Yu, Josely V.

SFENT 3E

LIT 1: Reflection

Have you experienced the same conflict as any one of the characters in the dramas about “The
Summer Solstice” ? Were you able to solve it? How?

Doa Lupeng and Don Paeng are the major protagonists of Summer Solstice. They are an elderly
wealthy couple who live in accordance with their social status's behavioral requirements. Doa
Lupeng was introduced as someone rigorous, uptight, and meticulous, but by the end of the
novel, she has demonstrated a free and light-hearted character. Despite his bruises, Paeng kissed
her feet. Lupeng was taken aback because he had no idea he would actually do it. As the two
arrive home, Paeng declares that he must whip his wife because he loves her and believes she
deserves to be humiliated. Women are expected to be obedient to their husbands, yet they are
also interested in husbands and children. Men work to earn money and to provide for their
families. Lupeng washed out the concept of the oppressed woman in the story when she took
control of her husband, who kissed her feet at the conclusion.

I have not experienced it personally and never will I experience this in the future. However, I
heard many stories about the abuse they received from their husbands. This kind of story is
common to a life of marriage but should not be normalized. The reason why they tolerate even if
they are hurting, is because they love their husband and don’t want to be put in jail. Besides that,
they have a child to raise and would not want to have a broken family. But they should not
tolerate this kind of action as they don’t deserve that kind of treatment. They should not let
themselves be manipulated by someone who teaches them wrong love. Leave those abusers and
start fighting for their own rights.