Presented by: DEAD STARS “Reimagining Stories: A Cultural and Narrative Showcase” Mechaella Jaspe Naf Yumi de Jesus Sheila Mae Amoncio Charlito Abuyog A Group Activity on Philippine Literature in English Instructor Name: Dr. Violeta Felicilda
EXPOSITION At Don Julian’s house, Carmen was asking Don Julian about Alfredo and Esperanza. Alfredo is engaged to Esperanza, embodying traditional values and societal expectations. He meets Julia at her provincial home.
Rising action He had gone neighboring with Don Julian to Judge Del Valle’s house. He met Julia Salas. All the time he was calling her Mrs. Del Valle which led him to embarrassment. Coming to the judge’s house became often. Then he realized he was in love with Julia in spite his engagement with Esperanza, challenging norms of loyalty and fedility .
climax After the procession for The Lady of Sorrows, Alfredo caught up with Julia. It was when Julia found out about Alfredo’s wedding so he congratulated him. Alfredo needs to make a very difficult situation. Would he choose what he wants to? Or would he choose what he has to?, challenging the norms of choosing between love and personal desires over duty and responsibility.
FALLING ACTION Julia didn’t want Alfredo not to honor his understanding with Esperanza. She said goodbye. He went home to Esperanza. And there, the last word has been said. Eventually, Alfredo follows through with his duty and marries Esperanza.
resolution Alfredo and Esperanza got married. After eight years, he was searching for a lady named Brigida Samuy , a lady important for his defense in the court-in Sta. Cruz, Julia’s hometown. He went to Julia’s house and he found her there. Still unmarried. And he realized that his love for Julia was like a Dead Star. It was nonexistent.
Dead Stars 01 02 03 04 CHARACTER MONOLOGUE OR DIALOGUE PERFORMANCE INTRODUCE YOUR CHOSEN CHARACTER(S) CONTEXT OF THE MONOLOGUE/DIALOGUE KEY THEMES OR INTERNAL CONFLICTS EXPRESSED CONNECTION TO FILIPINO CULTURAL VALUES OR SOCIETAL ISSUES
chosen characters He is the protagonist who is engaged to Esperanza but is haunted by memories of Julia, a woman he loved in the past. She is Alfredo Salazar's fiancée. She is caring and concerned about Alfredo's well-being, but she is unaware of his internal conflict regarding Julia. She is portrayed as a beautiful and captivating woman who embodies Alfredo Salazar's ideal of love and passion. ALFREDO SALAZAR JULIA SALAS ESPERANZA
SETTINGS The scene takes place in a reflective moment where Alfredo is sitting on a bench, lost in his thoughts about his past love, Julia. Context of the monologue/ dialogue Narrative Structure The scene takes place in a reflective moment where Alfredo is sitting on a bench, lost in his thoughts about his past love, Julia.
Analysis of key elements: Alfredo's Reminiscence His memories of Julia are tinged with obsession, suggesting that he may be idealizing her rather than remembering the reality of their relationship. Inner Thoughts Alfredo's inner dialogue reveals his struggle to reconcile his feelings for both women. He questions whether he truly loves Julia or if he is simply nostalgic for the past. Context of the monologue/ dialogue
Analysis of key elements: Esperanza's Interruption Her concern for Alfredo brings him back to the present, highlighting the contrast between his fantasies and his actual life. Julia's Entrance J ulia's unexpected arrival reignites Alfredo's feelings and memories, forcing him to confront his past. Final Reflection The inner thoughts at the end of the scene suggest a realization for Alfredo. Context of the monologue/dialogue
Key themes or internal conflicts expressed Love and Memory The dialogue explores how memories can shape feelings. Obligation vs. Desire Alfredo's engagement to Esperanza represents societal expectations, while his feelings for Julia represent a more passionate, albeit complicated, love. Self-Reflection and Growth: The inner dialogue serves as a form of self-reflection for Alfredo, prompting him to evaluate his feelings and the implications of his choices.
Connection to Filipino cultural values or societal issues Societal expectations His feelings for Julia, a past love, clash with his obligation to marry Esperanza, showcasing the struggle between personal happiness and societal approval. Cultural Norms on Love The story explores the concept of "forbidden love," which resonates with Filipino cultural values that often view romantic relationships through the lens of morality and propriety.
THEME KEY LITERARY ELEMENTS 01 SETTING 02 CHARACTER 03 SYMBOLISM 04 CONFLICT 05
Dead Stars expresses the subject of forbidden love. Forbidden love is only apparent and curses and disturbs the person until a person realizes his or her faults. Alfredo is engaged to his beloved to get married, yet he distracts himself with another woman Julia. He forgets his responsibility towards his to-be wife, even after eight years he still thinks of Julia until he realizes that Julia has changed herself. FORBIDDEN LOVE: RESPONSIBILITY: THEMES
SETTINGS Calle Real House of Judge Del Valle Sta. Cruz The setting of the short story Dead Stars are various: House of Don Julian in Tanda House of Don Julian
CHARACTERS He is the son of Don Julian. He is over thirty-year-old bachelor. Alfred Salazar believes in true love and optimism to discover ecstasy in its stir. Esperanza is the first woman he falls in love with. After their engagement, he falls in love with Julia Salas. She is the wife of Alfredo Salazar. Esperanza is an impassionate woman having strong will and principles. A homely woman, she is also among the lucky women who have the aptitude of consistent beauty. She is the sister in law of Judge Dal Valle, a friend of Alfredo’s father. She is the second woman with whom Alfredo falls in love with. She remains single for her entire life. ALFREDO SALAZAR JULIA SALAS ESPERANZA
He is the father of Alfredo Salazar. She is the only sister of Alfredo Salas. DON JULIAN CARMEN She is Julia’s sister. A pretty, small, plump woman with baby complexion. He is a note-carrier of Esperanza and Alfredo Salazar. DONNA ADELLA CALIXTA CHARACTERS
Donna’s husband. Carmen’s husband. DIONISIO VICENTE He is Julia’s brother-in-law. The elusive woman whom Alfredo is searching for. JUDGE DEL VALLE BRIGIDA SAMUY CHARACTERS
The title is a strong metaphor for feelings and dreams that have lost their vitality but continue to affect people. Just as the light of dead stars can still be seen from Earth, Alfredo’s past emotions seem alive but are actually long gone. SYMBOLISM Dead Stars
Man vs. Himself Man vs. Society 01 02 CONFLICTS Man vs. Circumstances 03
Traditional Courtship The story shows the old Filipino customs of formal courtship, where engagements were almost sacred and marriages were social contracts as much as personal choices. Strong family ties and social reputation play vital roles in personal decisions, reflecting the conservative values of early 20th-century Filipino society. The American occupation's impact is seen in the profession of Alfredo (a lawyer) and the lifestyle of the characters, who are beginning to adapt more Western ways while still holding onto native traditions. Cultural Features Found in the Story Family and Social Expectations Colonial Influence
Timeless Emotional Struggles The story remains relatable because it captures the human tendency to idealize past loves and regret missed opportunities. Even today, many people experience pressure from family and society to make life decisions, such as marriage, that might conflict with personal desires. It reminds readers that emotions are not static and that as people grow, what once seemed significant may lose importance. Relevance to Modern Readers Societal Pressure Understanding Change
What seems like true love might just be an illusion, especially when influenced by circumstance and timing. It teaches the importance of accepting past choices and understanding that regrets often stem more from nostalgia than true missed opportunities. Feelings Can Be Illusory Accepting Reality Alfredo’s journey shows that internal self-examination is necessary to understand one’s true emotions, rather than blindly following what feels urgent. The story explores the painful but sometimes necessary choice between fulfilling societal duties and pursuing personal happiness. Importance of Self-Reflection Duty vs. Happiness Lessons and Insights Drawn from the Piece
Dead Stars 01 02 03 04 Group Reflection The story taught us a lot about love, the weight of choice, and the complexities of life. We learned how societal expectations can influence our choices, even when our hearts are drawn to something different. We also recognized the different personalities can create a rich dynamic, like the contrast of Esperanza and Julia which makes us appreciate the uniqueness of individuals to navigate life and relationships. Also, the story made us think about the fleeting nature of love and how even the strongest emotions can change over time. What did your group learn ?
Dead Stars 01 02 03 04 Group Reflection During our rehearsals, we found it challenging especially in portraying the different characters. We are struggling on how to convey those emotions authentically. We had to figure out how to use body language and the tone to show their conflicting feelings. It was a learning process, but eventually found ways to bring the characters to life in a way that would be engaging for the audience. 2. What challenges did you face and overcome?
Dead Stars 01 02 03 04 Group Reflection This experience significantly enhanced our appreciation for the richness and depth of Filipino literature where stories capture universal themes in a uniquely way. It showed us that Philippine literature can be deeply personal and emotional. Most importantly, we felt connected to the story because we somehow experienced these kinds of emotions that the characters have. For instance, the lingering feelings of love and loss, the responsibilities and duties in life, relationships and the consequences of choices that we made. Therefore, we concluded that by having this story helps us deepened our appreciation for the rich tapestry of the Philippine literature and the uniqueness it offers. 3. How did the activity enhance your appreciation of Philippine Literature?
Course Hero. (2025). Dead star analysis. https://www.coursehero.com/file/70579735/Dead-star-analysisdocx/ Enricuso , C. A. (n.d.). Elements of fiction: “Dead Star” by Paz Marquez Benitez . Misamis University. https://www.studocu.com/en/document/misamis-university/bs-civil-engineering/elements-of-fiction-dead-star-enricuso/34590030 REFERENCE Dead Stars