Soledad Analysis Essay

Michelle Marie T. Ochoa

Essay: Theme of Soledad

3-6

January 17, 2013 Cn: 33

Foundations of Choice: A critical essay on the theme of Soledad Angela Manalang Gloria reflects a society contrived by the laws and teachings of religion in her sonnet, Soledad. The depiction of disdain for ebbing behavior contradicts the accepted religious norm in the immediate community, thus creating a rift between personal assent and spiritual undertakings through the intertwining of the poetic situation and the images present. The sonnet establishes a people linked by religion through the usage of “neighbour,” which also provides a sense of closeness among its constituents. The perception of the people for an individual with respect for religion is one that is “glassed in dream.” However, it is the “neighbors[„] cr[y]” against “a sacrilege,” that causes an abrupt distinction between the “town” and the girl being alluded to. It becomes clear that the “shatter[ing] [of] every mullioned pane” is the sacrilege and “scandal” being referred to in the poem; one that “never died.” The images of the “shatter[ing]” of what is delicate, indicates the loss of innocence and virginity. The girl‟s “insane moment” with “him” caters a negative response from the town, thus “condemn[ing] [her],” for it further conflicts with their beliefs since she “dared to profane the bread and wine of life,” an essential symbol in the pertaining religion, Christianity. With that, the girl is then withdrawn from the religious the moment she “flung aside her graven days,” representing a point of disregard for the doctrine she once shared with the town. The “loveliness” of the girl eventually leads to the “[burning of] her soul‟s cathedral.” The personal endeavours of the girl, no matter what her intent is, are subjugated by the town. Because of the powerful influence of the religious creed to society, the town “tried in vain” but in its due course, failed to understand the reason behind the “scandal” that is driven by an individual set of moral basis. Despite the girl “lov[ing] too well,” malice is added with the excess of emotion, coupled with the submission of self to the “desires” of others. She is now left to “burn,” and to be “auroled in flame. The unbecoming exploits backfires at her expense, only to have “blackened spires” as the remains of “her soul‟s cathedral.” These images bear the consequences the girl faces for the action deviant from the scriptures of faith. The “burn[ing]” and “flame” pertain to a concrete description of “hell,” a belief in the religion wherein all wrongdoers go. The scandalous doing of the girl prevents her from receiving privileges as taught by the religion. By “[finding] her heaven in the depths of hell,” she rests in silence for her overwhelming emotions brought forth “condemn[ation]” from the town, with remnants of religion ultimately haunting the darkened faith of the girl.