21stLiterature

Title: Dead Stars  Author: Paz Marques Benitez Author's Background: Paz Marquez Benitez (1894-1983) only had one more published short story after “Dead Stars.” Nevertheless, she made her mark in Philippine literature because her work is considered the first modern Philippine short story. Vocabulary: concreteness -  is an aspect of communication that means being specific, definite, and vivid rather than vague and general. tranquil - free from disturbance; calm. azotea - a flat roof or platform on the top of a house or other building. puttering - occupy oneself in a desultory but pleasant way. nasally - by inhaling through the nose contempt - the feeling that a person or a thing is worthless or beneath consideration.  perfervid - intense and impassioned. glorification - the action of describing or representing something as admirable, especially unjustifiably.  monotonies - lack of variety and interest; tedious repetition and routine. wistf...

Title: How My Brother Leon Brought home a Wife Author: Manuel Arguilla Author's Background: Ilocano writer in English. Born in Barrio Nagrebcam in Bauang,La Union on June 17, 1911. Known for his widely Anthologized short story "How my Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife," which won first prize in the Commonwealth Literary Contest in 1940. Vocabulary: daintily - in an attractive, careful way, especially used about something small or having small movements. cud - partly digested food returned from the first stomach of ruminants to the mouth for further chewing. forelock - a lock of hair growing just above the forehead. fare - the money paid for a journey on public transport. rattling - making a series of knocking sounds. dike - is a sheet of rock that is formed in a fracture in a pre-existing rock body. hitched - move (something) into a different position with a jerk. Characters: Noel/Leon - Older brother of Baldo, Maria's Husband. Baldo - Noel/Leon...

Title: Visitation Of The Gods Author: Gilda Cordero Fernando Author's Background: A writer and publisher from the Philippines. She was born in Manila, has a B.A. from St. Theresa's College-Manila, and an M.A. from the Ateneo de Manila University. Vocabulary: Transom - the flat surface forming the stern of a boat. assiduous - showing great care and perseverance. tangible - perceptible by touch. bureaucratic - relating to a system of government in which most of the important decisions are taken by state officials rather than by elected representatives. denuded - strip (something) of its covering, possessions, or assets. imperturbable - unable to be upset or excited; calm. shawl - a piece of fabric worn by women over the shoulders or head or wrapped round a baby. jowls - the lower part of a person's or animal's cheek, especially when it is fleshy or drooping. gallantly - in a brave or heroic manner. rigmarole - a lengthy and complicated procedure. aplomb - ...

Title: Footnote To Youth Author: Jose Garcia Villa Author Background: Jose Garcia Villa was a Filipino poet, literary critic, short story writer, and painter. He was awarded the National Artist of the Philippines title for literature in 1973, as well as the Guggenheim Fellowship in creative writing by Conrad Aiken. Vocabulary: hazy - covered by a haze. climacteric - a critical period or event. burrow - a hole or tunnel dug by a small animal, especially a rabbit, as a dwelling. insolent - showing a rude and arrogant, lack of respect. virility - The quality of having strength , energy, and a strong sex drive; manliness. cursorily - to be hasty, quick to go over something. invigorating -  Making one feel so strong. begrimed - blacken with ingrained dirt. healthy, and full of energy. obliquely - not in a direct way; indirectly. beckon - make a gesture with the hand, arm, or head to encourage or instruct someone to approach or follow. Characters: Dodong - T...

Title: My Father Goes To Court Author: Carlos Sampayan Bulosan Author's Background: An English-language Filipino novelist and poet who spent most of his life in the United States. Vocabulary:  wafted - pass or cause to pass gently through the air. glowered - to have an enraged or sullen look. condemn - expression of complete disapproval. rosy - coloured like a pink or red rose, typically as an indication of health, youth, or embarrassment. anaemic - to be found lacking in colour, spirit, or vitality. nourishment - the food necessary for growth, health, and good condition. feeble - lacking physical strength, especially as a result of age or illness. Characters: Father - The Poor Father. Father's Children - The children of the poor father. Rich Man - The one who  charge against the Father's family for stealing the spirit of his family's food Rich Man's Children - The Rich Man's unhealthy Children. Setting: A small town on...