I.

Summary
The novel, “A Child of Sorrow” is the representation of the male lead, Lucio
Soliman’s life, how he encountered challenges that gave him sorrow. Lucio, after being
convinced so hard, went to Merry Town, which is said to be governed by a corrupt
governor, Pancho Ismael, for a vacation with his friend Camilo. Lucio was warmly
welcomed not only by Camilo’s family but also the people who lives in Merry Town. Lucio
was fortunate enough to meet Rosa, the prettiest woman in that town. He immediately
felt something unusual, he fell in love with Rosa instantly and confessed to her when he
saw her on the way to fetch water. Luckily, Rosa felt the same as Lucio did. Things
between Lucio and Rosa was fast. They were happily in love while Lucio is still in Merry
Town.
Sadly, Lucio needs to come back to his own town, Fertile Valley. It was hard for
them to part because they were deeply in love with each other. The two exchanged sweet
words, and reassured each other of their unconditional love. Rosa’s eyes were filled with
tears, which Lucio had wiped away and promised her that he would come back for her,
and she promised him that she would wait for him as long as it takes. When Lucio returned
home, his father, Benito Soliman, noticed that he was not his usual self. Lucio disclose to
his father the feelings of love, sadness, and longingness for Rosa, to which his father
comforted him that whatever his feelings may be, he should deal with it like a man. The
couple continued to keep in touch. They sent letters to each other. And though Lucio
became busy running their established organization named "The Rising Generation", he
never forgot to write to Rosa. Many admired Lucio for his dedication, integrity, and
honesty, while others despised him. Lucio and Rose met during several occasions like
Merry Town's Garden Day. Governor Pancho Ismael and Oscar had noticed Lucio and
disliked him instantly, Oscar despised Lucio for he is together with Rosa. Oscar really
liked Rosa and did everything to pursue her, but unfortunately, Rosa did not give him any
chance because she deeply loves Lucio.
News break out that Rosa was getting married to Oscar. He was extremely
saddened by the thought of not having her to spend the rest of his lifetime anymore. But
he continued his life and devoted his time in his works. A few months later, at a carnival
held in Manila, Lucio met Rosa and talked to her. The carnival ended indicating them to
go on to their separate ways. Rosa’s misery continued as she married Oscar. Lucio was
also in misery, but continued his life.
After a few months again, Lucio received news that Rosa is sick and at the verge
of death. He hurriedly went to Merry Town to see Rosa. As he arrived, he rushed to
Rosa's house. Rosa reminded him that he still loves Lucio dearly and will continue to
love him. Lucio assured her that he felt the same. After the death of Rosa, few days
later, Oscar also died in his own hand. Lucio never forgets to visit Rosa’s grave on her
death anniversary.
 II. About the Author

Zoilo Galang was born in Bacolor on 27 June 1895 and his young life was spent
in that bucolic town, famed for its writers and artists. He went to school at the Bacolor
Elementary School and then went to Manila to study at the Escuela de Derecho, the
country’s eminent law school where he graduated in 1919. A self-starter, he learned
typing and stenography in English and Spanish all by himself. Attracted to the English
language, he took special courses at the University of the Philippines in 1925, then went
to Columbia University for further studies in Literature.
He was soon writing books of fiction, biography and philosophy, and his output
was prodigious. His early poems saw print on the Kapampangan paper, “E
Mangabiran". He authored “A Child of Sorrow”, the first English novel written by a
Filipino. This was later made into a movie in 1930. Other notable works include "Nadia",
"For Dreams Must Die", "Springtime", "Leaders of the Philippines", "Glimpses of the
World", "Life and Success", "Master of Destiny", "Unisophy" and "Barrio Life.
But his greatest opus undoubtedly is the Encyclopedia of the Philippines, which
began as a 10 volume set when first printed. Galang himself, edited and wrote entries
for the book set which covered Philippine literature, biography, commerce and industry,
art, education, religion, government, science, history and builders of the new
Philippines. The Encyclopedia of the Philippines came with a general information and
index.
A second edition, destroyed by fire, was published in 1948. So positive was the
response to Galang’s work that the encyclopedia project was expanded to 20 volumes
in a later 1949 printing. There has been no new printing since 1958.
III. Interpretation
Characters
 Lucio Soliman
Lucio, the male protagonist, is a kind, intelligent, honest, and well-read man with an
amazing physique. From the moment he had to be apart from Rosa, his outlook in life
changed since he was heartbroken. Still, he is a strong man, dedicated to serve other
people, and make them happy, without thinking about his own happiness. He is patriotic
and hard-working with admirable values.
 Rosa Garcia
Rosa, a kind-hearted, charming, and simple girl who is known to be the queen of Merry
Town. She is adored by her beauty and grace, but behind that, she had experienced
unfortunate things. Throughout the story, she was no longer cheerful and lively, but
instead, depressed and lonely and longing for the love that she lost.
 Camilo David
Camilo is Lucio’s good, supportive and protective friend, who went to school with him
He is also kind and welcoming all throughout the story.
 Juan de la Cruz
Juan is depicted as patriotic and always defended his friends, with strong opinions
about societal issues, and is not afraid to voice them out. He is honest and never kept a
secret from his friends.
 Pancho Ismael
Pancho, one of the antagonists in this story, is a greedy, manipulative, corrupt, and
petty governor who only won because he blackmailed people.
 Oscar Ramirez
Oscar is a selfish and reckless man who is close to the governor and shared the same
foul traits as him.
 Benito Soliman
Benito is an old man who farmed in their land and is also a loving and supportive father
who never failed to look out for his son, Lucio.
 Felipa Garcia
Felipa is a middle-aged mother, who loves her daughter, Rosa, very much.
Point of View
The story is written in a way where someone is narrating the lives and happening
in the novel. Pronouns such as “his”, “her”, “their”, “they”, “he”, “she”, “him” and “her”
were used.

Setting
The story was first set in Central Luzon, particularly Fertile Valley, the hometown
of Lucio, followed by Merry Town, the town where he and Camilo spent their vacation
days and where he met his first love, Rosa. Manila, the land of opportunity, was also
part of the setting, Lucio went here to focus on making himself better.

Conflict
The conflict of the story is person versus himself. The characters faced
challenges in which they need to decide to benefit themselves or for the benefit of
others. Rosa was always in a position to choose who to follow; her mother, who she had
a duty to as family, and Lucio, her love. In the end, Lucio told Rosa to follow her mother
as it was the right thing to do. Lucio, being a selfless man always chose the happiness
of other people over his.
Plot
Lucio, after graduating, had not decided yet what to do. It was April back then in
Fertile Valley, where Camilo David had invited Lucio to spend their vacation at his
hacienda in Merry Town. Lucio decided to come with Camilo after being convinced so
hard. When they arrived at Merry Town, Lucio was warmly welcomed by Camilo’s family
and the people there. He also met few people including Governor Pancho Ismael, the
corrupt governor, Juan Dela Cruz, Oscar Ramirez, Felipa Garcia, and her daughter,
Rosa Garcia. Lucio was so interested in Rose, he did nothing but to dream of her
angelic face. He admitted that he fell in love with her and confessed his feelings towards
Rosa. Luckily, Rosa felt the same way.
After Lucio’s vacation was over, had to leave the town. Before they parted they
promised to love each other unconditionally. Lucio promised Rosa that he would be
back while Rosa assured Lucio that she will wait for him. Lucio and Rose met during
several occasions like Merry Town's Garden Day. Governor Pancho Ismael and Oscar
had noticed Lucio and disliked him instantly, Oscar despised Lucio for he is together
with Rosa. Oscar really liked Rosa and did everything to pursue her, but unfortunately,
Rosa did not give him any chance because she deeply loves Lucio. But with the help of
the corrupt governor, Pancho Ismael, Oscar managed to get Rosa for himself.
News break out that Rosa was getting married to Oscar. He was extremely
saddened by the thought of not having her to spend the rest of his lifetime anymore. But
he continued his life and devoted his time in his works. A few months later, at a carnival
held in Manila, Lucio met Rosa and talked to her. The carnival ended indicating them to
go on to their separate ways. Rosa’s misery continued as she married Oscar. Lucio was
also in misery, but continued his life.
After a few months again, Lucio received news that Rosa is sick and at the verge
of death. He hurriedly went to Merry Town to see Rosa. As he arrived, he rushed to
Rosa's house. Rosa reminded him that he still loves Lucio dearly and will continue to
love him. Lucio assured her that he felt the same. After the death of Rosa, few days
later, Oscar also died in his own hand. Lucio never forgets to visit Rosa’s grave on her
death anniversary.
Symbolism
The sampaguita is considered a symbol of fidelity, purity, devotion, strength and
dedication. The name Sampaguita is a Spanish term that comes from the Philippino
words "sumpa kita," which mean 'I promise you.' Lucio and Rosa continued to love each
other despite the sad fate they encountered

Themes
“Sacrifice is always a part in love”
To sacrifice for the people you love is also a way of showing how much you love
them. Sacrificing is hard but it’s a choice we do for the people we love. Like Lucio, he
sacrificed being with Rosa for her sake. He wanted Rosa to obey her mother. It was
difficult for Lucio but he knew it was the right thing to do.

“Sorrows in life are always there, it is now your choice if it will break you or make you
stronger”
Lucio, is indeed in sorrow. The sorrows he faced made him stronger with the help
of his father. Lucio looked for ways to find meaning in life, and though he continued to
face more sorrows, he accepted it all like a selfless man.

Moral
“Sorrows in life will come and go, keep moving forward”
In life, we experience ups and downs, and it is our choice if we will stay affected
by the downs we encountered. Time will never stop for us, we need to keep moving
forward to survive this world. Just like what Lucio did, he was heartbroken by the end of
the novel but he continued to live and learned to accept the things going on in his life.
IV. Reflection

After reading this novel, I felt sad for both Lucio and Rosa. Being apart from the
one you love is hard enough. I admire Lucio for being so selfless. After experiencing
sorrow from his mother’s death, he still chose the sorrow of being apart from Rosa,
though he could choose happiness for himself. He respected Rosa’s mother and
made Rosa obey her mother.
The novel did not only depicted Lucio’s life but also showed societal problems
like corruption, oppression and showed how weak women are. True to this day,
these issues are still present. People were also judgmental. I was triggered when the
people in Merry Town blamed Rosa for being raped. They judged her without
thinking that she is the victim.
This novel teaches us to move forward. Despite all the hardships we face, we
need to keep going on like Lucio. Think of the brighter side and always see the good
in this life.
True love was depicted in this novel. Lucio and Rosa need not to be together to
show how much they love each other. They promised each other that “‘til death do
us part”, and really meant what they say.
Despite the tragic ending, it was shown that Rosa and Lucio were complacent of
the fact that they deeply love each other.