THE MATS || 12 STEAM-K (GROUP 1’s OUTLINE)

1. Summary/background
Mr. Angeles has sent a letter to his family, stating that he met a marvelous mat
weaver from Mariveles. Also, he promised to bring new woven mats for the
family. Nana Emilia requested her oldest son, Jose, to read the latest letter of their
father stating that he’d be home just in time for dinner. At that time, the children
were pumped up to receive the said mats. Although there was already one mat in
their house, the wife still treasures it, for it was given by her mother and was used
on their husband’s wedding night. That evening, the head of the family have
finally arrived. He brought a variety of fruits and a jar of preserved sweets. After
dinner, the children have been waiting for their father to finish smoking. As he
rose from his chair, he went to his luggage and there he pulled out a large bundle
of mats. Everyone gathered to him as he distributed the mats one by one to his
children. They were amazed by the unique woven designs of the mats. The father
said afterward that they are not allowed to use the mats until they’d go to the
university. Concurrently, the mother noticed that there are mats left in the bundle.
The husband then replied, “they are for the others who are not here.” The mats are
for the deceased — for Josefina, Victoria, and Conception.
2. Reading and Interpretation
➢ Thesis Statement
The Mats by Francisco Arcellana tackles about typical Filipino culture—
preserving close family ties, respecting the elderly, and remembering those
who passed away.
➢ Major Points
Formalist Analysis
The mat is described in many ways…
- The mat (which is a gift from the mother of Nana Emilia) has been
associated with illness and even death. Supporting the line “The
process had become associated with illness in the family. Illness, even
serious illness, had not been infrequent. There had been deaths…” It
can also be described as a symbol of healing, as the children in the
family have been cured while using the said mat.
- Fast (2016) described The Mats as a talisman, stating that “the family
uses in order to gain power over forces beyond their control.”
Moreover, the mats are the “hero of the story” as they were mention
“48 times throughout”. The name of the title itself is telling us on the
“story’s source of meaning”.
- Repetition: “Do you think I’d forgotten them? Do you think I had
forgotten them? Do you think I could forget them?” It gives an
emphasis on what Mr. Angeles truly feels on the situation.
- Excessive detail: Fast (2016) stated that
Arcellana slows the story down by adding excessive detail to the
description of the opening of the bundle… It’s a technique used
by the writer of Genesis when describing Abram’s actions before
taking his son to Moriah. So, the writer adds excessive detail to
the story so that we can feel Abraham’s pain. Here Arcellana
allows us to feel Mr. Angeles’ pain.
Psychoanalytical Analysis
- Conflict: Man vs. Self
- Mr. Angeles was sensitive and emotional by the time he talked about
the remaining mats left in the bundle. Although, he insisted not to
forget about them, a part of him wishes that his children would still be
alive.
- Mr. Angeles blames his wife for the death of their children (Anderson,
1967; as cited in Fast, 2016). However, the author’s purpose of writing
the story is different from Anderson’s POV wherein his main focus in
The Mats is to look at how early 20th century Filipinos dealt with
issues beyond their control.”
Feminist Analysis
- As this story is set before World War II, gender roles are evident on
this period. Men are assigned to work and make money to provide
their families. Conversely, women are required to stay at home, take
care of their children, and do household chores.
- So, in the story, Mr. Angeles, is working as he was described going on
“periodic inspection trips.”On the other hand, Nana Emilia, stays at
home. She is responsible for raising the children and for those who are
sick.
Historical Analysis
- The Angeles’ social standing is either middle or upper class. These are
the points that would support the idea:
1. Mr. Angeles is an inspector.
2. The children have proper education. For instance, Marcelina
is taking up music. While Jose is a 3rd year medical student.
3. Mr. Angeles stated his objective after handing out the mats,
which is “You are not allowed to use these mats until you go
to the University.”
 - “The Mats paints a vivid picture of life in the Philippines in the 1930s
because it connects the story with real people, having real
conversations, doing real activities” (Fast, 2016).
Points to consider:
1. Communication: Via letter
2. Transportation: By train “Bicol Express”
- Compared to this generation where the internet is relevant. Filipino
families nowadays spend more time on their gadgets rather than
communicating personally. As well as there are many transportation
options in society, not just the Bicol Express.

3. Reader Response

Mr. Angeles’ love was extraordinary towards his family members.

➢ He never left out anyone of them even his deceased daughters. This story teaches
us to never forget about our dearly departed ones, even though they are gone
physically, they will always remain in our hearts. Reminding us that they will
always be there to guide and protect us. The story also reminds me of when my
grandpa died. We still took care of him by placing food in his altar on his birthday
and also the pain we felt when he died. In the end, the story shows us that our love
ones are still going to die, it truly shows how death is inevitable.

Filipino values are observed.

➢ Until now, our values remain unchanged — for most people. Respecting the
elderly by saying ‘po’ and ‘opo’, and by doing mano po, among others. Moreover,
having close family ties is one of our unique traits, that enable us to make strong
bonds with them. These mentioned values are some of the ways that we could do
and preserve throughout our life’s journey.
Cherish the little things in life. Make every second count.
➢ In the story, the mats were treasured dearly, as these have sentimental value. In
our lives, we have something or someone that we love and cherish. As we are still
alive, let us make every second count and enjoy the remaining time spending with
our loved ones.
References

Critical analysis: The Mats by Francisco Arcellana. (2017, September 2). Retrieved
November 30, 2020, from
https://josemariching.wordpress.com/2017/09/02/critical-analysis-the-mats-by-
francisco-arcellana/
Fast, M. (2016, January). Fast - 2016 - The Mats as talisman overcoming powerlessness
and grief in early 20th-century Philippines. Retrieved November 30. 2020, from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319481370_Fast_-_2016_-
_The_Mats_as_Talisman_Overcoming_powerlessness_and_grief_in_early_20th-
century_Philippines
Lopez, R. (2013, October 2). Francisco Arcellana. Retrieved November 30, 2020, from
https://prezi.com/rqvnlrgp9ofy/francisco-arcellana/
The Mats. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2020, from
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/tagalog/literature/short%20stories/the%20mats.ht
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