Estoconing, Keannu A.

ENG 109

Elements of Fiction

The Mats

By Francisco Arcellana

Setting

 In the home of the Angeles Family

Characters

 Mr. Jaime Angeles (The patriarch who brought home the mats from his travel for
his wife and children)
 Nana Emilia (The matriarch of the family)
 Marcelina (the oldest child of the Angeles family)
 José (the second child of the Angeles family)
 Antonio, Juan, Jesus (The rest of the children of the Angeles Family)
 Josefina, Victoria, Concepcion (The deceased children of the Angeles Family)

Plot

 Exposition: In the letter, Mr. Angeles, the head of the family, tells his wife Nana
Emilia about his trip to the south and his intention to bring home a surprise:
sleeping mats made by an artist from Mariveles. Each mat is designed with the
primary color of the birthstone of the respective family member.
 Rising Action: Nana Emilia and the children are looking forward to the mats as
mentioned in the letter from Mr. Angeles. The children talk about the mats with
much enthusiasm and their excitement increases as they wait for Mr. Angeles to
come back. He brings home fruits and preserved sweets as usual. Later in the
evening, he takes out the bundle of mats and starts to hand them out to each
member of the family. Every mat is unique and unique and the children and Nana
Emilia are happy when they get their respective mats. Mr. Angeles is very
particular in displaying each mat and the children are happy to see their names
and corresponding symbols sewn on the mats.
 Climax: Nana Emilia realizes that there are still mats remaining and expresses
her surprise and worry. Mr. Angeles quietly and passionately reveals that the
remaining mats are for their dead children. He opens each mat carefully to see
the names of Josefina, Victoria and Concepcion inscribed on them.
  Nana Emilia is frowning and looks quite emotional. She complains to Jaime
saying, “You know, Jaime, you didn’t have to,” showing her pain and grief over
the loss of their children.
 Falling Action: Mr. Angeles goes on to gradually unroll the mats for Josefina,
Victoria and Concepcion. The children’s joy disappears and they become serious
and pensive. Nana Emilia is touched, and the pain and sadness in her are
replaced by a deep quietness. She lowers her head, shakes and folds her hands,
which depicts her suffering and acceptance of the situation. The children, who
were happy and eager before, stand motionless, contemplating the meaning of
the mats for their lost siblings. They are strongly impacted by their father’s
resolve to ensure that the memories of the deceased are not forgotten.
 Resolution: The family collectively realizes the emotional burden of the mats.
They simply recognize the existence of their lost ones, and embrace the pain and
the memories that are associated with it.

Conflict

 The primary conflict in "The Mats" can be characterized as "man vs. man" since
Mr. Angeles opened an unresolved wound, leading to an emotional scene with
Nana Emilia. This is the most vital part of the entire story, shifting its trajectory
from happiness to sadness. Because of this conflict, painful memories are
reminisced, and the children in the house are also enveloped by the sadness
floating in the atmosphere.

Theme

 The theme of the story is about remembrance and family. It explores the
importance of remembering and honoring loved ones who have passed away.
The mats symbolize the enduring presence of the deceased children in the
family's life, emphasizing the need to keep their memories alive. At the same
time, the value of family is very strong. Love and unity are evident in how they
interact with each other, how they understand one another, and even in the way
the mats are personalized for each family member. These acts show the deep
connections and care that bind the family together, celebrating each individual's
unique place within the familial bond.

Moral

 The moral of "The Mats" can be seen as a reflection on the enduring nature of
family ties, the value of tradition, and the bittersweet realization that time
inevitably brings change.
Point of View

 Third Person Point of View

Mood

 The tone of “The Mats” changes from positive at the beginning of the story, when
the family is waiting for Mr. Angeles and the mats with names, which symbolize
togetherness and love. But it changes significantly when mats for the deceased
children are shown, which brings a somber mood of regret and reflection.

Tone

 The mood of “The Mats” is sentimental, nostalgic and contemplative, with a

sense of reverence for family customs and a reverence for the past. At first
friendly and loving, it shows the family’s affection and togetherness especially
with the excitement of Mr. Angeles and the children. However, when the mats for
the deceased children are revealed, the mood becomes sad and reflective.

Style

 In “The Mats,” Francisco Arcellana’s writing style is poetic and descriptive, which
helps to convey the mood of the story and describe the environment. His use of
adjectives and other descriptive words provide vivid imagery of Filipino culture
and the daily life of a Filipino family. The symbolism employed in the story,
particularly the personalized mats, enhances the themes and emotions of the
story.