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 1. Explain the title. In what way is it suitable to the story? 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. 2. What is the predominant element in the story- plot, theme, character, and setting? Explain. 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. 3. Who is the single main character about whom the story centers? Explain. 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. 4. What sort of conflict confronts the leading character or characters? Explain. 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. 5. How is the conflict resolved? 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. 6. How does the author handle the characterization? Justify 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. 7. Who tells the story? What point of view is used? Explain 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.

8. Where does the primary action take place? Explain. 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. 9. What is the time setting for the action? Period of history? Season? Time of the day? 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. 10. How much time does the story cover? The story covers from the day that Dodong proposed to Teang until they receive 7 children. 11. How does the story get started? What is the initial incident? 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. 12. Briefly describe the rising action of the story? 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. 13. What is the high point or the climax of the story? 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. 14. Discuss the falling action of the story or the close of the story. 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. 15. Does this story create any special mood? Explain. 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. 16. Is this story realistic or true to life? Explain your answers by giving examples. 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. 17. Are the events or incidents of the plot presented in flashback or in chronological order? 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. 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 clearly written as 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 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. 20. Identify yourself with any of the characters? Explain. 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. 21. Does the story contain any following elements? Explain. 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. 22. Was there a villain in the story? A hero? A dynamic character? Describe. 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. 23. Can you find any examples of figurative language? Cite them from the selection. 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” 24. Does the story contain a single effect or impression for the reader? If so, what? 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. 25. Name one major personality trait of each leading character, and tell how the author makes the reader conscious of its trait. 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. 26. Does the story have a moral? If not, what do you think the purpose of the author was? 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. 2. What is the predominant element in the story- plot, theme, character, and setting? Explain. 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. 3. Who is the single main character about whom the story centers? Explain. 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. . 4. What sort of conflict confronts the leading character or characters? Explain. 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. 5. How is the conflict resolved? 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. 6. How does the author handle the characterization? Justify 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.

7. Who tells the story? What point of view is used? Explain 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. 8. Where does the primary action take place? Explain. 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. 9. What is the time setting for the action? Period of history? Season? Time of the day? 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. 10. How much time does the story cover? 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. 11. How does the story get started? What is the initial incident? 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. . 12. Briefly describe the rising action of the story? 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. . 14. Discuss the falling action of the story or the close of the story. 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. 15. Does this story create any special mood? Explain. 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. 17. Are the events or incidents of the plot presented in flashback or in chronological order? 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. 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 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. 20. Identify yourself with any of the characters? Explain. 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. 21. Does the story contain any following elements? Explain. 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. 22. Was there a villain in the story? A hero? A dynamic character? Describe. 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.

23. Can you find any examples of figurative language? Cite them from the selection. 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” 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 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. 25. Name one major personality trait of each leading character, and tell how the author makes the reader conscious of its trait. 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. 26. Does the story have a moral? If not, what do you think the purpose of the author was? 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 1. Explain the title. In what way is it suitable to the story. 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. 2. What is the predominant element in the story- plot, theme, character, and setting? Explain. 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. 3. Who is the single main character about whom the story centers? Explain. 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. 4. What sort of conflict confronts the leading character or characters? Explain. 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. 5. How is the conflict resolved? 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. 6. How does the author handle the characterization? Justify 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.

7. Who tells the story? What point of view is used? Explain 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. 8. Where does the primary action take place? Explain. 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. 9. What is the time setting for the action? Period of history? Season? Time of the day? 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. 10. How much time does the story cover? 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. 11. How does the story get started? What is the initial incident? 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. 12. Briefly describe the rising action of the story? 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. 14. Discuss the falling action of the story or the close of the story. 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.

15. Does this story create any special mood? Explain. 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. 16. Is this story realistic or true to life? Explain your answers by giving examples. 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. 17. Are the events or incidents of the plot presented in flashback or in chronological order? 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. 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 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. 20. Identify yourself with any of the characters? Explain. 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. 21. Does the story contain any following elements? Explain. 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.

22. Was there a villain in the story? A hero? A dynamic character? Describe. 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. 23. Can you find any examples of figurative language? Cite them from the selection. 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.” 24. Does the story contain a single effect or impression for the reader? If so, what? 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. 25. Name one major personality trait of each leading character, and tell how the author makes the reader conscious of its trait. 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. 26. Does the story have a moral? If not, what do you think the purpose of the author was? 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 1. Explain the title. In what way is it suitable to the story. 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.. 2. What is the predominant element in the story- plot, theme, character, and setting? Explain. 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. 3. Who is the single main character about whom the story centers? Explain. 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. 4. What sort of conflict confronts the leading character or characters? Explain. 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. 5. How is the conflict resolved? 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. 6. How does the author handle the characterization? Justify 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. 7. Who tells the story? What point of view is used? Explain 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. 8. Where does the primary action take place? Explain. 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. 9. What is the time setting for the action? Period of history? Season? Time of the day? 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. 10. How much time does the story cover? 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. 11. How does the story get started? What is the initial incident? 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. 12. Briefly describe the rising action of the story? 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. 13. What is the high point or the climax of the story? 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. 14. Discuss the falling action of the story or the close of the story. 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. 15. Does this story create any special mood? Explain.

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 16. Is this story realistic or true to life? Explain your answers by giving examples. 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. 17. Are the events or incidents of the plot presented in flashback or in chronological order? 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. 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 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. 20. Identify yourself with any of the characters? Explain. 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. 21. Does the story contain any following elements? Explain. 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. 22. Was there a villain in the story? A hero? A dynamic character? Describe. 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. 23. Can you find any examples of figurative language? Cite them from the selection. 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.” 24. Does the story contain a single effect or impression for the reader? If so, what? 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. 25. Name one major personality trait of each leading character, and tell how the author makes the reader conscious of its trait. 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. 26. Does the story have a moral? If not, what do you think the purpose of the author was? 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 2. Explain the title. In what way is it suitable to the story? "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. 2. What is the predominant element in the story- plot, theme, character, and setting? Explain. 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. 3. Who is the single main character about whom the story centers? Explain. 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. 4. What sort of conflict confronts the leading character or characters? Explain. 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. 5. How is the conflict resolved? 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. 6. How does the author handle the characterization? Justify 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. 7. Who tells the story? What point of view is used? Explain 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 8. Where does the primary action take place? Explain. 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. 9. What is the time setting for the action? Period of history? Season? Time of the day? 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. 10. How much time does the story cover? 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. 11. How does the story get started? What is the initial incident? 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. 12. Briefly describe the rising action of the story? 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. 13. What is the high point or the climax of the story? 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. 14. Discuss the falling action of the story or the close of the story. When they are home and stood facing each other in the bedroom, she was still as lighthearted. 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. 15. Does this story create any special mood? Explain. 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. 16. Is this story realistic or true to life? Explain your answers by giving examples. 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. 17. Are the events or incidents of the plot presented in flashback or in chronological order? 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. 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 clearly written as 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 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. 20. Identify yourself with any of the characters? Explain. 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.

21. Does the story contain any following elements? Explain. 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. 22. Was there a villain in the story? A hero? A dynamic character? Describe. 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. 23. Can you find any examples of figurative language? Cite them from the selection. 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…” 24. Does the story contain a single effect or impression for the reader? If so, what? 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. 25. Name one major personality trait of each leading character, and tell how the author makes the reader conscious of its trait. 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. 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. 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 1. Explain the title. In what way is it suitable to the story? 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 " 2. What is the predominant element in the story- plot, theme, character, and setting? Explain. 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. 3. Who is the single main character about whom the story centers? Explain. 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 4. What sort of conflict confronts the leading character or characters? Explain. 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. 5. How is the conflict resolved? 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. 6. How does the author handle the characterization? Justify 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. 7. Who tells the story? What point of view is used? Explain 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. 8. Where does the primary action take place? Explain. 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. 9. What is the time setting for the action? Period of history? Season? Time of the day? 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. 10. How much time does the story cover? 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. 11. How does the story get started? What is the initial incident? 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. 12. Briefly describe the rising action of the story? 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. 13. What is the high point or the climax of the story? 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. 14. Discuss the falling action of the story or the close of the story. 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. 15. Does this story create any special mood? Explain. 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. 16. Is this story realistic or true to life? Explain your answers by giving examples. 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. 17. Are the events or incidents of the plot presented in flashback or in chronological order? 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. 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 clearly written as 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 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. 20. Identify yourself with any of the characters? Explain. 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. . 21. Does the story contain any following elements? Explain. 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. 22. Was there a villain in the story? A hero? A dynamic character? Describe. 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. 23. Can you find any examples of figurative language? Cite them from the selection. 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.” 24. Does the story contain a single effect or impression for the reader? If so, what? 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. 25. Name one major personality trait of each leading character, and tell how the author makes the reader conscious of its trait. 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. 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 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.