Summer Solstice

Short story analysis

Edward Lusterio

Patrick Villar

Paeng - loyal husband of Lupeng

*He is mostly concerned to his wife

Lupeng - married to Paeng with 3 children

*Loved Paeng so much

Entoy - kalesa driver

*Driver who stares at Lupeng tenaciously

Amada - yaya and wife of Entoy

*Possessed by the spirits of the wild and the river

Guido - cousin of Paeng who belonged to Europe

*Young man who tell vulgar words to Lupeng

Summary

The story started on the first 3 days of St. John’s Day where the day is bursting with heat and everyone I profuse sweating. On that day Lupeng notices Amada acting strange and half naked as described by Entoy. The family now proceeds to the celebration of St. John’s Day where is dominated by men which is quite offensive to the sensibilities of Lupeng then the young Guido made a chit chat with Lupeng with vulgarity and suggestiveness which made Lupeng leave immediately. Lupeng insists to attend the last night of St. John’s Day to see the ritual which forbids by his husband from going. But still Lupeng insisted, on that night many women runs like wild into the group of cults. Paeng followed her but the women noticed him, wearing women accessories should prevent this, everyone beat him like the power of an amazon. When they got home, Paeng was about to whip Lupeng but she cried and Paeng was to hit her because she loved her and respected her much. In the end Paeng kissed the foot of Lupeng which manifests the love of Paeng for Lupeng. How sweet!

Setting

It was 1850’s during the Spanish period and the 2nd – 3rd day of St. John’s Day.

Rising Action

Lupeng rushed to the dancing women and the Paeng followed. Other women notice Paeng, a man, in their ritual and end up being beaten up.

Climax

As they return home Paeng was about to whip Lupeng but she cried and told him that he was a lewd girl. Paeng wishes only to protect Lupeng because she loved and respected her so much. Nice!

Falling action

Paeng told her that he will kiss the feet of Lupeng even if his lips were full of bruises.

Resolution

Paeng kissed her feet despite of his bruises. Lupeng shocked not knowing that he will actually do it.

Point of view

Third person omniscient was the point of view of the sory where in the both reader and writer observe the thoughts of more than one character

Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year. It shows the tension between natures, as experienced by a woman

Irony

The irony that was depicted is when Guido is trash talking to Doña Lupeng by using vulgar words.

Tadtarin cult symbolizes the ritual for the St. John’s Day.

Theme of application/significance is to modern age Matriarchal system of family.