Lengua Para Diablo by Merlinda

Bobis: Summary and Analysis

Written Close Analysis of Lengua Para Diablo

I. View
Lengua Para Diablo is an excerpt from the book “Banana Heart Summer.” Banana
Heart Summer is written by Merinda Bobis. Merlinda Bobis is an acclaimed
Filipino-Australian writer and performer who has published in three languages.
Her novels, short story and poetry collections, and plays have received various
awards.

Lengua Para Diablo means “The Devil Ate My Words.” “Lengua is a Spanish word
meaning “tounge,” which in the story, symbolizes the words eaten by the devil.
Lengua (Beef tongue) is also a dish made of cow’s tongue. Lengua is often seasoned
with onion and other spices, and then placed in a pot to boil.

II. Condense
The story started when a daughter suspected that her father sold his tongue to the
devil. Her father did not speak much in their house. Her father said that “the devil
ate his words” which means he forgot what he was about to say; that statement
appeases his wife. Her father lost his job so he needed to conciliate more. Her
mother was always complaining about their hard situation so her father kept on
promising that he would buy them the things that would make them comfortable.

The devil that ate his words was her father’s employer, who is a Spanish mestizo
that owned several stores in the city. The employer fired her father who is a mason
after he found a cheaper deal for the extension of his house. Her father didn’t say
any word about his job to placate his family; the devil really ate his words.

Her daughter was wondering what the devil did to her father’s tongue. She was
thinking that her father’s tongue was cooked in mushroom sauce in the special
Spanish way. She also imagined that her father’s tongue was served on the devil’s
platter with spices that gives an aroma of something rich and foreign. She thought
that her father’s tongue was luxuriating in a multitude of essences so she said that
maybe he should also sell his esophagus and his stomach for him to be pampered.
She also imagined being cooked and put inside the stomach of a rich man where
she could know the feeling of too much affluence.

III. Culture Reflected

A culture that can be reflected from the text is the way of living of Filipino Families.
Here in the Philippines, some families depend more on fathers than the mothers.
Fathers provide more for their families’ needs and wants. In the story, the mother
was always complaining, not knowing that her husband had lost his job. The
problems that can be seen in the story are loss of jobs, poverty, and unequal effort
of parents which are the most common family problems here in our country.

The Lengua (Beef tongue) dish was introduced in the story. It was described as a
delectable food served with different spices that gives off a rich and foreign aroma.
That dish is often cooked and eaten by Filipinos. The colonization of Spain here in
the Philippines is probably the reason why it became known to us Filipinos.

IV. Literary Technique

The use of figurative language is the first technique that the author used. One
example is when she represented tongue as “words” which is a metaphor. The
tongue was also made a food that is eaten by the devil to better convey the message
that the devil gets to experience much satisfaction in his life because the food is
described as pampering. Another example is when the father’s employer is
represented as a devil. Figurative language is used to better communicate with the
readers because some ideas are too complicated. Figurative language also cause
enjoyment on the reader and author.

Another technique that the author used is the inclusion of descriptive words
especially in describing food. The author stated the steps in cooking; she also
included the ingredients of the food. The descriptive words enable the readers to
know the appearance, smell, texture, taste, etc. which is an effective technique
because they will be able to easily imagine the things that are being described.

V. Deep
The interpretation of the text became hard at first for me. I did not understand
why the tongue is cooked and served. But later on, I realized that the daughter
wants to deliver a message. She was always imagining food; she thought that a
body part experiences satisfaction because of the exotic ingredients added to it.
She thought that it was better to sell other body parts as well so that they could
experience things that they were not experiencing. For me, I think the reason why
she stated those things is because they are not affluent; she says that selling body
parts will make them inducted to secrets, thus experiencing what the wealthy are
experiencing.

The author only wanted to deliver the message that there are problems today that
Filipinos are still facing. Some families are still struggling in life. The excerpt
successfully delivered its message about the situation of families here in our
country. The text is interesting; the author’s techniques caused me to be engaged
while reading. I recommend this text to be read by teen students because it would
help them improve their reading comprehension and make them aware of some
problems in our society. Being aware of our different problems at an early age
would be a great help because it will prepare us to avoid or face those problems.

Educational Blog
Friday, December 9, 2016

What does the story lengua para

diablo tells us about the philippine
society. Is it true until today?
In our culture father is considered the “haligi ng tahanan”, they are the face of the family. The
father reflects what kind of family you are into. They are the role models of the family. What if a father
loses his able to speak for himself?

The story shows how unemployment and poverty greatly affects the situation of the family,
particularly if the father is the one that is unemployed. The father in the story lost his pride and ability to
speak for himself. He lost it all due to the reason that he has no work and no longer can support and
contribute to his family financially. He has no more confidence to share his own views and opinions and
looked down by his’ own children.

The story said “The devil ate his words” he doesn’t more gain respect from his kids, no more
pride and especially his dignity was lost. The situation is truly happening now in the society. This usually
happens to young family that is caused by early pregnancy for they don’t have enough proper knowledge
and education. These situations are really present to our community. The situation is really difficult to the
father because he needs to sacrifice all of his pride and ego to stay home and monitor to their kids. There
are many possibilities that may happen the father may have another affair or may use drugs of abuse.
Not just that the kids may mock their fathers and be ashamed of them for they are not earning. This is
really disheartening from the father’s side. That is why proper education and guidance of the family is
really important. So that we won’t have these kinds of situations in our society for the main reason of this
is LACK OF EDUCATION!

The Father
working class and lost his job
The Father
was weak: did not bother trying to get another job, was culture-dictated, submissive to
the mother
"The devil ate my words"
the father couldn't fulfill his promises because of what happened to him
Words
capacity to fulfill promises
Devil
Spanish mestizo; former boss of the father
Does the little girl understand what her father means?
she was able to equate the devil to her father's former boss
Importance of talking about Spaniards even if the story takes place in the Philippines
Spaniards are important in Philippine history
Importance of talking about Spaniards even if the story takes place in the Philippines
relationship of colonialism
Neocolonialism
the use of economic, political, cultural, or other pressures to control or influence other
countries, especially former dependencies
Describing the Lengua
The girl felt a little bit of jealousy (wanted to be numb to poverty as well)
Describing the Lengua
described the tongue as being silent (the father's humanity and self-wroth has been
taken away from him)
Lengua
the degradation of the father's dignity
Lengua
the devil ate the humanity of the father
Lengua
represents an individual's freedom of speech
Lengua
"Imagine the words scraped off the tongue, and even taste, our capacity for pleasure."
Reflection of Sexism in Society
the en are always the providers in the family (the father couldn't provide because he lost
his job)
Reflection of Sexism in Society
gender roles, stereo types
Neocolonialism reflected in the text
the devil was the employer (the father has lost ties with the person that represented the
Elites; beginning of suffering after losing his job)

Prelude, a word defined as, or known as, an introductory piece of music; something meant as an introduction for
something bigger. My first impression was that the story was merely a lesson of how injustice moved in the lives of
others. I got this impression because of how the wife, Nenita, was very considerate and caring towards her
husband, who had affairs out of Nenita's knowledge, and how that husband unfortunately die from his illness. But
then, there is more to the story, I believe that the story focused on a lot of conflicts evident especially between
married couples. These conflicts can be enumerated as adultery, concubinage, and more or less, gender inequality.
The story felt uncomfortable. A lot of things were disturbing, as if there was more to it. And I believe that there is
more to it.
Nenita seemed to be considerate, caring, and all. But my theory says that she is guilty of her husband's death.
Putting the other information aside, the major point that I felt support this is because of the affairs her husband
had. Indeed, her husband committed concubinage, and she was there to take him back again, every single time.
Through this, I learned that no matter how good one may seem, you can never really predict and be sure of his/her
motives. Not only that, but I learned of hypocrisy. Nenita, in my opinion, was also guilty of something similar to
concubinage. This can be seen through her fondness of Willie Revillame the TV host. Her act of simply desiring him
in her dreams shows her unfaithfulness towards her husband. In her dream, her husband suddenly appeared and
seemingly swore at her. Somehow it's like her husband does not agree to Nenita enjoying the presence of other
men, even though he himself is guilty of having affairs with different women.
Life's reality is appreciated more through value and love. If we value the commitments we made, there is no
reason for us to be unfaithful. Yet, in the first place, if we learn how to love others unconditionally, and in the way
we like to be loved, we would not engulf ourselves in problems like these. In another perspective, we are all guilty
of sinning, and we will have our time for justice. But we can be optimistic, if we do what we were commanded to
do in the first place: love one another as God loves us. Anyways, everything will fall righteously in their place if we
learn to follow what we are commanded to do. Because people like Nenita's husband disobeyed the vow he
shared to his wife, he surely received something displeasing in return. If only he valued Nenita more, loved her
more, maybe things would turn out pleasingly different.
SUMMARY

There were many symbolisms that have been used in the poem. First is the blindfold
that shows that justice is objective. You will not look unto his position whether he is rich
or poor. The people are in equal estate.
Second is the golden pair of scales. The pair of scales is gold because the color
gold symbolizes something valuable or positive while scales measures balance and
fairness. It also measures validity which means fair or reasonable whether it’s against or
in favour.
Third is the double-edge sword that symbolizes that it’s not always reason and it's
not only justice. Justice and reason should be balance.
Fourth is the Thot’s feather of truth. Thot is an Egyptian deity that served as a
meditating power especially between good and evil. This also tackles the justice between
good and bad.
Next is the painting. It was mentioned there the Roman goddess Justitia that slowly
fades into thin air and that means that the justice is already gone.
The right and wrong are like cards because it is easy to manipulate. If you have
money, you can easily manipulate many situations regarding justice.
The Lady Justice was mentioned because it symbolizes the justice. Justice states
that even though you are rich or has a tons of money; it is not an excuse for you
underestimate the poor. Whether you are rich or poor, the treatment should be fair.

JUSTICE
By Ralph Semino Galan

1. Why are symbols important in a poem? Explain what some of the symbols
mean, and how they add to the meaning of the poem?

The symbol is important in the poem because it helps us to comprehend deeply and it
also widens our understanding. Some of the symbols means like the “Golden pair of
scale” for example, it serve as the emblem of evaluating and weighing the testimony
with equality for both parties. Another example is the “Double-edged sword” that
serve as the warrior who strike or breaks the wall of lies to show the truth. These
symbols are only the branches or part of the whole which is the symbol of justice or
The Lady Justitia. These symbols add to the meaning of the poem by capturing and
enhancing the implied message that the author wants to convey to the readers.
2. Why are symbols important in the life of a nation? What do people get from
the symbols of a nation?

The symbols are important to the life of the nation because it serve as the
representation of who they are or the characterization of what kind of nation is it.
Through symbols, people will have an idea or knowledge and we will easily know and
identify what kind of nation is them.

3. Why does the poem describe the Philippines as “my uncertain country”?

It describe the Philippines as “my uncertain country” because you will not know what
will occur or happen next in the decision or judgement of the adjudicator because
justice in the Philippines is easy to manipulate so it is hard to trust them.

4. What does the simile, “right and wrong can be shuffled like cards” mean?
What does this mean when it comes to any of the following: politics and
politicians, the police and the justice system?

For me, the meaning of the simile “right and wrong can be shuffled like cards” is the
mixing of the truth and the lies. When it comes to the politics, politicians, police or
justice system it means that the lies can become the truth and because of that the
judgment can turn it into an upside-down decision.

Justice in the Philippines has an unequal treatment for the people unlike other country
where fairness and equality of justice prevails.
6. Of all the objects that Justice owns, which one do you think is the most
important? Why?

I think the most important is the blindfold that symbolizes impartiality. We all have
different race, religion, age or gender, whether we are poor or rich, young or old, we
are all the same because we are human being and that’s the reason why justice should
treat us all fairly and equally.

7. Why does Justitia look like she is fading in the painting?

Justitia looks like she is fading in the painting because as we can see in the justice
system today, fairness and equality disappear, the lies become the truth and the
treatment towards everyone are different in short Justice is just merely a word.
Nothing more. Nothing less.

8. Why is money mentioned in the poem?

I think the money was mentioned in the poem because it plays a big role in the field of
justice. It can manipulate a certain testimony that can destroy thevictim’s life or much
more an innocent life.

9. Why was it important for the Chief Justice to be impeached? What is the
message for Filipino government officials?

I think it is important for him to be impeached because the evidence are clearly stated
that he is a corrupt official and he violated many rules about the constitution. The
message for the Filipino Government Official is that they should serve with integrity
and don’t abuse their power.
10.Why does the Chief Justice have to “face the music of derision”? Is he derided,
not only for his crime, but because he was caught?

The chief justice have to face the music of derision because it is the consequences for
the crime he made. He is derided, not only for his crime but because he was caught.
He should be ashamed for what he’d done because he is one of the most powerful
official that serve the Government but he violated many rules by abusing his power.

Let’s start from the top to the bottom. But first, let’s address why Lady Justice is a lady
in the first place.

She’s a lady because she’s Iustitia, the Roman goddess who was the equivalent of the
Greek goddess (actually Titaness) Themis, the personification of “divine order, law,
natural law and custom”, as Wikipedia usefully states.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about her articles.

First, the blindfold.

 This symbolizes that justice is “blind”—in other words, justice is supposed to

be objective, without bias; never favoring the strong nor the weak, the rich nor the
poor, the righteous nor the wicked.
 The fact that the lady cannot see who she is judging means that she does not judge
based on appearances, or merely on what her senses tell her. She judges
with reason and rationality, as they are the only things that are truly reliable. The
senses can be fooled and appearances can be crafted, but the mind, independent of the
senses, cannot be tampered with.
 Interestingly, the idea that justice is “blind” only came about in the 15th century or so;
early Roman depictions showed Iustitia with scales and sword, but with her eyes
uncovered.
Next, the balance, commonly called the Scales of Justice.

 These symbolize that justice fairly takes into account both sides of the story, from the
accuser and the accused, or from two parties that make opposing claims. This also
symbolizes objectivity, as the verdict that Justice hands out is the result of the
“weight” of the evidence presented for or against a claim.

 The scales, according to Wikipedia, date back to the Egyptian goddess Maat, who was
also a goddess of justice.
Third, the sword.
  We all know that the sword has traditionally been a symbol of power, but there are a
couple of special things about Lady Justice’s sword.
 The first is that it symbolizes the power of Reason instead of any real physical power.
This power manifests in the real world as law and, subsequently, the people
who enfore the law. It emphasizes that for justice to be carried out and the law
enforced, there must be power behind the laws.
 We, the people, give the laws power, because we have agreed as a society that the
content of the law is what we desire to be carried out. From there, the “soft” power is
translated into real power in the form of law enforcers.

 The second thing about the sword is that it’s double-edged, meaning that Reason
can be used for or against anyone as it is impartial and objective. The same
argument, the same observation—the same conclusion—can be used to either
condemn a man to punishment or save another man in different circumstances.
 Taken all together, there are a few symbolisms of the sword:
o The first is that power must be wielded judiciously. Abusing the power granted
to enforce the law is injustice, and indiscriminately swinging the sword will likely
harm the people we love just as badly as the people we seek justice against.
o The second, more important symbolism is that power is subservient to
justice, and not the other way around. This is symbolized by the fact that Lady
Justice is holding the sword. Power is merely a tool to deliver justice and should
never be justice itself, as we sadly see in so many places today. Might
does not make right.
Finally, the snake that Justice crushes underfoot.

 This isn’t an omnipresent feature in depictions of Justice; it’s likely a post-

Christian era addition as there are many depictions of Mary crushing a serpent
underfoot.
 The obvious symbolism is that, the snake being a general symbol of evil, justice
triumphs over injustice, corruption, bias, and intimidation.
Taken all in all, Lady Justice symbolizes all the ideals that embody the concept of justice.
Ideally, true justice should be the impartial application of reason to ensure that all
parties receive what they deserve to receive.

Lady Justice’s stoic, stalwart figure reminds us all that justice is not to be confused
with kindness, because to give all parties what they deserve may require cruelty and
kindness in equal measure, as befits the situation. Justice is also not to be confused
with equality; the scales may be balanced at some times and justice may also entail
equality, but to give all parties what they deserve may mean taking from some to give to
others.

In summary, Lady Justice is ultimately a symbol of neutrality, as justice itself must be

neutral to be truly called justice. All of her symbols emphasize that justice should never
work in favor of any man, and that the judgments of justice should always be carried
out impartially, with the power of Reason and the power of the law, which is Reason
codified. She serves as a reminder that the concept of justice is universal and timeless,
as the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians knew and as we know today.
Most know that when they see a statue of a blindfolded woman holding a sword or scroll
in one hand and scales in the other that they are looking at the aspirational symbol of
Justice.
But where did this symbol come from, what are we aspiring to as people to need to have
her presence, and just what is the meaning of her, a woman, elevated above us, firmly
holding the sword or the scroll in one hand and the scales in the other?
The symbol of Justice began centuries ago and continues to be the link between the
natural law and the rational law. It incorporates the culture of the divine, the inherent
right of the individual and the culture of civil society, and the responsibilities of people
and law. She is elevated, as the intermediary between divine justice and human justice,
representing the highest standards and virtues of humanity. She carries the scale, a
sword or scroll and she is often blindfolded.

Themis – Dublin Ireland

The modern image of Justice that many of us know today is based on Greco-Roman
mythology of Themis and Justitia. Almost always draped in flowing robes, mature but
not old, she symbolizes the fair and equal administration of the law, without corruption,
avarice, prejudice, or favor.
Themis, c 300 BCE, was the Greek Goddess of Justice and Law and was known for her
clear-sightedness. Her ability to foresee the future enabled her to become one of the
oracles at Delphi, which in turn led to her establishment as the Goddess of Divine
Justice. Classical representations of Themis did not show her blindfolded because of her
talent for prophecy, nor was she holding a sword because she represented common
consent, not coercion.
Justitia , c 1AD, is the Roman goddess of Justice and was often portrayed as evenly
balancing both scales and a sword and often wearing a blindfold. Sometimes she is
portrayed holding in one hand the fasces, a symbol of judicial authority, and a flame or
torch in the other symbolizing truth.
The scales, sword, scroll and blindfold all reinforce the concept of Justice.
 The Scales of Justice represents the balance of the individual against the needs of society and a fair balance between
interests of one individual and those of another.The personification of justice balancing the scales dates back to the
Egyptian Goddess of Justice, Maat, who stood for truth and fairness.

The Scroll represents learning and knowledge, the passing of time and the extent of life. Justice demands that we
continue to learn as our life unfolds. Education is a responsibility of the individual and society.

The Sword of Justice is the active force, a symbol of power, protection, authority, vigilance and might. This double-
edged sword in Justice’s left hand, recognizes the power of Reason and Justice, which may be wielded either for or
against any party. It serves as a reminder of the necessity of real punishment, the power of the law, and ultimately, the
power over life and death.

The Blindfold, symbolic of Blind Justice, represents equality, knowing no differences in the parties involved.
Representations of the Lady of Justice in the Western tradition show that sometimes she wears a blindfold, which is
more prevalent in Europe, but often she appears without one.
Story Analysis: “Preludes” by
Daryll Delgado
PUBLI SH ED O N 12/16/2016

This was an assignment assigned to me to make a report about the story.

One of our subjects includes 21st Century Literature, and it’s quite amazing how
these stories hold some hidden agendas (even if I’m just being too imaginative).

Preludes is a 21st Century short story written by Daryll Delgado, a Filipino

writer. The story was set in a natural setting with its distinct culture, with a theme
of one of the issues in the Philippines: Gender Inequality.

Reading the story alone, I couldn’t really find signs that it was about
Gender Inequality. It was only the background before the story that said it’s
related to gender inequality. Our book was quite a spoiler, but it helped me
concerning my analysis.

What does the story have to do with gender inequality? That was my first
question. The story only delivered what had happened in a single point of view—
Nenita, the wife. She showed a behavior of not minding the actions of her
husband, by taking him back whenever her husband’s affairs with other women
become sour. She never asks, seemingly never cares. But it cannot be
considered as completely not caring for the husband—she still took care of him.

Nenita was also aware of how her husband’s siblings always reminding
him that he should’ve been a better man if he had chosen his decisions wisely,
which also concerns his decision of marrying Nenita. She did not feel that sorry
or feel that much grief when her husband’s siblings died, save for one. She was
also fond of [1]Willy Revillame, a host she had watched on TV, and whom she
always waited for in her dreams. This had also showed her unfaithfulness
towards her husband, how she wanted to take a glimpse of Willy on TV or in her
dreams.

When Nenita suddenly woke up from her nap which she shouldn’t have,
she felt the presence of her husband and had thought that he swore at her—
even though he was at the Municipal Hall attending the death anniversary of the
judge. Why? It wasn’t mentioned. But that must be the gender inequality there. It
can be assumed that her husband does not like Nenita enjoying the presence of
other men, even though he himself had been having affairs with other women
and Nenita just kept taking him back.

In the introductory part of the story, it was mentioned that Nenita did not
feel comfortable around the wife of the judge because of some rumors about her,
even though she did not really care. In a single read-through, it cannot be easily
noticed. A few reads later had made things quite clear. There had been rumors
about Nenita’s husband having an affair with the judge’s wife. Again, she didn’t
care, took him back, and nursed him back to health.

Those were some information I point out to be weird. Because reading it

alone would make the story quite peculiar. Now our book had guide questions
after the story, and question number 7 caught my attention.

Who killed the man? Explain your answer.

So there was actually a murder happened! The only character who died
was Nenita’s husband. The very beginning of the story started as “A man died
singing”, and the story went back earlier that day and led it back to the beginning,
of how the man died, which was not really stated and can only be assumed that
he died from his illness. And so I studied further, until I came to a conclusion.

How come Nenita didn’t really care when her husband had affairs with
different women, and taking him back with no questions? This aroused a few
more questions. Did Nenita gave up on her husband? If so, why would she
openly take him back and nurse him back to health?

There were times when Nenita listened to the beats and murmurs of her
husband’s heart at night. When she heard his singing voice from the Municipal
Hall, she almost caught the sound of his labored breathing, and his heart’s
irregular beating. She always nursed him back to health, but why wasn’t she
showing any sings of concern or worry whatsoever?

This brought me to the conclusion. Nenita killed her own husband.

How? That was the question. That conclusion matched the behavior of
Nenita, however, which strengthened my claim. Firstly, Nenita didn’t seem to
mind about nursing him back to health. Why would she feel nothing and
still nurse him back to health when she knew her husband’s been with other
women? That was my first clue. And it coincides with a paragraph somewhere
near the ending:

“She could have prepared him then that other brew her [2]herbalista friend
had suggested at the time, the one that would make his balls shrink, give him
hallucinations, make his blood boil until his veins popped. But she didn’t, of
course.”

She didn’t. Of course. Because she wouldn’t want the murder to be

noticeable. Although this could be considered as her small way of expressing her
frustration towards her husband, it’s still like a black print among the white words.
Moreover, she didn’t seem to be so concerned about her husband when she
heard him choke.

She knew of his condition. But she still laughed at her silliness for
applauding along with the audience in the Hall. That moment, she went back
inside the house, emphasizing that it was getting very hot outside, certainly hot
enough to boil an old man’s blood and pop his veins, she added in her thoughts.
She knew. It was her. She killed her own husband.

Shocking. To think that a story like that could hide something sinister, but it
could be the possible effects of gender inequality. It’s plainly amazing. It may not
be a happy ending, but I don’t think it’s a sad ending either.

I praise Daryll Delgado for her fascinating work. I recommend you

“Preludes”.

[1] Willy Revillame is a host in a famous show in the Philippines, which (in my
opinion) most older citizens liked.

[2] Herbalista – a healer who supervises herbal therapies.