Task for Week 7.

Short Story Analysis

Read the story “Condemned” by Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero and have a simple analysis by answering the given questions below.

1. What conflicts are confronted by Pablo in the story?

Are his internal struggles more difficult than his clashes with other characters?

2. How would you describe Pablo’s relationship with the three women in this excerpt?
To whom is the closest?

3. Is Pablo a dynamic character?

Does his character experience significant change by the end of the story?
Why?
486 TheLihhaanAnthologofPhilippineLiteratureinEnglish The Lihhaan Anthologt of Philtppine Literature in English 487

These questions will prove useful when transmitted to students reading the
play. A close examination of the subject, the theme, the situation and character/
s will guide both teacher and student in appraising the success o[ the drama.

Condemned
WILFRIDO MA. GUERRERO
To the Memory of F ernando Poe Sr
First P erformance: Capitol Theatet; under the direction of Fernando Poe Sr.
Noyember 27, 1943 to January 20, 1944

CHARACTERS:
PABLO GONZALEZ
ANGELA GONZALEZ (his mother)
CRISTINA (his fiancee)
TtA CHEDENG (his aunt)
ANDRES GOROSPE (an old friend)
SIMEON SERENO (another friend)
FATHER LIM (prison chaplain)
WARDEN

TIME: An hour beJore the execution.

SCENE: The prison waiting-room. A door at the rear which, when opened, reyeals
thebqrs oJ the death cell. Another door onright side of stage. Twohigh, smqll windows
with bars on reoy walls, through which the shy can be seen.

When the curtain rises, the stage is completely dark, excepr for the lighted
candle. The metal rustling of heavy keys is heard. Presently, the right door opens.
FATHER LIM and the wARDEN appear. FATFIER LIM is about florry brisk-mannered
but soft-voiced. He carries a breviary in one hand, and a small bag in another.

WARDEN: Come right in, Father. The prisoner has been waiting for you.
l:R. LIM: How is he?
WARDEN: He's calm and quiet, Father. He slept well.
l;lt. LIM: The execution is set-?
WAIIDEN: Within an hour. Exactly at six.
lrll. ["lM: May I sre hirn rrow?
WARDT:N: (it.rtainly. I'll lrring hinr oul,
l'll. l.lM: l{crr?
488 The'Lihhaan Anthology of Philippine Literatute in English The Lihhaan Anthology of Philippine Literature in English 4gg

one moment. (WARDEN PABI-O: I was thinking-I can't believe it-thar I should be here-condemned
wARDEN: Yes, it',s permissible. Soes to reLr door, opens
it. PABLO is seen th.rough the bars, seated on abench, his head in his hqnds.) to be hung in an hour-at the age of twenty-four. (He covers his face.)
FR. LIM: Be calm, Pablo. I wenr ro see the governor for a reprieve-a few days
WARDEN: Father Lim is here. (WARDEN opens cell,leods PABLO out into the
w aiting-room, closing reor door.) more at least-but he said he couldn't do anything.
PABLO: Father-(Sud denly hebreahs down andputs his head on edge of table. FR.
FR. LIM: Pablo!
pABLO: Father! (PABLO GoNZALEZ is.tuenty-four. He\ tall, well-built. His LIM goes bach to his seat.) Father-do you rhink-?
suff erings can be seen in his in his darh piercing ey es, and
tense manly Jeatures, FR. LIM: Yes-
in the tight expresslon oJ his mouth. His moyements are quich and nervous. He PABLO: Whatyou said Iast night-that God could forgive me-forgive me afrer
wears tie orange uniJoTm with a large cross at the bach. His hair is cropped.) all I've done?
I've been expecting youl Any news, Father? (FR. LIM shaheshisheqd') FR. LIM: My son, Christ has said that if your sins are as scarler they shall be as
FR. LIM: None, my son. I've tried-God knows how much- white as snow-if you ask his forgiveness. (PABLO impulsively hneels in
PABLO: I understand, Father. (Right door opens, WARDEN appears.) front oJFR. LIM. PABLO hesitates, and stands up.)
FR. LIM: God's mercy is inflinite, my son.
WARDEN: Mr. Conzalez-any last request you wish to make? I mean, any kind
PABLO: No, I can't. Not yet.
of food or drink you might want?
FR. LIM: As you wish, Pablo.
PABLO: Can I ask anything?
WARDEN : Anything-within reason. PABLO: If my mother had only taught me to believe and to pray. But she never
PABLO: A bottle of whiskey-could 1 ask for a bottle of whiskey? did-that's why I'm here now.
FR. LIM: (Smillng) WhiskeY? FR. LIM: Your mother still living?
pABLO: You see, Father, I couid not afford to drink it before-l got used to thc PABLO: Yes, but I hope I don't see her again!
cheap ginebraandtuha.I've always dreamt of being able-someday-to drink FR. LIM:Why?
whiskey, a whoie bottle. PABLO: What's the use, Father? It's a long story.
WARDEN:Anything more? FR. LIM: While entering the prison gate, I noticed a woman standing on the
PABLO: Yes. Two giasses. sidewalk and looking toward the cells. It could be a mere coincidence, but a
WARDEN: Isn't there anything you want with the whiskey? certain 1s5srnfl2n6s-
pABLO:,Yes. Make it three glasses. we'll all drink. (wARDEN cnd FR. LIM looh PABLO: Is she tall?
FR. LIM: Yes, rather. And wearing a colored dress.
at each other comprehendinglY.)
WARDEN: What I mean, Mr. Gonzalez-is there any food you might want? PABLO: Curly hair?
PABLO: Food? No, nothing rnore. FR. LIM: (pondering) Now that I come to think of it-yes. Her face was-or*
WARDEN: Very well. (He is about to go') PABLO: Covered with too much paint? (FR. LIM nods gravely.)
PABLO: Warden, has my aunt arrived? FR. LIM: Wearing earrings and bracelets
WARDEN. Not yet. But there's a young girl- PABLO: That's her all right. I wonder why she's here.
PABLO: A young girl? FR. LIM: Don't you expect a mother to see her son?
WARDEN: Dressed in black. PABLO: I don't wanr ro see her!
PABLO: (to himself) Cristina. FR. LIM: Pablo-what you told me a moment ago-that your mother never
FR. LIM: Your (PABLO nods,bitterly.) taught you to believe and io pray*is that the reason you don't,wanr to see
-?
WARDEN: Shall I let her in? her?
PABLO: No-not yet. I'll let you know. (WARDEN proceeds to the door') PABLO: (loohing at him) That, Father-and more. But let's not talk about it. I
WARDEN: If you wanr anything, Father, I shall be just outside the cloor, want to rest a little. I'm tired-and a little nervous. I hope you don't mind.
(WARDEN goes out. FR. LIM sits on bench beside the table; PABLO remaint FR. LIM: No, no, of course you should lie down for a while. you wanr me to go?
standing, staringinfront of him.) PABLO: No, not yet, Father. Will you read me something-? My heart is so
FR. LIM: Pablo-(He doesn't answer.) Pablo! weary. Perhaps yorlr books could give rne some comfort.
PABLO: (as if wahingup) Forgive rne, Fatl.rer, I wrts thirrkrrrll
FR. t.lM:-[hke a scat. (PAl]1.() sits clrwn ) Wlr:tt wt'n'yorr tlrrrrlrtrrli "l, trty rottl l"rrllrrwi.rrg ol (.hr li
490 The Lihhaan Anthology oJ Philippine Literature in English The Likhaan Anthology of philippine
Literdture in English 491

PABLO: The second book-yes. (FR. LIM opens the booh at random and starts ANDRES: I can'r understand how pablo*And
then the death penarty-
reading.) WARDEN: But you see,.he had huJpr"rrioul
.o.rrri. tions__estafa, disorderly
FR. LIM: (ieadingatoud-fromBooh One, Chapter I2) "It is good fo.r us now and , _.
j-":9":r, assauh against constirut;d u,r,hor,,y_
then to have some troubles and adversities; for oftentimes they make a man ANDRES: EstaJatoo?
enter unto himself, that he may know that he is an exile, and place not his WARDEN: A year ago he forged
a check for two hundred thousand
pesos. He
hopes in anyrhing of the world . . . Therefore, ought a man so firmly to . ,.^yt_un
invererare gambler, you know
es;blish himsell in God, as ro h.ave no need of seeking many human ANDRES: I didn,t know.
consolations . . . Then is he weary o[longer life; and wisheth death to come, WARDEN: you wish to see him
now? you,re allowed five minutes.
that he may'be dissolved, and be with Christ. Then also he well perceiveth,
that perfeci security and full peace cannot be realized in this world."
^.ilii,H j#lln:"lYT::\::::::::"(,,;w,-,;';;iTiopto,,reading
PABLO: That is good, Father. But my eyes-they are weary' ,,^}:i,),.fi
3lt:'^""Tji::"1:r:::::::^y*y,!;;,i7n"a'i"'i,";:;:;:;:';;;:';;:
nds,goes,,,,wenor;,:::yr
FR. LIM: I shall iontinue reading it for you, i[ you wish' ]iliT;y,_"",::,3:93ffi
door.) The whiskey is here, Mr.
"'
Gonzalez.
pABLO: Yes, yes. In my cell. (Both exit. WARDEN enters, carrying abottle and
ItPll lh"lk
ANDRES: pablo.
you. (wARDEN
soes,";.;"
seyerol glasses on q trTy which he places on a table. ANDRES GOROSPE, a
childhood friend of PABLO, also enters.) PABLO: (tryingto remember)
I don,t_
WARDEN: The chaplain is in with him now. ANDRES; Don't you remember
me, pablo? Andres*we were childhood
friends.
ANDRES: I shall wait. (ANDRES GOROSPE is twenty-stx. He has settled down We used to play escondite,remember?
early in tiJe. A chitdhood Jriend of PABLo, ANDRES has never ashed much I{P]-O:_(r.-1rsnizinghim and shahinghands)Ah, yes, I remember now.
t{e, his ambitions aie t'ew and modest. ANDRES has quiet manners and ANDRES: (both sit down) you-u."a"ro
-from f"ri me into the river, lgrnsrnls1?-
speahi rather slowly. He is attired,in a simple suit and we&rs a fie. WARDEN is we played near rhe brldge. Uuu"
you forgotten?
^. ^..1"-"-"".r
ibou, to open the ieor door.) No, don't bother him just yet. Can I ask a few PABLo: No, Andres. I haven't ro.gou.r,l i
o"iy *irh *" i""." .hrtdren again.
quesrionsi (WARDEN nods.) I've just arrived from the province. All I know were happy then, weren'r *"i(aNonr we
Snods sadly, you,re
li from the morning papers. I can hardly believe it's true. Can you tell me the only friend who has come to ""ri,"'i'io
see *". irr" others-myso-cared
ize.)
why he murdered that man? I haven't seen them since the trial. friends-
WARDEN: It seems this fellow-the victim-annoyed the prisoner's girl once' 1[?1u1, rhey are probabty busy.
During the trial the prisoner testified that he was not a jealous person by PABLO: (laughing grimly) y;s,
too b,rsy.ruding me. But your
coming, Andres, rs
t".rrp"iu*.rrt, but that when this other fellow went to the extreme of laying , -,:.j_*pl"re
surprise ro me. I mean_I didn,t
expect you_
his hands on her-he vowed revenge-and killed him' ANDRES: I arrived from Isabera
y.r,.rduyj.ume to Manila on business. I
nothing about-about knew
"'.
ANDRES: Was that sufficient reason to give him the death penalty? this*until t'..ua tfr" p.p"r, fr"
wARDEN: Many other circumstances aggravated his case. For one thing the murder PABLO: I'm glad you came, Andres. "rglr.
was deliberate-it was done in the evening-and he purposely got drunk- ANDRES: There's a young rady outside.
she should have come in first,
she was near rhe door shl turned but when
ANDRES: What weapon did he use? ,o -.1.,a tord me to
Your wife? 5v qrrt4u
Lv go ahead. Is she*
WARDEN: A knife. Abort a foot long. lt pierced the man's heart'
ANDRES: Pablo used to be so afraid of a knife! PABLO: (shahinghishead) No.
we were ro be married when this happined.
WARDEN: The prisoner afraid of a knife? ANDRES: Is there anvrhing I can
do, fubioianytt i.,gl
ANDRES: Oh, Itn talking of the time we were children' PABLO: Thank yor, e.,dr.lr.
No, ,f,.r.f .,oif,,rg yo, can do now.
WARDEN: He pleaded guiltY. ANDRES: But I can'r understand*wh""
i ;"; you last*we were in the sixth
ANDRES: How strange. If I could only help him- appointed provinciat ,..rr,,.". Jf';;;;;"r,
WARDEN: Too Iate now. ln less than an hour- ilffi;;IJ?*::.** _."o
ANDRES: Er-this girl PABLO: I chose the wrong path,
WARDEN: What girl?
- ANDRES: yes, and with two chila."".
that,s all. Tell me, are you married?
f .noriJlit (Suddenty
ANDRES: The girl you mentioned-the one Pablo killed thc nrittt Irlr.- they stare or tu, t,',,rh,r at the ironic
,*o"rrii,lri,jjf,ff;,yr-ife.
WARDEN: She'.s the one out there (pointin gto right drtrtt) wcrr ilr11 rr lrlncl< tlrcss, IXIll.(): Whal arc yorr rl,rrrr1,. rrow?
p t
;

:
4gZ The Lihhaan Anthology of Philippine Ltterature in English The Lihhaan Anthologlt philippine
oJ Literature in English 4g3
ANDRES: l',m a doctor. l'm assistant head of the Isabela Provincial Hospital' WARDEN: Time is
up,-Mr. Gorospe. (WARDEN
PABLO: Are you haPPY? A N D RES: p abto_ goes out.)
ANDRES: I have no complaints. I've a little house of rny own'
@Zih rh, r;; ;;:;, ;ir*,
.,
PABLO: You've gone far, Andres. And where am I now?
ANDRES: pu61s-just a suggestion-why dont you-the girl outside- ::L?;.**J" '"'';;,;;;,liln^rorro
ANDRES: Goodbye_(
die knowins that ar
reasr r
He hronto" s^-..-_
PABLO:Yes-
ANDRES: Have you thought of marrying her?
PABLO:Now? *ff*fi r;#{lifff *ri{r}{ii.,'J^)|:::
ANDRES: Why not?
PABLO: And destroY her future?
sf
ANDRES: If you love her- .,..:fji;:#.:::r:rr;;y;;iiiiil,,,aa,.u,,,.,,)Joio').n,hishairis
slMEoN: (r, wanoru) Do you
PABLO: I do-No, I can't marrY her now! SIMEONresentfulty.) /-s'*rru n,.,., leavrng
,?-11::r'tsee,himatfiist.)
us alone? (PABLO
ANDRES: Does she love you? (PABLO stilres
qthim andnodsbitterly.) -_ glares at
PABLO: That's just it. She does. I've been very selfish all my life- ,;;::il,,W:od.esn,answuo*io,u".*u
ANDRES: She wouldn't care- .:::iii,,,:i:it?ijfi;^Hi:fr
SIMEoN: I read in the
papersl
' lu*vcr qurcily.)
pABLO: Maybe nor now-but later-she'lI regret it. why make her the widow of PABLO: I didnt wa
a murderer?
:lYloN ;;;';#ii"'Hff I". #;;,::"',
to brame ror my being
here.
ANDRES: Tell me, Pablo-your father died when we were still in school? PABLO: you tausht
pABLO: Yes, and after his death I lived with an old aunt, Tia chedeng-but orthe evir things I rearned
when I was fourteen I ran awaY.
:'.V::ry1;;";i'i:Hffi"v
PABLO: your-reqret_*ii
-^-.^ -
,, t
ANDRES: You-you used a knife, they say. You were so afraid-of a knife when srvroN, lii ..,fi',il:i'*il:' rrom the chair?
you were a kid. PABLO: What can you
pAnio: yes, I was afraid of many other things besides. I didn't gamble, I didnt drink. do_no*?o
ANDRES: What haPPened? rou rnanv evil thinss. rhat,s true.
pABLO: I don't know. I grew up without discipline. I was allowed, to steal small :5:[J,'.';i#11cht
*'iltfiHi"
But
uuL rI too
( had been

sums of money-t;gambie on street corners-1q 5rneks under

the bridge, :**i
stMEoN: r,ve alwavs
J.'ffi?;"'jl:'rrien-ds
b..r;;;;;."0] raDlo'
And when I grew older-the wrong friends-the lack of faith in anyone or PABLo: That,s whv. orb,"
I.,,";::.::rt,q,
srMEoN:'Ho;JiiilT"r""..i;1*r.Jl;Til:i:"'::ff
anything-the bitterness-
ANDRES: Your mother still alive? .1,iffi :l"r:T]
r'i'na-iti. , trusted .,,o,,.
;]'j!;fl:;Hil,'.''*"t women-and"* w. *... p,,tn... in
PABLO: Yes.
ANDRES: ls she here? srME.N: i;1:, ffiil*'and that doesn', **ii ,r,"loi'o'r.,.norn,r,
_and yet_I think
PABLO: I hope notl pABLO:
Unfair? you,re b.i"g;;i;;,;;::,
ANDRES: understandinghim) I understand' lt's best, I suppose'
(iot t,r:il,J;"*,,"i"1*::.1.T?,1.. you are
PABLO: You are mistaken, Andres. I hope never to see her again! have one My mother
ANDRES: Your own mother? BuI-(WARDEN enters')
l,:kr_I.
WARDEN: There's a man who insists on seeing you, but he has no Pass' p*1ir,ti,fu rt,:ff".*;_*x.*";,gf l-,ru*r.r
PABLO: Did he give his name?
wARDEN: Yes. Simeon sereno. (PABLO,fromthe erpression onhisface,
the visitor, andhis smile has 4 tinge of bitter contempt')
recognizcr

::td."
#l *i ; I:irflr,T#
in the orphanage-how
often I,d ,"
$r.Jt:#l;j
^,
:i,li "r,[1[]:x'.?i
tears' I still remember the
PABLO: No, I don't want to see him. (WARDEN nods, goes out') rherewasabenchbehini.,"_.,r,,.r.i,;:#i1il:Jffi
ANDRES: SomebodY You know?
PABLO: He's one of my companions from the Past wlro tlrrlggctl
llr(' t() the S,ultcr
l ;
illi ;
;
il ::;,:r ii:,ffi
J,liT:"i,_fl
?il' *
o, go n n, o ; n;;ira'
" i o, g, n u y
ffi
(WARDEN comes in.) I'ABLO:
,
^, (grntly) yru neve r lokl rrrt. rhi.
494 The Lihhaan Anthology oJ Philipptne Literature in English
SIMEON: (bitterly) Each one of us carries a secret in his heart which he can't
reveal to anyone.
PABLO: To have a mother-how sweet and beautifully consoling it must be. Yes,
how wonderful it must be. (SIMEON stares at him.)
SIMEON: She's still alive? (PABLO nods.) Then-?
PABL6: I, too, have my secrets, Simeon. (SIMEON stands up.)
SIMEON: l'm leaving for Palawan tomorrow.
PABLO: Palawan?
SIMEON: I have a job at the Leper Colony.
PABLO: Among-the lepers?
SIMEON: Among the lepers-I met a nice and fine girl two months ago.
PABLO: She's working there?
SIMEON: She's going to live there.
PABLO: Live there? But why?
SIMEON: She has-leprosy.
PABLO: Leprosyl
SIMEON: I am going with her-that's why I've decided to work there, too.
PABLO: You love her, Simeon?
SIMEON: Yes. And I want to expiate my past.
PABLO: But why go to that extreme?
SIMEON: Great crimes, Pablo, demand great expiations.
PABLO: (suddenly shahing Simeon's hand) Forgive me, Simeonl I see you're a
better man than I am.
SIMEON: No, Pablo, I'm no better than you are-l'm worse. But to this girl I
owe the change. I was spiritually and morally dead-and she brought me
back to life.
PABLO: We've never been so close to each other as we are now.
SIMEON: Now we can part-not with bitter reproaches and resentment-but
with complete understanding. (Hastiiy SIMEON breahs away andrushes out,
PABLO, shahen, sits and buries his t'ace in his hands. WARDEN enters.)
WARDEN: Chedeng Gonzalez to see you.
PABLO: Tia Chedeng! Let her in. (WARDEN goes out. CHEDENG enters. She is
an oldwoman of srxty.White-haired,withawrinhledbut'hindly face. She stoops
a little. She wears saya and camisa, her shoulders covered with a panwelo.
PABLO hiqses her hand.) Tia Chedeng ! (Leads her to a chair, he sitting b eside
her andholdingher hands.) I am so happy you came.
TIA CHEDENG: I did not want to come today-I told you yesterday, but-
PABLO: I wouldn't have forgiven you i[ you didn't come today, Tia.
TIA CHEDENG: I tried, Pablo, I tried to see the president-but I couldn't [intl
him in his office nor in his house. I have failed.
PABLO: No matter, Tia, no matter now.
TIA CHEDENG: Yesterdayyou asked me to gct yort s()nr(' tlritnll()('\ I prorrrisctl
I worrltl gct yot.t stttnc, bttt-()t tolrcr is ttol lltt' 'rt^it'|,r,lt l,,t ltt,tttl',ot's.
The Lihhaan Anthology of Philippine Literdture in English 495
PABLO: How silly of me, Tia.
TIA CHEDENG: Pablo, I failed you in everything. If only I had not let you go
years ago-but then you ran away-
pABLO: Why blame yourself, Tia? It was my fault. If only I had stayed wirh
you-how different things would have been..(Suddenly TIA CHEDENGbows
her head, bites her lips, as tears roll down her cheehs. PABLO caresses her
hands. Presently she tahes somethingfrom her handherchieJ)
TIA CHEDENG: Wear this. (Gives him a small crucifk with a chain. She puts it
aroundhis nech.)
PABLO: Thank you, Tia. How can I repay you for all your kindness?
TIA CHEDENG: Only one thing, Pablo, my dear, will make me hrppy.What I,ve
been asking you these last few days.
PABLO: Father Lim read me The Following of Christ a while ago.
TIA CHEDENG: I don't mean that, Pablo.
PABLO: You mean, confession? (She nods.) I don't know, Tia. It's too early yet.
TIA CHEDENG: It might be too late, Pablo! (V{ARDEN enrers.)
WARDEN: Sorry. Time is up.
TIA CHEDENG: (rising) Thank you, I was just going. (WARDEN goes out.)
PABLO: (holdingher hands) Tia-did you see somebody waiting outside?
TIA CHEDENG: Have you seen Cristina?
PABLO: I don't mean her.
TIA CHEDENG: Your-mother? (He nods.) I saw her waiting on the sidewalk.
But you know we have not been on speaking terms all these years. Has she
seen you?
PABLO: I don't want to see herl
TIA CHEDENG: Forgive her, Pablo. A mother remains a mother, whatever her
faults.
PABLO: If she had been a true mother, I wouldn't be here!
TIA CHEDENG: Your father's death left her embittered and lonely.
PABLO: No, I can't forgive her! (WARDEN enteri again.)
WARDEN: Very little time le[t, Mr. Gorualez. The girl wants ro see you. (WARDEN
goes out.)
PABLO: Tia-forgive me for all the pains I've given you.
TIA CHEDENG: I shall wait outside. And I shall be praying. (She hisses him on
thebrow.)
PABLO: Farewell, Tia, and pray for mel
TIA CHEDENG: All my life, son, all my life. (WARDEN opens door, as TIA
CHEDENG runs out without loohing bach. PABLO sits down, very tired.
CRISTINA enters. WARDEN closes door. CRISTINA is about twenty-one,
dressed in hlach. Shr is pale, but pretty: shy and quiet; her voice soft. With her
huncls claspatl rrrr hr'r llrr'rtsl, .shc stands beside the door, staring at PABLO.
l)tl'sr'rrlly l( rtdlir rr lt,'r l,r,'tr'rrr r'.)
l'n lll (): (rvillrrrrl ririrrrl) {.n.,lrrr.rl (\lr,rriivurrrrs lowrur.l lrirrr,)
 i*' {

in English TheLihhaanAnthologofPhilippineLiteratureinEnglish 497

496 The Likhaan Anthology of Philippine Literature

(He mahes her sit down' sitting PABLO: Yes, I know I'm going to die in a few minutes.
CRISTINA: We have so little time left, Pablo'
CRISTINA: We love each other, Father.
besideher.)
FR. LIM: Have you known each other long?
PABLO: What can we say to each other?
you' PABLO: Seven months-
CRISTINA: I just want to say-l'll always love
FR. LIM: But at this moment-
PABLO: I'm not worthy of you, Cdstina'
CRISTINA: I want to marry him-even at this moment.
CnrirrNe' lf you realiy love me don't go-away-wi1hou5 FR. LIM: Time is short. We shall need two witnesses.
PABLO:WithoutmarryingyoulCantyou'seeitwouldbeunfairtoyou?Ishould PABLO: My Tia Chedeng is outside. (FR. LIM goes out, right door.) Are you sure,
puts her hand on
like to marry you ;;"; ;t;" if I'm about Io-(CRISTINA
Cristina, you want this?
his mouth.)
moments will bring. (Alongpause CRISTINA:'iurer than ever. (FR. LIM returns with TIA CHEDENG and
CRISTINA: Let,s not think what the next few
ANDRES,/ollowed by the WARDEN. The following scene is all pantomime
duringwhich they dare not looh at each other')
PABLO: (talhing ot^rtr-i,o l''i^sef) For, the
first time in my life I know what withmusicalbachground. FR. LIM puts on surplice, opensbretiory. PABLO
the quiet understanding' the and CRISTIN A are ordered to hneel down, ANDRES and TIA CHEDENG
real love ir-tfr"-j""f silJnt affection'
the senseof being alive-(bitterly).yes, alive. standing beside them. The WARDEN stands near the right door. The
feeling of gentle s*ii,"a.,
Neither a mothe';'s nor a woman's love I have
known' Early in life I mumbling of prayers by the priest is indistinctly heard. As the ceremony
mouth with. drink and s, RISTI NA littl e by little s p ois e, ov er s h er f ac e as PABLO
soiled my *irra *lth 'nworthy thoughts-my
p ro gre s s e C lo s e c

desires-my rraiai holds her by the shoulders. The ceremony over, TIA CHEDENG hisses
dirty languag" ;; it;;rt polluted *i"th petty ltft
And then you came' Cristina' CRISTINA who is weeping silently.)
u,"uii,g,"g";blingl-6"6 "o*'-*Yld"r! PABLO: (seeingthebottle oJwhishey) I almost forgotl The bottle of whiskey! Let's
my mind and soul
you came i.t,o *i,ota-la, tott"ty life-and cleansed
Until that all celebrate ! (He loohs at the others who remain glum. He stares at CRISTINA
and brightened my world' r - .L
-"iglt- walking alone that night- who has her eyes down.)
CRISTINA:Why, oh iJa,*f'yl lf only I hadn'ibeen (PABLO gulp s downhis share,but suddenly throws the glas;s on the Jloor,breahing
pfiLo, When you told me the next morning how that fellow had. tried to rape
only knew I had it. He sits down and leaning on the table, breahs down. CRISTINA goes near
youl I forgot *yt;i;if"got you-l forlot et'erythingl*I
him and he puts his arm around her w aist bricfu . WARDEN, after an qwhw ard
to wiPe away the insult-
CRISTINA: But why with blood, Pablo? You shouldn't
have- pause, touches PABLO on the shoulder.)
only way' That insult had to bc WARDEN: Five minutes left. (Suddenly yotces are heard outside. WARDEN runs
With blood, y"'-Uttu"te
-- -*ip"a
PABLO: it was the
can I offer you?
a*ay *ith bloodl lf we get married now-what
to the door.)
a murderer-a few memorieg (Ot'fstoge). You can't get in without a pass!
Nothing. Premature widowhoodlthe name of
ANGELA: (outside) Let me in! Let me inl (Everybody loohs towards the door.)
of what might have been'
WARDEN: (outside) Who are you?
CRISTINA:Whatdolget?Widowhood-yes,butalsotheassuranceofyourheart ANGELA: (outside) I am his mother! (PABLO's reaction is tobe imagined.)
and mine faithful rinio the end and foi always'
A few m;lories-I
wish therc
WARDEN: (outside) But you don't have a passl-
hadbeenmore!-lbutstillmemories_lshallcherishallthrougheternity.
forget me- ANGELA: (outside) He's my son-and I have the right-!
PABLO: After I am-after this is over-you'll
Pablo! PABLO: (quietly) Warden,willyouletherin? (ANGELA enters,standsneardoor.)
CRISTINA: I shan't be able to forget,
fellow-who can offer you a better WARDEN: Is she your mother?
PABLO: l[ someday you should *-"tt u better
marry me' that you were free' PABLO: She used tobe. (They alllooh athim.)
future-you'li be glad you didn't FR. LIM: (goingto rear door) I shall wait in here. (He goes out. PABLO embraces
(She weips qufetly"onhis shoulders' FR' LIM appeors') - -
(PABLO and CntSftN Alooh at each'other') CRISTINA brieJly.)
FR. LIM: lt's nearly ti'rne, my son'
(FR' LIM nods to her') Father-couldrwe- PABLO: Wait for me, dearest. I shall call you. (PABLO laisses TIA CHEDENG's
PABLO: Father-this is Cristina'
hand.) Tia, will yor-r take care of Cristina for me? (TIA CHEDENG nods.
FR. LIM:Yes?
(FR' LlMloohs'from ()n( lo thr other') lt''s the I'n El.O.shahls AN l)lll:.5' hand.) Stand by them, will you, Andres? (CRISTINA
PABLO: Could you marry us-now?
Could you? srl)l)r)r,s'l lA (,l l l ; l )l' N( l, und ull rt() out, closing door be.hind lhrnn. ANC lll.A
last favor I ask o[ you, Father! (;()NZAl l;/trthrtrr/(u,\lr'l)\lrtrwtnd,rnlrrntrlronl slrrgr',rigll.l)AIJl.()slrlrtlr
I;ll. l.lM: lhtt-
r
The Lihhaan Anthology of philippine Literdture
4gB TheLlhhaanAnthologyofPhilippineLiterdtureinEnglish in English

PABLo: In the meantime what had you done to me? you broke my ideals-tore
on extreme leJt, Jront. ANGELA is o'ter forty-five, but is trying to
retain her
air of bad taste away my faith-you filled me with bitterness*the bitterness of a son
Jaded y outh ind-beauty by the or eruse oJ cosmetics. There is an who,s
'and dress and the use oJ ashamed of his own mother!
vutgarity about hlr, accentuatedby her gaudy colored
,ANGELA: (Goingiear him) pablo! Have pity!
blgbraielets and earrings. Her voice is hushy ')
PABLo: Pity! You never had any for me! you sent me our inro the world without
PABLO: (withoutloohingather) What do you want?
faith-without anchor-without dreamsr I wandered alone-and lonely-
ANGELA: I wanted to see You. !
PABLO: What for? To offer me your sympathy? Thanks' i don't need
it' You without 2 h6ms-until I met Cristina-the girl I've just married.
AN G ELA : Married ! (Lo ohin g b ach t ow ards ri ght do or rememb erin g
didn't try to see me during the trial' cRI sr INA. )
PABLo: And now that I'm about to die-how I wish to have my Jwn mother
ANGELA: I couldn't. i was-ashamed. at
my side-to be able to rell her how sorry I am-to be able io pu., from this
PABLO: Ashamed? And aren't you ashamed to be here now?
life with a mother's kiss. But no! It's my own mother who has sent me herel
ANGELA: I am Your mother, Pablo.
pABLO: The woman I used to call mother died when-after Father's death, she ANGELA: Pablol Pablo, my son!
PABLo: tars! How can your tears move me now when I drowned my own
iived with Marcos Nable. tears
r

in drink?
ANGELA: You hate me so.
(AN G E LA slow ly r ais e s her s elf up. pAB Lo c ov e r s his ac e w ith
pABLO: I don,t hate you. My feelings for you are what I would feel for a stranger. f hi s hands.
There's an expression of d.etermination o,r ANGELAIs
ANGELA: I have left him-I left Marcos for good' face. srowry and
feel pride in your work' quietly, she tahes off her earrings, bracerets, rings, and gintly puts them
PABLO: And so you came here-to on
the table. she also tries to wipe off the cosmeiic, on i* when
ANGELA: 1 don't understand- fo,ir. she
chair-it's because of yout speahs, her yoice is low and soft.)
pABLO: lf l'm here now-if I',m condemned to the
ANCELA: Listen to what I have to say I was forced to marry your father against
ANGELA: Mel
give me any my will. I did,t love him and he knew it. Ir wasn,r my faultr My flmily
PABLO: Yes, you! Have you ever been a mother to me? Did you ever
care or attention? Isnt it true that you spent all your time gambling while shouldn't have opposed my marriage ro rhe man I really ioved. To forg"t *y
Tia When Father was sick and dying*weren't unhappiness I turned ro gambling and to pleasure. That kept me u*uy f.o*
you left me with Chedeng?
your father. I didnt wantababy; you might as well know, so when you
you out gambling?
came-well, I just left you ro the care of servanrs. (Her voice rising.) But iew
ANGELA: I fed you, clothed You-
pABLO: And you thought you had done your dutyl You thought that in bnnging knew that our married life was unhappy. And when your father dii, I sought
an outlet for my lonely years-
me into ihis world your work was finishedl lt had only begunl
PABLo: Tia Chedeng wanted ro make me believe Father's death had made you
ANGELA:What did You want me to do?
paglo, Did you .o.r"., my faults? Did you care who my companions and lonely and bitter-yes, but for different reasons.
"u". ANGELA: I left you in Tia chedeng's care, then. she wanred you. when you
playmates were? Did yo, .,r". check me from committing petty thefts-
wgls glsvsn*rharwas the time I mer Marcos. Tia Chedeng knew aborrimy
.orr"., my bad language-my bad tendencies?
unhappy marriage with your father.
ANGELA: I reallY tried,I-
pABLO: And did you ever reach me to flear God? (Pause) Tia Chedeng taught me PABLO: She knew and never'rold ;;.
ANGELA: I've rold you everythins! Now condemn me if you dare!
u fe* p.ay.rs which I quickly forgot because I ran away' My
faults became
i PABLo: If I could believe ycu-I would ask you*to take care of cristina for
i habits-and my bad habits enslaved me'
son- me-but no, it's impossible! Too late!
ANGEIA: I wasn't to blame-try to understand, my
t

death- ANGETA: Yes, son, let me take care of herr I'll be a real mother to her-what I
I PABLO: Son! You dare call me your sonl And ri few months after Father's
, I was ren then-you fell in love with Marcos Nable-lived with him-pue hl haven't been to you!
PABLo: If I could die with the word "Mother" on my lips-if I could call you
mY own mother!
I, Motherl (Desperately.) God in heaven, why can't t call you Mother? (Right
ANGELA: I left him.
dt,ir op(,ns, WAltl)llN , r,mrs in.)
PABLO: And may 1 know why? Not that it matters'
WAItI)lrN: 'l-irrrc'.s rrp! 'l lrc ollir.ials uwait you in your cerll
ANGELA:WhenlreadaboutyourSentenccrrli'wwct.l<s;t,,,tll.-Ircalizctl
thll-l llttl clortc wrollll._
AN(;lll A: Not yr.t n(rt ),(.tr(lilt llM rr11rr.rlrs.)
500 The Lihhaan AnthologX of Philtppine Litetatvre in English The Lihhaan Anthology of Philippine Literatuie in English 50I

FR. LIM: We must start, Pablo'

(PABLO stares utthe WARDEN and FR' LIM as if
in a tronce.)
WARDEN: If You wish to see Your wife-
WHy hurt her more?
My wife? Oh, Cristina' Yes-no-nqver mind'
'

"'-7fu*rn7to
PAuaO
am-afraid-to die'
FR' LIM) Father*l
FR. LIM: Don't doubt God's mercy' His mercy
is as wide and as deep-as the ocean'
(FR'LlM nods' as PABr--O \\ul:
Forever Witches
PABLO: Father-wilf yo" f,""t my confe5sion?
tn t'ront oJ him. Musi-c. Stage bi'o*"
darh' FR'LIM gives the absolution') Lets ESTRELLA D. ALFON
gol :-. 1^:^ ^-.--
ANGELA:Mvsonl(PABLOloohsatherwithcompassioninhis,eyes,mahesa
^""iii"ri ir"a"g;T ds her, but tyrns.iu*p'!',i\a s.": "::,,'\:ugh rear CHARACTERS:
i o,sing ioo, behind them. Bells begin to toll
outside. The
door withwAnnrN,lci ANDIYA, charming spinster o[ 40.
door opens. CRISTINA, Tl'i CHEDENG' and ANDRES rushin')
LOURDES, older sister of Andiya, 45.
CRISTINA:(Rushirrgtoreardoorandbangingitrepeatedly)|"bI"i'Yl.'(Stageis in MARING, their niece, young girl, 17.
darheneC qs bells continue tolling' CntSrtNe b::y!:!:y: and collapses
chair' with JULIO, Maring's suitor, 20.
jront of ,ra, doo, ofi'yun of utterieiect.Lon' TIA CHEDENG sits
.on
i t' w ith han ds LORETTA, young girl, 2I.
AN D RE S b ehin d
';;';"; lrr*"t'tu'ii c ontinue s'AN G ELA stands Jr ont
"
gh

down, as if prqvillg' TIA CHEDENG.pravs

with a
t g;rtt" *.i't,,oa only SCENE: A province. Not too Jar away Jrom a sophisticated city. ANDIYA and
interrupted
'ro,rory
iilrri lranas-.-ii, p*" .,o"ii""'i 1" twenty second-s'
LOURDES are dressed in the himona and patadyong of the Yisayas. Both are
fy CirfSffNeS *ir. Suid.rnly the bells cease tolling. Another .pause of fifteen
charmingwomen althoigh their dress proclaim them probinsiydna.s, there is a chic
toward rear door tn an attitude of
seconds. steps are heard. All iaise their eyes about them that tells they havebeen to the world outside, and are not really provincial
Reor door opens, FR' LIM closes door' CRISTINA and
expectation. .appears' in outlooh. For exaruple,ANDIYA has avery shorthairdo,but those earrings,bracelets
ANGELA came nearer with a gesture of supplication') and several strands oJ nechlace aroundher nech mahe her almost an anachrontsm
last words-
FR. LIM: lt's all over. His last words were*his in a rural living room, green with Jerns, exotic with orchids at the windows, alive
CRISTINA and ANGELA:Yes -? with arrangements of fresh JTowers on the small table. LOIJRDES, on the other
FR. LIM: "Cristina"-(Here CRISTINA sobs')*"Tia"-
hand, although older, actually loohs younger, and has a looh oJ happiness on her
ANGEIA:Was that-all? ,,ruother.,' He whispered, Iike a prayer, the word Jace. She wears her hair long andflowing. ayer an ear is a small sting of jasmine
r*'.-rrno, cr, aring ath.J, a.,d Jlowers. Shewearsno other adornment.Her one accessory is ananahaw fan, colorful,
"Mother"-twice. decorated with another mini-lei of jasmine. While ANDIYA wears her patadyong
ANGELA: Mother-twice' snug about her hips, LOURDES weqrs hers comJortably loose, but the material
and enJolds her in her
ial inrsrrN Abreahsirrto sobs, ANGELA bends over clings to her figure , and gives her a Jlow of grace as she moyes.
aTms.TIACHEDENG mahes the sign of the cros's')
Our play opens on an early morning. The livingroomhas rustic Jurniture, cane
andbamboo, colorful throw pillows, the only color contrast and accent of the green,
CURTAIN beige and browv color sc.heme. A.minor on one wall reJlects and multiplies the
greens and Jlowers around the room.
There is a cat sleepingin a roching chai4 which jumps down when the curtain
goes up. There are three doors. To theleJt, downstage; one on ight, exactly opposite
the first one, and a door to the outside. LeJt and right doors are both hung with
drapes of bamboo beads and shells on string, which moye in the breeze and clatter
melodiously when anyone enters or leaves through the d,oors. LOURDES enters,
carrying a.flower arrang(menl which she gets down on a small table. She crosses
slagf l.t u shelf wilh a rrr onl pluyer among its dainty figurines and hrxrks. Shrr puts