SELF-LEARNING HOME TASK (SLHT)

Subject : 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World Grade: 11 Quarter: 2nd Week: 1
MELC: Identify representative texts and authors from South America Competency Code: EN12Lit-IIa-2

Name: Section: Date:

School: District:

Objective/s:
Knowledge: Recognize different selections and writers from Asia
Skills: Examine the given texts to comprehend the theme presented
Values/Attitude: Reflect on the subjects discussed in the text and give personal views

Subject Matter: Representative Texts and Authors from Asia

Procedure:

A. READINGS/DISCUSSIONS

SELECTION 1

THE BRAHMAN’S DREAM

From the Panchatantra
Translated by Arthur W. Ryder

In a certain town lived a Brahman named Seedy, who got some barley-meal by begging, ate a por-
tion, and filled a jar with the remainder. This jar he hung on a peg one night, placed his cot beneath it,
and fixing his gaze on the jar, fell into hypnotic reverie.
“Well, here is a jar full of barley-meal,” he thoughts. “Now if famine comes a hundred rupees will
come out of it. with that sum I will get two she-goats. Every six months they will bear two more she-goats.
After goats, cows. When cows clave, I will sell the calves. After cows, buffaloes; after buffaloes, mares.
From the mares I shall get plenty of horses. The sale of these will mean plenty of gold. The gold will buy
a great house with an inner court. Then someone will come to my house and offer his lovely daughter will
a dowry. And she will bear a son, whom I shall name MoonLord. When he is old enough to ride on my
knee, I will take book, sit on the stable roof, and think. Just then MoonLord will see me, will jump from his
mother’s lap in his eagerness to ride on my knee, and will go too near the horses. Then I shall get angry
and tell my wife to take the boy. But she will be busy with her chores and will not pay attention to what I
say. Then I will get up and kick her.”
Being sunk in his hypnotic dream, he let fly such a kick that he smashed the jar. And the barley-
meal which it contained turned him white all over.

Guide for Comprehension:

1. Describe the characterization of the Brahman in the selection.

2. What was the Brahman’s dream?

3. Describe his feelings as he was dreaming.

4. What instance in your life when you act like the Brahman?

5. What lesson does this text teach you?

 Know that:

PANTACHANTRA is one of India's most influential contributions to world literature, that

consists of five books of animal fables and magic tales (some 87 stories in all) that were com-
piled, in their current form, between the third and fifth centuries AD (Ashliman 2014). These were
believed to have been originally written in Sanskrit by Vishnu Sharma more than 2500 years ago
(The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica 2017).

BRAHMAN is a member of the highest of the major castes of traditional Indian society. (1.
Brahmans—priests & teachers; 2. Kshatriyas—warriors & rulers; 3. Vaishyas—farmers, traders
& merchants; 4. Shudras—laborers; 5. Dalits or outcastes—street sweepers & cleaners). The
Brahmans are responsible for officiating at religious rites and studying and teaching the Vedas.

SELECTION 2

UNENDING LOVE
Rabindranath Tagore

I seem to have loved you in numberless forms, numberless times…

In life after life, in age after age, forever.
My spellbound heart has made and remade the necklace of songs,
That you take as a gift, wear round your neck in your many forms,
In life after life, in age after age, forever.

Whenever I hear old chronicles of love, its age-old pain,

Its ancient tale of being apart or together.
As I stare on and on into the past, in the end you emerge,
Clad in the light of a pole-star piercing the darkness of time:
You become an image of what is remembered forever.

You and I have floated here on the stream that brings from the fount.
At the heart of time, love of one for another.
We have played along side millions of lovers, shared in the same
Shy sweetness of meeting, the same distressful tears of farewell-
Old love but in shapes that renew and renew forever.

Today it is heaped at your feet, it has found its end in you

The love of all man’s days both past and forever:
Universal joy, universal sorrow, universal life.
The memories of all loves merging with this one love of ours –
And the songs of every poet past and forever.
 Know that:

Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941), Asia’s first Nobel Laureate, was born in Calcutta, India
into a prominent family known for its socio-religious and cultural innovations during the 19th Ben-
gal Renaissance. He saw education as a vehicle for appreciating the richest aspects of other cul-
tures, while maintaining one’s own cultural specificity. He composed his first poem at age eight,
and by the end of his life, head written over twenty-five (25) volumes of poetry, fifteen (15) plays,
ninety (90) short stories, eleven (11) novels, thirteen (13) volumes of essays, composed over two
thousand songs, and created more than two thousand pictures and sketches.

Guide for Comprehension:

1. Give at least two (2) figures of speech used in Rabindranath Tagore’s Unending Love. Write the line/
phrase that contain them.

2. Who is the persona in the poem? What kind of person is he or she?

3. Do you agree with the persona about the love he/she feels towards the other person? Why or why not?

4. What is the tone of the poem?

5. Briefly state the poem’s central idea or them.

SELECTION 3

UNFOLDING BUD Know that:

Naoshi Koriyama
Naoshi Koriyama writes poetry to better understand the English
One is amazed poems he teaches at a university in Japan. He says, “The best way to
By a water-lily bud learn a language is to speak it and write it.” On being asked if he con-
Unfolding siders himself a poet, his answer had been, “Anyone who writes poetry
With each passing day, is a poet.” he often tries to use the style of Chaucer, his favorite poet, in
Taking on a richer color writing his poems.
And new dimensions.
Guide for Comprehension:
One is not amazed,
At a first glance,
1. How does the author compare the bud to a poem?
By a poem,
Which is as tight-closed
2. Do you think the comparison is appropriate? Briefly explain your answer.
As a tiny bud

Yet one is surprised

3. To what other things can you compare a poem?
To see the poem
Gradually unfolding,
4. In what way is this poem similar to Jose Garcia Villa’s poem Lyric 17—A
Revealing its rich inner self,
poem must be magical (discussed in your Quarter 1 module)?
As one reads it
Again
And over again.
5. How will reading a poem over and over again reveal its inner self to the
reader?
SELECTION 4
THE ANALECTS
Confucius

“To learn,” said the Master, “and then to practice what one has learned. Does not this bring it a sense of satis-
faction?”
“Let young people,” said he “show filial piety at home, respectfulness towards their elders when away from
home; let them be circumspect, be truthful; their love going out freely towards all, cultivating good will to men. And if,
I such a walk, there be time or energy left for other things, let them employ it in the acquisition of literary or artistic
accomplishments.”
“It does not greatly concern me,” said the Master, “that men do not know me; my great concern is my not
knowing them.”
“Let a ruler base his government upon virtuous principle, and he will be like the pole-star, which remains stead
-fast in its place, while all the host of the stars turn towards it.
“Be versed in ancient lore, and familiarize yourself with the modern; then may you become teachers.
“The great man is not a mere receptacle.
“Learning, without thought, is a snare: thought, without learning, is a danger.”
To the disciple of Tsu-lu, the Master said, “Shall I give you a lesson about knowledge? When you know a
thing, maintain that you know it; and when you do not, acknowledge your ignorance. This is characteristic of
knowledge.”
“It is moral cowardice to leave undone what one perceives to be right to do.”
“Where there is habitual going after gain, there is much ill-will.
“One should not be greatly concerned at not being in office; but rather about the requirements in one’s self for
such standing. Neither should one be so much concerned at being unknown but rather with seeking to be worthy of
being known.”
“A son should not ignore the years of his parents. On the other hand, they may be a matter for rejoicing (that
they have been so many), and on the other, for apprehension (that so few remain).
Someone asked: How do you regard the principle of returning good for evil? — The Master said: What, then is
to be the return of good? Rather should you return justice for injustice, and good for good.
“Better than one who knows what is right is one who is fond of what is right is one who delights in what is
right.
“The man of wisdom does not vacillate; the man of natural goodness does not fret; the man of valor does not
fear.
“The Master said: the nobler sort of man emphasizes the good qualities in others, and does not accentuate
the bad. The inferior sort does the reverse.
“The nobler sort of man is dignified but not proud.; the inferior man is proud but not dignified.
Tzu Kung asked, saying: Is there any one maxim which ought to be acted upon throughout one’s life? — The
master replied: Surely the maxim of charity is such: Do not do unto others what you would not they should do unto
you.

Know that:

Confucius (479 B.C.), Chinese philosopher and teacher, gave the world message of wisdom concern-
ing man and his relation to others. His teachings now are the bases of the Chinese’s social relationships and
behavior. Confucius’ sayings were handed down through several generations from mouth to mouth and it was
only much later that they were actually written down.

Guide for Comprehension:

1. Give five (5) pieces of advice Confucius give to the youth.

2. How could you (the young people today) make use of these teachings?

3. According to Confucius, how should a child behave toward his parents? Do you agree? Why or why not?

4. What are the qualities of a noble man?

5. Narrate an event or experience that can be an example of the last maxim.
SELECTION 5

YOUR GOD IS ONE GOD

From the Koran

Your God is one God; there is no God but He, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Assuredly in the creation of the Heavens and of the Earth; and in the alternation of night and day;
and in the ships which pass through the sea with what is useful to man; and in the rain which God
sendeth down form Heaven, giving life by it to the earth after its death, and by scattering over it all kinds
of cattle; and in the change of the winds, and in the clouds that are made to do service between the Heav-
en and the Earth, — are sign for those who understand.
Yet there are men who take to them idols along with God, and love them with the love of God: But
stronger in the faithful is the love of God. Oh! The impious will see, when they see their chastisement, that
all power is God’s and that God is severe in chastising.
They who truly hide the Scripture which God hath sent down and barter them for a mean price these
shall swallow into their bellies nought but fire. God will not speak to them, or assoil them in the day of the
Resurrection: and theirs shall be a grievous torment.
These are they who have bartered guidance for error, and pardon for torment; But how great their
endurance in fire.
There is no piety in turning your faces toward the east and the west, but he is pious who believeth in
God, and the last day, and the angels, and the Scriptures, and the prophets; who for the love of God dis-
burthseth his wealth to his kindred, and to the orphans, and the needy, and the way farer, and those who
ask and for ransoming; who observeth prayer, and payeth the legal alms, and who is of those who are
faithful to their engagements when they have engaged in them, ad patient under ills and hardships, and in
time of trouble: these are they who are just, and these are they who fear the Lord.
Give freely for the cause of God, and throw not yourselves with your own hands into ruin; and no
good, for God loveth those who do good.

Know that:

The Koran (Qur’an) is the sacred scripture of the religion of Islam (submission to the will of
God) composed in Arabic, of 14 chapters about 80, 000 words in length, a little less than those of
the New Testament. In the faith of the Muslims, the Koran is the revealed word of God, as the Bible
is the word of God to the Christians. The subject matter is a combination of traditional history, prom-
ises to the faithful and moral, religious and political admonitions. It is considered today to be the
most influential book in Arabic, and one of the most important bolls in the world.

Guide for Comprehension:

1. Choose and paraphrase a paragraph from the selection.

2. What does the selection say about the beliefs of the Muslims regarding God?

3. What does the title say about your belief?

4. From the literary viewpoint, comment on the diction and tone of the lines.

5. Explain the last paragraph of the selection.

SELECTION 6

PSALM 23 Know that:

A psalm of David.
From the Bible
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Footnote:
a. Psalm 23:4 Or the valley of the shadow of death
Bible is the sacred scriptures of Judaism and
Christianity. The Christian Bible consists of the Old Tes-
tament and the New Testament. It appears in the form of
an anthology, a compilation of texts of a variety of forms
that are all linked by the belief that they are collectively
revelations of God.
David (c. 1035-970 BCE) was the second king in
the ancient United Kingdom of Israel, who helped estab-
lish the eternal throne of God, according to biblical tradi-
tion. A former shepherd, David was renowned for his
passion for God, his touching psalms and musical abili-
ties...and his ancestral connections to Jesus of Nazareth.
Guide for Comprehension:
1. Give at least three (3) imageries that can be found in
the selection.
2. What does the selection say about the beliefs of the
Christians?
3. Does the selection reflects your belief? Explain briefly.
4. What do you think is the symbolism of “green pas-
tures?”
5. From the literary viewpoint, comment on the diction
and tone of the lines.

SELECTION 7
GONE BACK
Huang Chunming

It was not an illness. The doctor’s diagnosis suggested the old tree’s roots had gone bad, nothing more
could be done. They knew—especially the old countryfolks—And none wished to be left out of the coming and
going. They had no time left, better hurry home.
The ambulance that had taken her to the hospital brought the old woman back to the mountains with her
last breaths.
Among the Xie family members living in this world, eighty-nine year old Dust Maiden was the eldest and
highest in its hierarchy. As she lingered at home for another day, as though waiting for the return of her rela-
tives, her final breath did not come as quickly as had been predicted by hospital personnel. Even though not
everyone returned to make a full house, forty-eight big and small folk did rush back from many different places.
To them, it was rare to be under the same roof together.
For years, many of them had skipped the more important holidays, citing various reasons for not return-
ing to pay homage. They had been in the cities far from those mountains. Now the hour was late. Many had
come for the plots of land that would soon be theirs. Relatives living overseas made calls asking for details of
their future property.
On top of a pile of pin-and-needle gowns were garments in a red that was arresting. These were tradi-
tional garb woven for a show of filial piety. Living to become a fourth-generation elder was no different from
becoming a fifth—all “merry funerals” alike. But the atmosphere suggested otherwise; her youngest son, Yen
Kuen, who lived with and took care of her, and her six married daughters all seemed ready to weep on her be-
half. However, the sum of their sorrows was lightened by the reunion. All the surviving Xies gathering together
lessened the morose feel of the occasion. Having finally come home, they gathered outside under a camphor
tree and chatted, while the younger relatives walked past the bamboo enclosure (In rural villages, farming
homes use this to keep livestock – chickens and ducks – within their bounds.) to sightsee and take photo-
graphs. Yen Kuen went in and out of the house, attending to the needs of family members returning from dis-
tant places. He went back in to check on his aged mother. He opened the curtains and—shocked—heard his
mother ask for food. Surprised, everyone came back inside to
crowd around and observe the seemingly revitalized old dame.
Dust Maiden asked to be helped to a sitting position. Seeing that her children and grandchildren were all
assembled together brought much glee to her heart. She busily inquired after everyone: “You’ve eaten, haven’t
you?” Everyone felt amused at this unexpected turn of fate. All were happy for a moment, though not without a
sense of absurdity considering their source of amusement.
Kuen asked her bluntly: “Me, who am I?”
“You? You’re foolish Kuen, everyone knows that.” That made everyone burst with laughter.
They continued to test her. Calling someone by name or linking a genealogy correctly won her immediate ap-
plause and laughter. But she could not name more than half of them, despite their reminders of who they were.
Some of Dust Maiden’s great grandchildren were thrust to the front of the old one. Without breathing space,
almost crying each of the little ones said “I don’t want to be here” in Mandarin. Dust Maiden said: “What are
you talking about? Why can’t I understand one bit?” The fact was she faulted herself for birthing too many,
faulted her old age, her weakened memory.
Driving cars, catching trains, they all left amid a chorus of complaints from their children about mosquito
bites in the mountains. The day before, the loyal old dog that howled at the guests was awarded its master’s
stick as a result of frightening the children. How could it have known that they were Dust Maiden’s closest rela-
tives? The dog scampered toward a far-off bamboo thicket and did not return until things were returning to nor-
mal again in the house, then it came home with its tail wagging. The dog’s head was still unsettled from the
commotion caused by the guests’ visit. It lifted its eyes to look at its master; its master also was thinking, and
he appeared to remember nothing from the day before. He turned off the television-set. Again, the bamboo-
enclosed ones of the mountains were distanced from the rest of the world.
The following morning, the anticipation of daybreak preceded dawn. Dust Maiden, frail in body, needed
support from fences and walls as she moved slowly to the temple. To her dismay, the incense dedicated to
Matzu (This means “‘Immortal’ Mother of the Heavens.”)had already finished burning. She sat on the wicker
chair in the living room, feeling sorrow for her failure to dedicate tea to her beloved foreign gods (This refers to
“the many images of earth god(s)). She thought about the events of yesterday; it was yesterday—wasn’t it?
She was not free from all doubt, but she knew that her family members, big and small, did return to the moun-
tains to see her. That gave her the consolation she needed. At the very least, she had a concrete dream that it
had happened. That is where her thoughts rested.
Seeing that his old mother was away from her bedroom gave Yen Kuen a jolt to his system as he en-
tered the main room of the house. “Ma,” he cried, as he hurriedly approached.
“Go make tea by the stove quickly. I have already lit all the incense for Matzu; clear tea is the one thing
missing. I told Matzu the whole family, big and small, had returned, and asked for their safekeeping with
peacefulness and prosperity, and that the children would grow up quickly and complete college.”
With his feet clutching a stool, Yen Kuen straightened two crooked sticks and said: “Ma, don’t be climb-
ing like that, leave the business of incense to me.” He had another look at the Eight-Seat Table, Red Council-
Chamber Table; he could hardly believe how his frail old mother could reach her hand and position the sticks in
the incense burner.
“I told Matzu that the whole family—big and small—all came back…”
“You said that a few moments ago.”
“Oh?” Dust Maiden did not remember.
Yen Kuen went away to steam tea. Dust Maiden settled her hands on the arms of the wicker chair, sat
comfortably down, smiling contentedly as she gazed at the old Bodhisattva of Compassion—Guan Yin, the
Land Deity, and the others portraits hanging on the wall. She looked at the red flare of the incense in the dim
corridor; the weak light there mirrored her very life. The fragrance of sandal wood filled the house as wispy, silk
like mist drifted outdoors, blending with the turbid morning light.
In less than two weeks, Dust Maiden had lost contact with reality again and was rushed to the hospital.
The staff was greatly amazed at her return to the human world. But they nonetheless suggested that
they take her back home, lest she die inside the ambulance, something no one wanted to happen.
Once again, Dust Maiden lingered in the living room. The doctor arriving on the scene examined her pulse, her
heartbeat, and her pupils with a flashlight.
“It won’t be long,” he said.
 Yen Keun asked someone to bring his youngest daughter back from school on a scooter, so that
she could contact their relatives. Most of them requested to speak to Yen Kuen directly.
“Will it be like last time?”
“As a son, of course, I hope the same thing happens, but the doctor said the same thing. Having
seen her myself, I don’t think the heavens will grant our wish.” Reactions came from the other side of the
line; Yen Kuen continued: “You’re on her side of the family; and considering your late father, you must
come back. Last time you returned she talked about it for days she was so happy.”
Almost everyone who spoke with Yen Kuen had the same conversation. Those who thought it was
inconvenient had difficulty saying so. In the end, six daughters, all senior-women, made the trip; all three
of her surviving sons also returned. Most of the grandchildren didn’t make the trip; the great-grandchildren
were all spoken for by the mothers to be too young and in need of special maternal care; none of them
came back.
Another day came and went. After Yen Kuen confirmed that his old mother had no pulse and no
heartbeat, the Daoist monk came to perform a ceremony. Just as the ceremonial gong was about to
chime, the monk discovered that a segment of the white cloth covering Dust Maiden had fallen to the
ground and the supposed ‘corpse’ was lying sideways. He called Yen Kuen to have a look. Seeing Yen
Kuen, Dust Maiden said she was hungry.
The Xies quickly emptied the ceremonial water, bowls, sand-filled censer, paper money and the
monk’s altar in the background. There were no less than nineteen relatives chatting there under the cam-
phor tree, all of them came into the house, encircling Dust Maiden. Helped to a sitting position, Dust Maid-
en’s glace swept slowly around as they all watched. She read some incredulity on their faces. Apologiz-
ing, she said to all: “So sorry, made you run a blank errand again. I was really there. Being there, I
bumped into that surname-recorder of yours, who said: ‘Ghost Month, unsightly month, what are you here
for?’” To prove that she had been to the gates of the underworld, she continued, “I also bumped into
Dame Ah-Rei. She said her house leaked so hard, how could the newborn grandchildren possibly be with-
out defects….” The family gathered around her, staring. Now they had even more doubt in their eyes. She
said as one taking an oath:
“Next time, on my next, I will really be gone. Next time.”
The last “next time” could barely be heard.
After saying this, awkwardly, a wearied smile drifted across her face, and she no longer spoke.

Know that:

Huang Chunming has been a prolific writer from the east of the Taiwan Straits since 1962, and
has contributed to the popularization of Taiwanese xiangtu literature 台灣鄉土文學 in the decades
of the island’s industrialization experience. In Huang’s world of fictional characters, readers have mul-
tifaceted records of the Taiwanese people’s lives and the culture of their native soil. For three dec-
ades, he has been recognized as a “national treasure writer of Taiwan” 國寶級作家.

Guide for Comprehension:

1. What happened to Dust Maiden?

2. Why did the Xies finally come back home and gather together after many years?

3. How did the family test Dust Maiden’s seemingly revitalized health?

4. Why did “her final breath did not come as quickly as had been predicted by hospital personnel?”

5. What Taiwanese culture is portrayed in the story? Relate this to our culture.
 B. EXERCISES

Activity 1

Directions: The writers of the selections allow readers to know their views about different
subjects in their texts. As a Filipino youth, what can you say about the subjects they discussed?

SELECTION SUBJECT HOW YOU VIEW IT

Example:
1. The Brahman’s Dream Dream
One should work for his/her dream without abusing others.

2. Unending Love Love

3. Unfolding Bud Poem

4. The Analects Virtuous Man

5. Your God is one God God

6. Psalm 23 Faith

7. Gone Back Death

Activity 2

Directions: Choose one selection. Read it again. Reflect and discuss briefly what you like
about it. Be guided of what to talk about. Write your answers in the table.

What I like Title of the Selection

Its theme What it is about

The feelings you experi-

The mood it
ence during and after
puts you in
reading

What it makes Things you remember

you remember while reading the selection

What it makes Things you consider after

you think about reading the selection
 C. ASSESSMENT/APPLICATION/OUTPUTS

Directions: Read the statements below. Identify the author or text being referred to.

1. But stronger in the faithful is the love of God. (Text)

2. We have played along side millions of lovers. (Text)

3. The gold will buy a great house with an inner court. (Text)

4. Surely your goodness and love will follow me/ all the days of my life (Text)

5. He says, “The best way to learn a language is to speak it and write it.” (Author)

6. Learning, without thought, is a snare: thought, without learning, is a danger. (Text)

7. The bamboo-enclosed ones of the mountains were distanced from the rest of the world. (Text)

8. One is not amazed,/ At a first glance,/ By a poem,/ Which is as tight-closed/ As a tiny bud (Text)

9. He saw education as a vehicle for appreciating the richest aspects of other cultures, while maintaining
one’s own cultural specificity. (Author)

10. In his world of fictional characters, readers have multifaceted records of the Taiwanese people’s lives
and the culture of their native soil. (Author)

References:

Nem Singh, Rosario P. Gems in Philippine Literature. Pasig City, Philippines, Philippines: Anvil Publishing,
Inc., 2010.
Chin, Beverly Ann., Denny Wolfe, Jeffrey Copeland, Mary Ann Dudzinski, William Ray, Jacqueline Jones
Royster, and Jeffrey Wilhelm. Glencoe Literature: the Reader's Choice, Course 4. New York, New
York: Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2002.
https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/panchatantra.html#foolishfriend
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Panchatantra-Indian-literature
https://allpoetry.com/Unending-Love
https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/1913/tagore/biographical/
http://www.confucius-1.com/analects/
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2023&version=NIV
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bible
https://www.ancient.eu/King_David/
https://www.britannica.com/biography/David
https://ir.uiowa.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4966&context=etd

Prepared by: Reviewed by: Edited by:

Vershyl A. Mendoza
Dr. Clavel D. Salinas
Danna Lee I. Teleron