Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez

About the Author

Paz Marquez Benitez(1894-1983) was among the first generation of Filipinos taught under the American education system with English as the medium of instruction. She graduated at the University of the Philippines with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was the author of the first Filipino modern English - language short story, Dead Stars. 

Background

Dead Stars depicts the conflict of forbidden love between a man and two women. It portrays the struggles in decision-making of a man, torn between doing the right thing, and following his desires. In this story, Dead Stars was used as a metaphor which means "memories of the past," for even though we see the glimmering and shining stars in the sky at night, truth be told, we can only see the remains of a long dead star, billions and light years away. The stars may give us a feeling of longing and comfort, but soon after, we realize how it has already vanished into existence. Such is the pain of love, which is shown in the story the complicated circumstances a man goes through at some point in his life.

The Story

Feminist Criticism

In the beginning of the story, a woman was setting the table while the men continued with their conversation. It shows the role of the women as they are supposed to work and serve men inside the house. There have been dominance of men over women as expressed in the story. In the Philippines, it is within their culture to accommodate and serve their guests. This portrays the hospitality of the Filipinos which can be observed up to this modern era. But when it come to gender roles, there have been interchanging roles and responsibilities for both men and women. Women can now be providers of the family, while men stay in the house. 

Sociological Criticism

The story was set in a traditional and conservative era, where one is mostly conscious about what would other people think when it come to their decisions and circumstances. Such is the struggle of the main character in the story. If he were to conceive and follow his commitment, his life would be successful and people will most likely support his decision. But if he were to follow his heart, and decides to be together with the one he loves, society will most likely criticize not only himself, but the reputation and name of his family, which he is trying to protect. 

Marxist Criticism 

Society is composed of many different hierarchies. In the story, the main characters' background is higher compared to the supporting characters with a lower standing in society. Due to the large difference in social status, one character in the story refused, or chose, not to step out of line and reveal her thoughts to her master for she was only a mere messenger. This social injustice can also be reflected in today's society. When a person commits a crime, he or she will be punished in loo with the law. But when that criminal has a high standing in society, let's say a politician, he or she can easily get off the hook. Same goes for senior and new employees in a company. If your a new-comer, you are expected to respect and follow the orders of your senior, even if that order is against your better judgement. 

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