A CHILD OF SORROW
By: Zoilo Galang
BIOGRAPHY
Zoilo Galang was born on June 27 1895 in Bacolor, Pampanga. An encyclopedist, and the very first English-language Filipino novelist.He spent his early life in a Bucolic town famed for its writers and artist. He lived with influenced of Spanish culture but was raised and gained consciousness under American culture. He went to school at the Bacolor Elementary School and then went to Manila to study at the Escuela de Derecho,
the country’s eminent law school where he graduated in 1919. A
self-starter, he learned typing and stenography in English and Spanish
all by himself. Attracted to the English language, he took special
courses at the University of the Philippines in 1925, then went to
Columbia University for further studies in Literature.
After which, he began to write books of fiction, biography, and philosophy.His early poems saw print of the Kapampangan paper, “E Mngabiran”. He authored “ A Child of Sorrow”, the first English novel written by Filipino. This was later made into a movie in 1930. Other notable works include “ Nadia”, “ For Dreams Must Die”, “Springtime”, “ Leaders of the Philippines”, “Glimpse of the worlds”, “ Life and Success”, Master of Destiny”, “Unisophy”, and “Barrio Life”
After which, he began to write books of fiction, biography, and philosophy.His early poems saw print of the Kapampangan paper, “E Mngabiran”. He authored “ A Child of Sorrow”, the first English novel written by Filipino. This was later made into a movie in 1930. Other notable works include “ Nadia”, “ For Dreams Must Die”, “Springtime”, “ Leaders of the Philippines”, “Glimpse of the worlds”, “ Life and Success”, Master of Destiny”, “Unisophy”, and “Barrio Life”
But his greatest opus undoubtedly is the Encyclopedia of the
Philippines, which began as a 10 volume set when first printed. Galang himself, edited and wrote entries for the book
set which covered Philippine literature, biography, commerce and industry, art,
education, religion, government, science, history and builders of the new
Philippines. The Encyclopedia of the Philippines came with a general
information and index.
SUMMARY
"A Child's Sorrow" is the very first Filipino novel written in English. It was published in 1921 by Zoilo Galang, a Filipino Novelist.
The story was set one summer when Lucio Soliman decided to accompany his friend Camillo in the beautiful town of Merry Town, Camillo's hometown. Lucio was a very poetic man who'd prefer sitting all day just to read. But because his friend was to eager to show his friend reality, he insisted that Lucio must take a vacation in their town.
Their she met a young, innocent, and delicate maiden that made Lucio's heart beat by the name of Rosa Garcia. He felt in love with her. And as Lucio describe the love he felt towards this girl, he said it will make Apollo's lyre play. He was madly in love. Rosa felt the same towards Lucio.
Until the end of summer vacation drew near and they knew they have to be temporarily apart. Lucio has to pursue his dreams, he studied. Known for his intelligence, he became a popular person. He became very busy, but still he misses the company of his dearest loved. He became sorrowful. Not until Rosa wrote a letter to make him bliss. Then he regained his strength. They have not forgotten the love that empowers both of them. Until a celebration in merry Town paved way for the lovers to reunite. Lucio was invited to speak in the public. But the Governor ( Rosa's Father) was not please and her has this ill feeling towards Lucio. He instantly asked Oscar ( His most trusted man and Rosa's persistent suitor) who is the man speaking. When he found out that it was her child's fiancee, he was not happy.
Days, week, and months had passed they were surprise of the news that Rosa will be married not to his fiancee, but to Oscar. But because Lucio was to obedient to his parent, he permitted Rosa to marry Oscar which made both of them sorrowful .It was hard for him though. But he just wanted Rosa to follow her mother. Though Rosa does not want to marry Oscar, she was forced to because he was raped. For the sake of her " delicadesa" she was betrothed to Oscar.
Later had passed Lucio's father died, and after several weeks his love, Rosa died. This made Lucio felt a lot more of sorrow.
The setting, the scenarios, and the traditions in the novel were much alike in the early 1920's. Back then, the way how people live is being conveyed through the portrayal of the traits of people. Like for example before, there is a long process of courting, they don't just easily give there answer. They tests their suitors if they are really serious about them.
It can also be seen in the stories that politicians, especially rich people use their prowess in order to gain whatever they wanted. They will do whatever it takes just to acquire what they needed , even though acquiring it through the means of force and harassment. Manipulating people through their power is showed in the novel. Which is very evident until now.
Touch of Spanish culture is also shown in the novel. Wherein their traits, even the way they dress is being employed. Allusion even are present in the story.
The story tells us about the feeling of being in love. In loving a person, you must be prepared to face the ups and downs, and the twist and turns of life. Couple with the feeling of love and happiness, there is always sorrow. You must learn to sacrifice and be hurt in the thing called LOVE.
It also tells us the fact that in the world of politics, politician use there powers in order to conceive what they wanted whatever it takes. Which Don Ismael represents.
Another representation are of Rosa and Lucio. Rosa represents the true nature of a Filipina. A demure, moral and beautiful inside and out. Lucio represents the author, who addicted to books. This made him experience life in a second hand way.
In totality, the story conveys the reality that life is a series of challenges. Life is not all about being happy. In order to truly experience life, you must bravely encounter both the happiness and sorrows. This serves as an inspiration to all.
Source: http://viewsfromthepampang.blogspot.com/2009/08/155-zoilo-galang-kapampangan.html
SUMMARY
"A Child's Sorrow" is the very first Filipino novel written in English. It was published in 1921 by Zoilo Galang, a Filipino Novelist.
The story was set one summer when Lucio Soliman decided to accompany his friend Camillo in the beautiful town of Merry Town, Camillo's hometown. Lucio was a very poetic man who'd prefer sitting all day just to read. But because his friend was to eager to show his friend reality, he insisted that Lucio must take a vacation in their town.
Their she met a young, innocent, and delicate maiden that made Lucio's heart beat by the name of Rosa Garcia. He felt in love with her. And as Lucio describe the love he felt towards this girl, he said it will make Apollo's lyre play. He was madly in love. Rosa felt the same towards Lucio.
Until the end of summer vacation drew near and they knew they have to be temporarily apart. Lucio has to pursue his dreams, he studied. Known for his intelligence, he became a popular person. He became very busy, but still he misses the company of his dearest loved. He became sorrowful. Not until Rosa wrote a letter to make him bliss. Then he regained his strength. They have not forgotten the love that empowers both of them. Until a celebration in merry Town paved way for the lovers to reunite. Lucio was invited to speak in the public. But the Governor ( Rosa's Father) was not please and her has this ill feeling towards Lucio. He instantly asked Oscar ( His most trusted man and Rosa's persistent suitor) who is the man speaking. When he found out that it was her child's fiancee, he was not happy.
Days, week, and months had passed they were surprise of the news that Rosa will be married not to his fiancee, but to Oscar. But because Lucio was to obedient to his parent, he permitted Rosa to marry Oscar which made both of them sorrowful .It was hard for him though. But he just wanted Rosa to follow her mother. Though Rosa does not want to marry Oscar, she was forced to because he was raped. For the sake of her " delicadesa" she was betrothed to Oscar.
Later had passed Lucio's father died, and after several weeks his love, Rosa died. This made Lucio felt a lot more of sorrow.
BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL ANALYSIS
It can also be seen in the stories that politicians, especially rich people use their prowess in order to gain whatever they wanted. They will do whatever it takes just to acquire what they needed , even though acquiring it through the means of force and harassment. Manipulating people through their power is showed in the novel. Which is very evident until now.
Touch of Spanish culture is also shown in the novel. Wherein their traits, even the way they dress is being employed. Allusion even are present in the story.
CONCLUSION
The story tells us about the feeling of being in love. In loving a person, you must be prepared to face the ups and downs, and the twist and turns of life. Couple with the feeling of love and happiness, there is always sorrow. You must learn to sacrifice and be hurt in the thing called LOVE.
It also tells us the fact that in the world of politics, politician use there powers in order to conceive what they wanted whatever it takes. Which Don Ismael represents.
Another representation are of Rosa and Lucio. Rosa represents the true nature of a Filipina. A demure, moral and beautiful inside and out. Lucio represents the author, who addicted to books. This made him experience life in a second hand way.
In totality, the story conveys the reality that life is a series of challenges. Life is not all about being happy. In order to truly experience life, you must bravely encounter both the happiness and sorrows. This serves as an inspiration to all.
Thanks for this.
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