1. What made Dodong feel that he was no longer a boy but a man?

Dodong felt that he is turning into a man when pimples are starting to grow on his face, and his lips
are already darkened. Dodong thought of those to be signs that he is turning into a man.

2. Does manhood consist only of physical appearance? Defend your answer.

Manhood does not only pertain to the changes in our physical appearance that we experience, the
growth of pimples, development of muscles, the changes in our voice, having facial hair, the
increase in height, and some changes caused by puberty is not the full concept of manhood. It also
pertains to the development of man as an individual and his vital roles in life. Manhood involves
character development, knowing one’s self, and learning through experiences and discovering new
things in life along the journey.

3. Why was Dodong’s father sorry about his son’s decision to marry Teang?

It is because Dodong’s father is aware of his mistakes that he entered a marriage in a young age and
he was unable to perform his responsibilities and he lacks the knowledge and experience of how to
raise a children. He does not want Dodong to suffer the same and he does not want Dodong to
become an irresponsible man.

4. Why was Dodong confused when his young wife was giving birth? Would you have felt the
same?

It is because Dodong is not aware of the process of giving birth due to his young age. He has not yet
realized what he turned himself into and he is not ready of the responsibilities that awaits him as his
child is born. If I were Dodong and if I am in the same age as him, Yes I think I would feel the same
because of not having the wisdom yet to know such things due to young age.

5. How did Teang find married life? Did she regret her early marriage? How about Dodong? Cite
instances in the story to prove your answer.

Teang did not enjoy married life. It became a burden for her. She was unhappy with her married life.
For six years, she and Dodong kept on having children. Her life mainly revolves on household chores
and taking care of their children. I think Teang and Dodong regret their early marriage because they
cannot handle their responsibilities as a couple and as parents of the children. They are struggling
and they lack on family planning.

6. Why did Dodong not object to his son’s decision to marry at a young age?

Maybe because Dodong does not have the wisdom of being a responsible man, and as a responsible
father. Dodong sees his son’s decision the right thing to do because that is what Dodong did. That is
why he did not discourage Blas in his decision.

7. If you were Dodong, would you have allowed your son/daughter marry at a young age? Why or
why not?

If I were Dodong, I will not allow my son/daughter marry at a young age. I will tell them my story
and discourage them not to become like me. I will encourage them to focus on their studies, achieve
 their personal goals and then on the right time we can talk about marriage. I do not want my
children to experience the same burden I have been because of my recklessness back in the days.

8. What message does the author wish to convey to the youth of today?

The author wants to convey a reminder to the youth not to be reckless on making decisions because
you will suffer the consequences. The story reminds us how hard it is to be in a married life without
the knowledge and wisdom of how to be a responsible man and a father to your children. We
should not rush things because it will cause into something that we are going to regret.

Enrichment Activity:

Write a monologue on any one of the following situations:

c. Teang wishing she had not married early.

Setting: A busy afternoon at Teang’s house.

*Teang is restless and she lack of sleep but she has to run errands*

*The rice is boiling*

*Her laundry needs to be hung*

*Her baby is crying because the milk bottle dropped to the floor and the milk spilled

After she attended all the errands, Teang sat in the corner of her bed and started crying.

Teang: Oh God, what I have done? I have been so reckless on making decisions in my life and my
stupidity brought me where I am today. *Teang is shouting* Look at me, I am such a terrible woman! I
am such a terrible mother! I wish my life did not went like this! I wish I did not engage in marriage at this
young age! What will I do now? What is next in line for me? For my children. I pity them so much. Their
mother is a worthless and irresponsible woman. Father God help us get through this. You are the only
one I can lean on.. *Teang continues to cry in regret*