The Storm Analysis

Last wednesday, we discussed the story called The Storm by Kate Chopin. It is about a woman, Calixta, who is married to Bobinot and a mother to Bibi, who had an affair with Alcee who is also married. The way the affair started and ended is parallel with the storm in the story. The storm started when Alcee when to Calixta’s house so that he won’t be caught up by the rain. In, our discussion, Alcee sees the strom as an opportunity to be with her.When the lightning began, the sex also did. And when it was bright and sunny, it was when it ended already. The reason that it ended in a good weather is because in the story, no one knew about the affair except the two characters that are involved. The story ended in an unusual (for me) happy ending.

My professor asked us whether Calixta is a bad person. And we have to explain why or why not? The question for me is very subjective. In my opinion, we can never say a person is generally bad. We always have our bad side and good side. I agree with what one of my classmate said. She is not a bad person but a bad wife. As a wife, she must commit herself to be with just one man. I still believe that I can only love one person. And if she did not want to be with Bobinot, she should have left him. And I think that is more understandable than cheating. It’s still unfair for Bobinot and it’s still wrong for me.

From what I interpreted to what my professor is said, Calixta is still a good person. He believes that ignorance is bliss. I believe in that saying too. But I disagree in this situation. Cheating is still cheating. What Calixta might feel after the sex might be happiness, but it is not true happiness. True happiness is equals the truth. Lies will always haunt you and will never see you free.

Anyways, what I want to say to her is: Oh well, goodluck to you, Calixta. Honestly, it’s wrong to talk about other people’s life. What you did was wrong, for me. But who am I to judge your life? I AM NOT EVEN INVOLVED IN THIS AFFAIR.  I do respect your decisions. Sorry, we are just discussing a good literary work. Sadly, you are in it.

Last Order sa Penguin Analysis

We did a play about Last Order sa Penguin which was created by Chris Martinez. I heard his name before because I remembered him in making  the indie movie Babae sa Septic Tank. Anyway, the story is about a group of friends who are having a bonding time at bar called Penguin. They talk about life, love and anxiety of turning thirty soon.

The lines in the play are relatable and real. The characters of the stories does exist in this modern world. I personally like two characters: Sweet and Dyna. Sweet is the rose vendor that would randomly appear in the story. I like about this character because Sweet adds humour to the play. Also, he is one of those people who manipulate others by using love. Sweet said that they should buy three roses to give a "special" I love you. On the other hand, I like Dyna since I think I see myself  years from now like her. I mean not being a cougar but being desperate in finding true love. I have always been scared to be alone when I'm old already. That is why she gives me interest.

At this stage of life, this play made me realize that there will still be turning points in your life that make or break you. When was really young, I thought that when you turned eighteen you know what you want to do with you life. And by the time you turned thirty, you feel accomplished with your life. But obviously, I was wrong. I am currently eighteen and I don't even know what is life. Last Order sa Penguin is right. We haves set deadlines to ourselves that would eventually disappoint us. We are in a  constant change and we are continually learning until we die. It sounds pretty much like torture. Well maybe, adds some friends to this so-called-life to add flavour to it.

Mang Serapio discussion

Last meeting we discussed about Paul Dumol' s  Mang Serapio. It is about a beggar named "Mang Serapio" who is being put in a trial with sentence of blinding hin by piercing his eyes with icepick. He was accused of taking care of a child which not allowed by the federecion. Although he proved himself not guilty since his wife and daughter, both named Sol, are already dead. The witnesses try to insist that there is child even though they did not find one inside the house of Mang Serapio. However, they found a chest wherein a doll is inside it. In the end, the federecion still blinded Mang Serapio because he was using the money of the federecion for taking care of the doll.

I personally like this since I am a fan of theatre plays. Although I find this story extremely weird since it's very hard to read. The pacing is different and complicated. It will have long dialogues then some very short lines. It makes me feel crazy which is somewhat the play is about- insanity. In the story, it was only Mang serapion who is sane enough to reason out well. An insane person perceive themselves as normal people and unaware of their strange behaviours.

The most important leaning that in this discussion is about Theater of the Absurd. It proves to us that life is  pointless. In this kind of play, we are not given moral lessons nor happily ever after. Just like in real life. With all the rules and people go through, how sure are we that there is a gate of heaven welcoming us? Or how sure are we that all the work we do will lead us to successful life?

It made me realize through this play that this is the life itself. Just a life.  Pointless. Therefore, we should create our own meaning of it. To some, it might salvation or finding true love. Others might tell me to do this and that. But who are they know and how crazy are they to dictate all those crap to me. I say, I will do everything that makes me feel everyday alive.

"But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads?" - Albert Camus