Literature TE Reviewer: Media Education and The Last Time I Saw Mother

Note 1: Do NOT completely rely on this reviewer. Also refer to your notes, learning package manual and The Last Time I Saw Mother. Note 2: I will not be blamed or sued in any way if not all the information listed in this reviewer is completely accurate. Hey, Im not perfect, you know. Note 3: Please feel free to clarify with anything or point out my mistakes, if I have made any. Note 4: For TLTISM, there are some parts where I marked the page where the event, character, description, quote or whatnot can be found.

I.

Media Education A. Stereotypes

Also known as visual shorthand

Fixed or set beliefs about a group of people and that when we apply them, we assume that all members of the group are the same. Used in order for media to pass on concepts to the audience in the easiest and fastest way possible Not consistent with all genres TV (Comedy) Dads - Described as tactless, bald, fat, lazy, corny Youth Portrayed in Media By law (and media), those who are of 12-18 years of age News describes them both in positive and negative ways Positive: child prodigies Negative: rebels, troublemakers, addicts, thieves, victims, those who commit petty crimes, cannot be trusted

Media Extremes (so as to attract more attention) Media Myth - Expression of extremes so that a particular sector of people are portrayed as something just because they are such a group

B. Bias When a news story is influenced by the attitudes and background of its producers. Kinds of bias: 1. Bias Through Selection and Omission - Choosing to use or not to use a specific news item 2. Bias Through Placement - Placed influences what a reader thinks about its importance 3. Bias By Headline Headlines can summarize (the whole news story). They present carefully hidden bias and prejudice. They convey excitement where little exists. They express approval or condemnation

4. Bias by Photo Captions and Camera Angles - Some pictures can flatter a person, while others can make a person look unpleasant. - Camera angles express various meanings - Captions sources of bias 5. Bias Through Use of Names and Titles News media often use labels and titles to describe people, places and events

6. Bias Through Statistics and Crowd Counts - To make a disaster even more spectacular, numbers can be inflated. 7.

Bias by Source Control Different sources different opinions Information from different sources may be colored by their interests and motives.

8. II.

Word Choice and Tone (Diction) Use of positive and negative words Words with connotation These can influence the readers and viewers.

The Last Time I Saw Mother by Arlene Chai A. Introduction (p. 1-2) Caridad is writing this story because 1. She is afraid that the truth will be lost again, like it has been in the last 40 years. 2. To be able to finally lay her mother to rest for she still lives in Caridad too. 3. To make peace with the past she had not understood till that moment and in doing so, she may move on at last. Caridad is writing for the following people: 1. Jaime: so that he would know what had been bothering her in her long years of silence 2. Marla: because this story is a part of her too. After all, do we not all belong in each others stories? Were all interconnected. Universal truth: certain things happen to everyone. (Ex. We all have problems.)

B. Chapter 1: Caridad (p. 5-38) Setting: April 1986, two months after the EDSA revolution. Thelma sent Caridad a letter saying, Come home, Caridad. I need to speak to you. (p. 10) Jaime, as described in the chapter: a risk taker practical intelligent funny opinionated (his opinions on the economic, social and cultural aspect of the Philippines were mentioned in the chapter) Caridad had divorced with her husband Jaime. In Marlas words, she lost the plot. Meg (Caridads friend from Sydney) advised Caridad to see a therapist, but Caridad refused. (p. 12-16) Caridad and Jaime divorced due to LACK OF COMMUNICATION. At the time, Marla sometimes ended up playing the role of the mother to Caridad. (p. 6-7) Caridad, in her mind, has two homes: Manila (her past) and Sydney (where she and Jaime went to for a possibly better future). No matter where she goes back, shes always leaving another home behind. (p. 17) According to her, migrants have a fractured existence.

Traffic in Manila: a series of clogged arteries (p. 29)

When the cars werent moving, Caridad would wish that they would move already, but when they were in motion, she wished that they would stop (because of how drivers would overtake other vehicles).

Raouls death: (p. 17-18, 37)

Sudden Caridad mentions a painting given to her by Raoul as a going-away gift (before she left for Sydney). She also mentions that Thelma did not cry during Raouls funeral.

House in Malate (p. 18-19, 33-37)

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Caridad describes what she SEES and OBSERVES. The above shows that Caridad is obedient and rather insecure because shes incomplete.

Last words of the chapter: No, Caridad, I am not your mama.

C. Chapter 2: Thelma (p. 41-51) Thelmas way of narrating: Very organized and straight forward Emma and Ligaya didnt want to tell their side of the story because Thelma had told them to keep the secret for so many years. (p. 41-42) House in Malate: (p. 47-51) - Thelma describes what she KNOWS. - The above shows that she has a strong personality. When Caridads family was to leave for Sydney, Raoul (Thelmas husband) told Marla: (p. 44-45) Dont speak English like the Australians. Dont forget your Filipino words. Dont forget how to count in Spanish. Dont forget your Chinese words.

Thelma hid the photos Caridad sent of her house showed how she felt about the house (p. 45-47) Raouls death (p. 47-49)
Described how the bowl that was given to her by her mother split in half and she felt that something was wrong The above shows that shes superstitious. Peaceful death

She decided to tell the truth after so many years because: (p. 50-51) a. She no longer feared the truth. b. Sooner or later, she, like Raoul, may never be able to say her side of the story (to Caridad). c. She was old.

Point of the chapter: Better late than never.

D. Chapter 3: Caridad (p. 55-76)

WHY? (p. 56) Empty how she felt not knowing the truth Clues (as to her not being Thelmas daughter) Teresa called Emma her (Caridad) mama. (p. 58) Caridad looked like Ligaya. (p. 61) Ligaya said, That is Papa. (referring to the picture in Emmas room) (p. 65) Caridad asked if Alfonso (the man in the picture) was Ligayas father. Ligayas only reply to that was, That is Papa. Ligaya said that Caridad had her papas eyes. Caridad overhead someone say, This one this one came after but she is the lucky one the others, you know, had a hard time for many years (this was describing her) during her wedding banquet. (p. 67) Thelma cut Caridad off when she started saying, Maybe Im like you You had a hard time conceiving (p. 68) Thelma said, Always full of questions always asking whatever for! when Caridad told her, So you mean, you looked really pretty when you carried me after Thelma said the signs of whether the child was a boy or girl. (p. 69-70) Marla got her long fingers and piano talent from Ligaya. (p. 72, 74-75) Emma gave her heirloom pendant. (p. 73)

Related to Footnote to Youth Caridad only realized that she wasnt Thelmas daughter only after all
the events (stated above) happened.

Thelma gave a reason for telling the truth only now: I am old now. I no longer fear the truth.
Lesson: Seize the moment. (Related to Fountain of Youth)

E. Chapter 4: Emma (p. 79-164) [CARIDADS VISIT] Unlocked her aparador (which contained her past) opening up her past (p. 79) Comparison: (p. 80) Thelma
(Narra)

Emma

(Bamboo)

Hard, unbending Stubborn, strong Lonely

Sways, flexible Goes with the flow Swayed by her emotions

[STORY OF EMMA] Emmas way of narrating: disorganized; jumps from one event to another Alfonsos death (p. 86-90) - sudden, painful - Coffin: rough box - Funeral car: garbage truck - Expenses: Chinese community donation - Funeral: Chinese & Catholic cultures present; still solemn

Foreshadowing: (p. 94-95)

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An old, superstitious Chinese lady said that having a mole in the inside corner of her eye was bad luck and if she cries, the tears will touch it and bring her grief.

Ligayas birth (p. 97-98)

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Worried that Alfonso would not love as much as he should because her first born is not a boy On the contrary, Alfonso loved her very much. She was his favorite.

Life during the War (p. 101-152)

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Pearl Harbor was bombed on December 7, 1941 (technically December 8, 1941). Emma was celebrating the feast of the Immaculate Conception and Alfonsos friends sons baptism in Pasig. Emmas family went back to Manila: used crisp bills (child-likeness) that she kept. Bought canned goods and packed The family fled to Taytay They stayed with other families. Each and every person reacted differently to the situation (Emma prayed, the children played, etc.) They went back to Manila shortly after Bataan fell. Collaborators Traitors Wanted to protect their families and themselves Alfonso: You do not know what it is like having a gun pointed at you and your family. Guerillas The resistance against the Japanese Sad thing: killing their fellow Filipinos as well Jose Abad Santos Refused to collaborate with the Japanese Told his son Pepito not to cry and to be brave for it is a rare opportunity to die for ones country.

Douglas MacArthur I shall return. - Three years later, the Japanese were having a harder time for the Guerillas were getting stronger and the Americans returned. - Emma and her family returned to Taytay - Emma witnessed the guerillas killing a collaborator

After much chaos and destruction, the Americans and the Filipinos won Manila back and the Japanese finally surrendered.

Life in Olongapo (p. 153-158)

Alfonso wanted to start over. The move upset the older girls, especially Ligaya, for nothing seemed to happen in Olongapo. Alfonso wanted to start an ice plant with Lucio in Olongapo. Thelma supported Emmas family when Alfonso died.

Caridad (p. 157-164)

Child of Emmas sorrow, the child born with her tears Arrived before the expected date Had to stop Ligayas piano lessons and eventually sell the piano itself to earn more money. - Thelma asked for Caridad. debt of gratitude (harder to pay than normal debts because there is usually no equivalent to it) - Emma gave Caridad to Thelma Her dream about Alfonso taking Caridad away from her Made a promise that Caridad would be given the best care, so that he may not take her away from Emma. F. Chapter 5: Ligaya (p. 167-237)

Theme: STRENGTH
Ligayas name means happiness, but she wasnt exactly happy for a long period in her life. Ligaya was eaten by her anger towards the world, her mother, her aunt, the situation, etc. Emotions:
Angry Confrontational Alfonsos death Emma had to sell the piano to Nina Emma gave Caridad to Thelma She gave up on love Satisfied Enrique (rich) Leandro (working class, funny, nearer in age) Chose Enrique over Leandro (her ideal man) Peaceful She told Caridad her side of the story She felt she was forgiven

Happy Selfish She got whatever she wanted. Spoiled, favorite Piano birthday gift Nina was her best friend She went to Manila (she hated Olongapo because nothing ever happened there)

Thelma is controlled by fact, while Emma and Ligaya (as the eldest is expected to do so much) are controlled by emotion. The truth will set you free. True strength comes from inside. True peace comes from within.

G. Chapter 6: Thelma (p. 241-313) Raoul (at the time): classic tall, dark handsome guy (with Chinese eyes) Thelma (at the time): 1920s hair, fair complexion, pretty Strong personality sized up Raoul (p. 247) Wedding and Courtship Thelma strong (p. 247) Raoul and Thelmas families were superstitious letting the chicken go under the bed and see at which end it comes out (p. 251-253)

Early Marriage Raoul spoiled; a playboy (p. 253-257) - Learning period for Thelma (adjusting to Raouls familys customs, etc.) (p. 258-267, 274-275)

The Other Woman and Child Thelma insecure, unsure (p. 285-291) Angelos birthday the experiences proves that knowledge is power and that gave Thelma strength (p. 291-297) Death of Angelo loss of faith in God (p. 301) Father Manuel told her that the child wasnt rightfully hers. He said that the child was a vessel that carried a gift, which is bringing Raoul and her together. He had already fulfilled his purpose and has returned to his real Father in heaven. Caridad Strategy to get Caridad (ulterior motive): She had to starve Emmas family for Emma to see that she could barely provide for her family. Three Truths 1. Raoul admitted his mistake. 2. Her mother-in-law actually appreciated Thelma. 3. Thelma told Caridad of how she really got her.

H. Chapter 7: Caridad (p. 317-337)

Caridad couldnt sleep information overload; she had a lot in her mind
Mentioned that counting sheep never works because you count up. According to Jaime, counting down works for it gives one a sinking feeling, although this did not work for Caridad at the time.

Caridad called Jaime sign/act of courage Mia told her side of her familys situation before more optimistic than her other siblings, especially
Ligaya; saw from a different perspective Big family reunion - Everyone was there. - Very Filipino many Filipino movies end with a big production

Changes in Caridad, Thelma and Ligaya:

Caridad Got the pieces of her past Got answers to her questions Given the gift of her past Got courage Knowledge is power Felt whole/complete Thelma The truth set her free (Went down for breakfast & threw open the curtains) Told Caridad that she would buy new curtains whole new person Ready to face the future by coming to terms with the past Ligaya Played the piano again Gave the metronome to Caridad to give to Marla (Above) Let go of her past

I have been given a gift. The gift of my past It is an act of courage. (p. 319)
Knowledge is power

It is not true that she no longer fears the truth she can tell me the truth. (p. 328)
The truth will set you free. Lies breed lies. Fish are caught by the mouth.

 Right and wrong are judgments in the best way we know how. (p. 328)
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We cannot really judge a person by what he or she does because we do not know his or her motivations. When you know the facts, it is easier to make decisions.

I.

Epilogue (p. 338-340) Thelma was finally able to rest in peace. Themes: 1. The truth will set you free. 2. Ohana, meaning family and that means no one gets left behind or forgotten