The document provides guidance for analyzing the theme of a story. It discusses analyzing each element of the story, including the title, plot, setting, characters, point of view, conflict, and theme. The goal is to look at how each part contributes to the overall theme. It also provides examples from an unnamed story, discussing specific characters and their dialogue to illustrate analyzing how elements reflect the theme. The document will be used to guide literature analysis and for a group term paper assignment.

1. Introduction
Waywaya
Summary and
Interpretation

2. Analyzing the Theme of the
Story
“ A story is organic” --- which means that every part of
the story plays a vital part to the whole. Each part
contributes to the other, from the title itself to the
development of the story.
To interpret the theme, one must look at the most
significant human experience which is reoccurring in the
story.

3. Analyzing the Theme of the
Story
First, look at each element of the story -- because in literature each part
is artistically deigned to be there for a purpose.
 Title – what is the significance of the title to the story?
 Plot – is there any meaning on how the plot was laid in the story?
 Setting – how does the setting help in the progress of the story?
 Character – what are the personalities of the characters? *Note: Pay
attention if there are exchange of dialogues between characters.
 Point of View – who is telling the story? How does it help in the
development?
 Conflict – what type of conflict?
 Theme – what is the significant human experience that is reoccurring in the
story?

4. Analyzing the Theme of the
Story
A. Title: “Waywaya”
 Why was the story entitled that way?
 What is the relationship of the title with the story?
 Is there any symbolism that the title represents?
The story was entitled that way because “Waywaya” is the
most artistic element of the story.
“Waywaya” is the lead female character of the story, the
entirety of the story and its development revolves around her.
From the beginning she became the instrument that elicit
change from other characters.

5. Analyzing the Theme of the
Story
B. Plot
 What type of plot was used? Conventional or
Contemporary?
 Why is the story plotted that way?
 Exposition
 Complication
 Climax
 Resolution
 Denouement

6. Analyzing the Theme of the
Story
B. Plot
 Exposition – Meeting of the two main characters, the
topography of the place and the social-historical
conditions are laid out.
 Complication – As the two main characters realized
what they have with each other and the situation they
must face.
 Climax – when the story slowly arises to the point
where main character must face the main conflict.
(one complication leads to another)
 Resolution – after facing the main conflict, the main
character brought change to the characters of the
story.
 Denouement - ending

7. Analyzing the Theme of the
Story
C. Setting
 When and where did the story occur?
 What is the social/climatic condition of the story?
 How does the setting help in the progress of the
story?
The story occur on the time of pre-colonial Philippines. There were
two tribes rival who lives in each side of the river --- the Daya (plain
lands) and the Laud (mountainous).
Both tribes lives in the past forged with hatred and rivalry. But the
way they live are different. The Daya are consistent on their way of
living but the Laud are exploring innovations.

8. Analyzing the Theme of the
Story
D. Characters
 Who are the significant characters?
 What are their roles in the story?
 How does their personality/decisions affect the
development of the story?
Dayaw Liwliwa
Waywaya Pintas
Parbangon The Old Chief (Laud)
The Ulo (Daya)

9. Analyzing the Theme of the
Story
D. Characters
 We can understand the characters better through
their dialogues.
 Often times, the characters are the ones who state
the theme of the story.
Dayaw stared at the waves breaking on the surf with a murmur. “Nature
has been on our side Father,” he said. “Not just nature,” the Ulo was
exuberant “We know our past, we don't repeat its mistakes. That, too, is
tradition.” “The past could also be a prison, Father,” Dayaw said. “You
always look back, not ahead…”

10. Analyzing the Theme of the
Story
D. Characters
“There something about an old tree,” he said, “it grows no
more. At the same time, it is difficult to cut it down. Its
roots are deep although it can draw no more sustenance
from the earth. Maybe, it is right that the new trees
should grow.”

11. Analyzing the Theme of the
Story
E. Point of View
 Who is telling the story?
 Why is it significant that the story is narrated
that way?

12. Analyzing the Theme of the
Story
F. Conflict
 What type of conflict?
 How did the story progressed to that kind of
conflict?
 How did the characters handle the conflict of the
story?

13. Analyzing the Theme of the
Story
G. Theme
 What is the most significant human experience
found in the story?
 The theme is the center of the story which
explains why each element is designed that way.
“There something about an old tree,” he said, “it grows no
more. At the same time, it is difficult to cut it down. Its
roots are deep although it can draw no more sustenance
from the earth. Maybe, it is right that the new trees
should grow.”

14. Analyzing the Theme of the
Story
G. Theme
The main theme of the story is change. But
change is impossible if people still linger in the past.
Accepting our faults and differences would lead us to
look beyond what lies in the past and would open up
doors for the future.
Waywaya and Daya reflects that a Taga-Daya and
a Taga-Laud could live peacefully together. That
there is room for love and caring once they look pass
the old wounds of their tribes.
When the old Laud chieftain said that new trees
should grow, it means that he is open for change.

15. Group Reporting and Term
Paper

16. Group Discussion
 The class will be divided into 12 groups.
 A short story will be designated per group.
 The group will present the story in any way possible.
 After the discussion, an open forum will be conducted
where the audience could ask the presenters about the
story.
 A 10 points quiz will proceed the later.

17. Short Stories
 Dead Stars
 Small Key
 Footnote to Youth
 Zita
 The Bread of Salt
 Magnificence
 Midsummer
 The Wedding Dance
 Tabanata's Wife
 The Day the Dancers
Came
 May Day Eve
 The God-Stealer

18. Term Paper
 1st Term: Analysis of A Short Story – each group
will submit an analysis of the short story they
were assigned with. The analysis will go as
follows:
I. Summary
II. Interpretation – Explain the theme of the story.
III. Analysis – analyze each part of the story (title,
characters, setting, conflict, POV, etc.) using the
theme.
IV. Evaluation – What can you say about the story?

19. Term Paper
 2nd Term: Analysis of A Novel – the class will be divided into
groups, wherein each will have 3 members. The group will
choose between:
 The Order of Melkizedek by Nick Joaquin
 A Child of Sorrows by Zoilo Galang.
 The Hand of the Enemy by
The format for analyzing the novelette will be the same as
that of the short story.
I. Summary (4-5 pages)
II. Interpretation – Explain the theme of the story. (2-3 pages)
III. Analysis – analyze each part of the story (title, characters,
setting, conflict, POV, etc.) using the theme. (5-10 pages)
IV. Evaluation – What can you say about the story? (2-3 pages)

20. Term Paper
 Guidelines:
 For the short story, the term paper could be 2-5
pages only.
 For the novelette the prescribed number of
pages must be followed through.
a. Spacing: 1.25 spacing per line (There should be no
added spaces between paragraphs)
b. Margin: Use standard margin (1 inch on all sides)
c. Font Style: Cambria
d. Font Size: 12