The Quarrel

Andres Cristobal Cruz

Andres Cristobal Cruz was born in Dagupan City, Pangasinan. He holds a degree in Bachelor of
Arts major in English.at the University of the Philippines. He joined the staff of Liwayway
Publishing after his graduation. He was chosen one of the ten outstanding young men (TOYU) for his
contribution to Philippine Literature. He received the Republic Cultural Heritage Award in 1964 for
his short stories. His selection “The Quarrel” won first prize in 1952-53, Carlos Palanca Memorial
Awards for Literature.

Vocabularies

1. Playfully Malicious –causing irritation or annoyance

2. Crash –loud noise
3. Fearful –afraid
4. Amaze –surprise
5. Severe pain –discomfort
6. Tremble –shake involuntarily
7. Scream –great emotion
8. Misrepresent –give a false or misleading account of nature of
9. Intend to inflict punishment –to cause pain
10. Low bubbling sound –to utter low throaty bubbling noises

Characters:

Ismael and Nina (couple) – protagonists

Mrs. Smith (landlady) – antagonist

Setting: In an apartment, particularly in the dining area

Plot:

Beginning action

Ismael had a nightmare. Mrs. Smith was in the second floor of the apartment. During that night, the
couple can’t sleep… they were talking about their landlady.

Rising Action
As usual Mrs. Smith was barking out order to the men who were to take out her jeeps for the routes.
Ismael had his breakfast and they talk about of what they are facing. The mother of Nina decided to
live her daughter with Ismael when she found out about the baby that Nina going to have, while
listening to the music through the radiophone that they bought after their child died.

Conflict

It was in the morning then when Ismael and Nina were having their breakfast. And Mrs.Smith,
without knocking, came in by the backdoor, to get for the rental payment. The couple apologized for
they have nothing to give, because the money which was supposed to be the payment was sent to the
province.

Climax

Mrs. Smith got mad with the couple and insisted to get the payments. They came into a serious
quarrel, until they hurt each other.

Denouement

Mrs. Smith realized the untoward attitude she had shown and done to the couple just because of
the money.

End

The couple decided to leave and look for another apartment.