John Carlo Magdadaro BEED 3 PLAY

“Patay na Tuod si Maria Clara”

(Reflection Paper)

Reading "Patay na Toud si Maria Clara" stirred up a mix of emotions in me. The
story made me ponder life, death, and societal expectations. It led me to reflect on my
own life and the world around me. The title served as a reminder of life's fragility,
prompting me to cherish the time spent with my family and friends.
Maria Clara's journey in the story became a symbol of the challenges we all
encounter due to societal expectations. As a young boy grappling with school,
friendships, and family pressures, I found myself questioning the societal rules imposed
on me. The notion that Maria Clara's death could represent breaking free from these
expectations inspired me to stay true to myself and not simply be influence to what
others think is right. The story made me understand that it's okay to feel different
emotions, from sadness to deep thinking. It showed me that my feelings are important.
This realization fueled my desire to understand myself better. In real life, this narrative
connects with moments when I've questioned societal expectations. For example, I
remember a time when I felt pressured to follow a certain career path which is doctor
because it was deemed prestigious, even though it didn't align with my true interests
and passion. The story reminded me of the importance of staying authentic and true to
my passions.
In a nutshell, the literary piece is more than just a sad ending for me. It is a
reflection on life, a challenge to societal norms, and an exploration of personal feelings.
As a person, it acts as a guiding force, helping me look or find what truly matters and
shaping how I want to live my life, drawing parallels to real-life situations where
authenticity triumphs over societal expectations.
John Carlo Magdadaro BEED 3 PLAY
“The Lottery”
(Analysis Paper)

In the story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, it started in a small town that has a yearly
tradition that turns out to be quite surprising. Through simple words, special expressions, and a
story setup that keeps you interested, the story makes us think about why we follow traditions
without really questioning them.

The lottery once again is like a big symbol, making us think about why we just follow
traditions without asking why. Shirley Jackson wants us to wonder about these routines in
society and what kind of problems they might hide. The words she uses, especially when she
calls the black box "shabby," mean more than just how it looks. It's like a secret way of saying
the tradition is getting old and maybe it isn't a good idea anymore. This special way of talking
makes us wonder about why we just do things without thinking if they still make sense or if they
are good or bad.

The story is told from far away, like someone watching from the outside. At first, the
story feels normal, but then it starts to feel a bit scary. The way the story is told makes it more
surprising because important information is kept secret until the end. This makes the story more
exciting and makes us think about what's going on. It goes from the beginning to the end in
order, but some details are kept secret to make it more interesting. The story starts in the middle
of the lottery, making it more mysterious. The way the story is set up makes us feel like
something is going to happen, and when it does, it's really surprising. The author carefully plans
the most important part to make us question what we thought we knew about the lottery.

To summarize it all, my analysis of “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson is that she uses
special words, how she tells the story, and the way the story is put together to make us think
about traditions. The story is like a big message about why we should wonder if old traditions are
still a good idea. It makes us think about what might happen if we don't question the things we
always do. The story leaves us with a lot to think about and reminds us that even in everyday
things, there might be hidden meanings, so think rationally.