Exploring Texts and Contexts

Nick Joaquin (1917 – 2004) was named National Artist for literature in 1976. Another
awardee in the same category is N.V.M. Gonzalez (1915 – 1999) who received the title in
1997. Read Joaquin’s “The Summer Solstice” and N.V.M. Gonzalez’s “Bread of Salt,” both
published in1963. Soft copies of both are available online. The analyses and questions that
follow will enable us to consider how these two writers in their stories foreground different
dimensions of the national imagination.

Engaging Texts

A. Answer and discuss each question based on “The Summer Solstice.”

1. In “The Summer Solstice,” the conflict between Paeng and his wife Lupeng
represents a larger tension between two contrasting ideologies. One represents the
worldview of our pre-Christian past in the primitive setting of the Tadtarin festival,
which recalls the power and magnetism of fertility goddesses or female deities whose
wisdom inclines them to be receptive to the fecundity of the Earth and the natural
body. The other represents the patriarchal domestic setting of the house where the
husband’s word is law. Identify moments in the story that reveal this tension.

There were instances in the story which showed the tension of the difference
in views between the couple. During the procession, Lupeng had this disgusted
thought towards men, while annoyed to her husband. Before that, Paeng demonstrated
his power over his wife by intimidating her with his eyes; even his speech shows clear
demonstration. Tension was very obvious in their conversations like the time in their
carriage after the procession, upon arriving to their house, and during and after the
Tadtarin.

2. Describe the relationship of the couple before Lupeng’s transformation. How is Guido
and Amada’s relationship a foil to Paeng and Lupeng’s?

The couple’s relationship was a bit okay before Lupeng’s transformation. But
Paeng was superior over his wife. It was not stated in the story that Guido and Amada
were in relationship, so I’ll take it as Entoy and Amada instead. The situation before
and after the festival between the two couples were contrast to each other. Entoy was
ruthless to his wife before the Tadtarin but meek after. On the other hand, Paeng was
respectful yet dominant before, but enslaved his self to his wife after.

3. Refer to the description of the heat, the sun, and the moon. What do these images
symbolize? How are they related in the story?

Dimalutang, Aslimah M. Exploring Texts and Contexts

 The story was centered to relationships, gender, and love. These images were
related to the genre. Heat means passion and love. Sun represents masculinity. Moon
is a symbol of feminine energy. If we delve into the story, during the procession,
young men flaunted their manhood to sun and Paeng had an air of arrogance; while
during Tadtarin, women danced joyously under the moonlight and Lupeng felt
fascinated.

4. The story proposes a gendered reading of Philippine history. What commentary does
it generate about our precolonial experience and the 1850 milieu of the story in the
context of gender relations?

It made us realize that there are contradicting beliefs regarding gender within
our society: one which was developed in each era, and one which was founded in our
practices, traditions and religion. At present time, we have gender equality that is
practiced at some places if not all. However, we cannot also deny that we are bounded
by our ancestral beliefs. In Islam, women are restricted, but in this generation, women
are given their liberty. It is hard to say which one is right or wrong. Thus, it is difficult
to uphold both ideologies just like in the story.

B. Answer and discuss each question based on “Bread of Salt.”

1. The titular “Bread of Salt” is the pan de sal, a type of bread usually eaten for
breakfast. How does the English translation change the connotation in the original?
2. The central theme in the story revolves around the protagonist’s painful awareness
that a relationship with Aida is impossible, despite his ardor, because of their class
differences. Enumerate details that illustrate this.
3. How is the pan de sal and yema symbolic of this conflict? To what extent is food a
marker of social class?
4. Which significant aspect/s of Filipino experience is foregrounded in the story?
5. Contrast the language used in “The Summer Solstice” with that of “Bread of Salt.”
Would you consider the language of latter as more realistic?

Dimalutang, Aslimah M. Exploring Texts and Contexts