The Rainy Day

The Rainy Day

A Poem By: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Author's Background:

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born in Portland, Maine—then still part of Massachusetts—on February 27, 1807, the second son in a family of eight children. His mother, Zilpah Wadsworth, was the daughter of a Revolutionary War hero. His father, Stephen Longfellow, was a prominent Portland lawyer and later a member of Congress.

My Point-of-view:

The author talks about the day in the first stanza. It's a cold, dark, and a dreary weather. For this somehow represents or symbolizes the loneliness in the poem, the sad theme in the poem. Even though the leaves or someone tries to hold on to something that is very difficult to handle, they tend to fall after some time.

His life is full of sadness, very cold, and dark, dreary. What ever he does, even though he tried holding on in the past, his hopes kept on falling apart, this makes it very sad.

Third part was talking about himself, his whole, his heart to still hold on. There's always sadness and downs in life, but then these problems in life are just obstacles and it's just temporary. We must not give up on something and it's fate, nobody can avoid a rain falling in their life, everyone need to fight their own Challenges. The days that are dark and dreary? They won't last forever.

To Whom Shall I Tell My Sorrow

To Whom Shall I Tell My Sorrow

By: Anton Chekhov

Author's Background:

was a Russian playwright and short-story writer, who is considered to be among the greatest writers of short fiction in history. His career was a playwright produced four classics, and his best short stories are held in high esteem by writers and critics.

Vocabulary:

nag - (noun) an old horse

galosh - a waterproof overshoe, typically made of rubber

epithet - an adjective or phrase expressing a quality or attribute regarded as characteristic of the person or thing mentioned.

Characters:

Iona Potapov -  a frail, poor, cabdriver who just lost his son.

Iona's Nag (Horse): the one who pulls Iona's sleigh

Three drunken young men: Passengers

An Officer: Passenger 

Setting:

The story was set in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1860.

Exposition:

The story started by introducing a man who's very tired, depressed about losing his son earlier in the story. He went another night in his job to have a bit of fare.

Rising Action: 

He got a passenger that night, a military officer, the officer then asked Iona what's wrong. Iona then answered what happened to his son recently. Iona wanted to share or tell the Officer his sorrow but sadly the officer was to busy and in a hurry.

Climax:

Later on in the story,  Iona went to his horse and feeds her. Later on, started mourning and talks about his son. That his son is the one who should be taking care of her (Horse). It's a hard job for Iona.

Falling Action:

This part continued on Iona talking about his passed son, it went to a depressing talk.

Ending:

No one was able to listen to his sorrows, he then got carried away telling it to the horse itself.

Symbolism:

The place in the story shows that it was very dark, snowy. This symbolized the theme of Iona's depression.

Theme: 

A story where Iona wasn't able to share or tell his griefs to anyone. Because in reality, each and everyone has things to do, busy and has their problems.

Lesson:

No man is an Island. There will always be a chance to talk to someone, tell what you are feeling, especially if it's depressing. You can't keep your depression inside you for long, the time will come where you will explode. It's better to tell someone, it's comfortable.

A Night in the Hills

A Night in the Hills 

By: Paz Marquez-Benitez

Author's Background:

Born in 1894 in Lucena, Tayabas (now Quezon). Marquez – Benítez authored the first Filipino modern English language short story, Dead Stars, published in the Philippine Herald in 1925. ... For Marquez-Benitez, writing was a lifelong occupation.

Vocabulary:

Azotea - a flat roof or platform on the top of a house or other building.

camisa de chino - an undershirt

misas de gallo - an event in the Philippines during Christmas Season

Characters:

Gerardo Luna -  salesman in a jewelry store, Protagonist.

His Wife - Antagonist.

Ambo - the man who buys some jewelry for his wife's store, orchid gatherer.

Ate Tere or Sotera - A mistress of her also younger brother.

Peregrina - Flat, static. Fiancee

Setting:

Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. A long time ago, fine weather.

Exposition: 

In the first part where Gerardo Luna is being introduce, and the story mentioned the secret of Luna having a long time dream of going to the forest.

Rising Action:

This part where Gerardo has a conversation with his wife about such dream, but she brushes it off. He then forgets about that dream. 

Climax:

He then went to the forest because her wife died. When he went to the forest, he experienced things that he didn't expect the nature has.

Falling Action: 

He had a hard time in the forest. Things started going different and realized that the forest is very different from his dreams. 

Ending:

When Gerardo got back home, he felt very disappointed and full of melancholy. He wanted to get back to reality.

Symbolism: 

Gerardo's dreams and experience about nature to how we see life. We must be always prepared to whatever happens in reality, even if it's very difficult, too much responsibility. Have the confidence to face them all.

Theme: 

"things are not always as they appear to be"  -Phaedrus

Lesson:

Always be ready when the time comes that you have to face reality. Exploring things is fine, but don't be shocked when the one that you have expected didn't turn out as expected.

Visitation of the Gods

By: Gilda Cordero Fernando

Author's background:

Gilda Cordero-Fernando is a writer and publisher from the Philippines. She was born on June 4, 1932, in Manila, has a B.A. from St. Theresa's College-Manila, and an M.A. from the Ateneo de Manila University.

Vocabulary:

Ravished - (past tense) seize and carry off (someone) by force.
Transoms - (plural noun) the flat surface forming the stern of a vessel.
Assiduous - showing great care and perseverance.
Languorous - refers to a certain kind of mood everyone gets in sometimes — when you'd rather lie around thinking than doing work or having fun
Nymphs - (plural noun) a mythological spirit of nature imagined as a beautiful maiden inhabiting rivers, woods, or other locations.
Dishabille - the state of being only partly or scantily clothed.
Tangible - perceptible by touch.
Interwoven - (past participle) weave or become woven together.
Appellation - a name or title.
Jowls - (plural noun) the lower part of a person's or animal's cheek, especially when it is fleshy or drooping. "she had a large nose and heavy jowls"
Corset - a woman's tightly fitting undergarment extending from below the chest to the hips, worn to shape the figure.
Elucidated - make (something) clear; explain.
Aplomb - self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation.
Gyrated - (past tense) move or cause to move in a circle or spiral, especially quickly.

Characters:

Mrs. Divinagracia - HE instructor

Mrs. Olbes - wife of Mr. Olbes

Mr. Olbes - Pugad Lawin's Principal

Ms. Noel - English Instructor

Mr. Alava - Superintendent

Mr. Buenaflor - Industrial Arts instructor

Mr. de Dios - Physics Instructor

Mr. Baz - National Language instructor

Ms. Santos - PE Instructor

Mr del Rosario Military Tactics

Leon - a Student

Setting:

Pugad Lawin Highschool

Exposition:

The story took place at Pugad Lawin High School where a letter announcing a visitation of the "Gods". Where there will be an Inspection and evaluation. They fixed the Classrooms and preparations of food etc..

Rising Action:

The teachers and student body had gathered. They were divided into four groups with different kinds of tasks to do. To make the Building looks presentable to the "Gods".

Climax:

The visitation turned out well. They had dinner and the night came. Mr. Sawit and Ms. Noel

had a conversation about their preparation, and the visitation and a lot more. Mr. Sawit asked for the Evaluation, Ms. Noel answered that the visitation was funny, the assessment was like scripted.

Falling Action:

Ms. Noel continued to think about her job, thinking if she'll get a new one. One of her students, Leon, whose dream is to be a lawyer, asked Ms. Noel for help. Therefore Ms. Noel gained confidence. Ms. Noel also learned that those who sacrifice and dedicate their lives for the good of the country ends up getting nothing. No appreciation, not even once. 

 

Ending:

The story ended with Ms. Noel getting into a picture with the new Supervisor.

Even if she was late, she took it with confidence and pride. In the end, her determination in 

teaching her students is still in her heart.

Symbolism:

One of the Symbolism in the story is the on in the title and story the "Gods" 

Where the teachers offer something to the God's to please them and a lot more. 

Just like in their jobs.

Theme:

A determination is worth fulfilling.

Believe what is right and help others that need your help.

If you're passionate about your work, never give up.

 

 

Footnote to Youth

Footnote to Youth

By: Jose Garcia Villa

Author's background:

Jose Garcia Villa (August 5, 1908 – February 7, 1997) was a Filipino poet, literary critic, short story writer, and painter. He was awarded the National Artist of the Philippines title for literature in 1973, as well as the Guggenheim Fellowship in creative writing by Conrad Aiken.

Vocabulary:

Climacteric - a critical period or event.
Fragrant - having a pleasant or sweet smell.
Unvarnished - not covered with varnish.
Supper - an evening meal, typically a light or informal one.
Clamor - a loud and confused noise, especially that of people shouting vehemently.
Tyranny - cruel, unreasonable, or arbitrary use of power or control.
Rebuking - express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behavior or actions.
Beckoned - (past tense) make a gesture with the hand, arm, or head to encourage someone to come nearer or follow.
Limp - walk with difficulty, typically because of a damaged or stiff leg or foot.
Interminable - endless (often used hyperbolically).
Acridly - sharp and harsh or unpleasantly pungent in taste or odor: irritating. 

Characters:

Dodong's Father

Dodong's Mother

Dodong - Teang's Husband

Teang - Dodong's Wife

Blas - Dodong and Teang's Son

Tona - Woman whos Blas wants to marry

Lucio - Another Suitor

Setting: 

Farm in the West. The sun was salmon and hazy.

Exposition:

The story starts with Dodong and their life on the farm. Dodong with the conflict of telling his father that he wants to marry Teang at his early age. Dodong being worried his father might tell him that he's too young to marry someone.

Rising Action:

After a day of work in the Farm, Dodong went home. He then asked for his father's blessings for he is determined to Marry Teang, also having the fear of his father telling him that he is still too young to have a family. His dad then asked few questions.

Climax: 

Teang gave birth. It was their first baby name, Blas. Dodong was very guilty, unpleasant, he wanted to get out of it. He was so afraid, full of thoughts with severe tyranny.

Falling Action:

The story ends with Blas growing up, thinking of marrying Tona. Dodong telling Blas that he's too Young to have a family. Dodong is afraid that Blas might end up like him.

Ending: 

The story ends with Blas growing up, thinking of marrying Tona. Dodong telling Blas that he's too Young to have a family. Dodong is afraid that Blas might end up like him.

Symbolism:

I think the worm crawling on Dodong's feet symbolized his future at some point. His choices in life, his character. Responsibility, having a responsibility you can't handle is not good for you. Marriage in the age of Youth is not really advisable, especially if you can't fulfill the responsibilities.

Theme: 

Teen Marriage

Making decisions without thinking deeper

Lesson:

Love is something that is taken seriously.

Being married at any age is easy, but you must always be prepared to fulfill the responsibilities that you're about to face. Having a family at an early age is very hard especially if you don't have a good work. If you don't want any problems, try avoiding making a lot of babies haha.

Dead Stars

Dead Stars

By: Paz Marquez-Benitez

Author's background:

Born in 1894 in Lucena, Tayabas (now Quezon). Marquez – Benítez authored the first Filipino modern English language short story, Dead Stars, published in the Philippine Herald in 1925. ... For Marquez-Benitez, writing was a lifelong occupation.

Vocabulary:

Tranquil - free from disturbance; calm.

Dappled - marked with spots or rounded patches.

Insipid - lacking flavor.

Perfervid -  intense and impassioned.

Tumultuous - making a loud, confused noise; uproarious.

Haste - excessive speed or urgency of movement or action; hurry.

Avidly - with great interest or enthusiasm.

Recalcitrant - having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline.

Derided - express contempt for; ridicule.

Drawled - (past tense) speak in a slow, lazy way with prolonged vowel sounds.

Filigree - ornamental work of fine (typically gold or silver) wire formed into delicate tracery.

Characters:

Alfredo Salazar - Main character of the story

Esperanza - The beautiful fiancee of Alfredo

Calixta - note carrier of Esperanza

Julia Salas - Sister-in-law of Judge De Valle

Judge De Valle - Brother-in-law of Julia

Carmen - Sister of Alfredo

Don Julian - Father of Alfredo

Vicente - husband of Carmen

Donya Adela - sister of Julia

Dionsio - husband of Donya Adela

Brigida Samuy - The woman Afredo's looking for.

Setting: 

Don Julian's House

Judge De Valle's House

Sta. Cruz

Exposition:

The story starts with Alfredo hearing his family of why Alfredo hasn't married

Esperanza yet. It's been four years.

Rising Action:

Alfredo went to Judge Del Valle's house. Alfredo building up feelings towards Julia while interacting and having a conversation. 

Climax: 

Alfredo had a conversation with Julia, shake her hands. Shocked that his feelings are now gone for Julia, knowing that it's already part of the past. Julia discovered Alfredo's engagement

with Esperanza, she then congratulated Alfredo.

Falling Action:

This part is when Alfredo married Esperanza. Eight years later, he had a business trip and he visited Julia. 

Ending: 

Alfredo and Esperanza's marriage was far from perfect. But when he saw Julia, he realized that his feelings for Julia was already a part of the past, and will remain only in the past.

He then compared his love for her to dead stars.

Symbolism:

The symbolism that I found in the story is the Title, and when he compared it, "Dead Stars".

The Symbolism here is that when he realized that his feelings were left in the past and will

only remain there. "He compares his memory of love for her to Dead Stars, whose glow is still visible from the Earth for years after they are gone."

Theme:

This story shows the reality of Forbidden Love.

It is whether you choose your dilemma or commitment.

Lesson: 

One must follow his heart. It is better to have your life in a comfortable and happy way, 

instead of forcing someone into your life, or things that are impossible to happen.

How My Brother Leon Brought Home A Wife

How My Brother Leon Brought Home A Wife

By: Manuel E. Arguilla

Author's background:

Manuel Arguilla. Manuel Estabilla Arguilla (Nagrebcan, June 17, 1911 – beheaded, Manila Chinese Cemetery, August 30, 1944) was an Ilokano writer in English, patriot, and martyr. ... His stories "Midsummer" and "Heat" were published in Tondo, Manila by the Prairie Schooner.

Vocabulary:

Cud - partly digested food returned from the first stomach of ruminants to the mouth for further chewing.

Daintily - of delicate beauty; exquisite:

Eagerly - used to emphasize a strong desire to do or have something.

Glistered - (past tense) sparkle; glitter.

Uncertainly - something that is uncertain or that causes one to feel uncertain.

Fragrance - a pleasant, sweet smell

Elongated - unusually long in relation to its width.

Dikes - A dike or dyke, in geological usage, is a sheet of rock that is formed in a fracture in a pre-existing rock body. Dikes can be either magmatic or sedimentary in origin.

Reined - (past tense) check or guide (a horse) by pulling on its reins.

Characters:

Baldo brother of Leon and the Narrator of the Story

Leon Older brother of Baldo 

Maria Wife of Leon 

Labang pet Cow

Father 

Setting:

Nagrebcan, La Union

Exposition:

The story starts with Leon and his family, meeting Baldo. Baldo is the brother of Leon, at the

same time the narrator of the story, in Barrio Nagrebcan.

Rising Action:

Maria thinking if Leon's Father would accept her. Being afraid of the Waig path, testing Maria. For it is the father's wish on their way home.

Climax: 

When three of them came home, this is where Maria was introduced to Leon's family. His Father started asking questions of what happened in the Journey, about Labang.

Falling Action: 

The part where Leon came in while his father smoking Tobacco, removed the roll of tobacco from his mouth. Started talking and asking Leon things.

Ending: 

The short story ended with them leaving their father's room. Leon saying how lovely Maria is. How she blooms in the morning, and her lovely scent.

Symbolism:

Symbolism in the story? I guess their Journey. If you went into a relationship, you must be ready. The obstacles you'll be facing together, the hardships and responsibilities in life.

Committing to each other, whatever happens in life, even in ups and downs, both of you will

still be there for each other and love each other until the end. A relationship is something that is taken very seriously. 

Theme:

The theme of this story is that, in your journey in life, you must endure and accept failure,

face obstacles in life. You can't be successful without failing. A lot of problems may come

but one must sacrifice in order to be happy. Responsibilities in life, decisions. 

You don't need to rush your decisions in life, learn to have patience.

Lesson: 

With great power comes great responsibility.