Dead Stars by Paz Benitez: A Critique

Dead Stars is a short story written by Paz Marquez Benitez in 1925, a time where

infidelity was deemed to be romantic in lieu of today's ideologies; that being said, the

story revolves around the concept of romanticism and the responsibility that accompanies

it. The plot depicts the world in the eyes of Alfredo Salazar, a thirty-year-old bachelor, as

he unravels the mysteries of his emotions while maintaining a sense of dignity as a man

with an astute forthcoming.

What intrigued me when I first read the story was quite specifically the way it was

written, from beginning to end, the entire story was written in third-person thus

surprising me because the books I usually read tell stories in the eyes of a certain

character. In regards to the context of when the book was written, I find it incredibly

fitting that it was written in the early 1900s where stories involving Dons and Doñas

usually come to surface. Even though the story did depict a perfect example of infidelity,

which is often frowned upon these days, I found the story to be enticing.

The characters were in my opinion, straight out of a Romeo and Juliet themed story where

patriarchal views are heavily laid down throughout the entire story. Delving into specifics

however, I thought Alfredo Salazar was portrayed humanely since he was only acting on

his emotions but eventually came around near the end. However, as far as Esperanza and

Julia are concerned I've deduced that they were too dependent on the main protagonist of

the story which isn't surprising given the time it was written on.
As for the plot itself, I wouldn't say that it was as elaborate as Shakespearian but it was

commendable because it showed a more reasonable and logical ending, that of which

being Alfred stepping up to be an honorable man.

Overall, it was an incredible literary piece due to how it didn't just involve plain old

romantic ideologies, but it also involved reasonable responses and a complete disregard for

rash decisions. In conclusion, I could say that Paz Benitez set the standard for classical

Filipino writers back in the day and that the plot, the characters, and the context at the

time it was written surely resonate with each other incredibly well.
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region V (Bicol)
Legazpi City Division
LEGAZPI CITY SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
Bitano, Legazpi City

Dead Stars by Paz Benitez: A

Critique Paper

SUBMITTED BY:
Rosa Maria B. Palencia
ABM 12-Pacioli

SUBMITTED TO:
Ms. Kristine Joy M. Lee
EAPP Teacher