OLIVAREZ COLLEGE

DR. PABLO R. OLIVAREZ – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

ST
HUM 002: 21 CENTURY LITERATURE FROM THE PHILIPPINES
TO THE WORLD
Module No. 2: Philippine Literature – Short Story

I. OUTCOMES OF LEARNING
Module 2: Philippine Literature – Short Story
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
1. distinguish the key elements of a short story as reflected in the representative text from Philippine literature;
2. use feminism in writing a close analysis about the representative text; and
3. assess the written analysis based on rationalized criteria.

II.
LESSON PRESENTATION
WHAT IS A SHORT STORY?

A short story is a piece of fiction that is usually

written
in prose and is often in narrative format. It may
use
elements as in a novel, but it is written with much
greater
precision. Short story writers may define their
works as
artistic and personal expressions but they may also
attempt to defy fixed categorization by genre or fixed
formation. The basic elements of a story are setting,
characters, point of view, plot, conflict, and theme.

ELEMENTS OF A SHORT STORY

Setting is the description of the time and place shown in the story. In a short story, there are fewer places where
the story happens and the time is more limited. The setting may be directly described by the author. Description
of time may include time of day, year, weather conditions, or historical period. Description of place may include
geographical location and atmosphere. Other times you have to figure out setting through story details such as
sounds and smells or through the speech and even manner of dressing of the characters.

A character is a person, or at times an animal, who is involved in the action of the story or literary piece. Short
stories usually have fewer characters compared to a novel and they usually focus on one central character. There
are two main types of characters based on the changes that happened to them. These are called the round and
flat characters. Round characters have complete characterization and personality and an internal change of
attitude can be observed as the story progresses. On the other hand, flat characters are consistently the same
throughout the story.

Point of view (POV) shows the perspective of the narrator of the story. A story can be told in either of this
three major POVs which are First person (a character in the story tells the story in its own perspective, the “I
perspective”); Second person (narrator is talking to its readers); and Third person (the narrator is telling the
story like an observer or spectator meaning he is not a character in the story). The most commonly used POV is
the Third person. Third person point of view is also divided into three categories which are Limited (the narrator
only tells what unfolds in the story but cannot see through any character’s mind); Omniscient (the narrator sees
all that is happening in the story); Limited Omniscient (the narrator can see through only one character’s mind).
 1
LESSON
2: Philippine Literature – Short Story
OLIVAREZ COLLEGE
DR. PABLO R. OLIVAREZ – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
ST
HUM 002: 21 CENTURY LITERATURE FROM THE PHILIPPINES
TO THE WORLD
Module No. 2: Philippine Literature – Short Story
A plot is the series of events in a story. It has Exposition

five essential parts:

Climax

Denouement

∙ Exposition (Introduction) – the beginning of the plot and the story; introduces the relevant details about
the characters and the setting.
∙ Rising Action (Complication) – the conflict is introduced through a problematic event; sets the character in
action leading to more exciting events.
∙ Climax – the turning point of the story; sets the character in ultimate interaction with the conflict in
preparation for the resolution.
∙ Falling Action – the part of the story where the tension from the climax starts to ease down as the story
move towards the resolution; complications start to fall into places.
∙ Denouement (Resolution) – the concluding and final part of the story where “loose ends are knot” as the
meaning of the French word, denouement, suggests which is “to untie or unknot”; the part where all conflicts
are resolved and concluded; the most cliché ending of the story is “and they live happily ever after”.

Conflict is an important element in a story. Without conflict, the plot is non-existent. It is the opposing force that
drives the main character towards a surrounding goal through the development of the storyline. This element
helps the characters in understanding their own actions and emotions as well as those of other characters. This
allows the readers to uncover how the character is developed.

A conflict can be internal or external. Internal conflict occurs when the character experiences forces opposing
their own desires and beliefs, even their own responsibilities. External conflict, on the other hand, happens when
character is opposed by something or someone that is out of his or her control. These forces serve as an
obstruction to the character’s motivation.

Every story has a theme around which the plot is woven. The theme expresses a message or general truth about
life. Sometimes, the theme is stated directly, but often, it is not and the reader must infer it.

THE AUTHOR: PAZ MARQUEZ BENITEZ

Paz Marquez Benitez was born on March 3, 1894 in Lucena, Tayabas (now Quezon)
 to Gregorio Marquez and Maria Jurado, who were both teachers.
Paz began schooling at the age of 6 and was enrolled in a public school established
by American colonial authorities in 1901. The school’s instructions were all in the English
language making her exposed prematurely to the American culture. During her education at
the University of the Philippines, the Americans cultured Philippine literature in English in
1910 and Paz was one of the first freshmen class. In 1912, she was one of the first women
to graduate in the university, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. In December 1914, two
years after her graduation, she married Francisco Benitez, who was then a dean in the
University of the Philippines and they went on to have four children.
Paz was an exemplary product of the U.S. education system as she embodied both
Philippine and American cultures as she went on with her career.

2
LESSON
2: Philippine Literature – Short Story
OLIVAREZ COLLEGE
DR. PABLO R. OLIVAREZ – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
ST
HUM 002: 21 CENTURY LITERATURE FROM THE PHILIPPINES
TO THE WORLD
Module No. 2: Philippine Literature – Short Story
PAZ MARQUEZ BENITEZ’ NOTABLE CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS
1919
1918
Co-edited the 1st women’s magazine, The
Co-founded the country’s 1st professional
Woman’s Journal (later renamed as Woman’s
magazine for educators, the Philippine Home Journal)
Education Journal
1920s
1919 Initiated the 1st creative writing class in the
Co-founded the 1st American-styled University of the Philippines and was an
nonsectarian college for women, the outstanding educator
Philippine Women’s College (now
PWU) 1928
Paz compiled all her student’s works and
Paz taught these brilliant writers: Manuel authored the 1st anthology of Filipino stories
Arguilla, Salvador Lopez, Paz Latorena, written in English, the Filipino Love Stories
Bienvenido Santos, Arturo Rotor, Loreto
Paras, Francisco Arcellana & Jose Garcia Villa

LATER YEARS
Assumed her husband’s role as managing editor of the Philippine Education Journal and contributed
the column "Brevities". In the following years, Paz greatly influenced the advancement of women in
professional careers especially in the development of Philippine literature through her contributions.

DEAD STARS (1925)

By Paz Marquez Benitez
SETTING
The story happened at several places during the American occupation of the Philippines. The beginning of the
story happened at Don Julian’s house. Most of the meetings of Alfredo and Julia took place at the house of
Judge Del Valle. The procession took place at the church of Our Lady of Sorrow.

CHARACTERS
The following are the main characters in the story:
1. Alfredo Salazar is a lawyer and the son of Don Julian Salazar. His physique was described as rather poetic
with his stubborn hair, admirable forehead, dreamy eyes, and fresh lips, rather than as masculine. 2.
Esperanza is the long-term fiancé of Alfredo Salazar. She was praised in the story as a woman of admirable
beauty with her fair skin and elegant manner of dressing. She’s known to Alfredo as objective and intensely
possessive.
3. Julia Salas is the sister of Doña Adela, the wife of Judge Del Valle. She’s described as an unnoticeably
beautiful woman with a charming speaking voice. She had the same eyebrows and lips as her sister’s,
clearly defined, but she’s taller and much darker.
 PLOT
Exposition
The story began at Don Julian’s house when Carmen was inquiring about Alfredo and Esperanza’s
relationship. Then, Alfredo began reminiscing his relationship with Julia Salas six weeks ago. He met her
one evening at Judge Del Valle’s house when he went “neighboring” with Don Julian.
Complication
Alfredo and Julia Salas began feeling comfortable with each other that he ignored Esperanza by not waiting
for her after church for several weeks. Soon enough, he realized he’s in love with Julia. Later on, Julia’s
parents requested her to spend the Holy Week at home so she had to say goodbye to Alfredo.
Climax
During Holy Week, Alfredo surprisingly met Julia after the procession of Our Lady of Sorrows. She revealed
her awareness of his approaching wedding and he responded with deep frustration through his words.
However, he soon had to face Esperanza revealing that she found out about his affair. The confrontation
ended indefinitely and Alfredo backed down to Esperanza’s arguments.

LESSON 2: Philippine Literature – Short Story

OLIVAREZ COLLEGE
DR. PABLO R. OLIVAREZ – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
ST
HUM 002: 21 CENTURY LITERATURE FROM THE PHILIPPINES
TO THE WORLD
Module No. 2: Philippine Literature – Short Story
Falling Action
Alfredo married Esperanza and he got used to their relationship. He was gentle and tender to her at times
but he found himself distant from the people and things around him. His life has become orderly, free from
emotional struggles. He tried to be content but he had not forgotten about Julia.
Denouement
After eight years, Alfredo went to Sta. Cruz, Julia’s hometown, to search for a lady named Brigida Samuy,
who was important for his defense in the court. He met Julia again at her house; however, he realized then
that his love for Julia is like a dead star; it shines brightly but it is non-existent.

CONFLICT THEME
Each main character dealt with internal conflict. Alfredo The following themes can be observed in
dealt with his struggle between an obligation to marry the story: Forbidden Love; Infidelity;
Esperanza and his forbidden love for Julia Salas. Marriage Obligation; Sacrificial Love
Esperanza had to overcome the idea that her fiancé was
in love with another woman while Julia Salas was also POV
fighting her own agony over the misfortune that the man The point of view of the story is in Third
she’s in love with was soon to be married with another Person Omniscient.
woman.

Read the full story in this link: http://sushidog.com/bpss/stories/stars.htm

LITERARY CRITICISM AT WORK: FEMINISM

 Image source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1540664
A literary work is analyzed in order for its meaning to be unlocked and discovered. There are various literary
criticisms that one may use to analyze and understand a certain literary piece. One of the widely used literary criticism
in many genres of literature is feminism. This type of criticism is concerned with women’s role in a society as depicted
in literary works. Feminism aims to expose gender related issues and make people aware of those. Its ultimate goal is
to achieve gender equality throughout the world.
In the story, Dead Stars, the characterization of the two main female characters, Julia and Esperanza, reveals
how women are empowered despite the societal norms during the time that this piece was written. Other women
characters may also be explored and noted to further prove it. Comparing the attitude and actions of main male
character, Alfredo, to Julia and Esperanza’s attitude and actions provides solid evidences that this story is not just a
love story but a story about maturity and women empowerment.

Three waves of feminism:

⮚ First Wave Feminism (late 1700s-early 1900's): highlights the inequalities between the sexes ⮚ Second Wave
Feminism (early 1960s-late 1970s): building on more equal working conditions during WWII ⮚ Third Wave
Feminism (early 1990s-present): resisting gender and race stereotypes on women

Characteristics of Feminism
✔ Analyzes language as a tool of gender construction
✔ Assesses the view of women as “Other”
✔ Examines representations of women in literature
✔ Examines and challenges patriarchal roles
✔ Questions the neutrality of mainstream interpretation
✔ Rediscovers texts written by women
✔ Revalues women’s experiences

4
LESSON
2: Philippine Literature – Short Story
OLIVAREZ COLLEGE
DR. PABLO R. OLIVAREZ – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
ST
HUM 002: 21 CENTURY LITERATURE FROM THE PHILIPPINES
TO THE WORLD
Module No. 2: Philippine Literature – Short Story

I
III. NTERACTIVE DISCUSSION
QUESTIONS
Directions: Read and answer the following questions.
 1. In your opinion, what could be Alfredo’s reason for having an affair with Julia Salas despite being engaged to
Esperanza?
2. If you were in Alfredo’s case, who would you choose between Esperanza and Julia Salas?
3. What does the title say about the ending of the story?

IV. VALUES
REFLECTION
Directions: Answer the question meaningfully. Criteria: Content
-5
points; Organization and Grammar - 5 points

If the story’s setting happened during the present time, will it

still
be a big issue if Alfredo choose another woman to marry
instead
of the one he is already engaged to? Explain why or why not.

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

V. ACTIVITY ENGAGEMENT
LITERARY ANALYSIS USING FEMINISM (100 POINTS)
Directions: Analyze the short story, Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez, using feminism as point of criticism and
argumentation. It must be a complete essay consisting of at least 5 paragraphs. The title of the analysis must provide
the gist of your argument. Cite your sources and include a reference list at the end of your analysis. Observe the list
of guides and criterion in the rubric below to make your analysis acceptable and credible.

Technical Guide: The analysis must be written in Microsoft Word for students who chose online as their learning
mode. The font must be Cambria, size 11. It must be single spaced and justified. For those who chose modular
learning, you may write your analysis in a yellow pad paper or intermediate pad. Write legibly in print. Follow correct
margins and indention.

Guide questions for analysis: Here is a list of questions that you may use as a guide in making your
analysis: ∙ How is the relationship between men and women portrayed?
∙ What are the power relationships between men and women (or characters assuming male/female roles)? ∙
How are male and female roles defined?
∙ What constitutes masculinity and femininity?
∙ How do characters embody these traits?
∙ What does the work reveal about the operations (economically, politically, socially, or psychologically) of
patriarchy?

5
 LESSON
2: Philippine Literature – Short Story
OLIVAREZ COLLEGE
DR. PABLO R. OLIVAREZ – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
ST
HUM 002: 21 CENTURY LITERATURE FROM THE PHILIPPINES
TO THE WORLD
Module No. 2: Philippine Literature – Short Story
∙ What does the work imply about the possibilities of sisterhood as a mode of resisting patriarchy? ∙
What does the work say about women's creativity?
∙ What does the history of the work's reception by the public and by the critics tell us about the operation of
patriarchy?
∙ What role does the work play in terms of women's literary history and literary tradition? (Tyson)
Source of guide questions:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/literary_theory_and_schools_of_criticism/f
e minist_criticism.html (Lois Tyson - Critical Theory Today: A User-Friendly Guide, 2nd ed., 2006.)
RUBRIC FOR LITERARY ANALYSIS

CRITERIA EXCELLENT GOOD ADEQUATE NEEDS

(24-25PTS) (22-23PTS) (20-21PTS) IMPROVEMENT
(18-19PTS)

Introduction The introductory part The introductory It has an The introductory

uses a strong attention part uses an interesting paragraph is not
grabber appropriate to attention grabber introductory interesting and
its audience. This could connected to the paragraph but the not relevant to
be a strong statement, a topic but it is connection to the the topic.
relevant quotation, weak, rambling or topic is not clear.
statistic or question inappropriate for
addressed to the reader. the audience.

Thesis The thesis statement is The thesis The thesis The thesis
Statement clear and has specific statement is clear statement outlines statement does
points to be discussed. but not quite some of the main not name the
The main topic is specific. The main points to be topic and does
evidently aligned with topic is related to discussed but does not preview
the required criticism to the required not clearly or what will be
be used. criticism to be specifically name discussed.
used. the topic.

Evidences All of the evidence and Many of the At least one of the Evidence and
and examples are specific evidence and pieces of evidence examples are not
Examples and relevant. The examples are and examples is relevant and/or
explanations given specific and relevant and has are not
certainly show how it relevant. The an explanation explained. Few
supports the thesis. Most explanations given that shows how it or none of the
if not all of the cited show how it supports the cited source are
sources are included in supports the thesis. Some of included in the
the reference list. thesis. Many of the cited source reference list.
the cited sources are included in
are included in the the reference list.
reference list.

Conclusion The conclusion gives a The conclusion is The conclusion is There is no

solid impression to the recognizable. The not well conclusion – the
reader about the thesis statement is connected to the paper just ends.
analysis made. Effective restated within the main topic. The
restatement of the first two sentences thesis statement is
thesis statement begins of the closing restated within the
the closing paragraph. paragraph. closing paragraph,
but not near the
beginning.
 Conventions There are no errors in There are 1-2 There are 3-4 There are more
grammar, spelling, or errors in grammar, errors in grammar, than 4 errors in
punctuation that distract spelling, or spelling, or grammar,
the reader from the punctuation that punctuation that spelling, or
content. distract the reader distract the reader punctuation that
from the content. from the content. distract the
reader from the
content.

Revised rubric from: Leah Cleary, 2015

6
LESSON
2: Philippine Literature – Short Story
OLIVAREZ COLLEGE
DR. PABLO R. OLIVAREZ – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
ST
HUM 002: 21 CENTURY LITERATURE FROM THE PHILIPPINES
TO THE WORLD
Module No. 2: Philippine Literature – Short Story

VI. RESEARCH EXPLORATION

WHAT IS FLASH FICTION?

A flash fiction is a piece of narrative written in very limited number of words. It is called in different variations such as
sudden fiction, micro-fiction, or short short. Despite being characterized with extreme brevity, a flash fiction offers
quite the same features as a short story including the plot development, characterization, and theme.

The following is an example of flash fiction. Read the story and try to identify how this is similar or different with the
short story, Dead Stars, in terms of its setting, characters, plot, conflict, point of view and theme.

WARNING LABELS
by Melay Lapeña
You don’t understand, she said, slicing a walnut with her bread knife. He never did understand why she
insisted on cutting her food up into pieces so tiny, they couldn’t possibly have any flavor left. She was breaking
up with him for the sixth time that night, the way she had been breaking up with him every day for the last four
years. He had learned to ignore it, thinking back to their first date.
People should come with warning labels, she told him, pinching a half-inch off her cinnamon pretzel.
What would yours be? she asked him. He answered by asking her what hers was. Keep your distance, she said.
Does not wash off, was his.
I mean it this time, she told him calmly, chewing on her last walnut piece. He stared at her, and said
nothing. She stood and went to their room, a honeymoon suite because it was the only thing available. He took
his time, ordering a cup of coffee. Somehow he knew she did mean it, this time, but he realized his warning label
was no match for hers.
He did not hurry to get back to the room, already imagining the half-empty suitcase, his toothbrush
lonely by the sink. She had always been gone. It was time to stop following.
 I
VII. NTEGRATION PROCESS AND
SYNTHESIS
✔ A short story is a fictional prose that is mostly in narrative form. It’s composed of five major elements:
setting, character, plot, crisis, and theme.
✔ Appearing as an exemplary product of the U.S. education system during the American imperialism, Paz
Marquez Benitez served as a link between both American and Philippine cultures through her literary
achievements and her career as educator, editor and writer.
✔ Dead Stars is a story of forbidden love between the two main characters Alfredo Salazar and Julia Salas. The
affair is held back by the former’s engagement to his soon-to-be wife Esperanza.
✔ In reality, a dead star projects its light to Earth making it seem alive even though extinguished. This, in
connotation, was used by the author as a symbolism to the love between Alfredo Salazar and Julia Salas,
long gone but still brightly shines in his memory.
✔ Paz Marquez Benitez made use of characterization to uncover the truth behind the decaying Philippine
tradition during the American occupation. The Philippines, being under the American imperialism, was in
dilemma between choosing the imposed American culture or clinging to its own.

7
LESSON
2: Philippine Literature – Short Story
OLIVAREZ COLLEGE
DR. PABLO R. OLIVAREZ – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
ST
HUM 002: 21 CENTURY LITERATURE FROM THE PHILIPPINES
TO THE WORLD
Module No. 2: Philippine Literature – Short Story

VIII. ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING

CROSSWORD QUIZ (15 POINTS)
Directions: Complete the crossword puzzle by using the given clues below and putting in the appropriate responses.

12
34
5
6
7
89
 14

15

DOWN
10

11 12

13
1 In Dead Stars, she is the one chosen by Alfredo Salazar to marry towards the end of the
story. 2 She is the sister of Alfredo Salazar in Dead Stars.
4 ________ person is the most commonly used point of view in narrating a story. 6 It is the problem
encountered by a character in a story and without it the plot will not be existent. 7 In Dead Stars, Calle
________ is the street where Julia Salas confronted Alfredo Salazar regarding his engagement.
9 Paz Marquez Benitez’ parents are both ________.
12 It is one of the prevalent theme in Dead Stars which means being unfaithful in a
relationship. 13 One of goals of feminism is to expose ________ related issues and raise
awareness about it.

ACROSS
3 An element of the story that refers to when and where the story happened.
5 In Dead Stars, Alfredo has been engaged for ________ years.
8 This is the part of the plot where loose ends are knot.
10 Calle ________ is the name of the street of Julia Salas’ hometown is in Dead Stars. 11 This is the
part of the plot where the ultimate interaction of the character with the conflict happens. 14 Round
characters are observed to have an ________ change in attitude as the story unfolds. 15 In Dead
Stars, Alfredo Salazar is a ________ by profession.

8
LESSON
2: Philippine Literature – Short Story
OLIVAREZ COLLEGE
DR. PABLO R. OLIVAREZ – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
ST
HUM 002: 21 CENTURY LITERATURE FROM THE PHILIPPINES
TO THE WORLD
Module No. 2: Philippine Literature – Short Story

IX.
NETWORK LINKS, DIGITAL SOURCES AND REFERENCESTexbook:
De Jesus, N. Q., & Katigbak-Lacuesta, M. (2015). Fast Food Fiction Delivery: Short Stories to Go. Anvil
Publishing, Incorporated.
 Weblinks:
http://sushidog.com/bpss/stories/stars.htm
https://www.litcharts.com/literary-devices-and-terms/falling-action
https://www.britannica.com/art/historical-criticism-literary-criticism
http://www.rcboe.org/cms/lib010/GA01903614/Centricity/Domain/4395/Elements%20of%20a%20Story.pdf
https://philippineculturaleducation.com.ph/marquez-benitez-paz/
http://www.jstor.org/stable/42634626
https://literaryterms.net/point-of-view/
www.jstor.org/stable/27821470
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/literary_theory_and_schools_of_cri
ticism/feminist_criticism.html
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Literary-Analysis-Handouts
1663385?epik=dj0yJnU9TUZLeUhONFhLVUVVdVJQZlZOcUJmRW9NeHRPcjJnXzcmcD0wJm49MjFZUVF5V3N
x dENDbWdMU3Y2TElGQSZ0PUFBQUFBR0VTQ3Nz

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LESSON
2: Philippine Literature – Short Story