Overview of Short Story Summer Solstice

The Summer Solstice is a short story written by Nick Joaquin. The book tells the story of a ritual performed by women to call upon the gods to grant fertility. The ritual they perform is to dance around a century-old Balete tree. The ritual was known as Tatarin and lasted for three days during the summer months.

The last day of Tatarin is the same day as St. John's Day. The story is set on St John's Day in the 1850s in the Philippines.

Entoy tells Dona Lupeng that Amada has participated in the ritual. While they are on board a carriage, Dona Lupeng talks about why Amada still believes in the ritual. The carriage comes to a halt and everyone watches a procession taking place. Dona Lupeng mocks the arrogance of the men taking part in the procession. When they arrive at a house Dona Lupeng discovers that Guido, Don Paeng's cousin, had taken part in both the procession they have just witnessed and in the Tatarin ritual.

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Guido lifted Dona Lupeng's skirt whilst she was looking for her children. Dona Lupeng then tells Don Paeng about the incident and tells him that Guido had even kissed her feet. Don Paeng is disgusted that the woman has been shown adoration, as he feels that love and respect are more befitting. Dona Lupeng and Don Paeng go to witness the ritual and Dona Lupeng joins in with the ceremony.Once home, Dona Lupeng makes Don Paeng tell her that he adores her.

He submits by kissing her feet.

SETTING

It was 1850’s during the Spanish period and the 2nd-3rd day of St. John’s Day. The main events in the story happened in the Moretas residence and at their town’s mini plaza and those happened during the night.

CHARACTERS

• Donya Lupeng Moreta - long-married woman with three children
• Don Paeng Moreta - the highly moral husband of Donya Lupeng
• Guido - young cousin to the Moretas who studied in Spain
• Amada - the family cook and Entoy's wife
• Entoy - the family driver

RESOLUTION

Paeng kissed her feet despite of his bruises. Lupeng shocked not knowing that he will actually do it.

POINT OF VIEW

Third person omniscient was the point of view of the sorry where in the both reader and writer observe the thoughts of more than one character.

References

• BBC News
• The Guardian