SCENT OF APPLES| Historical & Biographical Context |ENGLISH 7| Week 3|| QUARTER2||MATATAG CURRICULUM

Summary

In this evocative narrative, a Filipino speaker reflects on his memories of home while attending a speaking engagement in Kalamazoo during wartime. He meets Celestino Fabia, a farmer who shares nostalgic tales of Filipino women, family values, and the struggles of rural life in America. As they discuss the changes in their homeland and reminisce about the past, themes of longing, cultural identity, and resilience emerge. The story beautifully captures the contrast between their origins and their current lives, ultimately highlighting the enduring bonds of family and tradition despite distance and time.

Takeaways

• 😀 The setting of the narrative highlights the contrast between the speaker's memories of the Philippines and his current life in America.
• 🌳 The arrival in Kalamazoo during autumn symbolizes change and nostalgia, with vivid imagery of falling leaves and apple orchards.
• 👥 The interaction with Celestino Fabia emphasizes the shared experiences and cultural identity among Filipino expatriates.
• 💔 Themes of longing and exile are central, reflecting the emotional struggles of leaving one’s homeland.
• 💬 The speaker addresses questions about cultural differences, particularly between Filipino and American women, showcasing an awareness of evolving identities.
• 🍏 Fabia's pride in his apple orchard serves as a metaphor for hard work, resilience, and connection to the land.
• ❤️ The narrative explores familial love, as seen in Fabia's dedication to his wife and son, highlighting traditional values.
• 🏡 Memories of the speaker's childhood home evoke a sense of loss and yearning for familial bonds that remain strong despite physical separation.
• ❄️ A poignant story about Ruth's sacrifice during a winter emergency illustrates the depth of love and commitment in challenging circumstances.
• 🌍 The ending reflects on the complexity of identity as an expatriate, hinting at the desire to return home while acknowledging the passage of time.

Q & A

What is the main setting of the narrative?

The main setting is Kalamazoo during October in World War II, with references to the surrounding countryside.

Who is Celestino Fabia, and what is his significance in the story?

Celestino Fabia is a Filipino farmer who represents the immigrant experience. He connects the speaker to his homeland and embodies the nostalgia and challenges faced by those living away from their roots.

How does the speaker feel about his homeland?

The speaker expresses deep nostalgia and affection for his homeland, reminiscing about its beauty and the simplicity of life there.

What question does a man from the audience ask the speaker, and how does he respond?

The man asks whether Filipino women are the same as they were 20 years ago. The speaker responds that while women have changed outwardly, their inner qualities, such as faithfulness and modesty, remain the same.

What does the narrative suggest about cultural identity?

The narrative highlights the complexities of cultural identity, illustrating how experiences of exile shape one's understanding of home and belonging, as well as the relationships between different cultures.

What challenges does Ruth, Fabia's wife, face?

Ruth faces the challenges of poverty, maintaining the household, and caring for her family while supporting her husband during his illness.

How does the narrative portray the changes in Filipino culture?

The narrative suggests that while external changes have occurred in Filipino culture, fundamental values related to family, faith, and community remain unchanged.

What emotional themes are explored in the story?

The story explores themes of nostalgia, loss, resilience, and the emotional impact of war and displacement on individuals and families.

What does the speaker mean by 'a great silence hung' over the Philippines?

This phrase reflects the sense of loss and absence felt due to the war, indicating that many families were affected by the conflict, with loved ones unheard from or far away.

What role does nature play in the narrative?

Nature serves as a backdrop for the characters' emotions, with descriptions of autumn leaves and apple trees symbolizing beauty, change, and the passage of time, evoking feelings of nostalgia for home.