Footnote To Youth

Footnote To Youth

Title: Footnote To Youth

Author: Jose Garcia Villa

Author's Background: Jose Garcia Villa (August 5, 1908-February 7, 1997) was a Filipino poet, literary critic, short story writer, and painter. 

Vocabulary: 

• Leisurely - acting or done at leisure.
• Insolent - showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect.
• Invigorating - making one feel strong, healthy, and full of energy.
• Begrime - blackened with ingrained dirt.
• Smudge - cause (something) to become messily smeared by rubbing it. 
• Vigorously - in a way that involves physical strength, effort, and energy.

Characters:

• Dodong - The main character. 
• Dodong's father - Who Dodong approached for approval.
• Dodong's Mother - Who helped Teang give birth to Blas.
• Teang - Dodong's lover.
• Lucio - Teang's other suitor.
• Blas - Dodong's son.
• Tonia - Blas' lover

Settings: Countryside, at Dodong's house.

Exposition: The main character is being introduced. Dodong. Dodong is thinking about marrying Teang. Dodong asked his Father's permission .

Rising Action: Dodong's father is thinking that they are still young but Dodong's father allowed them to be. 

Climax: After all that, Dodong saw her wife with their firstborn child named Blas. Dodong heard his baby cry. Dodong could not control the swelling happiness in him and also felt embarrassed because he is still not ready to provide for his family. 

Falling Action: Teang, secretly regretted being married at an early age. Teang wondered if it would be the same if he was married to Lucio instead. If she would have the same life. While Dodong, realized the hardship, the struggle of marrying at an early age. 

Ending: Blas, Dodong's son who is eighteen years old, asked his father, Dodong if he could marry Tona, Blas' girlfriend(Déjà vu). Dodong didn't object but he tried to make Blas think twice because Dodong doesn't want Blas to end up like him. 

Symbolism: The Symbolism i saw i think is the colorless worm that marched blindly to Dodong's foot. That worm who blindly marched can be referred to as Dodong because of his choices. Dodong "blindly" marched to being married without thinking about it carefully. 

Theme: The them of the story is about youths who always go with their feelings without hesitation, without thinking about it properly. 

Lesson: If ever you are gonna get married, think about it properly, think if you are up to those responsibilities, think if you can support your family. Don't rush things, you will be there soon. Consider the future before making up your mind.