Litr 102 | ASEAN Literature

Activity No. 01: Literary Analysis of the Story of Mabuti

FEMINISM

1. Is Matute’s creation of Mabuti moral?

Matute's creation of the character Mabuti can indeed be seen as a moral endeavor,
as it addresses one of society's sensitive and controversial issues, which is extramarital
affairs. In the context of a deeply conservative country like the Philippines, where
traditional values surrounding marriage and family remain deeply ingrained, the portrayal of
such themes brings to light the complexities and challenges faced by individuals involved
in these situations. Her character serves as a reflection of the emotional and societal
struggles that women endure when they find themselves entangled in extramarital
relationships, particularly when children are born as a result.
“Ngunit bumabanggit siya tungkol sa kanyang anak na babae, sa tangi niyang
anak. . . nang paulit-ulit. Hindi rin siya bumabanggit sa amin kailanman tungkol sa ama ng
batang iyon.”
In many conservative societies, women are often unfairly burdened with the
stigma, judgment, and blame, while the men involved may escape similar scrutiny. Matute
challenges this double standard by giving voice to the often-silenced experiences of
women, highlighting the imbalance of blame and responsibility.
“At siya'y nagsalita. "Oo, gaya ng kanyang ama," ang wika niya. Ngunit tumakas
ang dugo sa kanyang mukha habang sumisilay ang isang pilit na ngiti sa kanyang labi.
Iyon ang una at huling pagbanggit sa aming klase ang tungkol sa ama ng batang may
kaarawan. Matitiyak ko noong may isang bagay ngang mali siya sa buhay niya. Mali siya
nang ganoon na lamang.”

2. Comment on Mabuti’s support of her daughter’s dream of becoming a doctor.

Mabuti's support of her daughter’s dream of becoming a doctor highlights her role
as a compassionate, empowering, and forward-thinking mother. In a society where family
dynamics and expectations often impose limitations on children’s ambitions, especially in
more traditional settings, Mabuti stands out as a figure who champions her daughter’s
personal growth and dreams without imposing her past struggles or bitterness. Her
decision not to let her own difficult experiences, particularly related to her daughter’s father,
 dictate or influence her child’s future, is a powerful reflection of her maturity and
selflessness. By doing so, she exemplifies an ideal representation of women who choose
empowerment over resentment, showing that a person's worth is not tied to their past or
the actions of others. In this case, Mabuti’s past relationship and the occupation of her
daughter’s father are irrelevant to her daughter’s aspirations, and she refuses to let these
external factors shape or limit her child’s potential.
“At ibig ng guro naming maging manggamot ang kanyang anak at isang mabuting
manggamot.”

3. Does Matute elevate or not women’s role in society through Mabuti?

Matute’s portrayal of Mabuti in the story undeniably elevates the role of women in
society through various dimensions of her character. First and foremost, Mabuti's empathy
and compassion shine in the way she engages with her students, particularly in the
opening scenes where she lends a supportive ear to a distressed student. This portrayal
emphasizes the nurturing side of women, especially those in professions of service such
as teaching. Her ability to listen, console, and provide emotional support underscores the
important role women play as caretakers and emotional anchors in society, often providing
a sense of comfort and understanding that goes beyond mere duty.
“Ngunit, hindi ako makakilos sa sinabi niya pagkatapos. Napatda ako na
napaupong bigla sa katapat na luklukan. “HIndi ko alam na may tao rito… naparito ako
upang umiyak din.” HIndi ako nakapangusap sa katapatang naulinig ko sa kanyang tinig.”
Secondly, Mabuti’s demeanor in front of her students, where she presents a facade
of primness, purity, and professionalism, reflects the societal expectation of women to
embody ideals of grace, beauty, and virtue. In this light, Matute subtly critiques how women
are often seen not just for their skills or intelligence, but as symbols of aesthetic and moral
purity. Through Mabuti’s character, there is an acknowledgment of the pressure on women
to maintain a "perfect" front, yet Matute allows this to coexist with the more complex,
unseen reality of Mabuti’s personal struggles. It serves as a reminder that women often
bear societal expectations of grace and perfection while managing the complexities of their
own lives beneath the surface.
“Sa pagsasalita niya mula sa hapag, pagtatanong, sumagot, sa pagngiti niyang
mabagal at mahihiyain niyang mga ngiti sa amin, sa pagkalim ng kunot sa noo niya sa
kanyang pagkayamot, naririnig kong muli ang mga yabag na palapit sa sulok na iyon ng
silid-aklatan.”
The third and perhaps most significant aspect is how Matute presents Mabuti as a strong,
resilient, and capable mother. Despite her challenging personal circumstances, Mabuti
single-handedly raises her daughter and navigates the difficulties of life without relying on
external support or allowing her struggles to negatively affect her professional role. The
fact that even her students are unaware of the hardship she carries is a testament to her
strength. This challenges the traditional, often limited roles that women are assigned in
patriarchal societies, instead positioning Mabuti as a symbol of independence and inner
strength. Her ability to handle such a difficult situation with quiet grace elevates the
perception of women as powerful, capable individuals who can manage not just personal
hardships but also thrive in their professional and maternal responsibilities.
“At minsan pa, nang umagang iyon, habang unti-unting bumabalik ang dating kulay
ng mukha niya, muli niyang ipinamalas sa amin ang mga natatagong kagandahan sa aralin
namin sa panitikan. Ang kariktan ng katapangan; ang kariktan ng pagpapatuloy anuman
ang kulay ng buhay.