The Hidden Meaning and Symbolism of Magnificence by Estrella Alfon PDF
Magnificence by Estrella Alfon PDF: A Review of the Classic Filipino Short Story
If you are looking for a short story that will challenge your views on morality, culture, and gender, you might want to read Magnificence by Estrella Alfon PDF. This story, written by one of the most prominent Filipino writers of the 20th century, explores the themes of child abuse, parental protection, and predatory behavior in a realistic and compelling way.
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What is Magnificence by Estrella Alfon PDF about?
Magnificence by Estrella Alfon PDF is a short story that tells the story of a young girl and her brother who are tutored by a bus conductor named Vicente. Vicente seems to be a kind and generous man who helps the children with their math and English assignments and gives them pencils as gifts. However, his true intentions are revealed when he tries to molest the girl one night while her brother is out of the room. The mother arrives in time to stop him and drives him out of the house with slaps and curses. The story ends with the mother comforting her daughter and throwing away the pencils that Vicente gave them.
What are the main themes of Magnificence by Estrella Alfon PDF?
Magnificence by Estrella Alfon PDF touches on several themes that are relevant to Filipino society and culture. Some of these themes are:
Child abuse: The story exposes the reality of child abuse and how it can happen even in seemingly innocent situations. Vicente uses his position of authority and trust to manipulate and harm the girl. He also exploits the children's innocence and curiosity by giving them pencils that they desire.
Parental protection: The story also shows the importance of parental protection and intervention in cases of child abuse. The mother is the hero of the story who saves her daughter from Vicente's clutches. She is alert, courageous, and decisive in confronting and punishing Vicente. She also shows compassion and care for her daughter by bathing her, tucking her in bed, and throwing away the tainted pencils.
Predatory behavior: The story also illustrates how predators can disguise themselves as benevolent and friendly people who offer help and gifts. Vicente is a master of deception who pretends to be a good tutor and a generous friend to the children. He uses his charm and kindness to gain their trust and affection. He also uses his physical strength and size to overpower and intimidate the girl.
Gender roles: The story also reflects the traditional gender roles in Filipino families where the mother is often the one who takes care of the children while the father is busy working or reading. The mother is more involved and attentive to the children's needs and activities while the father is more distant and detached. The mother is also more assertive and vocal while the father is more passive and silent.
Why should you read Magnificence by Estrella Alfon PDF?
Magnificence by Estrella Alfon PDF is a short story that will make you think and feel deeply about the issues of child abuse, parental protection, predatory behavior, and gender roles. It will also introduce you to the rich and diverse Filipino literature that showcases the talent and creativity of Filipino writers. It will also give you a glimpse of the Filipino culture and society that is shaped by history, geography, religion, and politics.
If you want to read Magnificence by Estrella Alfon PDF, you can download it for free from this link: https://www.scribd.com/doc/34486874/Magnificence-Estrella-Alfon
Conclusion
Magnificence by Estrella Alfon PDF is a short story that will leave a lasting impression on you. It is a story that tackles the serious and sensitive topics of child abuse, parental protection, predatory behavior, and gender roles in a realistic and captivating way. It is also a story that celebrates the magnificence of the mother who bravely and lovingly defends her daughter from the evil of Vicente. It is a story that you should not miss reading.
What are the literary devices used in Magnificence by Estrella Alfon PDF?
Magnificence by Estrella Alfon PDF is a short story that uses various literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. Some of these literary devices are:
Symbolism: The story uses symbols to represent abstract ideas or concepts. For example, the pencils that Vicente gives to the children symbolize his manipulation and corruption of their innocence. The mother's slaps and curses symbolize her anger and justice. The fire that the mother tells the girl to throw the pencils into symbolizes the purification and cleansing of the girl's trauma.
Irony: The story uses irony to create contrast or contradiction between what is expected and what actually happens. For example, the title of the story is ironic because it suggests something positive and glorious, but the story itself is dark and tragic. Another example is when Vicente tells the boy that boys don't kiss boys, but he himself tries to kiss the girl who is much younger than him.