Banila, Nicole Danielle M.

FINMGT-2105
There is Not Only You
by Dara Kanlagna

Post-reading Activity

1. Give the message of the poem.

Each of us faces challenges in life, and we should remain optimistic and approach them in a
constructive way. Being a widow is difficult, particularly if you are already one.

2. Paraphrase the poem.

The widow and her relatives did not anticipate any help from others. She always believed that there
was no one else like her, and that despite the help of others, she was the poorest woman in the world. As
she reflected on the dying children during the war, she asked who was the least fortunate.
3. Give your interpretation of the poem.
The widow in the poem is depressed and pities herself because she is a widow and a single parent.
She is unable to see how fortunate she is to have received support from others while also contributing in
certain ways. And she still has it quite well compared to those who struggle and those who have it far
worse.
4. What scene in the poem is evoked in the poem?
The scene in the fourth stanza depicting death and separation, and showing and making us imagine
dying children during wars, is very difficult for a woman or a mother to experience in her life.
5. To whom was the writer speaking?
The writer was speaking to the widow, who has a negative attitude toward her situation, and it
appears that the writer simply wants to tell her that she must continue on with her life, remain standing
together, and move forward.
6. What perception does the writer imply on the readers like you?
The writer makes the implication that we should constantly see the positive in any circumstance,
maintain a positive outlook on life, be courageous in the face of difficulties, and not be frightened to fall
but dare to stand and carry-on living
7. What mood is aroused in the poem?
The poem's mood is pessimistic because of the widow's emotions and actions of keeping herself down
and not acknowledging good things in herself.
8. What do you feel while reading the poem? Why do you think these emotions evoke you?
 Given that the widow lost her partner, I feel bad for her. We may not be able to tell, but it may just be
very difficult for her to be in her position after losing her life partner, who would support her through her
challenges and tribulations in life. Despite her self-pity, I still feel bad for her.
9. Is the title appropriate? Why or why not? What another title can you give this poem?
The poem's title is appropriate given that the author wants everyone to understand that we all have to
deal with various of issues in life and that everyone suffers because of something inside of them that they
are constantly battling. And I don’t recommend another title.
10. What lessons on the moral statement does this poem provide?
In our world full of difficulties and issues, the lesson this poem teaches is to be optimistic and look
for the good and brighter side of any scenario.

The Bewail of Mother

by Dr. Thongkham

After-reading Activity

1. What picture is formed to your mind by the title "The Bewail of Mother"?
I can imagine an image of a mother lamenting over her daughter being so cold and ungrateful
towards her.
2. What kind of emotion did you feel in the poem?
As I read, I felt sorry for the mother who was being ignored by her daughter. She deserves attention
and affection from her child, for whom she has made many sacrifices so that she can live a happy life.
3. What was used to symbolize the poet's feeling?
"Tears" represent the mother's grief for her daughter. She had no idea why her child had suddenly
become ungrateful and cold to her. Depending on the mood, tears can mean a variety of things. Tears
represent sadness and pain in this poem.
4. What figures of speech used in the poem? Does it appeal to your senses while reading the poem?
Why or why not?
"Why I cannot prevent my depressing tears.”
“They are running over my cheeks."
“It seems a sharp knife is placed in my heart."
"Mother effort is always assigned to the daughter."
"What made her mind-changing?"
"To hear sweet words saying here is my mother."
 These lines from the poem use figurative language to make the poem more appealing to readers.
Metonymy is used in this poem, which means that substitute words or phrases are used for the thing
meant. Reading the poem makes it easier to appreciate and feel what the poem is trying to convey.
5. What are the words used to emphasize the grief of the writer?
"Depressing tears," "sharp knife placed in the mother's heart," "mother effort," "mind-changing,"
"even if she does not care, but mother still beg"- these are the words and phrases that emphasize the
writer's grief. The use of all of these words in the poem emphasizes its theme.
6. What is the mood of the poem? Does it affect your mood also?
Sadness, grief and heartbreak is the dominant mood in this poem. As a reader, I am easily swayed by
the poem's message. When the topic is about a mother, we can all relate and quickly put ourselves into it
as we read it.
7. In what line can we read the theme of the poem?
"Mother effort is always assigned to daughter" - this line expresses the poem's main idea. It
demonstrates the mother's relationship with her daughter and her willingness to make sacrifices on her
behalf. Unfortunately, the daughter seemed to forget everything her mother had done for her over time,
which devastated the mother.
8. What impact lifted on you throughout reading the entire poem?
This poem made me realize how my mother sacrificed her happiness, safety, security, and freedom to
meet our needs, particularly my needs as the family's only daughter. Reading the poem reminded me of
my promise to myself to never make my mother cry. She is simply too precious for me to hurt her in any
way.
9. Comment on the last two lines of the poem.
The last two lines, "When I die, I will not be boring. Since that word shown you accept the deed of
your mother." indicates how deeply saddened the mother is that she believed death would change her
situation A simple thank you is sufficient for her and all mothers because they are not asking for anything
huge or grand. Simple sweet words are sufficient to make them feel loved and valued.
10. If you are the writer of this poem, craft the new title for it. Cite your reasons
"A Mother's Sorrow." This is the title I'd like to give the poem. Short and sweet, but profound. When
readers read the title, they will immediately recognize themselves. The character in this poem is in
anguish because she is disappointed and perplexed as to why her daughter has suddenly become
ungrateful despite all she has given up and done for her.
 The Mosquito

Post-reading Activity

1. Sum up the story explaining why mosquitoes are small insects.

Mosquitoes are small because, like Nhan Deep, she has little appreciation and love for her husband,
who is always eager to give her everything. Her worth is as insignificant as the size of a mosquito. She
also has little regard and gratitude for all the penances Ngoe Tam performed simply to rejuvenate her.
Furthermore, Nhan deep, like little mosquitoes, cannot be seen or felt by her husband. Her admiration and
gratitude for Ngoe Tam are as infrequently observed as mosquitoes. It appears she does not exist and
cannot be seen in any way, as she shows no friendship or significance for her better half, even
disappearing with the rich dealer. That is why mosquitoes are small and rarely seen because they reflect
Nhan deep's personality.
2. Summarize the story explaining why mosquitoes whine and sting.
Mosquitoes are whinging because, like Nhan deep, she skillfully hidden her preferences and desires
from her better half. She appears to keep everything from her better half because she doesn't want her to
hear it. Furthermore, in the final section of the story, when Nhan deep finally transformed into a
mosquito, she articulated the name of her significant other in a voice that was gradually becoming
smaller.
3. Which is the most interesting part of the story? Why?
The most intriguing part of the story is when Noe Tam meets the medication genii who is about to
embark on his wizardry mountain. I was astounded by the genii's integrity in offering Ngoe Tam to be his
devotee but instead choosing to resurrect his significant other.I truly admire the genii's generosity, as well
as Ngoe Tam's affection and care for his significant other Nhan deep.
4. What virtues are exhibited by Ngoe Tam?
I could see how devoted, adoring, and patient Ngoe Tam is to his better half. I could tell he deeply
values Nhan and is willing to give everything, including his blood, to bring his better half back to life. I
can also see how distressed and ready to give up Ngoe Tam is, which is why he chose to free Nhan deep,
seeing her cheerfully carrying on with the existence she considered necessary with the rich merchant.
5. Relate any Philippine folktales you know explaining the origin of mosquitoes.
I can connect the origin of mosquitoes to the guava legend. Why? Because, similar to the origin of
mosquitoes, the spirit of the banana transformed into flesh and kissed the woman, who slept and awoke in
a beautiful golden bedroom. Baanna was the spirit man; he married Raja and had a son. Baanna knew it
was time for him to return to the spirit world; on that day, he went out and vanished, leaving only a
bleeding heart behind. She chose it and planted it, and when the plant grew and bore a golden fruit as
golden as the golden bedroom, she named it Baanna in honor of Baanna. We can see how deeply in love
the woman is by the fact that she will go to any length for her loved ones in order to never forget him.