Professional Documents
Culture Documents
A Child of Sorrow
A Child of Sorrow
“A Child of Sorrow” is a 1921 novel by the Filipino author, Zoilo Galang. It is considered
as the very first Filipino novel written in English.
SUMMARY:
The story was set one summer when Lucio Soliman decided to accompany his friend
Camilo in the beautiful town of Merry Town, Camilo's hometown. Lucio was a very poetic man
who'd prefer sitting all day just to read. But because his friend was too eager to show his friend
the reality of life, he insisted that Lucio must take a vacation in their town.
There he met a young, innocent, and delicate maiden that made Lucio's heart beat by the
name of Rosa Garcia. He fell in love with her. And as Lucio describe the love he felt towards
this girl, he said it will make Apollo's lyre play. He was madly in love. Rosa felt the same
towards Lucio.
Until the end of summer vacation drew near and they knew they have to be temporarily
apart. Lucio have to pursue his dreams. He became very busy, but still he misses the company of
his dearest loved. He became sorrowful. Not until Rosa wrote a letter to make him. Then he
regained his strength. They have not forgotten the love that empowers both of them. Until a
celebration in Merry Town paved way for the lovers to reunite. Lucio was invited to speak in the
public. But the Governor (Rosa's Father) was not please and he has this ill feeling towards Lucio.
Days, week, and months had passed a lot of people were surprise of the news that Rosa
will get married not to Lucio, but to Oscar (her father’s most trusted man). But because Lucio
was to obedient to his parent, he permitted Rosa to marry Oscar which made both of them
sorrowful. It was hard for him. But he just wanted Rosa to follow her parents. Though Rosa
does not want to marry Oscar, she was forced to because she was raped. For the sake of her "
delicadesa" she was betrothed to Oscar.
Later had passed Lucio's father died, and after several weeks his love, Rosa died. This
made Lucio felt a lot more of sorrow.