“his spouse” by Zaw Gyi MS. KAREN G. DELA RAMA Discussant
"His Spouse" by Zawgyi is a short story in Myanmar literature, that offers a profound exploration of love, sacrifice, and duty within the context of traditional family life. The story centers on a devoted wife whose unwavering commitment to her husband and household embodies the ideals of selflessness and dedication.
Through its portrayal of everyday struggles and the often unrecognized labor of women, "His Spouse" sheds light on the cultural and social expectations that shape familial relationships. Zawgyi’s narrative invites readers to reflect on the quiet strength and resilience required to sustain a loving and harmonious family.
(12 April 1907 – 26 September 1990) was a distinguished and leading Burmese poet, author, literary historian , critic, scholar, and academic. His name, Zawgyi , refers to a mythical wizard from Burmese mythology. Z awgyi
He is the husband of Ma Paw. A man of leisure who only sit and eat at home. characters SO KO HSIN
She is a loving and supportive wife of So Ko Hsin . She is tall with reddish hair and slightly protruding teeth. characters MA PAW
characters THEIR CHILDREN MONK/ UPAZIN (Eldest son, the younger son, and daughter) AUNT
"His Spouse" by Zawgyi is set in Myanmar (formerly Burma) during the early 20th century. The story reflects the socio-cultural context of Myanmar during this period, highlighting traditional Burmese values, customs, and societal norms. The narrative often takes place in rural villages or small towns, showcasing the everyday lives of Burmese people and their interpersonal relationships. SETTING
plot Ma Paw, the wife of Ko Hsin , worked in the market. Each morning, she walks a mile to town with greens on a tray. Her husband Ko Hsin was a man of leisure who cook the rice and look after the children. Ma Paw kept the shop and took care of her children and her husband’s needs.
plot People made fun of Ko Hsin and he would reply jokingly but words of the people hurt him. Ko Hsin borrowed money from his cousin and entered in a bamboo business but he lost. Then, he went to a field to plow but he returned home with blood dripping from his foot.
plot Ma Paw went to market as usual. Her older son went to monastery. One day, while drinking coffee on the veranda and watching his children play, memories of his neighbor’s taunts and the procession of his past passed through his eyes. He became sad and ashamed and thought it would be good to be a monk.
plot Ma Paw went home and washed her daughter’s hand. He wanted to tell her what he felt but he did not dare until the year had turned. Ko Hsin went to a monastery for three months and Ma Paw helped him look after the children. Aunt wants to go back to the village so she wants Ko Hsin to come back.
plot Ma Paw didn’t go to work, she cooked, bath, put some fragrant, and made herself beautiful. She and her children dress nicely and pack household things. At 10 o’clock, the monk appeared with her eldest son. He saw the packed household stuff and sat on the map.
plot Ma Paw served them food with sad eyes. He notices how dressed she is but she doesn’t look at him. He was puzzled by the behavior of his wife because he thought that she would request him to go back with his normal life. She said that her life and Upazin life are two different worlds.
plot The monk uttered a cry of amazement and his hands fluttered about his robes. He said that there are many toddy drunkards in her aunt’s village and he will return to the lay life. Ma Paw became Ko Hsin’s wife again.
conflict Internal - emotional struggle and personal dilemmas External - socio-economic hardships they face, including financial stability, gender roles, and societal pressure.
theme Love and Sacrifice The story highlights the depth of love and the extent to which individuals are willing to go to ensure the happiness of their loved ones. Sacrifice is depicted as an integral part of true love
theme Duty and Responsibility The characters are often driven by a strong sense of duty and responsibility towards their family members, which guides their actions and decisions.
theme Cultural and Social Norms The story explores the impact of societal expectations and cultural norms on personal relationships, illustrating how these external pressures shape the characters' lives.
theme Resilience and Endurance It showcases the resilience and endurance of individuals in the face of personal and social challenges, highlighting their capacity to withstand hardships.
theme Gender Roles and Expectations The story touches upon the traditional gender roles and expectations within Myanmar society, examining how these roles affect the characters' lives and choices
theme Empathy and Compassion Empathy and compassion are central to the characters' interactions, emphasizing the importance of understanding and kindness in maintaining relationships
point of view Third-person omniscient point of view
symbolism The Spouse (Wife) The titular spouse symbolizes devotion, sacrifice, and the traditional role of a wife in Myanmar society. Her actions and choices reflect the cultural expectations placed upon women and the personal sacrifices they often make for their families
symbolism Clothing and Attire The clothing worn by characters can symbolize their social status, roles, and personal identities. Traditional attire may emphasize cultural values, while changes in clothing can signify transformations in a character’s life or status
moral True love often involves personal sacrifice. Value the selfless acts of love and dedication that sustain familial bonds and recognize the significant impact of fulfilling one's responsibilities with compassion and commitment