Character Analysis- Manang Merin

TIMKANG,Jensie Kai B. Lit101-C 05 May 2014

Character Analysis As an inquisitive and visionary reader of this short story entitled Manang Merin and the Top, I was able to compose an extensive analysis of a certain character in the said story. This is rooted from my own perception towards the narrative account that involves the use of juxtaposition, a poetic and rhetorical device in which normally associated ideas, words or phrases are placed next to one another creating an effect of surprise and wit. But before I begin with the characterization, let me first give you a glimpse of the storyline, Manang Merin and the Top. This short story written by Marcel Navarra is about a lady who lost her virginity due to the tension with her partner’s desire and it was further demonstrated through the top and the coconut. Since the story needs an erudite reader with a sophisticated level of understanding, I will also broaden and seek in details the character description, behavior, development, dialogues and actions. The character I chose is no other than the protagonist Manang Merin, who is the main leading character. If I were to label Manang Merin, the most evident, so far is through her name. Manang, a Visayan term, means older lady whose age is around 25 and above. In terms of her physical appearance, undoubtedly she embodies a Filipina beauty. This is because a man nurtured in urban area is less likely to be captivated with a barrio girl unless she is exceptionally eye catching. Take note that the guy is really head over heels with the lady because he even risk not to report to work just to accompany his sweetheart due to her said intense loneliness. With regard to her personality, Merin is feeble and submissive

because as you can see her, at the end of the story, cannot resist her partner’s plea but eventually give in although she is hesitant at first. Hence, Manang Merin is also indecisive at making decisions and easily be wavered by Abdulla threat of abandoning her. I also notice that Merin is also somewhat suspicious because she doubt Adbulla’s love for her when she said that he may deceive her later although she denied being doubtful to Abdulla. It is obvious that Merin really loves Abdulla with all her heart. I think she just needs to be a bit of a hardcore to assure that Abdulla won’t betray her later on. Now, I will expand my insights regarding character’s important thoughts and feelings in the story. In my own point of view, the character true thoughts towards Abdulla is that he might cheat without her knowing because the fact that Abdulla is working in the city is quite risky on their long distance relationship. Abdulla might be tempted to meet other woman who is much more assertive than Merin, who is kind of modest person. Another significant thought that makes Merin pondered was the importance of a woman's purity. She even cried knowing that the most precious thing she tried to conceal was already unleashed by someone else. Abdulla makes her choose between the loss of her virginity or the man she loves. I think the loss of her virginity is much more essential for now. This is because she is still young to lose her virginity and once it is taken from you, you cannot never redeem it. In concerning Merin’s feelings, there is no question of her love to Abdulla. The thing is she wasn’t sure which weigh a greater importance between the two precious possessions she has. The development of the character throughout the story is what I will tackle at this point. The character’s problem at the beginning of the story is her solitude of being away from her dearest. But when her problem solved, another problem was created and this

was the test of her love and womanhood. The goal of Merin is really simple. This is to ease her heart with joy through Abdulla’s company. It’s just that Abdulla rather than comfort Merin chose to demand the price for coming to her. So the outcome is that Merin acted like she was regretful of her decision. The decision really affects her because as a conservative Filipina, her purity is her entirety as a persona. So far the most imperative and striking thing the character says is when she had the nerve to frankly say to Abdulla that he might deceive her later. Most women won’t open that issue, especially when the tension between your partner is making you uneasy. From what I perceived, Merin doesn’t entirely trust Abdulla and that’s why she had come to the extent to say those words. This was also evident in her actions when she refrains from making eye contact but instead bowed her head while conversing with Abdulla. Eye contact requires a person when admitting the truth. In regards to her relationship with his brother (Bay Tik), she is a parent-like sister who disciplines her younger sibling. The fact that Bay Tik feared when he will get scolded is a proof that her elder sister might penalize them from their misconduct.

Furthermore, the character is an example of

a rounded character due to

her complex personality. Manang Merin is one encounters conflict and is changed by it from being hesitant to being submissive. Above all, the author’s purpose in creating this particular character in this particular manner is that to inform the readers that no matter how modest and conservative Filipinas are, they still have weaknesses of their own and waved at times when inducements comes in.