LITERATURE IN THE PHILIPPINES
details of the piece itself. Formalists do not
Theme
The theme of the story is the underlying
message or the central idea. It is about life that
the author is conveying in the story which is
universal in nature. It is about human
experience.
Common Literary Themes:
1. Good vs. evil
2. Love - forbidden love, family love, unrequited
love, friendship.
3. Redemption - Stories of redemption often
involve a reformed character sacrificing his or
her freedom or life.
4. Courage and perseverance - Characters
endure difficult circumstances or impossible
odds, persevering through sheer determination,
grit, and gall.
5. Coming of age - These characters may
experience everything from a loss of innocence,
to an awakening or self-awareness before finally
reaching maturity.
6. Revenge - sets up a conflict between one
character and his or her enemies as he or she
journeys to avenge wrongs done to them.
Moral
An idea that is concerned with the
concept of right-doing and wrong-doing or the
principles of life and ethical behavior, a lesson
learned from a story.
Title
Attraction point of an article, or giving
a more specific gist of the theme in few words.
Approaches to Literary Criticism
1. Feminism
Feminism uplifts women goals by
defining and establishing equality in the family,
civil, social, political, and economic arena.
Feminist literature is often associated with
literary pieces written by women that deal with
women in the society. It also involves characters
or ides which chide the common gender norms
dominated with masculinity. This approach
gives an impact to the voice of women.
2. New Historicism
New Historicism deals with the cultural
context during the writing of the piece of
literature. This approach interprets literature for
its meaning or idea in a particular socio
historical atmosphere. It needs an understanding
of the author’s milieu and the cultural context
during its production.
3. Formalism
Also known as New Criticism. This
means that the formalists’ interpretation of a
work of art is formulated by the information and
interpret a work based on matters that are
outside the confines of the work like history,
politics, society, time or even the author.
Considered are form, structure, technical
features as more important than the content and
context.
LITERATURE IN THE VIETNAM
Three Types of Poetry
1. Lyric Poetry
uses song-like and emotional words to
describe a moment, an object, a feeling, or a
person.
a. Elegy - a reflective poem to honor the
dead.
b. Haiku - seventeen-syllable poem that
uses natural imagery to express an
emotion.
c. Ode - poem that pays tribute to a
person, idea, place, or another
concept.
d. Sonnet - a descriptive fourteen-line
poem with a specific rhyme scheme.
2. Narrative Poetry
tells a story.
a. Allegory - a narrative that canbe
interpreted to reveal a hidden
meaning, typically a moral or political
one.
b. Ballad - narrative poetry sets to
music.
c. Burlesque - description of serious
topics and problems deliberately in a
funny sometimes even in a vulgar
way.
d. Epic - a lengthy poem that tells a
story of a heroic adventure.
3. Dramatic Poetry
also known as dramatic monologue, is
meant to be spoken or acted.
a. Monologue - a speech given by one
character to another, or by one
character to the audience (also known
as dramatic verse when not in poetic
form).
b. Soliloquy - a speech given by one
character to himself or herself; a
dramatic representation of inner
monologue.
LITERATURE IN THE MYANMAR
Character Analysis
 character analysis essay explains the in-
depth traits and characteristics of a certain
character.
Types of Characters
Main - This character plays a large role in the
entire story, and a major part of the plot revolves
around him.
Minor - These are the characters who help tell
the major character’s tale by letting them interact
and reveal their personalities, situations, and/or
stories.
The main characters are mostly DYNAMIC
since they frequently chance their
characteristics, behavior and motives.
Static/Flat
Someone who does not change
throughout the story
Foils
Someone who is the opposite of another
character. This bring out the characteristics of
the main.
Confidant
The best fiend or sidekick of the
protagonist.
Round
Has complex traits with distinct
personality, background, and motive
Dummies
Are there to help give information to
the reader.
Stereotype /Stock
Typical characteristics set to common
groups of people
Love interest
the protagonist’s object of desire
Tertiary Characters
Tertiary characters populate the world
of the story but do not necessarily link to the
main storyline.
Symbolic
A symbolic character is any major or
minor character whose very existence represents
some major idea or aspect of society.
The Kindergarten Teacher
by Aung Thinn (A true story)
Aung Thinn (17 April 1927 – 25 October
2014) was a Lifetime National Literary Award-
winning writer in Myanmar known for his
continuous encouraging of youth to become a
righteous man.
He wrote more than 50 books on genres of
ethical conducts, cultural knowledge and
motivation of youth inspiration. He was awarded
with lifetime National Literary Award in 2012.
LITERATURE IN THE THAILAND
Writing a Movie Review
is a critical judgment of a motion
picture. It focuses on the art of the film maker
and evaluates the techniques employed by the
director.
Genre
 is the kind or type of film.
 Is it comedy? Tragedy? Musical?
Action? Thriller? Horror? Sci-Fi?
Romance? Historical? Melodrama?
Animation?
Synopsis
 Summary of the film
 What is the film all about?
 How were the elements of the story
interrelated with one another?
Characterization
 the development or portrayal of the
characters.
 How will you describe the characters in
 the film? What are their deprivations
and motivations? Are their
 acting skills convincing and powerful
for the viewers?
Sound
 SOUND- is the essential aspect of the
film and it consists SPEECH as the
voice of the actors,
 MUSIC - soundtrack or song laid in the
film
 SOUND EFFECT - embedded sound
in the film.
Cinematography
 is the manipulation of the filmstrip and
photographic image by the camera.
 How was the coordination of one shot
with the succeeding shot?
 Does the speed, motion, and
transformation of each photographic
image help in the quality of the film?
Production Design
 refers to the costumes and make-ups
matched to the characters’ role.
 Do the props stimulate the ambiance for
the scene?
 Does the production design depict the
setting of the story?

TATA SELO
by: Rogelio Sikat
Rogelio Sikat
 Rogelio R. Sikat (also known as
Rogelio Sícat) (1940-1997) was a
Filipino fictionist, playwright,
translator, and educator.
 He was born on June 26, 1940 in
Alua, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija,
Philippines.
 Rogelio Sikat graduated with a
Bachelor of Journalism from the
University of Santo Tomas and an
MA in Filipino from the University
of the Philippines.
 He is famous for "Impeng Negro",
his short story that won the Palanca
prize in 1962 in Filipino.
Summary
The story entitled "Tata Selo" by
Rogelio Sikat, a life of a farmer who merely
wanted to farm theproperty he had to sell the
captain (Kabesang Tano) because his wife was
unwell. He continually displays that he is still
capable of farming despite his age in his day-to-
day activities. He decided to work because he
wanted to reclaim their land but his lack of
resources prevents him from doing so. Up until
the day he killed the captain who disregarded his
abilities and stomp him for appealing to be
spared for replacement. The public watched him
being imprisoned as he was singing for freedom
like a bird in a zoo. Without hearing his side of
the story, he was judged, convicted, and treated
with contempt, and Tata Selo final words
“everything was taken from him"
The Characters
Tata Selo – He is a marginalized person who is
helplessly being judge, despised, and condemned
by sharp judgmental-eyed hypocritical
audiences. He is the farmer who was sentenced
of murdering the captain or the so-called
Kabesang Tano, who forces him to give up the
land he was farming, which was once his own.
Kabesang Tano – He is the landlord of Tata
Selo. He is also their captain/ barangay captain.
Saling - She is the only daughter of Tata Selo. A
turning 17-year-old sick lady who worked in
Kabesang Tano’s house as a housemaid before.
Alkalde – He is the mayor of the town. He is the
one who talks to Saling about her father’s case.
Hepe – He is the chief police officer who
ruthlessly hurt the oppressed farmer, Tata Selo.
Binata – He is the son of the richest proprietor
in San Roque. He is tall and white. He wears
shade glasses and standing with his arm akimbo
while smoking cigarette.
Amang – He is a young peasant, a son of
farmers like Tata Selo. He sneaks into the prison
to see Tata Selo and talk to him. He is wearing a
balanggot hat.
Genre
 Fictional Narrative
Form
 Short Story
Language
 Filipino / Tagalog
Theme
 Political Cruelties
Year
 1963
Narration
 Third Person
Type of Literature
 Prose
MORNING IN NAGREBCAN
by: Manuel Aguila
Author: Manuel E. Arguilla
Background: This story was written by Manuel
E. Arguilla, a Filipino writer and Patriot known
for his significant contributions to Philippine
Literature. It was written sometime in the 1940s.
He wrote this to explore and portray aspects of
Filipino rural life, family dynamics, and the
cultural nuances of the time. His stories often
reflect the socio-cultural context of the
Philippines during the early to mid-20th century.
Genre: Non- Fiction
Theme: Cycle of violence
Social Issues: Child behavior and parent’s
stresses
Form: Short story
Language: English
Narration: 3rd person point of view
Setting: The setting of the story is Nagrebcan,
wherein is a barrio near the Katayaghan hills. It
was sunrise when the story took place.
Type of Literature: Prose
Characters:
Baldo - He must have been about ten years old,
small for his age, but compactly built, and he
stood straight on his bony legs. He wore one of
his father’s discarded cotton undershirts.
Ambo – Younger brother of Baldo. He is seven
years old, almost as tall as his older brother and
he had stout husky legs. The home-made cotton
shirt he wore was variously stained. The pocket
was torn, and it flipped down.
Nana Elang – Thirty years old, but she looked
at least fifty. She was a thin, wispy woman, with
bony hands and arms. She had scanty, straight,
graying hair which she gathered behind her head
in a small, tight knot. It made her look thinner
than ever. Her cheekbones seemed on the point
of bursting through the dry, yellowish-brown
skin. Above a gray-checkered skirt, she wore a
single wide-sleeved cotton blouse that ended
below her flat breasts. Sometimes when she
stooped or reached up for anything, a glimpse of
the flesh at her waist showed in a dark, purplish
band where the skirt had been tied so often.
Tang Ciaco - He is a big, gaunt man with thick
bony wrists and stoop shoulders. A short-sleeved
cotton shirt revealed his sinewy arms on which
the blood-vessels stood out like roots. His short
pants showed his bony-kneed, hard-muscled legs
covered with black hair. He was a carpenter. He
had come home drunk the night before. He was
not a habitual drunkard, but now and then he
drank great quantities of basi and came home
and beat his wife and children. He would blame
them for their hard life and poverty. “You are a
prostitute,” he would roar at his wife, and as he
beat his children, he would shout, “I will kill you
both, you bastards.” If Nana Elang ventured to
remonstrate, he would beat them harder and
curse her for being an interfering whore. “I am
king in my house,” he would say.
Summary:
It is the morning in the village of
Nagrebcan. Baldo is playing with their puppies,
when his mother, Nana Elang calls him to get
some live coal from their neighbor named Ka
Ikao. After that, he plays with the puppies again.
Ambo, his younger brother awoke, crying. Nana
Elang called him patiently to go downstair.
Ambo went to the puppies but he wanted to play
with a particular puppy who was black-spotted
Baldo claimed it as his puppy and didn’t want to
share it with his brother. He didn’t allow Ambo
to touch the puppy. They fight over the puppy
and Ambo has his bit by the puppy they fighting
over. His hand started bleeding.
Hearing the commotion outside the
house, Tang Ciaco the father of the boys, looks
out in the window. He so Ambo’s hand bleeding
hand and declared that the puppy had gone mad.
He grabbed a chunk of firewood, got out of the
house, and violently beat the puppy until it died.
He turned his attention to his sons and beat them
also.
While Nana Elang came out and
brought her sons inside the house. She continues
doing household chores inside the house and
Tang leaves the house to go to work. The boys
look for the puppy and give it a much-needed
burial.
Moral Lesson:
The moral story of the story “Morning
in Nagrebcan” revolves around the importance
of family. In the story where we see that the
bonds and communication are very special in
every family and also it is one of the roots in
one’s connection. Based on the experiences of
the siblings, they shared a special bond as
siblings but also represented a means of survival
in one place. Additionally, this story encourages
everyone to create a family with a wonderful
bond and communication and also to appreciate
one's family that we had no matter what,
understand one’s self, and be careful when using
words as they can hurt others' feelings.
THE CHERISHED DAUGHTER
Mother, I am eighteen this year and still
without a husband. What, Mother, is your
plan? The magpie brought two matchmakers
and you threw them the challenge: not less
than five full quan, five thousand areca nuts,
five fat pigs, and five suits of clothes.
Mother, I am twenty-three this year
and still without a husband.
What, Mother, dear, is your plan?
The magpie brought two matchmakers
and you threw them the challenge:
not less than three full quan, three thousand
areca
nuts, three fat pigs, and three suits of clothes.
Mother, I am thirty-two this year
and still without a husband. What, Mother,
darling, is your plan?
The magpie brought two matchmakers
and you threw them the challenge:
not less than one full quan, one thousand areca
nuts,
one fat dog this time, and one suit of clothes.
Mother, I am forty-three this year. Still
without a husband. Mother, look, Mother,
will you please just give me away?
THE KHAKI COAT
by: Nhat Tien
Title: The Khaki Coat
Author: Nhat Tien
Published: 1988 in the journal "Index on
Censorship"
Setting: The story takes place in a crowded
and messy market , where a ragged society
tries to make a living
Genre: Non-fiction
Form: Short Story
Language: English
Theme: loss, memory, political issues, poverty
Main Theme: Redemption
Narration: 3rd Person
Type of Lit: Prose
Author: Nhat Tien is one of the best-known
Vietnamese writers who lived in South Vietnam
until a few years after the Communist take-over
of the country successfully in 1975. In the late
1970s, he left Vietnam as a refugee, and he is
now living in the United States. The short story
reveals the hard truth of the communist
government which fails to provide social and
economic equality for their citizen. He was vice-
president of the Vietnamese PEN club, director
of the Huyen Tran Publishing Co, and editor of
the weekly Thieu Nhi. He is known for his 10
novels and 11 collections of short stories.
Summary
The story begins in a crowded and
chaotic market, where a young girl tries to sell a
fancy khaki Western coat. The coat attracts the
attention of the marketgoers, but trouble arises
when a woman recognizes it as the one she
recently buried her husband in.
A confrontation follows, with the
woman accusing the girl of grave robbing. In
defense, the girl discusses her difficult life story,
including her father's imprisonment and death,
her mother's passing, and her responsibility for
her siblings. She admits to committing grave
robbery for the past two years to make ends
meet.
During the questioning, the girl
explains that she sees her actions as a way of
surviving and contributing to society by caring
for her siblings. Despite her justifications, she is
detained for trial. A month later, she reappears at
the flea market, looking worse for wear but
determined to make a living. The story prompts
reflection on the challenges people face and the
choices they make in difficult circumstances,
highlighting the struggle between personal
survival and societal expectations.
Primary characters:
Young Girl - The central protagonist, works as a
gravedigger, which is a morally complex job.
She justifies her actions by citing her
materialism and responsibility to support her
siblings.
Woman with the Khaki Coat - The woman
who claims that the golden-colored khaki
Western coat being sold by the young girl
belonged to her late husband and was buried
with him. Her accusation starts a chain of events
that leads to the girl's detention and trial.
Other characters:
Old Lady - An elderly woman selling tobacco
leaves in the market whom the young girl briefly
encountered in the noisy crowd.
Public Security Agents - Government officials
who intervene when the woman accuses the
young girl of attempting to sell her deceased
husband's coat. They have a role in the girl's
detention and interrogation.
Secretary - The person in public security officer
in charge of recording the defendant's statement
during the interrogation. His presence brings
bureaucratic formality to the proceedings.
The Deceased Husband - Although not directly
involved in the story, the deceased husband is an
important character because ownership of the
khaki coat becomes a source of argument
between the young girl and the woman.
Moral of the story:
The story discusses the moral challenges of
surviving in difficult circumstances. It questions
how far people will go to provide for their
families and challenges societal norms. The girl
justifies her actions by emphasizing her devotion
to materialism and her role in raising future
generations. The story encourages readers to
consider the blurred lines between right and
wrong in desperate situations, as well as the
importance of understanding diverse points of
view in complex moral dilemmas.
Old Hac (Lao Hac)
by: Nam Cao
Title: Old Hac (Lao Hac)
Author: Nam Cao
Written: 1943
Genre: literary fiction
Form: Short Story
Language: English
Theme: Poverty
Narration: Third Person
Type of Literature: Prose
The Character:
Old Hac
• An elderly man who faces financial hardships
and loneliness after his wife's death and his son's
departure to work on a rubber plantation.
Narrator (referred to as “Teach”)
• A younger individual, likely a teacher, who
befriends Old Hac and sympathizes with his
struggles.
Cau Vang
• Old Hac's loyal dog, his only companion in his
old age.
Author Information:
• Born in 1917 and died in 1951
• Talented realist writer
• Posthumously awarded Vietnam's French
Resistance Medal First-class and the Ho Chi
Minh Prize for Literature and Arts in 1996
• Tackling the issues including poverty and class
struggle in early 20th century Vietnam prior to
the August Revolution in 1945 that ended
French colonial rule in the country.
Background of the story
The writer delves into the theme of farmers,
evoking a poignant and bitter reflection on the
fate of those enduring hardship and poverty yet
rich in humanity.
Summary:
The short story is a classic about the
dark years of starvation in the North of Vietnam,
specifically the struggle of the man Hac, told
from the perspective of his neighbor. Because of
poverty, Hac's son worked at a rubber plantation,
far away from home, leaving Hac alone with his
puppy friend, whom he lovingly called The
Golden Boy. Hac treated Golden like his own
missed son and cared for the dog more than
himself. Unfortunately, his circumstance turned
for the worse, he could not find any source of
income to feed himself and Golden. Refusing to
take advantages of the resources that he saved up
for his son, Hac was forced to sell Golden for
slaughter. He felt as if he had failed the trust of
Golden. He gave the money from selling Golden
to the neighbor to prepare for his own funeral,
and eventually took his own life, by taking dog
poison.
BORNEO’S GREEN HEART
A gem of a nation
An abode of peace
A treasure of empire
A haven of tranquility
A kingdom of treasures
An oasis of modern empire
A space of warmth greeting
A den of hospitable people
A neoclassical form of politics
A gateway to beyond comports
An avenue of understanding
An environment of treasures
An ancient Sultanate kingdom
An indeed pampering Brunei Darussalam
The Oilfield Labourers
Title: The Oilfield Labourers
Author: unknown
Translated by: Siti Badriyah biti Haji Md
Yusuf
Written: unknown
Genre: literary fiction
Form: Short Story
Language: English
Theme: Life and Death
Narration: Third Person
Type of Literature: Prose
Characters:
YAZID - A derrick climber, he was traumatized
after the destruction of his village and after he
witnessed the old man being burnt alive.
ADAM - A helpful friend of Yazid who insisted
on giving Yazid a shelter after what happened to
the village he resides in.
JAMAL - A forty-nine year old man who was
also a derrick climber just like Yazid.
Old Man - A critically ill old man was found
burnt to death in his home after the fire. He is a
cock fighter with a unique style, and his death is
a significant event in the story.
William - Mentioned as a source of information
about the company's plans and strategies related
to the oilfield. He is positioned as a figure of
authority.
Characters analysis
Yazid – main character, protagonist, static
Adam – minor character, confidant
Jamal - minor character, round
Old man - minor character, foil, symbolic
William - minor character, dummies
Background of the story
Brunei's landscape is dominated by the oil
industry, which plays a central role in shaping
the nation's socio-economic dynamics. The story
delves into the lives of diverse characters,
offering a panoramic view of the oilfield.
Summary: The oilfield laborers is a short story
about a group of workers from an oil derrick. At
the start of the story the kampong umbi was on
fire forty houses were burnt down. Finally
everything came under control when the fire
trucks and the rescue team had left. Only a
number of distraught old mothers remained,
weeping and wishing they were dead. An old
man, who had been critically ill, had also been
found burnt to death in his home. As the story
progressed Jamal, an old man and friend of
Yazid, was afraid to die but believed that death
was necessary. The story encompasses and
shows the features of hardship and trauma of
Yazid experiences who is (the main character
and one of the workers at the derrick).
Moral Lesson: The moral lesson of the story is
about the importance of death in life. All of us
fear death but if we all think about it; death gives
us purpose, it gives us motivation, and it makes
us dream and strive for those dreams. If we don't
die at all why would we do our task, why would
we study, why would we even get out of our
beds if we can do it tomorrow or on the next
century, we all do what we do because we know
that everything will end someday, the reason
why we enjoy life is because we know it is
limited. We all die in different ways which is
why death is actually scary. The reason why we
fear death is not because it will end us but is
because it is too spontaneous and we have no
idea what would be the cause of it. If we all
know when we will die and if we all die
peacefully, we won't be afraid to die at all.
The Kindergarten Teacher
by: Aung Thinn
Title: The Kindergarten Teacher
Author: Aung Thinn
Written: 1960
Genre: Non-fiction
Form: Short Story
Language: English
Themes: Real Value of Teaching
Narration: First Person
Type of Literature: Prose
Settings: Primary school next to the Pagoda
Characters:
U Nyan Sein
 Kindergarten Teacher
Aung Thinn
 Author, narrator, the friend
Daw Aye Thar
 Grandmother looking for her grandchildren
Characters Analysis:
U Nyan Sein
 Protagonist; Flat Character
Aung Thinn
 Confidant; Round Character
Daw Aye Thar
 Foils
Student
 Symbolic
Author Information:
 Born on April 17, 1927
 Died on October 25, 2014
 A writer and academician
 Lifetime National Literary Award-winning
writer in Myanmar
 He wrote more than 50 books on genres of
ethical conducts, cultural knowledge and
motivation of youth inspiration.
 He had spoken 200 over literature talks
across not only in local but also in oversea
like Singapore.
Summary:
The narrator was a lecturer at the
University of Yangon in the early 1960s. Before
that, he served about three years as a middle
school teacher in his hometown of Taung Dwin-
gyi. He was considered quiet a ‘good teacher’ at
both posts. But he thought it was nothing much
because one becomes known as a ‘good teacher’
without too much effort of talent. However, what
he encountered oh his trip home in 1963 shook
him.
He arrived just as as the schools
reopened for the new semester and realized that
he has been way off the mark with his evaluation
of ‘good teaching’.
His friend, U nYan Sein, like him, was
an art teacher, but also taught reading an writing
to the newest children school: the kindergarten.
For days, he was able to pass by and
catch sight of his friend teach his class of five-
year-olds. He would just see him making
drawings and telling stories, so he asked him
why he was not teaching anything. His friend
responded, “I can teach reading and writing
anytime, but right now it’s important that
children enjoy school, they must love coming to
school, not fear it. It’s the most important step.”
He reflected that it might be true so for
the next few days he decided to spend more time
watching his class.
After days of seeing his friend at work,
he was truly shaken. He started asking himself,
was he a good teacher? Was he doing as much
good for his students as U Nyan Sein is?
Moral of the Story:
 We learn in different things and we
have to normalize that learnings cannot just be
learned in the four corners of the classroom
doing reading and writing activities. The ability
to read and to write is really important, but I
think the eagerness to learn makes learning more
worth it. That’s what the kindergarten teacher
was trying to bring out of his pupils. When you
are eager, you got to enjoy the learning process,
and with that kind of attitude, learning got even
more effective
Literary Approaches:
New Historicism
 A literary theory based on the idea that
literature should be studied and interpreted
within the context of both the history of the
author and the history of the critic.
Moral/Philosophical
 A type of literary criticism that believes
literature should instruct morality.
THE WEDDING RECEPTION
By: Nyi Pu Lay
Author: Nyi Pu Lay
Background: Nyi Pu Lay lived as a writer,
photographer, artist, and as PEN Myanmar’s
longest-serving president. Born in 1952, he was
the youngest son of Ludu Daw Amar and Ludu
U Hla, both prominent dissident writers and
journalists. Nyi Pu Lay followed in his parent’s
footsteps, becoming one of Myanmar’s most
celebrated writers. He began writing after his
father’s death and published his first short story,
A Pinch of Salt, in 1985. He quickly developed a
reputation for his satirical prose, and over the
following decades, he published over a dozen
collections of short stories and several novels. In
2016, Nyi Pu Lay received Myanmar’s National
Literature Prize for his book, The Sweet Honey
Drop on the Sharp Scalpel Blade, which
recounts the life of Dr Thein Hlaing, a surgeon
who became revered for his selfless work in
support of others.
Genre: Non- Fiction Narrative
Theme: Wedding tradition/traditional wedding
and individuality
Form: Short Story
Language: English
Narration: 3rd person point of view
Setting: Wedding is marked by a ceremony at
the wedding hall; Simple wedding from the
traditional remote village.
Type of Literature: Prose
Major Characters:
SEIN HLA
→wearing a dark golden yellow longyi as near
the golden color of the bride’s htamein
→ rubbed some powder on his face because it
looked dust.
→ he is the groom who is so passionate about
their wedding
→ a loving son who always watches for his
father’s comfort most especially when they
decide to watch a TV show and his father had
peed
MAR MAR TIN
→ a beautiful bride who catches everyone's
attention when she arrives at the church
→ wears a beautiful gown with fabulous make-
up and hairstyle that makes her stunning on her
wedding day
→ wore a gem necklace and strand pearl that
surely looked like a real one in the photos or
pictures
→ Her face was pink with the western
foundation and not used to having false
eyelashes glued on her lids
→ a kind person and a good daughter-in-law
because she always checks and asks the people if
they are okay at her wedding and she gives
concern and respect to her father-in-law.
Minor Characters:
KO SEIN
→ brother of the groom who persuades their
father to stay at home on the day of the wedding
because of his situation. KYWET THOE
→ the good-looking best man on that wedding
day
→ a close friend of the groom, to the point that
he knew almost everything about him, especially
the worst condition of Sein Hla’s father
U SAN TIN
→ the owner of the place and the TV where the
girls and the children watch during the night
after the wedding
→ he is a nice person because, even though the
old man, who is the father of the groom, had
peed on the place, he did not get mad at him.
→ aside from that, he also squeezed the left
hand of the father as they left. With that kind of
action, you can see in him how kind, concerned,
and respectful he is to his clients, especially the
elderly. GROOM’S FATHER
→ Sein Hla’s father
→ due to his old age, he could no longer walk
properly and he used a folding chair
→ even though he is ill on the day of the
wedding, he still wants to attend the wedding of
his son
→ the one who peed on the wedding reception
that makes his son feel embarrassed
Sein Hla’s Friend
→ the one who lends his car to Sein Hla so he
will have acara to use for his wedding
MA MA THAN
→ Sein Hla’s neighbor who also looked over
Sein’s Hla father on his wedding day
SEIN SEIN AYE
→ who is a bug-eyed girl dressed in red
scampered up
→ wearing pink make-up and clashed
alarmingly with her dark skin
→ always slow in everything
Character Analysis:
SEIN HLA
– protagonist; static
MAR MAR TIN
– protagonist; static; symbolic
KO SEIN
– minor character; confidant; static/flat
KYWET THOE
– minor character; confidant; static flat
U SAN TIN
– minor character; dummies; symbolic
GROOM’S FATHER
– minor character; foils
SEIN HLA’S FRIEND
– minor character; confidant; stereotype
MA MA THAN
– tertiary character; stereotype
SEIN SEIN AYE
– tertiary character; stereotype
Summary
In a village of Mandalay, a wedding is
about to take place. Sein Hla, the groom together
with the other guests are waiting for their ride. A
vehicle who looks like the one used to travel
vegetables from one place to another picked
them up. It was not a luxury car but it is a gift to
the couple since the driver is their friend.
Mar Mar Tin on the other hand, has her
make-up done and when she arrived at the
venue, the driver of the van, Ko Sein opened the
car door for her. Her first question was “How
was Father?”
It turned out that the groom’s father
was unable to attend the wedding because of his
illness. He was fine now but everyone thought
he was already a goner a month ago. The event
ended successfully. The couple gave money to
the young men as in the tradition “Payment for
Stones” which is a sum paid off to avoid the
teasing throwing of stones on the house that
night, while the girls were promised by the
couple to treat them in watching a good show on
the TV.
When the couple arrived at the house,
Father asked them how the ceremony went.
When Father had known that they would be
treating the girls and kids to the show Mandalay
Dance Troupe, he wanted to come. At first Sein
Hla was hesitating since he knew
U San Tin, the owner of the TV is not a
very happy man. But he wanted to make Father
happy so he obliged. He carried father in his
back while holding the potty basin while his new
wife carried the folding chair. Sein Hla reminded
her father to not be embarrassed when he needs
to pee. U San Tin welcomed them and even
greeted his father. The show went on and on and
all of them enjoyed watching. In fact, they were
still smiling as they took their leave. Sein Hla
lifted his father and realized that his old man had
peed without noticing it. There was a small wet
patch on the floor. Sein Hla immediately
grabbed the brandnew handkerchief Mar Mar
Tin was holding and was supposed to wipe the
floor. U San Tin stopped him and told him to not
bother.
It was an unexpectedly kind word from
U San Tin. They said their good bye while
apologizing. U San Tin squeezed Father’s hand
as they left. Sein Hla carried his father,
wondering how this night U San Tin had been so
nice.
Moral of the Story
The moral of the story is not
specifically stated, but it appears to highlight the
joy and simplicity found in community
celebrations, emphasizing the importance of
getting together to celebrate special occasions
despite any challenges or imperfections.
The story depicts a sense of unity and
happiness among the characters, stating the
importance of shared moments, even if they are
modest and unforeseen.
Furthermore, it implies that genuine
kindness and understanding may occur
unexpectedly, as demonstrated by U San Tin's
forgiving attitude toward the unintentional
mishap during the television show.
The Winter Hibiscus
By Minfong Ho
Title: The Winter Hibiscus
Author: Minfong Ho
Genre: Fiction
Form: Short Story
Language: English
Theme: Determination and Perseverance
Narration: Third Person
Type of Literature: Prose
Characters:
SAENG - A young woman in her early twenties,
possesses a kind heart and a resilient spirit
despite facing numerous challenges in her life.
Saeng is determined to pursue her dreams of
becoming a successful artist, but she also feels a
deep sense of responsibility towards her family,
particularly her mother. Throughout the story,
Saeng's inner strength and unwavering
determination shine through as she navigates the
complexities of love, loss, and personal growth.
DAVID - A charming and compassionate man in
his late twenties who becomes entangled in
Saeng's life. He is drawn to Saeng's artistic talent
and her unique perspective on the world. Despite
coming from different backgrounds, David and
Saeng form a deep connection rooted in mutual
respect and admiration. David serves as both a
source of support and a catalyst for Saeng's
personal development, encouraging her to
embrace her.
SAENG’S MOTHER - Saeng's mother is a
central figure in her life, providing love,
guidance, and support throughout her journey.
She is a strong and resilient woman who has
faced her fair share of hardships, but her
unwavering love for her daughter remains
constant. Saeng's mother instills in her the values
of perseverance, compassion, and determination,
shaping her into the remarkable young woman
she becomes. Despite her own struggles, Saeng's
mother selflessly sacrifices for the well-being of
her family, embodying the enduring strength of a
mother's love.
Characters analysis
Saeng - main character, protagonist
David Lambert - minor character, confidant,
static
Saeng’s Mother- minor character, confidant,
static
Author Information:
 Born January 7, 1951.
 Chinese-American author and novelist
 Her parents originated from China and
she was brought up in Bangkok,
Thailand.
Summary:
The Winter Hibiscus discusses the issue of
migrants in a new country. The Panouvongs
have moved from Laos to the United States
seeking a better future. Saeng the protagonist,
daughter of the Panouvongs, goes through
various situations, emotionally and socially in
this new environment. She tries to adapt in
America. The story tells us of her struggles in
adapting. Saeng wants to be a typical American
teenager but sometimes feels lost and displaced.
She takes a driving test, which she fails, which
leads to an emotional conflict on her part. Saeng
also has a crush named David, an American boy.
As she looks different, not like a typical
American cheerleader, it takes time for David to
give her any attention. Saeng’s parents, the
Panouvongs, struggle in the United States, from
being a teacher in Laos, to taking up jobs as
janitor and dishwasher in the US. They also
struggle in adapting to a new environment,
climate and language. As the story goes it shows
how often shafts between two realities, her
Laotian ancestry and her new American Identity.
Moral Lesson:
This short story shows the renewed hope and
determination Saeng has for her driving test and
the rest of her future. There is always hope for
survival, no matter how isolated you are or how
many strange difficulties and obstacles surround
you. People are separated by their will to live
and succeed, which motivates them to work
harder to improve their situation in life. This is
shown in Saeng's concluding statement, which
states that despite not belonging like David and
the cheerleaders, she still loves her new home
and will try to survive there by facing any
obstacles that may arise. The hibiscus – a
symbol of her home and determination – serves
as another inspiration for Saeng to keep going,
regardless of the prejudice she faces as an
immigrant. The story of the winter hibiscus often
teaches the lesson of resilience and
perseverance. Despite facing harsh conditions
and seemingly unfavorable circumstances, the
winter hibiscus continues to bloom, symbolizing
the importance of staying strong and resilient in
the face of adversity. It reminds us that even in
the coldest and toughest times, there is always
hope and beauty to be found if we persist and
keep pushing forward.
Thai Ramakien
by: King Rama I
Title: Thai Ramakien
Author: King Rama I
Written: 18th century
Genre: Epic Literature
Form: Short Story
Language: English
Themes: Triumph of Good over Evil
Narration: Third Person POV
Type of Literature: Epic Poem
Setting: Kingdom of Longka
Characters:
Phra Ram (Phra Rama)
 Protagonist; Confidant; Dynamic; Round
 prince of Ayodhya, who leads the He played a crucial role in the unification of
expedition to rescue Nang Sida from Thailand and the establishment of the Chakri
Tosakanth's captivity. He represents Dynasty. King Rama I's contributions to Thai
righteousness and is determined to fulfill literature extend beyond the Ramakien. He also
his duties as a prince and husband. wrote poetry, historical chronicles, and legal
Nang Sida codes, leaving a lasting legacy as a prolific
 Protagonist; Love Interest; Dynamic writer and cultural figure in Thailand's history.
 Phra Ram's wife, who is held captive by His efforts in preserving and promoting the
Tosakanth. She demonstrates her purity and Ramakien have cemented its status as a central
faithfulness through her willingness to piece of Thai literature and cultural heritage.
undergo a trial by fire.
Tosakanth (Tosakantha)
 Antagonist; Foil; Static/Flat Summary:
 demon king of Longka, who kidnaps Nang
The Ramakien Khon story follows Phra Ram's
Sida and wages war against Phra Ram. He
journey to rescue Nang Sida from the demon
represents evil and is determined to thwart
king Tosakanth. In "The Building of the Road,"
Phra Ram's efforts.
Phra Ram leads a monkey army to construct a
Hanuman
road across the ocean to reach Longka, where
 Protagonist; Confidant; Dynamic
Nang Sida is held captive. Despite obstacles,
 A loyal ally of Phra Ram and the general of
including fish disrupting their efforts, they
the monkey army. He plays a crucial role in
complete the road. In "The Battle of Maiyarap,"
various episodes, including organizing the
Hanuman rescues Phra Ram from an underwater
construction of the road, rescuing Phra
city after he is captured by Maiyarap. Despite
Ram from Maiyarap's underwater city, and
facing numerous challenges, Hanuman succeeds
assisting in defeating Tosakanth.
and defeats Maiyarap. In "Phra Ram Defeats
Maiyarap (Maiyarap)
Tosakanth," Hanuman deceives Tosakanth,
 Antagonist; Foil; Static/Flat
retrieves his protected heart, and ultimately helps
 The ruler of an underwater city and an ally
Phra Ram defeat Tosakanth in battle. Finally, in
of Tosakanth. He possesses magical
"Nang Sida Walks Through Fire," Nang Sida
abilities, including a powder that can
proves her purity by walking through fire,
induce sleep. Maiyarap is tasked with
affirming her innocence to Phra Ram and the
capturing Phra Ram but is ultimately
gods.
defeated by Hanuman.
Machanu
Moral of the Story:
 Tertiary Character; Foil; Static/Flat
One of the primary morals of the
 The adopted son of Maiyarap, who guards
Ramakien is the triumph of righteousness over
the entrance to the underwater city. He
evil. Throughout the epic, characters like Phra
becomes involved in the conflict between
Ram and his allies demonstrate virtues such as
Hanuman and Maiyarap.
courage, loyalty, and selflessness in their quest
Phra Lak
to uphold justice and defeat the forces of
 Protagonist; Confidant; Round
darkness represented by Tosakanth and his
 Phra Ram's brother, who fights alongside
allies. The story emphasizes the importance of
him against Tosakanth's forces. He initially
staying true to one's principles, even in the face
misunderstands Hanuman's actions but later
of adversity, and highlights the ultimate victory
joins forces with Phra Ram to defeat
of good over evil. Additionally, the Ramakien
Tosakanth.
teaches the importance of love, loyalty, and
Phiphek (Phipek)
devotion. Characters like Phra Ram and Nang
 Tertiary Character; Confidant; Dynamic
Sida exemplify unwavering love and dedication
 An astrologer who predicts events related
to one another, even amidst challenges and
to Phra Ram's fate. He is also the estranged
hardships. Their relationship serves as a beacon
brother of Tosakanth and aids Hanuman in
of hope and inspiration, illustrating the power of
tricking Tosakanth.
love to overcome obstacles and unite people in
the pursuit of righteousness.
Author Information:
King Rama I
THAILAND
King Rama I of Thailand, also known
as Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok. He reigned from
Thai Folk Story: Phikul Thong
1782 to 1809 and is considered one of Thailand's
By Thanapol Chadchaidee
greatest kings. King Rama I was not only a
monarch but also a scholar, poet, and statesman.
Author: Thanapol Chachaidee
Background: Born in Suphan Buri province in
1959 to a family of farmers, Mr. Thanapol
Chadchaidee, more commonly known under his
pen name of Lamduan Chadchaidee, grew up
and received a secondary education in Bangkok,
then pursued his higher education in India. He
has been developing his writing skills since his
student days when he wrote many essays that
won several awards from an English newspaper,
The Student Weekly. He is proud of his
ancestors and never feels shy about telling
anybody that he is the son of poor farmers.
DESCRIPTION OF THE STORY
Genre: Fictional Narrative
Theme: Importance of inner beauty
Form: Short Story
Language: English
Narration: 3rd Person Point of View
Setting:
 Their house
 On Phikul Thong way home from
fetching water
 Market to sell the golden forest
 Forest
Type of Literature: Prose
CHARACTERS OF THE STORY
MAJOR CHARACTER
a. PHIKUL
 an orphan who lives with her
stepmother and stepsister
 her status as an orphan shaped her
experiences and influences her
relationships with others
 Despite facing mistreatment from her
stepmother, Phikul remains kind-
hearted and resilient.
MINOR CHARACTERS
a. STEP-MOTHER
 depicted as cruel and selfish,
mistreating Phikul and favoring her
own daughter, Mali
 her actions drive much of the conflict in
the story and contribute to Phikul's
hardships
 the stepmother's mistreatment of Phikul
stems from her jealousy and
resentment towards her stepdaughter
 she seeks to undermine Phikul's
happiness and success out of envy.
b. MALI
 Mali often goes along with her mother's
mistreatment of Phikul, acting as an
enabler to her mother's cruelty.
c. OLD WOMAN
 The old woman possesses magical
abilities and aids Phikul in overcoming
the challenges she faces.
 She provides Phikul with valuable
advice and magical items that assist her
on her journey.
 Symbol of kindness and generosity:
The old woman embodies traits of
kindness and generosity, serving as a
contrast to the cruelty of Phikul's
stepmother.
 Her actions demonstrate the importance
of helping others and standing up against
injustice
CHARACTERS ANALYSIS
● Phikul - Protagonist
● Step-mother - Antagonist; Symbolic
● Mila - Antagonist
● Old Woman – Round
SUMMARY
Once upon a time there was a beautiful
woman named Phikul. She was said to have not
only physical beauty but good behaviour as well.
Her mother died while she was very young. So,
she was looked after by her step-mother who
also had a daughter named Mali. It was very
unfortunate that both the mother and her
daughter were wicked women. They forced
Phikul to work hard every day.
One day after the job of pounding rice
was finished, Phikul went to fetch water from a
stream which was not far from home. On the
way back, an old woman suddenly appeared in
front of Phikul and asked water from her to
drink. Phikul was very pleased to be able to help
the old woman. She gave her water and told her
to take more water to wash her face and body so
as to refresh herself. Phikul told her not to worry
if the water was not enough, she would go and
bring it more.
 The old woman smiled and said,
“You’re beautiful and kind at heart. Even though
I am poor and look shabby, you still treat me
nicely.”
After praising Phikul with kind words,
the old woman then gave a wish to her and by
this virtue, the golden flowers of bullet wood
(Tanjong tree or Mimusops), known in Thai as
Phikul, would come out from her mouth
whenever she felt sympathy for anyone or
anything. Immediately after granting this wish to
Phikul, the old woman disappeared in front of
her eyes. Phikul knew at once that the woman
was surely an angel in disguise who had come
down to earth to grant her a wish.
After returning home late, she was
scolded by her step-mother who thought that she
had gone astray just to avoid daily work. Phikul
thus told the whole story to her and feeling
sympathy, many golden flowers of the bullet
wood came out from her mouth.
would come out from her mouth. Upon returning
home, Mali told the whole story to her mother.
From the anger of telling the story, the whole
house was full of worms. The mother thought
that Phikul was jealous of her daughter so she
had distorted the story and that was why Mali
did not meet an old woman. She beat Phikul and
drove her out from home.
Overwhelmed by this grief, Phikul
wandered in the forest alone. Fortunately, she
walked in the direction of a young Prince who
was enjoying a horse ride in the forest along
with his soldiers. Upon seeing the young girl
crying, the Prince asked her to tell the whole
story. At the end of her narration the whole area
was full of golden flowers.
The Prince was very pleased and asked
for her hand. After marrying her, the couple
ascended the throne and ruled the city happily
ever after.
MORAL LESSON

The greedy step-mother quickly In Thailand, raising one's voice to

changed her mood from anger to greed and
rushed to grasp them all while cajoling Phikul to
speak more to satisfy her greed.
From that day onwards, the step-mother
collected as many golden flowers as possible to
sell in the market and got a lot of money. All of
them now lived a happy life. Phikul did not need
to work so hard as before but she was forced to
speak the whole day so that more golden flowers
would come out from her mouth.
express anger or frustration is considered very
inappropriate. This folktale exemplifies the Thai
people's strong values of compassion and
kindness. Compassion is one of the Buddha's
most important teachings. Those who maintain a
positive attitude will reap the benefits and live
happily ever after. Nevertheless, be good and
fair to everyone, whether they are poor or
wealthy.

Exhausted by her step-mother’s greedy

demands, Phikul got a soar throat and became
voiceless. She could not speak for a while. The
situation upset her step-mother so much so that
she started beating Phikul, trying to force her to
speak but Phikul could not utter even a single
word.

To satisfy her greed, the step-mother

decided to send her own daughter, Mali, to do
the same thing as Phikul did. Mali was sent to
the same place as told by Phikul, but instead of
meeting an old woman, she met a beautiful
woman wearing an impressive dress standing
under the shade of a big tree. The woman then
asked for water from Mali to drink. Out of
jealousy, Mali got angry and thought that the
woman was not an angel so she refused to give
any and used rude words to curse the angel in
disguise.

The angel thus placed a curse on Mali

that whenever she got angry and spoke, worms