LESSON 7

The Mats
By: Francisco Arcellana

The story begins with the homecoming of Mr. Angeles who came from Mariveles. He
wrote a letter for his family about the real weaver artist who make marvelous mats.
Apparently, he would bring home his family some mats from this mat weaver. Knowing that
the rest of the family members will receive their own personalized sleeping mats, they
became excited about the news. It was not just an ordinary mat that they would receive but
a personalized mat with their names and a color depending on their birthstone. The kids felt
so much joy when they heard the news. Giving gifts is part of their tradition when some
come back home. This shows how much Mr. Angeles love his family.

The mat plays an important role to Emelia and Mr. Angeles, for Emelia received a
mat by her mother when she got married to Mr. Angeles.

Finally, Mr. Angeles arrived, and the kids were excited to receive their personalized
sleeping mats. He distributed the mats to his children as he calls the names that is on the
mat. Now they were all done, Mr. Angeles’ smile suddenly changed into a frown when he
saw that there are three mats left. He could not even look up and mention the names on the
mat. He was hesitant to open the three mats left because those are intended for their kids
who passed away. He could not get rid of his sadness; still affected about what happened to
his children. The issue was very sensitive, and he was so emotional talking about not to
forget them. This only show that even though they are dead, they remain in the heart of
their father. The sleeping mats used as an outlet to pay as a tribute to his three kids who
were not with them anymore.

The story taught us that we should not forget our loved ones no matter how many years had
passed.

CHARACTERS:
 Mr. Angeles - Father of the family
 Nana Emilia - Mother of the family
 Jose - oldest son, medical student
 Alfonso - youngest boy/son
 Marcelina - oldest child
 Antonia
 Juan Other children of Angeles family
 Jesus
 Josefina, Victoria, and Concepcion - Dead family members

SETTING OF THE STORY:

- PLACE: House of Angeles Family

- TIME: set before World War II, started in the afternoon and revolves in the evening.
THEMES IN THE STORY:

- Importance of remembering departed love ones

- Importance of grieving and moving on

ELEMENTS OF A PLOT?

1. Exposition - Usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. Here the

characters are introduced.
2. Rising Action - This part of the story begins to develop the
conflicts/building interest or suspense.
3. Climax - This is the turning point of the story or where the main character
comes face to face with a conflict.
4. Falling Action - Start of resolving conflicts and subplots.
5. Resolution/Denouement - It is the end of the story where you can tie up
the final loose ends and bring your story to its happy or tragic ending.

Author’s Background:

- September 6,1916 to August 1,2002

- Filipino writer, poet, critic, journalist and teacher
- Received his Ph.D. degree in UP (1939)
- National artist for literature (1990)
-Works: Selected short story (1965), story master 5 (1973), Philippine PEN
Anthology of short stories (1962).