Based on the story of “Wedding Dance by Amador Daguio” answer the following questions:

1.What is the main conflict in the story?

 he main conflict in the story "Wedding Dance" by Amador Daguio is the emotional
struggle between the two main characters, Awiyao and Lumnay. Awiyao is torn between
his love for Lumnay and his obligation to marry another woman in order to produce a son
and heir. Lumnay, on the other hand, loves Awiyao deeply and does not want to let him
go. The conflict arises as Awiyao tries to convince Lumnay to accept his decision to
marry another woman, while Lumnay struggles to accept the situation and move on with
her life. The conflict is a result of the cultural and societal expectations placed upon the
characters, and their personal desires and emotions.
2. How does Awiyao feel about his wife Lumnay?
 Awiyao loves Lumnay deeply and cares for her, as evidenced by his actions throughout
the story. He visits her and tries to convince her to come to the wedding dance, showing
that he still wants her in his life. He even joins in the dance with her, showing that he still
has feelings for her despite his impending marriage. However, he also feels a strong sense
of duty to his tribe and his ancestors, which is why he must marry another woman to
produce a son and heir.
3. How does Lumnay feel about Awiyao's decision to leave her?
 Lumnay is devastated by Awiyao's decision to leave her and marry another woman. She
loves him deeply and cannot bear the thought of him being with another woman. She
feels hurt and betrayed by his actions, and struggles to come to terms with the fact that
their relationship is over. However, she also understands the cultural and societal
pressures that have led to his decision, and ultimately chooses to let him go and move on
with her life. She realizes that she cannot force Awiyao to love her and that she must find
happiness in other aspects of her life.
4. How does the author use symbolism in the story?
 The author uses several symbols in the story to convey deeper meanings. The wedding
dance itself is a symbol of the cycle of life, love, and marriage in the culture of the
Philippines. The gongs and music represent the heartbeat of the tribe, and the dance is a
celebration of life and fertility. The red beads that Lumnay wears are a symbol of her
love and passion for Awiyao, while the machete he carries is a symbol of his strength and
masculinity. The mountains, where Lumnay goes to reflect on her situation, represent the
challenges and hardships she must overcome.
5. How does the story reflect the culture of the Philippines?
 The story reflects the culture of the Philippines in several ways. It explores the
importance of marriage, family, and community in the lives of the characters, as well as
the gender roles and expectations placed upon them. The story also touches on the
cultural belief in the importance of producing a son and heir to carry on the family line.
The setting, with its mountains and tribal village, reflects the rural and traditional way of
life in many parts of the Philippines. The use of the Tagalog language throughout the
story adds authenticity to the cultural context. Overall, the story presents a poignant
portrayal of the cultural values and traditions that shape the lives of many Filipinos.
6. What role do gender roles play in the story?
 Gender roles play a significant role in the story. The societal and cultural expectations of
gender roles are depicted in the story, where men are expected to be the providers and
 leaders, while women are expected to take care of the household and bear children.
Awiyao's obligation to marry another woman to produce a son and heir, and Lumnay's
acceptance of this decision, demonstrate the traditional gender roles in the society
depicted in the story.
7. How does the story portray the idea of sacrifice?
 The story portrays the idea of sacrifice in different ways. Awiyao sacrifices his love for
Lumnay in order to fulfill his duty to his tribe and ancestors. Lumnay also sacrifices her
own desires and love for Awiyao, accepting his decision and letting him go. Moreover,
the entire tribe sacrifices their personal interests for the sake of the community and its
traditions, as they all participate in the wedding dance, despite their individual feelings.
8. What is the significance of the story's setting?
 The significance of the story's setting lies in its portrayal of the rural and traditional way
of life in the Philippines. The setting provides a backdrop for the cultural beliefs and
values that shape the lives of the characters. The mountains, where Lumnay goes to
reflect on her situation, are a symbol of the challenges and hardships that she must
overcome. The tribal village represents the close-knit community and traditional way of
life that is central to the story's themes. The use of Tagalog language also adds
authenticity to the cultural context, reinforcing the importance of the setting in conveying
the story's message.
9. How does the author use imagery in the story?
 The author uses vivid imagery to bring the story's setting and characters to life. For
example, the description of the wedding dance and the music creates a sensory
experience for the reader, immersing them in the cultural and emotional context of the
story. The use of color imagery, such as the red beads Lumnay wears to show her love,
and the green tobacco leaves used in the betrothal ceremony, add depth and symbolism to
the story. The description of the mountains, where Lumnay goes to reflect on her
situation, creates a sense of isolation and hardship, emphasizing the emotional struggle
that the characters face.
10. What is the theme of the story?
 The main theme of the story is the conflict between love and duty. The story explores the
tension between personal desires and the obligations and expectations placed upon
individuals by society and culture. Awiyao and Lumnay's love for each other is in
conflict with Awiyao's duty to his tribe to produce a son and heir. The story also touches
on the theme of sacrifice, as the characters must make difficult choices and let go of their
personal desires for the sake of the greater good. The story also portrays the importance
of tradition, community, and cultural values in shaping the lives of the characters.
11. How does the story reflect the role of marriage in Philippine culture?
 The story reflects the important role of marriage in Philippine culture. Marriage is seen as
a sacred institution that is essential for the continuity of the family and the community.
The story shows how the pressure to produce a son and heir influences the decisions of
the characters, highlighting the cultural importance placed on the idea of legacy and
succession. Moreover, the wedding dance itself is a celebration of the cycle of life, love,
and marriage, showcasing the cultural significance of this event in Philippine society.
12. How does Lumnay's character develop throughout the story?
 Lumnay's character undergoes significant development throughout the story. At the
beginning of the story, she is portrayed as a loving and devoted wife who is hopeful that
 she will be able to bear a child for her husband. However, as the story progresses, she
begins to realize that her desires and dreams are not aligned with Awiyao's duty to his
tribe. Despite her pain and heartbreak, Lumnay ultimately accepts her fate and chooses to
sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of the community and its traditions.
13. What is the significance of the title "The Wedding Dance"?
 The title "The Wedding Dance" is significant because it reflects the central event in the
story and the cultural context in which it takes place. The wedding dance is a celebration
of life, love, and marriage, and it represents the cycle of life in the culture of the
Philippines. The title also reflects the conflict between personal desires and societal
expectations, as the wedding dance serves as a reminder of the importance of producing a
son and heir, even if it means sacrificing one's own happiness.
14. How does the story address the issue of masculinity in Philippine culture?
 The story addresses the issue of masculinity in Philippine culture by exploring the
societal pressure placed on men to produce a son and heir to continue the family and
tribe's legacy. This pressure is a cultural expectation placed on men, and it is seen as an
essential part of being a man in the community. The story also portrays the expectation
that men must be strong, resilient, and able to endure hardship and emotional pain
without showing weakness.
15. What is the significance of the story's ending?
 The story's ending is significant because it reflects the emotional journey of the
characters and their growth throughout the story. Awiyao's decision to go back to
Lumnay after seeing her alone on the mountainside shows his recognition of her sacrifice
and his remorse for causing her pain. Lumnay's final act of letting go of her love for
Awiyao and returning to the tribe's women signifies her acceptance of her fate and her
willingness to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of the community's traditions. The
ending is bittersweet and poignant, as it shows the characters' growth and acceptance of
their situations but also highlights the pain and sacrifice involved in upholding cultural
traditions.
16. How does the author use dialogue in the story?
 The author uses dialogue to reveal the characters' thoughts, feelings, and motivations.
The conversations between Awiyao and Lumnay show the tension and conflict between
their desires and the expectations of their community. The dialogue also highlights the
cultural norms and values that underpin their relationship and the broader societal
expectations that shape their lives.
17. How does the story explore the idea of love?
 The story explores the idea of love as a complex and multi-faceted emotion that is
intertwined with duty, sacrifice, and cultural expectations. Lumnay and Awiyao love each
other deeply, but their love is constrained by their duty to their tribe and their roles in
society. The story shows how love can be both a source of joy and pain, and it highlights
the complexities of navigating personal desires and societal expectations.
18. How does the story address the issue of gender inequality in Philippine culture?
 The story addresses the issue of gender inequality in Philippine culture by showing the
limited options and opportunities available to women in the community. Lumnay is
unable to conceive a child, which is seen as her primary duty as a wife, and this puts a
strain on her relationship with Awiyao. Furthermore, Lumnay is expected to accept her
fate and sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of the community's traditions. The story
 highlights the gendered expectations and pressures that shape women's lives in Philippine
culture and the limitations placed on their agency and autonomy.
19. How does the story explore the idea of identity?
 The story explores the idea of identity as something that is shaped by both personal
desires and societal expectations. Awiyao and Lumnay's identities are defined by their
roles in the community and their relationship to each other, but they also have their own
desires and aspirations that conflict with these societal expectations. The story shows
how individuals must negotiate their own identities within the context of cultural norms
and expectations.
20. How does the story address the issue of tradition vs. progress in Philippine culture?
 The story addresses the issue of tradition vs. progress in Philippine culture by
highlighting the tension between preserving cultural traditions and embracing modernity.
The characters' desire to adhere to traditional gender roles and expectations conflicts with
their personal desires and aspirations. The story shows how the pressure to conform to
cultural traditions can limit individual agency and autonomy, but it also highlights the
importance of preserving cultural traditions as a means of maintaining a sense of
community and identity.