The Mats by Francisco Arcellana PDF

FRANCISCO ARCELLANA a prominent writer and literary figure a pioneer of the modern short story in English in Philippine literature National Artist for Literature in 1990 FRANSISCO ARCELLANA’S NOTABLE WORKS "The Flowers of May" - A short story that captures the essence of Filipino life and t...

FRANCISCO ARCELLANA a prominent writer and literary figure a pioneer of the modern short story in English in Philippine literature National Artist for Literature in 1990 FRANSISCO ARCELLANA’S NOTABLE WORKS "The Flowers of May" - A short story that captures the essence of Filipino life and traditions. "The Man Who Would Be Poet" - A poignant exploration of the struggles and aspirations of a poet. "The Evening News" - A short story that delves into themes of modernity and its impact on society. "A Novel of Justice" - This work examines the complexities of justice in the context of Philippine society. "The Return" - A narrative that reflects on themes of homecoming and identity. FRANCISCO ARCELLANA’S CONTRIBUTIONS an important progenitor of the modern Filipino short story in English. contributed significantly to literary criticism His works are included in tertiary-level syllabi many of his works have been translated into different languages worked with various publications, promoting literature and providing a platform for new writers FRANCISCO ARCELLANA WAS NAMED A NATIONAL ARTIST OF LITERATURE IN THE PHILIPPINES BECAUSE PIONEERED THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SHORT STORY AS A LYRICAL PROSE-POETIC FORM WITHIN FILIPINO LITERATURE.  THE MATS BY: FRANCISCO ARCELLANA SUMMARY: "The Mats" is one of Francisco Arcellana’s major works, it tells the story of a father who wishes to have traditional mats woven for each of his family members. As he shares his desire, the narrative unfolds to reveal the emotional weight behind the mats, symbolizing family connections and memories. The father reflects on the significance of the mats in preserving the presence of his deceased children, highlighting themes of love, loss, and the importance of family traditions. Ultimately, the story captures the poignant interplay between memory and cultural heritage, emphasizing how tangible objects can evoke deep emotional ties. THE ELEMENTS OF FICTION Characters: the father (Mr. Angeles) the mother (Mrs. Angeles and their children Protagonist & Antagonist: Mr. Jaime is the protagonist and there is no traditional antagonist in the story. Round and Flat: Mr. Jaime Angeles is a round character, showing depth as both a loving father and a grieving parent, while Mrs. Angeles is a flat character, serving a supportive role with less emotional complexity.  THE ELEMENTS OF FICTION Setting: The story is set in a Filipino household, with a focus on the mats that hold personal and cultural significance. The setting enhances the emotional weight of the narrative. Time and Place: The story is set in mid-20th century Philippines, primarily in the Angeles family home. Sociological, Cultural, Political, and Religious Milieu: Emphasizes Filipino family values and Catholic traditions of honoring the deceased. Sensibilities Leading to Specific Modes: Highlights strong familial ties and memory, with mats symbolizing connections and mourning THE ELEMENTS OF FICTION Plot: revolves around the father's desire to have mats woven for each family member Exposition: the father shares his wish to have traditional mats woven for each of his children Rising Action: As the father talks about the mats, memories of his deceased children emerge  THE ELEMENTS OF FICTION Climax: the father explicitly states that the mats are intended to honor his deceased children Falling Action: the family members begin to reflect on their shared experiences of loss Resolution: The story concludes with a reminder of the enduring bonds of family THE ELEMENTS OF FICTION Conflict (Person vs Themself): The main conflict in "The Mats" is the father's internal struggle with grief as he tries to honor his deceased children. He longs to preserve their memories through the mats, highlighting his emotional pain and desire for connection with his lost loved ones. THE ELEMENTS OF FICTION POV: The story uses a third-person limited point of view Theme: It focuses on memory, grief, family bonds, and cultural heritage. In conclusion, "The Mats" by Francisco Arcellana explores themes of memory, grief, and the enduring bonds of family. The mats serve as powerful symbols of cultural traditions and the significance of lost loved ones, reminding the family of their shared history. Through the father's journey of remembrance and the family's collective experiences, the story emphasizes the importance of connection and honoring those who have passed. Overall, the narrative invites readers to reflect on the complexities of love and loss while recognizing the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.