A Child of Sorrow [Ranes, Raquinio, and Rasalan]

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education A Child of Sorrow (Learning Task II – Interpreting Literature) This assignment is presented by: Beverly B. Ranes Erin Von L. Raquinio Xylyn Vernadette P. Rasalan (Students) This assignment is presented to: Mr. Erwin L. Oamil (Professor) In partial fulfillment of the requirements in ELIT 104 Contemporary, Popular, and Emergent Literature for the Second Semester School Year 2021-2022. Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education i TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I SAMPLE LITERARY WORK 1 A Child of Sorrow 1 II TYPE 3 What Type of Literary Work is A Child of Sorrow? 3 III SUMMARY 4 The Foretold Story of A Child of Sorrow 4 IV ANALYSIS 9 Biographical, Historical, and Characterization 9 V ALLEGORY 15 Symbolisms, Themes, Literary Techniques, and Devices 15 19 REFERENCES Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education – With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Zoilo Galang's A Child of Sorrow is a classic work of Filipino literature reimagined for modern readers. Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 1 CHAPTER I SAMPLE LITERARY WORK A Child of Sorrow We are going to decipher one of the best-selling novel and expound the life of its author in 1920s. As we flare our hearts and open our minds, let us pay tribute and commemoration to our one and only legend – Zoilo M. Galang for maneuvering his greatest masterpiece, A Child of Sorrow. But before that, I want all of you to look for the most comfortable spot inside your house because this is not your typical romantic story. Discretion is advised. PTSD might arise, so read at your own peril. Selecting this novel was a big risk for it portrays the wickedness of what we have in this modern world. Love is such a vague word, which is why most people tend not to think of its consequences. Moreover, this novel had brought highbrows into thinking that schools should not publish this as it elaborates premarital sex, incompetent politicians, rapists, suicidal behavior, and sentimentalism. May this serve as a lesson to everyone that we should protect our hearts because we never know if that person will promise us the future. Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 2 Zoilo Galang was a Filipino novelist and folklorist. Born in Bacolor, Pampanga on July 27, 1885. He was raised toward the end of Spanish rule and the beginning of the American colonial era. He studied his high school years at Pampanga High School, he learned typing and stenography in English and Spanish and he worked as \"Takigrapo\". Then he studied at the Escuela de Derecho and graduated in the year 1919. His parent's name are Santiago Galang and Vicente Mercado. He was married to Adela Cortez and had five children named Manuel, Mario, Ligaya, Marciano, and Mensio. Zoilo Galang's life was never easy. Along high school, he was bullied for being weak and poor, however, even though his life was tough, he strived and study harder to achieve his aspirations in life. In spite of getting lot of criticisms and facing many challenges along his way, his love for writing continue to thrive and be written with depth, sophistication, and insight. He never stops believing himself. He turned every problems into an opportunity. He let all those criticisms, judgments and failures as a motivation and inspiration to strive harder and do great. He pursue his dreams which is to become a prominent and famous writer. With his passion and dedication in his endeavor, he became a well-known and credited as one of the pioneering Filipino writers. Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 3 CHAPTER II TYPE What Type of Literary Work is A Child of Sorrow? A Child of Sorrow belongs under the category of creative literature, certainly following the prose – portraying a narrative format. It is a novel with a romantic and tragic plot. According to the author, this is non-fiction, therefore, it refers to factual stories that are based on real people and true events. Fig. 1 Encircling the designated classifications of literature for A Child of Sorrow Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 4 CHAPTER III SUMMARY The Foretold Story of A Child of Sorrow Lucio Soliman, a very poetic man who resides in Fertile Ville would prefer to read books all day. Camilo, his friend who lives in the beautiful town of Merry Town invited Lucio to come with him to spend their vacation. Lucio’s father, Benito Soliman allowed him to go with Camillo. So the next day they travel to their destination – about two or three hours rigging. On their way they passed by “the broken promised and unfulfilled promises of the Governor of the province of the plains”. The Governor was Don Pancho Ismael. In the same province, there were peaceful, law-abiding citizens, among whom was Juan dela Cruz, a benevolent-looking, hardworking and liberty loving man reside. Also, in not far distant barrio, there also dwelt a middle class, middle-aged woman called Felipa-On. She is the mother of Rosa Garcia – a blooming flower; fair-built of white Malayan Complexion; curly hair; graceful steps; kind hearted and modest in character. Another was Oscar Ramirez, one among the wealthy ones. Then, the story revolves around Lucio and Rosa from the day they met in an ordinary way. “I wish to see you again before I leave, angelic beauty. You are a vision, born of love and sweet fancy. I am yours – I will lay down my life like a cavalier of old and die for you….” Lucio’s poetic spirit aroused because of Rosa. Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 5 It was during one summer morning; Lucio was enjoying nature. He tried to inhale all the fragrance of the flowers but he could not, for his heart was already full – Rosa. In short, Lucio already fell to Rosa all at once and as time passed by, he already managed to voice out his feelings towards Rosa. However, Rosa felt an enigma, wherein it is a strange feeling for the both of them. She was speechless and don’t know how to react on that moment. April morning, Lucio went back to the same place where he was supposed to hear her answer but long hours of waiting, Rosa didn’t show up. Lucio is about to give up but all of a sudden, Rosa showed and softly spoke: “Yes, yours till death do us part.” Lucio and Camillo’s vacation is already over and that means that they will now go back to their hometown. The day of separation had at last come to pass. Lucio said, “Just wait Rosa, and time shall find us the happiest beings in this world. I will just work hard in order to deserve your affection sweet and lasting and then we shall marry”. As Lucio is back to his native town, he felt noting but sorrow and longing for Rosa. Good thing, they are exchanging love letters that is enough to suffice their long with each other. Meanwhile, Lucio with Juan became busy forming a Union. A union among young people who will help each other, which has for its object physical culture, education and fraternal union – The Rising Generation. It was first of June when Lucio received a letter from Rosa with a context where she is inviting him see their Garden Day and participate in the town’s happiness and jubilee. The two, Rosa and Lucio met again though not too long, Lucio left good Rosa her first kiss. Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 6 Knowing that Rosa doesn’t have a father, when being ask she would usually cry instead of answering it. Oscar Ramirez has a hidden desire to Rosa. Even if he knew that she was already engaged with Lucio, he keeps on wooing her along lavishing gifts and numerous favors upon the family that after the lapse of time, the mother of Rosa became compassionately moved and touched by the good acts of Oscar. Oscar did his best to have the support of Rosa’s mother and the Governor. The governor assured him that he will have his wish – to marry Rosa. In a short span, they already get married and the news was passed down to Lucio. He was eaten by the fever of jealousy, burning. To disobey her mother was unfilial and to forsake her lover was faithlessly loathsome. To Lucio, it was her duty to obey her mother. Broken engagement – the cup of sorrow was full of poison, sadness and misfortune. Man is bigger than his sorrow. Lucio decided to go to Manila and work. Find his way or else make one. For that is the land of opportunity. As being busy, he thought he was over Rosa. The life of Lucio in the city was full of social and business activities. He was one of the members of the leading societies composed of self-supporting students and employees who were forging ahead into commercial field and world of belles-letters – into the spot light of Philippine history. While Lucio was trying his best to move on. Rosa is doing the total opposite. She can't forget Lucio. By this time, Rosa knew who her father was. It was Ismael. Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 7 Rosa rebuked her mother crying: “if you had told me long before, people won’t have called me such a disgraceful name as A child without a Father”. Then, a letter was received by Lucio from Rosa. “It is only our love that makes me live. And I believe that women only live for love. I do, and am still waiting for you…. Forget me not….And believe me, I am still waiting for the promised day….Yours till death do us part.” One day, there seems an event at Rosa’s hometown and Lucio happened to be one of the important guest. He saw Rosa dancing with his father Ismael and later on partnered with her husband, Oscar. He then realized that he still not yet moved on as he was still shattered seeing them together. By the silliness of Camillo, he get to paired Lucio and Rosa for a dance then right after, they got the chance to have a drink and talk for a while. The meeting of their eyes was sufficient, they read what could neither be spoken nor described. As the carnival ended, so as the joy and merriments of the people. To Lucio, sorrow was all his – after turning his situation all over, reviewing his past life. He hopelessly wrote: “Born of sorrow, I am and a man of sorrow, I shall be…” Little by little Lucio’s sorrows vanished and little by little he recovered from shock. Time healed his wounds at last, but the scars of sorrow left their footprint upon his heart in mournful disillusionment. On the other hand, Felipa and Ismael; Rosa’s parents are arguing about giving Rosa with Oscar as he was known to be a beast and ruthless animal. Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 8 The truth is, Rosa was actually raped by Oscar which caused her like a crushed bud, fallen and never to bloom. For the last time, Rosa revisited the carnival where she gave her first kiss to Lucio and reminisced the moment in exchanging their vow of “till death do us part.” After that she went home while her husband was with the governor. All prayed for the peace as she rested with her eyes closed; a sweet angelic smile was on her virgin face; her hands were devoutly folded; as if asleep and only dreaming of the joys and the raptures and ecstasies of heaven. Poor, hopeless woman – with blasted hopes. Thirteen days after, Oscar died too and the people believed that Governor Ismael was the only person who knew the cause of it. Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 9 CHAPTER IV ANALYSIS We are going to further explicate this melancholic masterpiece, which the famous Zoilo Galang poured his heart, soul, and blood for. We couldn’t accept the fact how the plot had turned into something terrible, yet at the same time, painful. Galang, indeed drawn the novel with the touch of reality. And here, we expound the analysis. Biographical Analysis Upon reading some of his biography, we could infer that a child of sorrow was somehow a reflection of his own life experiences. Lucio, just like Galang was fond of reading. The Encyclopedia of the Philippines which he himself authored gave a significant impact towards his comprehension, and molded his writing skills – perceiving from the masterpiece itself. Moreover, the strong Christianity influence was very evident in the story. The place, which is the Province of the Plain obviously referred to Pampanga, his hometown. Dated back years ago, Pampanga was the first Spanish province in Luzon. Farming large fields for it is the province of Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 10 the plain was its main source of living portrayed in the story by the Hacienda owned by the family of Camilo David. The town, Fertile Valley and Merry Town both resemble the richness of Pampanga. This novel mirrored not only what was happening in the past but it also help us understand what had inspired the author to write such beautiful piece of art with the influence of how he was brought up by his parents and by his first teacher who was an American educator clearly portrayed in the story. Historical Analysis The politics during his time as well had influenced the story. The campaign of the Governor, the ill tradition during campaign period which was still evident up to these days was portrayed by Gov. Ismael and Oscar Ramirez. It was perfectly expressed in some scenes of the novel how the author abhor Governor Ismael's regime which represents commonwealth governance during his time. So during the time he wrote this novel, form of government was not favorable. American government only appoint those they think are qualified to rule the town. This was depicted in his novel wherein Gov. Pancho Ismael, the ill-mannered governor was elected only because he threatened the workers in his land. Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 11 It was also believed that Governor Ismael is Governor Honorio Ventura in real life who ruled Pampanga from 1916 to 1922. Though it was not sure if he, Gov. Ventura was also “the broken promised and unfulfilled promises of the Governor of the province of the plains”. As a result the main theme of Galang's novel is love. The novel also depicts the every aspect of the 19th century Philippine social, political, and religious life. Characterization a. Lucio Soliman He is the protagonist. He is a round and dynamic character. Physically I would imagined him as a man with a slender and well-built with brown hair, dark clear eyes, and a gay and graceful demeanor. His face was oval and handsome in a truly manly fashion. Spiritually, he lived to serve God; a very righteous man; guided by principles and ideals. Intellectually, he is calm pensive and poetic. He is very good in public speaker, one reason why the governor hated him for he outshined the governor with his speech which also gained admiration from the people. In the story, to me he is not the child of sorrow as what the ending remark says I the novel. I admired him at the same hated him for he was so Righteous and Ideal that made a girl such Rosa suffered to death. Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 12 Rosa was ready to face against all odds for him, but Lucio only doubted his feelings for her, which technically triggered the issue of Oscar—Rosa marriage. Rosa’s being a child without a father suddenly became an issue to him. b. Camilo David & Juan dela Cruz They were both friends of Lucio Soliman. Camilo is a flat character; while, Juan de la Cruz is a round character. At first, I thought Juan will be the antagonist of the novel but later it turned out that he will be one of the true friend to Lucio & Rosa. He initiated an investigation to what was really going on. Both Camilo and Juan supported and comforted Rosa and Lucio. c. Governor Pancho Ismael He is a flat character. He is the corrupt governor of Merry Town. Father of Rosa. In the novel, he is “the broken promised and unfulfilled promises of the Governor of the province of the plains”. The broken promise not only to the province but also to unfortunate women of the novel, Felipa and Rosa. Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 13 d. Oscar Ramirez He is a flat character and the antagonist. He loved everybody, if they also loved him. He was a patriot, but his patriotism was only for himself. He worked with the Governor and if not for him Rosa would not suffer to death. Rapist and husband of Rosa. He also suffered in the later part of the story being in the far away den of brutes and died after Rosa’s which I think was the revenge and the fulfillment of the threat to him by the Governor. e. Felipa Flat character too. The second unfortunate woman for her mother was the first and Rosa was the third. Mother of Rosa. I admired her maternal love for Rosa but I dislike what she did in the story. Maybe because of the societal pressure during those time when illegitimates were not yet accepted. Another is that she was too weak, for she just let her daughter the same misfortune she had with the Governor. She knew it already but she just let it happened. Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 14 f. Rose Garcia Protagonist and has dynamic/round character. A blooming flower; fair-built of white Malayan complexion; curly hair and graceful steps; kind-hearted and modest; simple and artless; with beautiful body harbored a pure heart and honest soul. Regarded as: one of the lovely virgin creations of Raphael.; the April morn – fresh as morning dew; lovey as June flower; Madonna of Angelo; Virgin of the Plain; A child without a father and to me she is the Child of Sorrow. For all she had been through from her childhood up to her coffin she stood strong; faithful; dutiful and obedient woman. She’s an inspiration, she suffered because that was what the people whom she love wanted to but never hated them and always forgiving. Her mother and Lucio who were supposed to care had loved her the painful way. Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 15 CHAPTER V ALLEGORY Symbolisms a. The Sampaguita The symbol of their love; their till death do us part. It was chosen by Rosa among other and have it kept by Lucio. Like their love, pure and honest, though it is small, it can spread huge enchanting fragrance all over once bloomed. b. The Handkerchief – like Egyptian Amulet Though were apart, they were bonded by the mingled tears of each other as it symbolizes their suffering. It was kept by Rosa believing that the bearer of it shall feel no sorrow – he or she shall not want for happiness; for joy and love shall always abide by with the bearer of the handkerchief while the memory lasts. Though Rosa doubted by asking that when the tears faded and only the salt remained would it not be the sadder still? He explained that it is like the Egyptian amulet that will protect them from misfortunes. But I think the opposite had happened, because most of misfortune happened to Rosa whilst success in carrier and lesser misfortune happened to Lucio Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 16 c. The Novel The novel was not mere love story of Lucio and Rosa. It depicts tradition, culture and multitude principles on different facet of life. Love and Sacrifices; Obedience of a child to his or her parents; Judgement and societal stereotyping; Injustice in Politics; Nationalism in their speeches; Poetics in their letters; Friendship; Courage in hardships; Faithfulness in vows; Integrity in service; Dignity of a woman; Responsibility of a man; Sacredness of marriage; Spiritual Faith and many more lesson in every detail of the scene in the novel. As the title implies, A Child of Sorrow discusses the different lesson found in different sorrow in life from birth to death that one may encounter in real life. Themes A Child of Sorrow is a novel written by Zoilo Galang which shows various themes that a reader can relate to. Such as love, acceptance and sorrow. It shows how powerful love can be yet, it can also be destroyed easily. It is presented in the novel that love has no distance. No matter how far that person is or even though you’re separated from each other, your love won’t change. Moreover, sorrow can be everlasting especially when you can’t ask forgiveness to you love ones. You will carry it for the rest of your life if you don’t have the courage to ask forgiveness. Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 17 Acceptance is the key to freedom. Face the truth or reality that no matter how boundless your love for that person, if you are not meant to be together, it will be the end of your love story. In totality, life is a series of challenges. You must be prepared to face consequences and twist of loving a person. Happiness is equivalent to sorrow and pain. Not all love story has a happy ending. Learn to sacrifice and be hurt because that’s the true essence of love. The novel gives us so much to ponder upon, lessons that we will be needing in trudging future’s path of uncertainties. Modeled after popular nineteenth century romances written in Spanish and Tagalog, A Child of Sorrow is a classic coming of age tale engaged with themes of friendship, desire, and the loss of innocence. Literary Techniques and Literary Devices  Symbolism – the novel presented various symbols that represents and create meaning and emotion. The writer expressed complex ideas while giving the reader a visual, sensory experience in a poetic manner without saying it outright.  Imagery – He allowed the reader to clearly see and hear what is happening so that they can relate themselves in the story.  Hyperbole – the writer used exaggerated words to express unconditional love of Rosa and Lucio to each other. Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 18  Metaphor – the writer compared the characters into two different things to make the story catchy and to ascribe a particular quality. Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph

MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY College of Teacher Education 19 REFERENCES 21st Literature and the World and the Philippines. (2017, March 10). Blogspot. http://humsslabnhs.blogspot.com/2017/03/a-child-of-sorrow-romantic-novel-by.html Bual, S. (n.d.). A Child of Sorrow by Zoilo Galang Summary. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/35992798/A_Child_Of_Sorrow_by_Zoilo_Galang_A_Child_ Of_Sorrow_By_Zoilo_Galang_Summary Mint Editions. (2020). A Child of Sorrow. Scribd. Retrieved from https://www.scribd.com/book/506178392/A-Child-of-Sorrow Austria, J. (2017, September 16). A Child of Sorrow by Zoilo Galang. Kupdf. https://kupdf.net/download/a-child-of-sorrow-by-zoilo- galang_59bca75308bbc5a009686eb9_pdf Castro Ave., Laoag City, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines  [email protected]  (077) 600-2014 www.mmsu.edu.ph