responsibility of a person to his or her family. Sacrificing every bit of
time you have, not even thinking of anything not even love just for welfare of your family. The
underlying theme for this story is hoping and wishing for romantic love. The MMK story of Angel
Locsin which is called “Pilat” is a story similar to the theme.

I would see myself as the character of Miss Mijares. Because I also sacrifice my time, my self
for my family and for my studies to achieve success and to lift up my family’s status in life. Also I see
the determination in life of Miss Mijares within myself. Also, I have this unique and string personality
that is similar to Miss Mijares but some traits of Miss Mijares doesn’t fit on my personality and
characteristics. .

The story has full of symbolisms. The use of symbolism is a bit too obvious like the
paperweight, the dream of being lost, the jeepney's detour, the storm. The part where she gets lost, it
is a symbolism or representation for confusion on what to do, asking her self what’s next. Because for
her, it is a daily routine in her life and I think that she was yearning to break free of that system.
There is no villain and hero on this story but there is a dynamic character that really contribute
to the life of Miss Mijares and that is the carpenter. Having pay out most of her adult life thinking
about for her ailing mother, Miss Mijares is forgotten her formative years. She becomes conscious to
her frustration that affection and matrimony have evade her. While a new carpenter submits an
application at her agency, she, without knowing, is attract to the man. She permits herself to be led by
her outlook for the carpenter and take action to his invitation.
One of the figurative speech uses in the story is irony: “He went to where Miss Mijares sat, a
tall, big man, walking with an economy of movement, graceful and light..” Then, metaphor: “Since you
are not starving yet…” and personification: “…it seemed the sun put forth cruel fingers to search out
the signs of age on her thin, pinched face.”
Yes it gives a single effect on the reader and it is let your heart speak the way it should. If you
sacrifice many things already and achieve success, you must therefore rest for a while and let your
heart speak out and follow what it needs. It is also give us the impression that love has its time and
place. That no single person really is alone. That we need companions in our daily lives. It is like a
food that nourishes us and giving us somewhat a purpose here in this world.
The determination is one major trait of each leading character that we can see on the story.
The author makes the readers conscious of its trait by the characters actions and description. Miss
Mijares has this eager to maintain success in her life. And for that, we can see her determination. Also
the carpenter, you can see his determination for applying a job. And lastly, the determination to fall in
love.
Yes it has a moral lesson. And the lesson is that we must be responsible for the sake of our
future and also for the future of our family. If there is an opportunity given to you, you must
wholeheartedly grabbed it because it is rare to be given an opportunity. Then don’t let you heart be
covered with darkness. Live life to the fullest and make the most out of it. Balance all things and if you
balance all the things, you can achieve you worth and you can attain your self-fulfillment.

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Short Story Analysis

1. Explain the title. In what way is it suitable to the story?

4. What sort of conflict confronts the leading character or characters? Explain.

5. How is the conflict resolved?

6. How does the author handle the characterization? Justify

8. Where does the primary action take place? Explain.

10. How much time does the story cover?

12. Briefly describe the rising action of the story?

13. What is the high point or the climax of the story?

15. Does this story create any special mood? Explain.

20. Identify yourself with any of the characters? Explain.

21. Does the story contain any following elements? Explain.

1. Explain the title. In what way is it suitable to the story?

4. What sort of conflict confronts the leading character or characters? Explain.

5. How is the conflict resolved?

6. How does the author handle the characterization? Justify

7. Who tells the story? What point of view is used? Explain

10. How much time does the story cover?

12. Briefly describe the rising action of the story?

13. What is the high point or the climax of the story?

15. Does this story create any special mood? Explain.

20. Identify yourself with any of the characters? Explain.

21. Does the story contain any following elements? Explain.

1. Explain the title. In what way is it suitable to the story.

4. What sort of conflict confronts the leading character or characters? Explain.

5. How is the conflict resolved?

6. How does the author handle the characterization? Justify

8. Where does the primary action take place? Explain.

10. How much time does the story cover?

12. Briefly describe the rising action of the story?

13. What is the high point, or the climax of the story?

15. Does this story create any special mood? Explain.

20. Identify yourself with any of the characters? Explain.

21. Does the story contain any following elements? Explain.

1. Explain the title. In what way is it suitable to the story.

4. What sort of conflict confronts the leading character or characters? Explain.

5. How is the conflict resolved?

6. How does the author handle the characterization? Justify

8. Where does the primary action take place? Explain.

10. How much time does the story cover?

12. Briefly describe the rising action of the story?

13. What is the high point, or the climax of the story?

20. Identify yourself with any of the characters? Explain.

21. Does the story contain any following elements? Explain.

1. Explain the title. In what way is it suitable to the story.

4. What sort of conflict confronts the leading character or characters? Explain.

5. How is the conflict resolved?

6. How does the author handle the characterization? Justify

7. Who tells the story? What point of view is used? Explain

8. Where does the primary action take place? Explain.

10. How much time does the story cover?

12. Briefly describe the rising action of the story?

13. What is the high point or the climax of the story?

15. Does this story create any special mood? Explain.

20. Identify yourself with any of the characters? Explain.

21. Does the story contain any following elements? Explain.

2. Explain the title. In what way is it suitable to the story?

4. What sort of conflict confronts the leading character or characters? Explain.

5. How is the conflict resolved?