Angela Manalang-Gloria wrote "Soledad" during a time when the Philippines was immersed in

Catholicism and males ruled the literary arena. Gloria's lone published book, "Poems," was released in
the 1940s and contains the poem. Gloria was regarded as a feminist writer in the pre-colonial
Philippines. "Soledad" alludes to society's treatment of women who pushed the boundaries of
acceptable behavior out of love. An undercurrent of reality coupled with notions that may or may not
exist today demonstrates morality as prescribed by faith in Catholicism and love outlawed by social
rules. While the poem was written a long time ago, it still reflects the way of living of underprivileged
women in most Barangays here in Daraga. In Kilicao alone, my barangay, I had seen how women are
being treated and were tagged as “uncleaned” based on their virginity. I think that the powerful
message of the poem is immortal. I had also seen how some of my classmates use the word “pokers”
(meaning slut), to refer to women are “playboys” but regard “fuckboys” as cool. The double standard set
by society is evident in the way women are perceived in our school. Social Media sites have various
posts pertaining to the protection of women compared to the 1940s yet I can still see how many rape
victims are being blamed for how they dress and put on makeup. I feel that this is unfair and unjust.

It was evident how conservative society is during the time of the writing. It was clearly narrated
in the poem how people are killing the confidence of a person, because of wrong judgment. A society's
code of behavior is influenced by its ideas and expectations. Anyone who does not conform to the
ideology of the many will be ostracized, regardless of their privilege, and will be considered a dissident
who did not conform to the ideology of the many. Just like the women in the poem; at times I am also
misjudged wrongly. I know how it feels to see someone I am not. I may look like a bad boy, but I know
how to care and respect the people who are dear to me. I treat my friends like my family members and I
ensure to respect my teachers and classmates. I can feel how difficult it is for the woman to live in a
world where neighbors’ perception is like a knife that pierces the refutation of a person to the bones.

I also feel that the neighbors' opinion of the woman, which kept them from investigating the
explanation or reality behind the occurrence that occurred between her and the man. They jump to
conclusions about the woman's "disobedience" to their code.

This critical paper is teaching me the value of respect for women; that they are more than what
is seen by the eye. They are a gem that needs to be cared for since they are very fragile like expensive
porcelain. I just hope that all men will see that women are as capable as women and they are more than
their physical appearance.