Servant Girl by Estrella D. Alfon

-


The story depicts Rosa, a maid facing the challenges of societal hierarchy and personal identity. Separated from communal camaraderie by her mistress's restrictions, Rosa longs for social connection. Despite her mistreatment, Rosa encounters Sancho's unwanted advances and Angel's unexpected kindness. Mistakenly believing Angel to be a kind cochero, Rosa dreams of a better life with him. However, she faces disillusionment when she realizes his indifference and forgetfulness towards her. The narrative unfolds Rosa's conflicting emotions, from hope to disappointment, portraying her longing for genuine care and the harsh realities of her existence. Ultimately, Rosa returns to her mistress's house, realizing that her dreams of a better life might remain unfulfilled, symbolizing the struggle between aspirations and harsh realities in her journey of seeking personal dignity and human connection.


 The story encapsulates the Emergence period in Philippine literature by spotlighting the colonial backdrop, showcasing the societal divides between the colonizers and the colonized. Rosa's plight vividly portrays the harsh realities faced by those in lower social standings, emphasizing the period's focus on realism and social issues. It deeply explores Rosa's inner battles, underscoring the era's interest in character growth and self-discovery. Themes of social injustice are prevalent, shedding light on the unequal treatment faced by individuals like Rosa. However, amidst these challenges, the story subtly weaves in a sense of hope, marking a shift towards more optimistic narratives. It reflects the acknowledgment of personal aspirations within a tough socio-cultural setting. The Emergence period is distinguished by narratives that earnestly depict ordinary people's struggles and dreams while unveiling societal injustices and colonial influences, all evident in this poignant portrayal of Rosa's life. 


I will not recommend this to an SDA(Seventh-day Adventist) school because this narrative delves deeply into the harsh realities of life, including mistreatment, social injustices, and the hardships faced by individuals in lower societal strata. The portrayal of such stark realism might be deemed too intense or conflicting with the more positive, uplifting narratives often encouraged in SDA educational environments. Additionally, the story doesn't prominently emphasize spiritual or religious themes, which are integral components of the SDA educational ethos. Its focus on societal struggles and individual aspirations might not directly resonate with the spiritual teachings and moral frameworks prevalent in SDA institutions. Moreover, certain scenes or themes within the story might be considered inappropriate or too mature for a school environment due to their depiction of mistreatment and challenging circumstances. Overall, while the story holds literary value, its content and themes might not fully align with the educational and spiritual objectives upheld by SDA schools.






 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Witnessing A Humorous Expedition: Ang Pitong Tanga by Severino Reyes

-
Image
Ang Pitong Tanga or also known as The Seven Idiots by Severino Reyes is a hilarious story about seven silly folks making foolish choices during their ridiculous adventure. The story commences by introducing the characters, namely Huwan, Kanuto, Aleho, Heremias, Tiago, Kosme, and Nikolas, as they enjoy a refreshing swim in the Rio Grande de Cagayan.  Huwan suggests a headcount, notably excludes himself from the count, causing concern among the group, fearing someone might have drowned. Aleho follows suit, also excluding himself. They eventually abandon the effort and offer prayers for the soul of the presumed missing member. During this incident, Tandang Nano observes the situation and invites the seven individuals, known as the Seven Fools, to his home where the real adventure begins.  The art style of the story is Folk Art, given by the fact it shows about the cultural setting of the Philippines specifically in the Cagayan of Luzon.  The story offers insights into the Filipino way of
Read more

The Mats by Francisco Arcellana

-
Image
In this poignant narrative, Mr. Angeles' return from a trip to the South promises a special surprise for his family: personalized sleeping mats woven with vibrant colors symbolizing each family member's birthstone. The anticipation grows among the children, eager to see these unique creations. However, as Mr. Angeles unveils the mats, the joyful atmosphere shifts dramatically. The mats carry not only the living children's names but also those of deceased siblings. This revelation brings a haunting and somber tone to the occasion, contrasting sharply with the initial excitement. The family is gripped by an overwhelming and silent sorrow, as the mats meant for the departed ones evoke a poignant sense of loss and remembrance. Mr. Angeles' attempt to honor the memories of the deceased through these mats results in a moment of profound reflection, causing a painful rift in the celebratory atmosphere and revealing the enduring grief embedded within the family's history.  
Read more

Unveiling the Enigma of the Largest: Is a Blue Whale the Biggest Thing There Is? by Robert E. Wells

-
Image
    Robert E. Wells' book, 'Is a Blue Whale the Biggest Thing There Is?' starts with the enormous blue whale, the biggest animal on Earth. The book then prompts kids to imagine something amazing: what if Mount Everest, the tallest mountain, was empty inside and could hold lots of these huge whales? But the book doesn't stop there. It goes on to show that even the giant Mount Everest is tiny compared to the whole Earth. Thus, putting Earth into a significantly large bag and subjecting it to comparisons with the Sun, and continuing this process until the largest thing to ever exist is mentioned. This book is an exciting children's book that explores the world of size and proportions. Using fun pictures and easy-to-understand explanations, the author shows young readers how different things compare in size. Additionally, this book sparks children's imaginations and fosters a love for learning about the incredible scales of our world and beyond. It's an educati
Read more