In the story "Summer Solstice" by Nick Joaquin, it talks about how people in the past thought about men

and women. The characters at first follow the usual rules everyone expects, but later, they change a lot.
Doña Lupeng, who was seen as a good wife and mom, stops following the old rules during the Tadtarin
celebration and starts doing things her own way. At the same time, Don Paeng, who is like the boss in the
story, struggles with feeling torn between what society wants and his true feelings for Doña Lupeng. The
Tadtarin party and St. John's Day events make the characters deal with the idea about how men and
women are supposed to behave, creating lots of emotions and surprises.
The central conflict in the narrative stems from the tension between societal expectations and the
individual desires of the characters. This challenge is prominently illustrated in scenes where Doña
Lupeng confronts the enigmatic Tadtarin ritual and boldly challenges established societal norms during
St. John's Day, injecting a sense of tension and unpredictability into the narrative. These unforeseen
events, coupled with Don Paeng's altercation with the procession crowd, enhance the story's complexity.
The Tadtarin celebration and St. John's Day act as pivotal moments, disrupting the characters' lives and
compelling them to grapple with conflicts arising from societal expectations. Amada's mysterious
transformation during Tadtarin and the exuberance of St. John's Day evoke intense emotions, deviating
from the customary order of events. The narrative unfolds akin to a compelling puzzle, exploring the
intricate interplay between societal regulations and personal aspirations, leaving readers in suspense
regarding the unfolding developments in this insightful examination of gender roles.out what will happen
next. The story teaches us to question traditional gender norms and work towards a more balanced and
inclusive society. Embracing diversity, respecting individual choices, and challenging stereotypes are
crucial for achieving harmony in gender relations.
The story is narrated from a third-person perspective, providing insights into the thoughts and feelings of
multiple characters. The narrator seems to have an omniscient viewpoint, as it delves into the inner
thoughts and emotions of various characters, offering a comprehensive understanding of their
perspectives and motivations. This omniscient narration allows readers to gain insights into the complex
web of relationships and societal expectations that shape the characters' actions and decisions.