HOW MY BROTHER LEON BROUGHT HOME A WIFE cover.

cover.” Baldo, when he first saw Maria, was surprised to see that his brother Leon
accompanied a woman who is different from them because of her name, as well as lovely
Analysis and Discussions and beautiful appearance. He said to himself that: “He did not say Maring. He did not say
The story “How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife” was set during the 1930s in Mayang. I knew then that he had always called her Maria and that to us all she would be
Nagrebcan, Bauang La Union. The place is a province and we know that the people who are Maria; and in my mind I said ‘Maria’ and it was a beautiful name.” It is then obvious for Baldo
living there would most likely be the farmers. The story is told in the 1 st person point of view that Maria came from a city. As a person living in a province, he has already the belief that
and this narrator is Baldo, the younger brother of Leon. His older brother is Noel but named people like Maria doesn’t belong to them and is impossible to adapt their way of living in the
by Maria as Leon. As what Baldo realized: “But it was only the name of my brother Leon said province. But despite of the test ordered by his father, Baldo somehow realized that Maria is
backward and it sounded much better that way.” Another major character found in the story is also a friend and should be treated like them knowing that she proved worthy of it.
Maria who is the wife of Leon. For Baldo, her name is “sosyal” and it is obvious that she We can also see Filipino values or traits that are revealed within the story. One trait is the
comes from a city. goal to obtain one’s trust most especially when you want your parents to have a permission to
The conflict shown in the story is centered between Maria and herself, as well as the society marry your chosen loved one. Filipino parents are very hard to impress. It is hard to get their
by which Baldo and Leon lived in. We know that Maria is from a city while her husband Leon trust as well. But what Maria did in the test that the father of Baldo and Leon gave to her
is from a province. Maria is concerned if she’s going to be accepted or not by Leon’s family proved that she really deserved and love Leon. She will sacrifice anything to be happy and be
despite of her social status. She was even tested if she is worthy to be the wife of Leon. This with her only love. Another value that is revealed within the story is living a life of
was seen when Baldo ignored his older brother’s question about why did they have to go to contentment. Filipinos who live in the province are very well known to be simple yet they are
Waig instead of Camino Real. contented for what they have. They are happy with small things and appreciate what they
have and how they live life.
I think Maria is a good character in the story. I like Maria not because she’s kind and lovely,
but because she is not the typical “matapobre” as seen in the story. She is indeed a
sympathetic woman. In fact, Maria was a bit anxious because of meeting Leon and Baldo’s
parents for the first time. Maria is worried that she will not be accepted by Leon’s father
because she may not able to adapt their way of living in the province. However, on their way
home, she discovered the differences of the life of the people lived there and the life in the AT LAST THIS FRAGNANCE
city where she met and fell in love with Leon. We can see Maria’s response when Leon asked
her: “You miss the houses, and the cars, and the people and the noise, don’t you?” My "At Last this Fragrance" by Arturo Rotor is a story about the concept of attachment. Many of
brother Leon stopped singing. “Yes, but in a different way. I am glad they are not here.”  I Rotor's stories also study the inner workings of city-life.
appreciate her the most simply because she accepted and respected Leon for what he really
is. She didn’t care what Leon’s life back in Nagrebcan. She was a supportive and a loving The theme of the story "at last this fragrance", is about the concept of "attachment".
wife to Leon. She was so endearing and kind-hearted lady. She was very keen to meet
Leon’s family. It is somewhat discouraging that the rural is different from the city but the
closer they get to the house, Maria still managed to overcome any trials. She admits for
having some fear, but she also shows clearly it did not stop her. I believe that social status is
not a hindrance if you truly love each other.
The first theme of this story is that no matter what it takes to be with the one you love, you will
do anything to be with that person. I know that having a long and strong relationship with the
person you love is seldom nowadays. People tend to love one another at first but eventually
end up being bitter. Well, that kind of relationship is not a true love after all. If I’m going to
apply this significant theme or message to the life of Filipinos then it can be said that as
Filipinos, we are very emotional when we think of true love. We also care about true love.
There are Filipinos who turn to sacrifice and endure things just to be happy. If you are
sacrificing it truly means that you value and you truly love this person (Adofina et al., 2013). In
the story, we can see that Maria will sacrifice anything just to be happy with Leon, her only
love. I can say that this love is true and genuine. This kind of love then is truly authentic.
Another theme that is portrayed in the story is the saying that “Don’t judge the book by its
 patriotism. In short, Rizal, the literary writer, instigated social change and revealedthe writer’s
LIKE THE MOLAVE significant role in informing and enlightening the readers about society—in persuading people to
act and participate in social change. (Riyel, par. 17) Relatively, the speaker in the poem also
The main interpretation of the Filipino poem Like The Molave is one regarding how the people asks the “…souls and spirits of the martyred brave” to “Arise and scour the land! Shed once
of the Philippines must work to make the nation stronger. The poem states that a region of again your willing blood!” and not just Rizal alone. The tone in this line is quite strong,
the Philippines - Rizal - cannot yet rest, as there is still much work to be done to make the imperative and confident knowing that
area successful. 
1st stanza – Not yet, Rizal,/ not yet.//   Sleep not in peace://
At the beginning of the poem, the poet outlines how the Philippines is dependent on other there are a thousand waters to be spanned;//
nations, and must work towards becoming independent in the future in order to support its there are a thousand mountains to be crossed;//
citizens. Like The Molave also highlights the importance of the younger generation, and how there are a thousand crosses to be borne.//
they must fight for their country and improve the Filipino way of living. The poet believes this Our shoulders are not strong;/ our sinews are
will grant the nation freedom. grown flaccid with dependence,/ smug with ease
under another’s wing.//
 Further analysis Rest not in peace;//
Like The Molave also talks about heroes and how they inspire regular Filipinos to be great Meaning: Rizal cannot rest yet because we are still very dependent on others and we need to
themselves and join them on the quest to make the Philippines a more prosperous place. The become independent.
poem states that whilst many Filipinos are achieving great things for their country, there is still 2nd stanza – Not yet Rizal,/ not yet.// The land has need/
much more to be done and more residents must contribute to the efforts. In short, Like The of young blood/ and/ what younger than your own,/
Molave is about inspiring the Filipino nation to improve their country and make it self- Forever spilled in the great name of freedom,//
sufficient. Forever oblate on the altar of the free?//
Meaning: the Philippines needs young people’s blood like Rizal so we can have the courage
to fight for the country and we can have true freedom
 The Philippines
3rd stanza – Not you alone, Rizal.//
The Philippines is a country located in southeast Asia, with a population of around 95 million.
O souls and spirits of the martyred brave,/ arise!//
Over recent decades standards of living have improved greatly in the nation, with many
Arise and scour the land!// Shed once again
political and cultural changes, and the country's economy is strong. It has a
your willing blood!// Infuse the vibrant red
large export market, which consists mainly of electrical products and petroleum fuels.
into our thin anemic veins;/ until
Unemployment currently stands at just over 7%. In most respects the Philippines is now
we pick up your Promethean tools and,/ strong,/
considered a developed nation, with a strong industrial sector.
out of the depthless matrix of your faith
in us,/ and on the silent cliffs of freedom,/
LIKE THE MOLAVE I (1940) In Rafael Zulueta da Costa’s 1940 poem Like the Molave,the
We carve for all time your marmoreal dream!/
speaker entreats our national hero, Jose Rizal to inspire generations with his unwavering
Until our people,/ seeing,/ are become
perseverance for nationalfreedom. Moreover, the poem foresees the future of Filipinos in our
Like the molave,/ firm,/ resilient,/ staunch,/
countrywide failings such as our dependence upon others and upon the government, lack of
Rising on the hillside,/ unafraid,/
self-restraint and loss of social dignity from a mistaken notion of modernity. Furthermore, the
Strong in its own fibre;/ yes,/ like the molave!//
speaker tells the other heroes who bravely died in the process of freeing our country to enthuse
the Filipinos by…show more content…
Meaning: Rizal cannot be alone. Heroes also need to help. They have to cleanse the land of
Through infusing or carrying on the nationalistic spirit to the next generation, history will be
our problems and they are inspiring us to be like them so that we can be like the molave.
made known on how epic were our heroes and thus will touch the hearts of the oblivious
4th stanza – Not yet Rizal,/ not yet.//  The glory hour will come.//
Filipinos who will then preserve our independence knowing we got freedom out of blood, sweat
Out of the silent dreaming,/
and tears. In the same manner, the allusion of Prometheus in Greek mythology as a titan who
from the seven-thousand fold silence,/ we shall emerge,/ saying:/ WE ARE FILIPINOS,/
stole fire from Gods to give it to mankind only asserts the impression that Rizal bravely gave
And no longer be ashamed.//
light to Filipinos during history’s dark ages despite of knowing the consequences. (qtd. in
Meaning: So out of the dream, all of us filipinos will be courageous enough already saying
Victoriano 25) In addition to that, Jose Rizal is considered as the pioneer of the nationalist
that WE ARE FILIPINOS and no longer be worried.
literary tradition in our Philippine Literature because of his two novels that destabilized the
5th stanza  –  Sleep not in peace.//  The dream is not yet fully carved.//
Spanish colonial structure with his anti-colonial visions, awakening the common Filipinos’
Hard the wood,/ but harder the blows.//
Yet the molave will stand.//
Yet the molave monument will rise.//
And gods walk on brown legs.//
Meaning: The dream is not yet finished, we might be like the heroes but there are harder
problems yet we will stand up and change that always and once and for all, we have become
like gods.
Filipinism‘ and Social Consciousness Theme
 An Analysis of ―Like the Molave
 
In Rafael Zulueta da Costa‘s
1940 poem Like the Molave, the speaker entreats our national hero, Jose Rizal to inspire generations with his
unwavering perseverance or national freedom. Moreover, the poem foresees the future of Filipinos in our
country wide failings such as our dependence upon others and upon the government, lack of self-restraint and
loss of social dignity from a mistaken notion of modernity. Furthermore, the speaker tells the other heroes who
bravely died in the process off reeing our country to enthuse the Filipinos by shedding their blood once again
until we realize and develop the patriotic fervor of staying independent, like the Molave, an indigenous hardwood
that can withstand tough storms and thus resilient in nature. Basically, the connection of the country‘s national
heroes to ordinary Filipinos and the Molave unites in the spirit of ‗Filipinism‘
, a contemporized nationalistic act of improving the country by making it self-sufficient through first and foremost,
raising social consciousness. the recognition of Rafael Zulueta da Costa‘s poem Like the Molave in the
Commonwealth Literary Awards (beating Jose Garcia Villa‘s entry
) exhibits the interpretation of the existing scene of a raw semi-autonomous Philippine state in 1940.The
Commonwealth Literary Awards was instituted by the government during those times to initiate national
consciousness of the Filipinos; a trend in literature during the pre-independent Philippines.
In the same way, the state‘s definitive stamp of approval to Zulueta da Costa‘s poem means that the literary
work expressively reveals social and economic problems of the individual and of society. (Syed, 23)
In the poem, the persona asks the national hero to
“…sleep not in peace” or not to cease in causing freedom because the entire country is not yet over with the
struggle for independence as suggested by the lines
“  much freedom means to them and for the future generations‘ independence from the bonds of the colonizers.
...There are a thousand waters to be spanned, mountains to be crossed, and crosses to
borne..
.” 
 Through these figures of vast landscapes and heavy connotation of hardships to endure, it can be inferred that
the speaker discusses the massive subject of the problem
 – s theme was the apparent degeneration of the Filipino national character and modern Filipino youth‘s tendency
 Filipinos all over the archipelago. Subsequently, the following statements reveal what bothers the speaker.
 
Our shoulders are not strong; our sinews are Grown flaccid with dependence, smug with ease
Under another‘s wing. Rest not in peace;
 Not yet, Rizal, not yet. In connection to Rizal‘s dream for the nation,
even during the 1940‘s the Philippines’ pre-independence was hazy because the Filipinos were still limp and
dependent to the colonizers where
“…
sinews are grown flaccid, under another’s wing...” 
 These phrases point out such weaknesses in barely standing up on our own by growing complacent and
conditioned to post-colonial mentality. Even back then, when the scars of wars were still fresh, Filipinos have
always been perplexed about the nation‘s own identity because of consistent foreign influences. The tone of
resistance from the beginning is maintained in the line
“…Not yet, Rizal, not yet.” where the persona in the poem orders Rizal not to rest in persistently haunting
or reminding Filipinos of their ancestors’ long lost aspiration for independence. Significantly, the speaker uses
Rizal as an icon for empowerment because of his well-known belief of youth as hope of the nation. The line
“…The land has need of young blood –and, what younger than your own, forever spilled in
the great name of freedom…” affirms such notion that the persona‘s concern in the poem pertains to the
young generation who should bear on or uphold our country‘s independence and freedom achieved in
bloody wars that took countless of heroic lives.
 
Evidently, the lines
“…Infuse the vibrant red into our thin anemic veins; until we pick up your Promethean tools
and strong, we carve, for all time your marmoreal dream…”  render the idea of the poet;
Rafael Zulueta da Costa‘s social consciousness as the fuel to ignite and drive the patriotic act of ‗Filipinism‘
 among his countrymen. Through infusing or carrying on the nationalistic spirit to the next generation, history will
be made known on how epic were our heroes and thus will touch the hearts of theoblivious Filipinos who will
then preserve our independence knowing we got freedom out of blood, sweat and tears. In the same manner,
the allusion of Prometheus in Greek mythology as a titan who stole fire from Gods to give it to mankind only
asserts the impression that Rizal bravely gave light to Filipinos during history‘s dark ages despite of knowing
the consequences. (qtd. in Victoriano 25)In addition to that, Jose Rizal is considered as the pioneer of the
nationalist literary tradition in our Philippine Literature because of his two novels that destabilized the Spanish
colonial structure with his anti-colonial visions, awakening the common Filipinos‘ patriotism. In short, Rizal,
the literary writer, instigated social change and revealed the writer ‘s significant role in informing and
enlightening the readers about society—in persuading people to act and participate in social change. (Riyel,
par. 17)Relatively, the speaker in the poem also asks the “…souls and spirits of the martyred brave” to
“Arise and scour the land! Shed once again your willing blood ! ” 
 and not just Rizal alone. The tone in this line is quite strong, imperative and confident knowing that these noble
heroes of our ancestry, rest assured that they would be willing to die all over again in hopes that we realize how
Until our people, seeing, are become Like the Molave, firm, resilient, staunch Rising on the hillside, unafraid,
Strong in its own fiber; yes, like the Molave!
 
Finally, the poem ends in connection to one of President Manuel Quezon‘s speech on August 19, 1938 in the
Rizal Memorial Field; two years prior to when this poem was published. The late President‘
toward parasitism, choosing convenience over principles, thinking that lip-service and profession are equivalent
to deep and abiding faith, inconstancy and easily admitting defeat.
 
Unlike our ancestors who were strong-willed, earnest, adventurous, daring and courageous, they became
pioneers like other giants in our history who gave luster to our name but now dead where it seems that their
virtues were buried with them. (Bernad, 3)The verse
“…Until our people, seeing, are become like the Molave, firm, resilient, staunch, unafraid,
strong in its own fiber …” 
reaffirms the poem‘s purpose of raising social awareness through ‗seeing ‘ to make Filipinos act on a decisive
effort in supporting each other for the greater benefit of the nation like how Molave, a tough Philippine tree can
stand on its own. Without a doubt, Rafael Zulueta da Costa‘s poem Like the Molave is a notable poetic
expression of Filipinism. Garnering approbations when it won the Commonwealth Literary Award in 1940,
Carlos Romulo himself, as a critic and chairman of the board of judges exuberantly commended the
work saying that this poem is an eloquent statement of Filipinism which only goes to show that Filipino
poetry in English is starting to become infused with social and cultural significance. (Reyes, 119-211)
 
MAY DAY EVE
Life is always full of regret, for we always realize what we have when it is gone. For Badoy
and Agueda Montiya, they both lived and loved with hate, resentment, regret. As the story
ends, Badoy realized how he wasted his time with Agueda, how he could have loved her, so
much more than he did. He realized that he became the devil in Agueda's life, as she became
the witch in his. In the end, they both blamed the superstition of May Day Eve.
For a moment he had forgotten that she was dead, that she had perished---the poor Agueda;
that they were at peace at last, the two of them, her tired body at rest; her broken body set
free at last from the brutal pranks of the earth---from the trap of a May night; from the snare of
summer; from the terrible silver nets of the moon.
Fate is defined in the dictionary as an inevitable and often adverse outcome, condition, or
end. The story is set under the assumption that Badoy and Agueda both believe in
superstition, as well as fate. They believed that for they saw each other in the mirror that
fated night that they are bound to be with each other.
What they failed to realize is that fate is dictated by the people involved. It is not anything
inevitable, since love cannot be forced, only given or received. Badoy and Agueda fell into the
trap of the May Day Eve, wherein they saw it as fate, only to be duped in the end by
the circumstance of their relationship. However, they failed to see that it was how they saw
their relationship to begin with, that caused them to be the devil/witch in their mirror that night.
Love is a splendid thing: it just happens, as most romantics say. That is how it had happened
for Badoy and Agueda. But as the honeymoon stage ended, they both felt what was missing,
and in turn grew to hate each other. What they never realized is that love is constantly
worked on. Love is earned, and given willingly like it is free to the one we love.
Badoy and Agueda both saw the worst in each other whenever they told their children the
story of that fateful night. They chose to see the worst, but in the end, it can be seen that they
were in love. The worst in each other only came out when they chose to see it that way.
Happiness comes out whenever we choose to be happy.
And remembering how she had sobbed so piteously; remembering how she had bitten his
hand and fled and how he had sung aloud in the dark room and surprised his heart in the
instant of falling in love: such a grief tore up his throat and eyes that he felt ashamed before
the boy; pushed the boy away; stood up and looked out----looked out upon the medieval
shadows of the foul street where a couple of street-lamps flickered and a last carriage was
rattling away upon the cobbles, while the blind black houses muttered hush-hush, their tiled
roofs looming like sinister chessboards against a wild sky murky with clouds, save where an
evil old moon prowled about in a corner or where a murderous wind whirled, whistling and
whining, smelling now of the sea and now of the summer orchards and wafting unbearable
the window; the bowedold man sobbing so bitterly at the window; the tears streaming down
his cheeks and the wind in his hair and one hand pressed to his mouth...
Regret comes to Badoy in the end, when he realized what he had lost. However, in the way
he chose to see Agueda, he loved her in the end. The realization may have come too late. It
is a pity that he had to regret the life he had with Agueda, as she did with him. Yet the May
Day Eve can be seen as a blessing for the both of them. For they both loved each other, even
though they failed to realize it.
Review:
The author chose to disguise the type of married life that the couple had. This can be seen as
a way for readers to understand what was lost, or see the waste in what they had.
THE CHIEFTEST MOURNER
An Analysis of Aida Rivera Ford’s: The Chieftest Mourner
 John Ray Obina  Analysis, Educational, Literature  March 14, 2016 3 Minutes
Using and with the help of the literary criticism presented by Lois Tyson in his book, I am
proudly to present to you our analysis of “The Chieftest Mourner” by Aida Rivera Ford, with
my co-presenter, author and partner Jhamaica Cioco.
So basically, if we look and scrutinize the title itself, the word “Chieftest” is hyperbole because
there is no such word like “Chieftest”. The rootword “Chief”, if we look at the dictionary, it is
the highest; the sovereign or supreme, is an adjective can stand alone; and “-est” is a suffix
and when added to the root word “Chief” becomes “Chieftest” that signifies the superlative
degree of the root word. Hence, “Chieftest” means the supreme among the supreme; the
highest among the highest.
Now, let’s take a look into different literary
theories: Psychoanalytic, Feminism and Culturalism.  These three theories are the most
applicable and useful theories to analyze the short story.
In analyzing this short story, we just wanted to remind you that we focused in one of the
characters which is Esa, the other woman; hence, the Chieftest Mourner.
First theory is psychoanalytic theory; we define it as the psychological background of the
author as well as the characters in the story; the behavior they possessed and the reasons
behind their acts.
It is psychoanalytic theory, the meaning of death in which according to Tyson (2006) is the
crisis brings into the spotlight wounds, fears, guilt and desire or unresolved conflicts that have
failed to deal with that demand action.
In the story, the said to be the crisis that brings wound and scars to the psychological action
of Esa is the death of the poet. Her fear of abandonment, leaves her in agony, sorrow and
pain. She loves the poet so much that’s why the emotions she feels is as deep of her love.
The symbolisms used in the story as well of the character are the “dramatic black outfit with
heavy veil on forehead” means the deepest emotion and sorrow of the widowed Esa; and
“cluster of white flower fashioned in the shape of dove” means the pure love (flower) and
loyalty (dove) of Esa to the Poet.
The psychoanalytic, meaning of death, helps us understand the behavior that brings conflict
to those of the characters.
Second literary theory is the Feminism and we define it as women empowerment and of the
oppression of women in the patriarchal society. However, there were many points of views
raised by the feminist that characterizes each of the oppression.
The French Psychoanalytic Feminism argues that it is focused on individual psyche as well
as woman’s personal psychology that she must learn to liberate herself. This is something to
do with the liberalism whereas she has the freedom to do whatever she wanted to in the
society without having barriers of oppression that can limits her freedom to do such things.
In the story, Esa described as accomplished, liberated and a woman of means. This means
that her character has a power to do things on her own without the bias of the patriarchal
society and because of her liberal attitude, her acquisition of power within the sociopolitical
system would not change the system rather she would become more likely to patriarchal men
because she learns to think like patriarchal men.
Lastly, the Cultural Criticism; based on our analysis, we are unconsciously unaware that
culture changes from a given period of time because; according Tyson (2006), of the
collection of interactive culture that intersects. Culture grows and changes from a period of
time according to Tyson.
Thus, this may result from what we call the cultural production. It is just a manifestation of our
culture that results to a concept.
In the story, Esa is a victim of cultural production and she was labeled as “mistress”. Mistress
is a product of changing culture where she belongs to. She is not aware that she exceeds the
way the culture defines the relationship because culture changes from a given period of time.
And because Esa is psychologically oppressed by the death of the poet, being a “mistress”,
as a cultural production, dominates her as individual and as of her culture. This defines the
“high” and “low” culture.
The theme of the story is the genuine love of the mistress to her man no matter how the
society viewed their relationship. That’s why Esa is the “Chieftest Mourner”.
In the end, who would possibly have the victory, the legal wife or the mistress?
At this age, I don’t really know the meaning of love but this short story gave me an idea. How
far you can go beyond and how many sacrifices will you commit in the name of love? This
story has different characters. Each character showed different presence. The niece of
Sophia, the wife narrates it. The story is merely about the life of a couple who separate due to
uncertain misunderstanding. The poet and Sophia, then separate but still, the feelings are
there.
Since they are not in each other’s arms, it is possible that they both find someone else who
will fill the empty space inside their heart. I can say that fortunately, the poet found one. It is
the woman whom he can share his life with, in sickness and in health. As I read the first part
of the story, I felt the loneliness that the poet felt in living a life without Sophia.
“It was ingeniously fashioned in the shape of a dove and it bore the inscription “From the
Loyal One.” I looked at Aunt Sophia and didn’t see anything dove-like about her. I looked at
the slight woman in black and knew of a sudden that she was the woman.”
The first line, specifically the dove signifies the loyalty of the woman to the poet. Even though
she know that she is not the legal wife, she still care for him. On the other hand, the second
line shows the comparison of Sophia to the mistress, it means that the mistress loves the
poet deeper than Sophia.
The short story is written in simple words with deep meanings. There are symbolisms that the
author used for showing the characters’ grievance and emotions to the readers. At the
funeral, Sophia and the mistress wore different color and style of dress. This does not only
pertain to their fashion sense but to their different extent of emotional suffering due to the
death of the poet. It is stated that Sophia wore a black and white print of dress which shows
her sympathy and love for the poet. On the other hand, the other woman who was dressed in
a dramatic black outfit with a heavy vail coming up to her forehead. This symbolizes her
deepest and unceasing love and sorrow towards the man in casket.
The way visitors and other relatives who went on the funeral behave, Filipino Culture is
observed. In our country, it is so negative that a married couple chose to part ways and live
separately. In a more serious manner, the mistress is being talked about as if he/she is the
most sinful person living. Well, Filipinos used to conclude immediately. That’s our nature of
thinking towards what we call MISTRESS.
But then, the woman in dramatic black showed respect to the friends and relatives of the
poet. She knew she has no right to demand for attention. Then,  a scene happened inside the
chapel and they both said their arguments.
“Let’s see who has the reason. I understand that you want me to leave, isn’t it? Now that he
is dead and cannot speak for me you think I should quietly hide in a corner?” The woman’s
voice was now pitched up for the benefit of the whole chapel. “Let me ask you. During the
war when the poet was hard up do you suppose I deserted him? Whose jewels do you think
we sold when he did not make money… When he was ill, who was it who stayed at his
side… Who took care of him during all those months… and who peddled his books and
poems to the publishers so that he could pay for the hospital and doctor’s bills? Did any of
you come to him then? Let me ask you that! Now that he is dead you want me to leave his
side so that you and that  vieja  can have the honors and have your picture taken with the
president. That’s what you want, isn’t it–to pose with the president….”
I felt the pain and sorrow as I read these lines. I know how hard it is hard to accept that
someone you love left but it is as hard when people judge you without knowing the sufferings
and sacrifices you’ve been through.
In the end, she proved to the people that she’s not into wealth but for her true love. The story
shows how Esa gave her passionate love for the poet. Thus, Esa is the Chieftest Mourner.
 literary analysis of Aida Rivera-Ford’s The Chieftest Mourner
Who would possibly claim the higher sovereignty, is it the legal wife or the mistress? This is
just the question that the author leaves us. The story related on the life of the couple who are
separated because of their misunderstanding. There is a tendency that a husband finds
another woman to marry who is the one who can understand him, be with him in sorrow or
even in happiness and it’s his own choice. Aida Rivera Ford’s piece “The Chieftest Mourner”
shows the loyalty and pure love of mistress to the poet, which makes her …show more
content…
Mistresses are wicked in the eyes of most Filipinos. They ensnared husbands, they are
horrid, they are no good to the society, they ruin families, these is what people used to say
and see when they heard off or even see a mistress. Isn’t unfair for the part of these persons
to be judged and be degraded without even knowing who they really are and what they have
done?
Just like what happened to the poet’s mistress. Basically, the ridiculous funeral set up leads
us to the point of knowing this mistress deeper.
Aida Rivera-Ford used symbolisms for the reason of showing the depths of the wives love for
their husband. “…Aunt Sophia was sitting in one of the front pews at the right section of the
chapel. She had on a black and white print which managed to display its full yardage over the
seat. Across the aisle from her was a very slight woman in her early thirties who was dressed
in a dramatic black outfit with a heavy veil coming up to her forehead…”(Ford 2) The style of
clothing they wore shows their feelings of compassion for their destroyed husband. Aunt
Sophia’s black and white print clothes symbolize her shallow sympathy and love for the poet
while for the mistress’ dramatic black outfit pictures out her deepest love and condolence for
her husband.
The cluster of white flowers that was seen by the poet’s niece near the casket with the note
“From the Loyal One” definitely I
A literary analysis of Aida Rivera-Ford‘s The Chieftest Mourner Who would possibly claim the wife who’s during the burial she returned to visit her husband lying in the coffin with a hidden
higher sovereignty, is it the legal wife or the mistress? This is just the question that the author purpose inside her soul; to get the part of the belongings his husband had left. It just only
leaves us. The story related on the life of the couple who are separated because of their means that the wife went back to claim her inheritance.
misunderstanding. There is a tendency that a husband finds another woman to marry who is The legal wife portrays practicality towards things. I can say that she loves her husband and
the one who can understand him, be with him in sorrow or even in happiness and it’s his own she wanted to get her part to have something which she can use in her living, and that’s what
choice.Aida Rivera Ford’s piece “The Chieftest Mourner” shows the loyalty and pure love of all she wants.I was able to see the mistress’ sufferings, sacrifices and true love in the end of
mistress to the poet, which makes her even more deserving to be the Chieftest Mourner than the story; with her words that I have read; I see that she didn’t deserted the poet when he
the legal wife. “…my uncle had not only deserted poor Aunt Sophia but had also been living was in the midst of darkness, she sold her jewels those times that the poet’s pockets were
with another woman these many years and, most horrible of all, he had probably died in her empty, she lend her time to take care of that man when he was ill, she peddled the books and
embrace! “(Ford 1) these are the words from the poets niece which basically talks about her poems of her husband to raise money for all his hospital and doctor’s bills. The poet spent his
uncle’s love and marriage life. last breath in the embrace of his mistress, because she never leaved him up to the end.If that
He married Sophia, and found out that he had mistaken, that he had made a wrong choice mistress just ensnared the poet and all that she wants was only his money, she would
and decision is his life; they separated for ten years and found another woman who will fulfill definitely desert that man when the time came that he doesn’t have those anymore and let
his dreams. Things were too complicated when he was alive, and became more so when he that man die alone, but she didn’t, because there’s love within her, and that love was for real.
died. Confusions came of who must be the official widow of this man. My sympathy catches We can see the pain of being that mistress, that all of her good works was just a piece of
first for the legal wife. trash, no matter what you do and how hard you try to make your man happy still, in the end
It is true, it is really hurts to be deserted and knew that your husband has another woman. It it’s not you who will receive the honour.
really broke her heart so much being left alone for ten years and still hoping for that man to Based on the law, it was the legal wife who should be honored, but based on love the
come back in her arms.But I realized, the wife had made flaws in their relationship that forced mistress is the one who deserves it more. In the end the mistress let the legal wife to be the
her husband to end up his commitment with her, and find another woman who can give what chiefest mourner and this is what you call real love that the legal wife doesn’t have. But after
had been searching for; the woman whom the society will call “mistress”. We, the Filipinos all is it still reasonable to commit adultery? ; knowing that the church and society is against
are known to be conservatives, we give importance to our dignity and honor. Basically we are this sin. Is it right to be that mistress who blocked the connection of the wife and her
strict when it comes to morality, for we hold on to the virtues of life that we have; the virtues husband? What if the mistress was in the shoes of the wife? ; will that poet will desert her
that our fore-fathers planted within us. Mistresses are wicked in the eyes of most Filipinos. too? The answer hangs on you.
They ensnared husbands, they are horrid, they are no good to the society, they ruin families,
these is what people used to say and see when they heard off or even see a mistress. Isn’t
unfair for the part of these persons to be judged and be degraded without even knowing who
they really are and what they have done? Just like what happened to the poet’s mistress.
Basically, the ridiculous funeral set up leads us to the point of knowing this mistress deeper.
Aida Rivera-Ford used symbolisms for the reason of showing the depths of the wives love for
their husband. …Aunt Sophia was sitting in one of the front pews at the right section of the
chapel.
She had on a black and white print which managed to display its full yardage over the seat.
Across the aisle from her was a very slight woman in her early thirties who was dressed in a
dramatic black outfit with a heavy veil coming up to her forehead…”(Ford 2) The style of
clothing they wore shows their feelings of compassion for their destroyed husband. Aunt
Sophia’s black and white print clothes symbolize her shallow sympathy and love for the poet
while for the mistress’ dramatic black outfit pictures out her deepest love and condolence for
her husband.The cluster of white flowers that was seen by the poet’s niece near the casket
with the note “From the Loyal One” definitely I should say from the mistress, for that
ingeniously fashioned-dove shaped flower defines that features of the mistress. That cluster
of white flowers symbolizes her pure love and loyalty that she had offered to her husband.
Her love for the poet was cannot be measured and priceless. (qtd in Velasques 21) We can
see pain that even the pride of the mistress was swallowed just to be there inside the funeral
to see the man of her life for the last time.She didn’t mind sitting there in the aisle with voices
that whisper through her ears that simply tell her to get lost in the scene. And compare to that