Mendoza The Wedding Analysis

Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF TALAVERA
OFF-CAMPUS, TALAVERA, NUEVA ECIJA
Alliah Marie A. Mendoza April 26,2024

BEED 3-A
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Direction: Read the story of the Wedding Dance of Amador Daguio and answer the critical questions
to guide your analysis.
1. Characterization:
How are the characters in "Wedding Dance" developed? What are their motivations, desires, and
conflicts?
How does Daguio use characterization to convey cultural or social themes?
Answer:
Awiyao and Lumnay, the main characters, negotiate the social pressure in their
society to have children. Awiyao wants children so that his family can continue, but Lumnay
finds it difficult to keep her marriage intact since she is unable to conceive. Daguio sheds
light on societal expectations through characterization, demonstrating how they can force
people to act against their own convictions. The story explores the symbolic significance of
children in the tribal culture, where ancestor spirits are linked to lineage continuity, in
addition to the desire for children. Furthermore, Daguio expertly uses character
representation to examine conventional gender roles and the intricate relationship that
exists in Philippine culture between an individual's wishes and society conventions. The
relationships between characters from different backgrounds demonstrate this, bringing to
light themes like the purity of marriage and the pride women feel while having a child.
2. Theme:
What central themes does the story explore? How does the author develop and convey these themes
throughout the narrative?
How does the cultural setting of the story influence its themes?
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Answer:
The tension between tradition and individual preferences is a prominent theme in

Amador Daguio's story, affecting every aspect of the protagonists' lives. This conflict is
expressed in Awiyao's inner struggle between his love for Lumnay and the pressure from
society to marry for the sake of having children. The delicate way in which Awiyao's
predicament is portrayed highlights the conflict between personal fulfillment and social
expectations. Daguio expertly transports the reader to the rural Philippines, giving them a
firsthand look at the traditions and conventions that influence the choices and interactions
of the characters. Daguio highlights the challenges of striking a balance between one's own
desires and cultural conventions in a rural community through Awiyao's moving journey.
3. Symbolism:
What symbolic elements are present in the story, such as the wedding dance itself or the mountain
setting? What do they represent or signify?
How does Daguio use symbolism to deepen the reader's understanding of the characters or themes?
Answer:
The narrative employs a variety of symbols to help readers in comprehending the

themes and characters. The dance first represents marriage and the aspiration for social
continuity. It also conveys Lumnay's dejection at not being able to have children and how
empty she feels without them. Everybody experiences personal problems, which are
symbolized by mountains with rough terrain signifying trials and a summit reflecting
timeless traditions. Awiyao's climb towards Lumnay's house illustrates the difficulties that
people from different cultural backgrounds have. Finally, Lumnay's belt and beads represent
her identity and ties to her history; by presenting them to Awiyao's new bride, she expresses
her acceptance of his choice.Using these symbols, Daguio enable readers to consider the
story's emotional and cultural resonance by delving into the characters' inner conflicts as
well as more general topics like tradition, sacrifice, and relationships.
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4. Conflict and Resolution:
What are the primary conflicts in the story, whether internal or external? How do the characters
navigate these conflicts?
Does the story offer a resolution to these conflicts, or does it leave them unresolved? How does this
impact the overall meaning of the narrative?
Answer:
The primary source of Lumnay's internal conflict is her fear of Awiyao moving on to
another woman and her troubles with infertility. The characters' community's expectations
and cultural pressures are the basis of the external conflict, which she finds difficult to
balance with her desire to maintain her marriage and her feelings of inadequacy as a wife
and her love for Awiyao.
In order to continue his family line, Awiyao must decide between his love for Lumnay
and his obligation to wed a woman who can bear children. In addition, Lumnay faces
pressure from her family and neighbors to accept Awiyao's decision and go on. The plot
revolves with the desires of the individual, the conflict between tradition and individualism,
and societal expectations. The narrative's issues are not satisfactorily addressed; instead,
they are only partially addressed. Not every issue can be easily resolved within the confines
of tradition and social expectations, as seen by Awiyao's decision to marry a different
woman and Lumnay's acceptance of this outcome.
5. Cultural Context:
How does the cultural context of the Philippines influence the events and characters in the story?
In what ways does Daguio explore cultural traditions, beliefs, or customs within the narrative?
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Answer:
Filipino culture has a strong influence on the story. In the Philippines, men are
supposed to carry on the family line, while women typically take care of the house and raise
the children. Lumnay's sadness about not being able to have children illustrates the
significance of having children in Filipino society. As is customary in Filipino tradition,
Awiyao chooses to wed someone else who is capable of bearing children. The narrative
demonstrates the significance of rural areas, families, and neighbors in Filipino culture. The
traditions and values of the community are reflected in the wedding dance. Lumnay and
Awiyao experience pressure to adhere to these customs. The narrative discusses cultural
customs like marriage, fertility rituals, and paying respect to one's ancestors.
6. Narrative Technique:
What narrative techniques does Daguio employ in "Wedding Dance," such as point of view, pacing,
or structure? How do these techniques contribute to the story's impact?
Are there any stylistic choices or literary devices that stand out in the narrative? How do they
enhance the storytelling?
Answer:
Amador uses a variety of storytelling devices to heighten the story's impact and successfully
communicate its messages. Readers are able to understand the feelings and ideas of several
characters, such as Awiyao and Lumnay, within the larger cultural setting because to the third-
person omniscient point of view. With Awiyao and Lumnay's inner issues progressively revealed
between times of communal delight and introspection, the narrative's pacing builds tension and
emotional development, culminating in a moving finale. The story's linear format lets things happen
organically, leading to Awiyao's choice to wed someone else and Lumnay's acceptance of that
decision.Daguio's use of language and accent also helps readers connect more deeply with
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the characters and topics by accurately capturing the cadence of Filipino speech and
immersing them in the cultural context.
7. Reader Response:
How did you personally respond to the story? What emotions did it evoke, and what thoughts did it
provoke?
How might different readers interpret the events and themes of "Wedding Dance" based on their
own backgrounds and experiences?
Answer:
People who read the story may experience a wide range of emotions, including deep
comprehension and thought. It discusses love, sacrificing things for others, and the conflict that
arises when one chooses to follow their heart over obeying social norms. Those who have
experienced comparable hardships may find a lot of resonance in this. Readers may be inspired to
consider the complexity of human nature and the ways in which traditions shape our lives by the
way the novel depicts cultural norms and expectations, as well as the emotions of the characters.
Depending on their background and experiences, different readers may interpret the narrative
differently.
The main characters' struggles to strike a balance between their aspirations and
what society expects of them, for instance, may resonate with certain people, while others
may comprehend the protagonist's emotions of inadequacy or difficulty in the face of
difficult circumstances. Many from diverse backgrounds will interpret the story's touches on
tradition, selflessness, and interpersonal relationships differently. The narrative has
universal themes even though it is set in a particular setting and features particular
individuals. In summary, the novel is profound and intricate, prompting readers to reflect on
their personal experiences and the society they live in.
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8. Gender Dynamics:
How are gender roles portrayed in the story, particularly in the context of marriage and
relationships?
Do any characters challenge or conform to traditional gender norms? How does this influence their
actions and interactions?
Answer:
In the traditional Filipino cultural setting of the story, gender roles are depicted in the
context of relationships and marriage. Men are required to support their families and carry on the
family line, while women are expected to take care of the home and raise children. These traditional
gender roles are seen throughout the story. Guys are expected to marry women who can take care
of their homes and bear children because these are the roles that women are valued for. And so,
despite her incapacity to bear children, Lumnay follows conventional gender roles by fulfilling the
responsibilities of a wife and homemaker. declaring her love for Awiyao, her desire to preserve their
marriage, and her emotions of inadequacy in spite of her disappointment.
Next are the gender norm challenges. While Lumnay initially conforms to traditional
gender norms, her decision to present her beads to Awiyao's new bride, Madulimay, could
be seen as a subtly provocative gesture. Lumnay asserts her freedom and value by
renouncing her symbolic role as Awiyao's wife and demonstrating agency in the face of
social standards. The last point is Awiyao's compliance to gender norms by getting married
to a woman who can bear him children and prioritizing the survival of his family line. He
thinks he must respect traditions and give up things in order to conform to social norms,
even if he loves Lumnay.
9. Foreshadowing and Irony:
Are there instances of foreshadowing or irony in the story? How do these literary devices contribute
to the narrative tension or thematic depth?
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Do any events or revelations take on new significance upon subsequent readings, knowing the story's
outcome?
Answer:
Clever scenes that increase tension and complexity are scattered throughout the story. Such
is when Lumnay makes reference to her desire to have children and the pressure she faces to
conform to gender norms when she declares she wants to be a mother. This indicates the major
argument that will arise when she and Awiyao become irate over her inability to procreate. The odd
decision made by Awiyao to go to Lumnay the evening before his wedding illustrates the conflict
between personal preferences and social norms. This emphasizes the conflict that exists between
individual aspirations and cultural norms as well as the compromises people make in order to
maintain harmony. The characters are more nuanced and the plot is more thrilling thanks to these
literary devices. Suspense is increased by foreshadowing, which raises questions about the
characters' true motivations and the society they live in. Irony, on the other hand, highlights
the discrepancy between appearances and reality. Some actions or discoveries may make
more sense when you read the story again later.
10. Moral or Ethical Considerations:
Are there any moral dilemmas presented in the story? How do the characters grapple with these
dilemmas, and what choices do they ultimately make?
What broader ethical questions or social critiques might "Wedding Dance" raise within its cultural
context?
Answer:
Choosing between love, honesty, and social acceptance is a difficult decision that the story's central
protagonists must make. To start, Awiyao must choose between staying with Lumnay, the lady he
loves, and getting married in order to carry on his family's traditions and start a family of his own.
Finally, in an attempt to reconcile his own sentiments and expectations, he decides on tradition and
gets married to someone else. Subsequently, Lumnay finds it difficult to express her genuine
emotions to Awiyao, despite the fact that he has already made a commitment to another person.
Choosing to be honest or stay out of more problems is difficult for her. Before letting Awiyao depart,
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she ultimately makes the decision to tell him the truth. Lastly, the story analyzes how social norms
and practices impact people's lives and poses the question of whether cultural traditions should take
precedence over individual freedom. By demonstrating how Lumnay experiences social pressure due
to her inability to conceive, it also casts doubt on the notion that a woman's worth is only
determined by her capacity to procreate.
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Republic of the Philippines

NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Alliah Marie A. Mendoza April 26,2024

How does Daguio use characterization to convey cultural or social themes?

The tension between tradition and individual preferences is a prominent theme in

The narrative employs a variety of symbols to help readers in comprehending the

4. Conflict and Resolution:

9. Foreshadowing and Irony:

10. Moral or Ethical Considerations:

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