Department of Education

Region VII, Central Visayas

DIVISION OF CEBU PROVINCE
District of Compostela

COMPOSTELA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –DAY CLASS

A CRITIQUE PAPER
of the story:

“Dead Stars”
By Paz Marquez Benitez

Submitted by:
Juan Dela Cruz

Submitted to:

Angel Mae C. Damiles Ruth P. Cagang ____

Pre-service Teacher English subject Teacher
 Hook: Put a catchy line first. It may
be a quote, saying, or any catchy
line related to your critique paper.

“So all these years—since when?—he had been seeing the light of dead stars, long
extinguished, yet seemingly still in their appointed places in the heavens.” ― Paz Marquez Benitez.
"Dead Stars" by Paz Marquez-Benitez is a piquant short story published in 1925 during the American

Context colonial period in the Philippines. The story, being one of the earliest works in Philippine literature in
English, paved the way for Marquez-Benitez’-a pioneering woman writer and advocate for women's
rights, significant contribution in the literary landscape. It reflects the complexities of societal norms
and personal conflicts, providing a glimpse into the transitional period marked by the influence of
American culture. It follows the character of Alfredo Salazar, engaged to Esperanza, but becomes
Brief
enamored with another woman, Julia Salas. Paz in the story, aims to delve into the complexities of summary

Author’s love, personal desires, and societal expectations. Through the character of Alfredo, the author
intention
navigates the conflicts arising from the collision of tradition and personal inclinations. This critique
will examine how Paz Marquez-Benitez, in "Dead Stars," skillfully weaves a narrative that captures the
intricacies of human emotions and societal expectations. By exploring the character of Alfredo and his
internal conflicts, the story serves as a poignant commentary on the clash between personal desires and
societal norms in a changing cultural landscape. Thesis
Statement

Throughout the narrative, Marquez-Benitez skillfully portrays Alfredo's internal conflicts as he

grapples with his feelings for two women: his fiancée, Esperanza, and Julia Salas. Alfredo's struggle is
emblematic of the tension between tradition and personal inclinations. On one hand, he is bound by
societal expectations and the commitment he has made to Esperanza. On the other hand, he finds himself
drawn to Julia, challenging the conventions of his time and his own sense of duty. The complexity of
Alfredo's character lies in his realization of the disparity between his ideals and his actions. He is torn
between the desire to fulfill his societal obligations and the longing for personal fulfillment and
happiness.
"Esperanza, my fiancée, is a good woman... and I—I want to marry her, yet I know I should
not. I know it now, but still I cannot get myself to face squarely the thing, to tell her that perhaps I do
not love her, that it is Julia Salas who makes my heart leap with a strange sudden sweetness." - Alfredo's
internal conflict regarding his feelings for Esperanza and Julia demonstrates the struggle between
societal expectations and personal desires. Moreover, "Dead Stars" offers a remarkable commentary on
the transient nature of human relationships and the disillusionment that often accompanies the pursuit
of idealized love. Through Alfredo's journey, Marquez-Benitez exposes the fleeting nature of romantic
infatuation and the harsh realities of commitment. The titular metaphor of "dead stars" serves as a
metaphor for the illusions that cloud our perceptions and the inevitable disillusionment that follows.
 In essence, "Dead Stars" is a timeless exploration of love, longing, and the complexities of
human nature. "They were gone. The light had gone out. The party was over; the dead stars shone no
more; the brilliant April was a thing of the past." - This concluding passage symbolizes the
disillusionment and fleeting nature of romantic illusions, emphasizing the transient nature of
relationships. Overall, Marquez-Benitez's adept storytelling and nuanced characterization elevate the
narrative beyond a simple love triangle, offering readers a profound meditation on the intricacies of the
human heart and the societal forces that shape our lives.
In conclusion, Paz Marquez-Benitez's "Dead Stars" remains a seminal work in Philippine
literature, resonating with readers for nearly a century since its publication. Through the character of
Alfredo Salazar, Marquez-Benitez skillfully navigates the complexities of love, personal desires, and Restate
societal expectations, offering a brilliant commentary on the clash between tradition and modernity. As thesis
Statement
readers, we are reminded of the enduring relevance of Marquez-Benitez's themes and the universal
truths embedded within her narrative. "Dead Stars" stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to
illuminate the human condition and provoke introspection long after the stars have faded from view.

*Note: This critique sample uses a mixture of structuralist/formalist and moralist approach. In your
critique paper, you can either focus on one or more approaches as long as you can defend it in your
paper.
*Note: Do not submit to me AI generated critique papers!