WHEN THE MOON OUT-MANEUVERS THE SUN

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
OF
Summer Solstice and Tatarin

Prepared by:
Anecito L. Samonte Jr.
AC2

Prepared to:
Mrs. Liezel Z. Barredo
Instructor

I. SUMMARY
 The Nick Joaquins masterpiece entitling Summer Solstice, depicted how the women
empowerment come into existence in Moretas Residence. It is about of getting out of her shell,
Dona Guadalupe(Lupeng), an aristocratic yet subservient wife when her patriarchal conceit exploded
from deprivation she has experiencing under his dominant husband, Don Rafael(Paeng).

The last day of Tatdarin is the same day as St John's Day. The story is set on St John's Day
in the 1850s in the Philippines which is the day of mans fertility and likewise a Tadtarin day that
corresponds the day of women empowerment embodying their fertility as well. There was procession
that was being participated by many people in the barrio. The Tadtarin itself is exclusive to the
woman meaning there is no mens participation. Many men frowned upon the extravagant dances
and plays surrounding the ritual.

The conversation between Guido, Don Paengs cousin causes Dona Lupeng to participate in
the last night of the festival, which is the Tatarin ritual. Don Paeng goes with her and tries to drag her
back once the dancing begun, but she runs from him to the women. The women pushed him away
and he got whipped. He has nothing to do with the liberty of her wife. As the two returned home,
Paeng says he must whip his wife because he loves her and feels that she needs to be put in her
place. To this, she shouts and says she wants to be adored, not respected and orders him to kiss
her feet.

II. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

The Summer Solstice was classed as controversial kind of short story because of the mix of Pagan
ritual and Christian rites of passage. The story was later adapted into a film, Tatarin. There were
instances in the story and the movie differs. For further elaboration the table is presented below.

A. CHARACTERS

SUMMER SOLSTICE TATARIN

Don Paeng -a superior husband -has no mustache that looked
-has mustache representing him as a simple and typical
superiority husband
Dona Lupeng -a wife that is not that -very refined and elegant
submissive -had a sexual relationship with
-a refined woman that did not Guido
commit any affair from other
man
Amda -the Tatarin that described by -the Tatarin that looks very
Dona Lupeng as old and fat seductive , sexy and young
Entoy -a husband that loyal to his wife -committed a sexual relationship
and does not look for other affair with one of the maids, Kikay
Guido -a young and middle age boy -adult already
-did not make sexual scenes -does not look like as the story
with his aunt described
Others -no participation -made different roles
C.SETTING

SUMMER SOLSTICE TATARIN

The story happened in 1950s, summer to be
exacted in the celebration of the Feast Day
of Saint John. There are scopes in the
Moretas residence and in the procession at
their towns mini plaza and those happened
during the night.
The film happened in 1950s as well during
the celebration of the Feast Day of Saint
John(summer). There are shots in many
places as rivers, forest-like place where the
women make their rituals and the Moretas
residence and procession at their towns
mini plaza and those happened during the
night.

C .PLOT

CONFLICT

The conflict that can be depicted in the story Summer Solstice is between Dona
Lupeng and her internal sensation. Her struggles over her submissiveness that let Don
Paeng ruin her entire life without even letting her to choose, express her feelings; and her
adversion to such despise. Lupeng shatters the concept of the suppressed woman when
she gains control of her husband, who kisses her feet at the end of story. This makes it seem
as though the internal conflict was that women are the ones who want to be the rulers of
men, as seen in the Tatarin festival.

MOTIVATION

The internal conceit of Dona Lupeng started to burst when she had conversation with
Guido, her cousin. It was Guido who became the reason for her to think that she must be
adored and freedom must not be deprived into her.

TURNING POINT

The sudden change in the story was the instinct of Dona Lupeng from submissive
into independent one when she decided to come with the procession that even her husband
could not stopped her.

CLIMAX

Dona Lupeng had her way to go further into Tadtarin and set aside all the objections
of her husband. It is when all she felt was independence in every matter. She ignored her
husband as she watched at the dancers with fascination and loosened her hair and followed
 them. It was the stage when alter ego of Dona Lupeng goes beyond the submissive and
refined personality of the woman.

DENOUEMENT

The unraveling part of the story was when the women in Tadtarin made their ritual
chants and went back to their respective homes. Don Paeng welcomed her wife with
coldness because his anger was overflowing due to the latters behavior as a lewd woman at
that night.

RESOLUTION

Don Paeng attempted to whip her wife for the malady she possessed that night. They
conversed to each other and they have thrown out their arguments. For Dona Lupeng, there
would be no peace between them if Don Paeng will not declare what he really feels.
Then Don Paeng conceded his adoration to his wife that he worship her, the air that
she breathe and the ground she tread is holy to him, that he is her dog and slave. Don
Paeng's submission to Doa Lupeng and the portrayal of women's reproductive role that
made them "rulers of menAt last, despise of Dona Lupeng was cut off and she out maneuver
her husband through commanding to kiss her foot that conduces her success.

III. APPLICATION

Why was the short story entitled Summer Solstice? Juxtapose the meaning of the title with
that of the theme of the story.

This outstanding masterpiece of artistry was entitled Summer Solstice because it

was during summer when the Feast Day of Saint John was held. Furthermore, if we make
the parlance of solstice, it is either of times when sun is furthest from the sun. Tremendously,
when we place side by side the meaning of the title towards the theme, we will come up with
the proposition that the moon defeated the sun. In the literal meaning of the word, the sun
shines longer than the moon but there in the story, the moon which symbolizes the lord of
women shone brighter than the sun, lord of the men. This is the story all about the ironic
circumstance that the moon is domineering over the sun.

What societal issue was tackled in the short story?

Even the history itself can prove the fact that once upon a time, the men were
supreme and women were slaves. Adam came before Eve, king before queen and the sun
before the moon indicating that men were given greater capabilities and authorities over
women.
The societal issue being tackled in the story was the equality among men and
women. The equality of rights, authority and capacity to emancipate that even the society
itself can live it harmoniously. To live in equal and fair state is such a great privilege to prove
ones physical and mental capacities. The womens participation in household improvement
or even the states progression is mere necessary because women can think as well as men
for the betterment of everyone.
 Two is better than one. If men and women live and work together, the outcome
would possibly the best that it can be.

What was the important role played by the moon in the story? How is it related in the theme
of the story? What is being symbolized by the moon?

As darkness covers the light, the moon simultaneously dominating the sun. The
moonlight replaces sunlight and moonbeam gradually strikes off the sunbeam. As Luna
shines, its spherical shape in full induces the desire of the women to come into the Tadtarin.
The moon is the goddess symbolizes the women empowerment and their absolute fertility.
Their agitation that brings their action frenziedly was brought by divine intervention.
Dona Lupeng made her way to be with the moon. Her desire to get out on her cage and
independently feel the breeze of dominance was procured- the freedom of choice and
expression over the deprivation of her totality as a woman.

What was the significance of the last scene where Don Paeng was kissing the foot of Dona
Lupeng?

Kissing of Don Paeng into his wifes foot convoluted the entire story. This act which
correspond the adoration intensely killed the deprivation of her wifes feminism. His
superiority faded as being glided along the stream.
This is when Dona Lupeng alleges that women can be treated, loved and adored
more than she is used to be. Women were given their opportunities to prove that they can,
exercise their freedom, make their own decisions independently and feel that they are
special, that everyone is equal.
This kiss gave birth to the new philosophy for Dona Lupeng that she will never come
as slave anymore because she has the power and authority as the sun embracing the moon.