An Analysis of the Classic, Summer Solstice Essay Example

her feet. This prompts Lupeng to depart hastily and leads to a conversation with her spouse later that night.

In a clandestine manner, Lupeng is captivated by Guido's advances and concurs with his ideology that men ought to venerate women, and women should be intensely desired. This conviction propels her to participate in the final night of the festival, referred to as the Tatarin ritual. Paeng is present with her, attempting to restrain her when the dance commences but she rushes towards other women. Despite his efforts to bring her back, he is repelled by other women in the crowd leaving him helpless. On their way home, Paeng expresses his need to discipline his wife by whipping because of his love for her. However, she retorts vociferously that she desires admiration rather than mere respect, and commands him to kiss her feet. This encapsulates an overview of conflicts and settings within this story.

The narrative unfolds in the 1850s, an era marked by the oppression and confinement of women to their societal roles. Lupeng appears satisfied with her mundane existence, but beneath this facade, a secret dissatisfaction simmers. This resentment comes to light during a conversation with her kids when she implores them, "Hush now! Your father and I are both suffering from headaches. Be quiet or we won't go see your Grandfather." It becomes clear that she views her duties as taxing and feels inundated by her family due to gender-based restrictions imposed on her. At first glance, she seems to reject Guido's suggestion that wives should be revered rather than controlled by their husbands; yet upon reflection, she realizes that

what she truly desires is autonomy.

The narrative is saturated with traditional gender stereotypes, portraying women as the primary caregivers for their partners and children, while men are depicted as laborers who anticipate home-prepared meals. This reflects ordinary daily activities but shocks readers because the main emphasis of the story revolves around women seeking emancipation. The protagonist Lupeng successfully escapes from her oppressed female position by establishing control over her spouse, culminating in his act of submission - he bends to kiss her feet. This emphasizes an internal conflict symbolizing women's longing for empowerment, as shown in the depiction of the Tatarin festival.

Central Focus: The Observance of St. John’s and Tatarin Festivals - The celebration of St. John's emphasizes masculinity and its connotations with fertility, a theme that disturbs Lupeng and prompts her to think about the idea of women being regarded similarly. Conversely, the Tatarin festival celebrates female fertility, highlighting their role in childbirth. This celebration serves as the final catalyst, prompting Lupeng to believe she possesses strength superior to that of a man and deserves admiration.

Amada– In a situation when Lupeng frantically seeks to find her cook named Amada, she catches her in an awkward situation on the bed that forces Lupeng to experience embarrassment and inhibition about her sexual nature. This incident serves as the initial catalyst for Lupeng just before she decides to seek admiration. Guido's Discourse – When Paeng's cousin Guido returns from abroad, specifically Europe, he shares with Lupeng the stories of his adventures. He makes a comment, “I recall that you are a woman, indeed. A beautiful woman. And why not? Upon marrying,

did you transform into an atrocious beast? Did you no longer remain a woman? Did you no longer stay as beautiful? So, why shouldn't I acknowledge what you are – simply because you are married?” Lupeng reacts to this by shrugging it off as humor but it serves as the second trigger just before she starts feeling empowered. His words deeply affect her also when he submits himself to kiss her feet in gratitude. After going through this analysis of "Summer Solstice" by Nick Joaquin, your understanding of the controversy should be clearer now along with the themes and the symbols prevalent in the narrative. What's your opinion about it?