The Strangers by I.V.

Mallari: A Review

The short story is a simple explanation of things and events that man observed in his
environment. It has three essential elements. Plot which discusses what happens, Setting tells
where it happens, Characters reveal, through their actions and words what happened and how.

A short story titled The Strangers was written by L.V. Mallari. He was also a leading art
and literary critic and was knowledgeable about architecture and city planning, though it was not
really very apparent to his casual acquaintances, he had the gift of laughter as shown by most of
his stories in his book.

How the boys consider a new boy in school a friend is an interesting narrative.

The characters are David, a new boy in school, Davids father, mother, brother, sisters. His
father was in charge of repairing the old bridge across the Malabon River. So he was eyed by his
classmates with suspicion. Nobody liked him especially when his classmates found out that he
could answer the questions more readily than he could. Everyone thought he showed off to be
the teachers pet. Not a single student asked to play with him. David just set in a big acacia tree
in the school and watched his classmates play. The playmates shared guavas and other fruits at
recess but no one offered David anything.

One day, David brought a big package in school. Each one was curious to know whats
inside the package. It was puto seco made by his grandmother, the most tempting classmates
had seen in life. He shared it with shining eyes. He became interesting to his classmates.

David suddenly became very interesting to them. He had gone to many places because of
his fathers job; he had lived in Bacolod, Zamboanga, Aparri and many places. He had lots of
toys, pop gun and small bicycle, trucks and toy trains. His mother thanked the boys for being
nice with her sons.

One day while the boy was swimming in the river, a boy took the boat and paddled out to
Dagatdagatan. Pendong had a formal swimming lesson. No wonder, he was a good swimmer.
Pendong swam out far. He was in great danger. But no one to dared to go out for him but David
did. He plunged out into the water. We held our breath as we watched him. His feet churned the
propeller of a steamboat. His strokes were beautiful to see. The four boys shouted with
encouragement to him. He hoped that he would reach Pendong in time. David put his left arm
around Pendongs neck expectedly to prevent Pendongs from holding on to his. The boys
laughed nervously, relieved that pending had been saved. David was the talked of the school the
following Monday. Everybody looked at him now with pride. He was a hero.

In the story, David was considered a friend by his classmates, because of his generosity and
extraordinary deed for saving Pendongs life. The author tells us that winning friends is not
difficult to do. Wearing a sunny smile as you cheerfully greet people each day is one way of
doing this. One must also be willing to reach out and help others sincerely every time you have
the chance to do so. If others hate, show them how to love by forgiving. in return, the friends
you make will fill your world with joy.