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21st Century Literature Blog: 11-Riemann, Pasig (2026)

13/06/2023

North America – Movie
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse encourages its audience to embrace their uniqueness and transcend the boundaries that society themselves have set. As Miles navigates his superhero journey, he encounters a diverse group of Spider-People from different dimensions, each with their own strengths and vulnerabilities. Through their interactions and shared experiences, Miles learns that being a hero is not about living up to someone else's expectations, but embracing his identity and forging his path.

Miles' growth is mirrored in the development of other characters as well. Peter B. Parker, an older and disillusioned version of Spider-Man, initially embodies the failures and limitations that age carries. However, he, too, learns to break free from his own self-imposed boundaries and finds redemption through his mentorship of Miles. Similarly, Gwen Stacy, known as Spider-Woman or "Spider-Gwen," confronts her fears and past mistakes, ultimately embracing her role as a hero and transcending the limitations placed upon her. The film highlights that personal growth and self-discovery occur when individuals are willing to challenge societal norms and embrace their unique qualities. It sends a powerful message that one can only realize their true potential by going beyond the expectations and limitations imposed by oneself and society.

Overall it incorporates visual metaphors to reinforce its thematic exploration of transcending boundaries. The animation style, inspired by comic books, allows for integrating different artistic techniques, such as varied panel layouts, text overlays, and thought bubbles. These elements not only pay homage to the character's origins in the comic book medium, but also serve as visual representations of breaking through conventional boundaries. The movie also utilizes animation styles to represent different dimensions and characters. Each Spider-Person has a distinct animation style that reflects their personality and world. This creative choice visually emphasizes that true heroism lies in embracing individuality and transcending limitations, regardless of background or appearance.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is an animated masterpiece that delves into the theme of expectations and transcending personal boundaries. Throughout the journey of Miles Morales and a diverse ensemble of Spider-People, the film explores the struggle of conforming to societal expectations and the transformative power of embracing one's uniqueness. With its visually stunning animation, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking narrative, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is an inspiring reminder that true greatness lies in breaking free from limitations and living up to one's own potential.

Explanation:
The illustration highlights Miles' overbearing pressure and his need to fulfill others' expectations and transcend his boundaries by showcasing the graffiti in the film "no expectations" in the background. The picture also encapsulates the different Spider-Persons from different dimensions, each possessing unique abilities, backgrounds, and personalities. Each character grapples with their limitations and insecurities, but together they find strength in their differences and forge a bond that transcends dimensions. Lastly, the burden Miles carries is visible in the form of the Spider-Man overlooking the rest, the Spider-Man that Miles yearns to be. By placing Miles in the spotlight, the movie and the drawing challenges the preconceived notions of who can wear the Spider-Man mask and embody the heroic ideals associated with the character.

Illustration by: Francis Vincent Pious C. Duñgo
Written by: Emmanuel Sebastian P. Sison

12/06/2023

𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 - 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲
𝐀𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞́𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐆𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫

Absit by Angélica Gorodischer is an unsettling tale of perversion and revenge in which an unattended young girl was subjected to the preying eyes of an adult man who happened to be passing by their neighborhood. The innocent child was merely playing outside of her home when a stranger approached her with a friendly disguise, trying to catch her attention and buy her obedience through offering things young children consider as treasures — candies and dolls. The man thought that the girl was easily fooled, but her feigned innocence was the one that fooled him. Just as he thought that he was so close to getting what he wants, just one step behind, just one inch away from reaching his desire, he suddenly falls to his destruction. He woke up from his euphoric dream when the young girl pushed him into the deep well of his demise and bid him goodbye.

This short story explores the thoughts and perspective, innate desires, and active conscience of an abuser. The story portrays an adult’s capacity to commit sins and inability to stop himself from diving into his own ruin even though he knew that what he was doing was wrong. At the beginning of the story, the author revealed the thoughts of the man when he saw the young girl, his struggle and outright denial of the desire to take advantage of her naivety. Throughout his conversation with the child as he tries to convince her to do what he wants, the author emphasized his desperation while hanging onto the hope that someone can stop him from committing a grave sin. However, it was also evident that the man was mainly relying on an outside force to stop him, when it was supposed to be a battle between him and his capacity to control himself. As he was able to finally enter the gates and walk to a designated hiding place with the girl, it was clear that he was trying to please the girl by entertaining her childish thoughts, just until he tastes victory. But he never reached it, as he was pushed by the girl who he thought he had all figured out. The quick and significant change in his thoughts was highlighted by the author as it went from the plan of abuse to the rehearsal of alibis and excuses as to why he ended up at the bottom of the well. The man was filled with deep regret as he cried out in desperation for the little girl to save him, the very same girl he was trying to hurt.

The author’s use of perspective in this story may be deemed unusual as it goes from the third perspective of narration to the first perspective of the adult man. Nevertheless, this writing technique can be considered effective in carrying out the author’s purpose of letting the readers have an inside look at the mind of the abuser’s character and emphasize his inner struggles with his troubling thoughts. Even though the author did not use the perspective of the young girl in the story, she was able to magnificently build her character through clues that can be found throughout the text. As a young child, the readers may expect that she may easily fall prey to the abuse but she proved that she is smart and guarded as she was able to protect herself from imminent harm.

Angélica Gorodischer is an outstanding author who writes stories with abundant and majestic uses of symbolisms and complex clues that can be deciphered to be significant in the story’s plot when examined critically. From the beginning of the story, there was an outright symbolism as it was narrated that the man was “walking down” and “the sun was at his back.” Visualizing this, it is clear that the man can see his own shadow and is following the darkness as he turned his back from the light. This describes the man’s character in just a few words.

The author was also clearly able to build the sense of security and caution of the young girl through highlighting the green-colored railing which gives the feeling of safety. Inside the unkempt garden, there was an azalea bush symbolizing femininity, beauty, and attraction and a gardenia representing purity and gentleness. It was stated that there was “almost nothing else” aside from these two plants, suggesting that there was nothing more to the girl’s character aside from her innocence and purity. However, it is said that there are “remains of a few impatiens” which is a flower that conveys the message “touch me not.” Having only a few remains of this subtly indicates that it was not only used once, and the events of abuse around the girl already happened before. There were also a few remains of geraniums which symbolize innocence, leading the readers to the inference that the little girl is already aware of the malicious intentions of adults. In the story, the girl is portrayed as a normal child who is curious and susceptible to childish mistakes, but there were several clues in the story that her act of escaping abuse is familiar and not a stranger to her. For one, the girl came back at night to deliberately watch the man’s suffering and not to help him. In the end of the story, it is also indirectly implied that the mother is aware of her child’s actions with the ending line, “That well has always been a danger, always.” This enthralls the readers to think critically of the girl’s actions, whether it was truly just a coincidence or an intended act of delivering justice to oneself.

Throughout the story, the man was strongly associated with animals. The little girl was playing with a stuffed animal which may be viewed as the man. The toy had a lot of fur which represents its thick disguise to hide the true colors of his skin. It didn’t have a bit of tail which means that he is a coward who lacks the courage to endure unpleasant things. Also, it had a lot of whiskers which are mainly used by animals to identify nearby objects and catch prey, in this case, the girl. The girl also mentioned that her mother thinks of men as animals. At the end of the story, the foreman named Mr. Laws thought of the man’s body at the bottom of the well as a dog. The author evidently used name association, which means that in the eyes of law and justice, the man is not considered to be a human as he was beyond redemption and there will never be a single justification for his repeated sins.

Overall, the author challenges the readers to reflect on the man’s actions, his choice of the path of iniquity, and his sudden repentance when faced with the inevitability of death. In this story, the author’s purpose is to help the readers realize their own definition of justice and morality through the girl’s character who put the notion of justice in her own hands. Through the use of a simple and straight-forward plot that told a complex and sensitive tale of the repulsive human actions, the author aimed to stop further ignorance and open up the world that many turn a blind eye to with the wish for a protection from malevolence, conveyed by the story’s title “Absit” which means “may the evil omen be absent.”

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
Imagine, for a moment, a place devoid of others, where shadows lurk, and isolation weighs heavily on your shoulders. In this evocative illustration, we encounter a profound symbolism that captures the depths of human experience. The man and the young girl represent the contrast between innocence and corruption. The man's unsettling thoughts envelop him in darkness, tainting his consciousness. His descent into the deep well mirrors his physical and metaphorical confinement, symbolizing profound loneliness and the inescapable nature of his troubled thoughts.

The scorpions above the well embody malevolence and lust, representing the man's disturbing desires. Paradoxically, they also protect the girl from his harm, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity. The impatiens on the girl's head, known as "touch-me-not," symbolize protection, shielding her innocence from the man's malevolence just like the story’s title “Absit” which means “may the evil omen be absent.”

This intricate symbolism reflects the complexities of the human condition, emphasizing the importance of support and empathy. It reminds us of the need for nurturing environments that shield the vulnerable from darkness. Ultimately, this illustration is a powerful reminder of the enduring power of innocence and the human spirit's ability to overcome it.

𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲: 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐥 𝐀. 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐨
𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲: 𝐉𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐦𝐚 𝐊𝐞𝐳𝐢𝐚𝐡 𝐕. 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐢𝐥

12/06/2023

North America - Movie
Tick, Tick... Boom!

Tick, Tick… Boom! is a film adaptation of Jonathan Larson's musical, which also digs into the life of Jonathan Larson himself as he reaches the milestone of turning thirty. The film imparts a powerful message about relentlessly pursuing our dreams, regardless of the obstacles we face. Yet, it reminds us that time marches on relentlessly, refusing to wait for anyone, and we are all bound by its finite nature. The title itself serves as a symbol, evoking the twin ticking clocks of Jonathan's own potential and the decreasing time his friend has left due to HIV and AIDS. This amplifies the urgency and uncertainty that Jonathan struggles with.
Jonathan, or Jon, dreads his 30th birthday because he feels that he has not achieved his ambitions or anything significant in his life yet. He believes that time is slipping away rapidly, with the relentless ticking of the clock growing louder and more insistent. He aspires to make his mark in the musical theater industry like Mr. Stephen Sondheim and Rodgers and Hammerstein, who established themselves as icons before reaching thirty. However, he was facing numerous adversities, including financial incapacity, a creative block, and the long search for a producer who was willing to take his musical to Broadway. Nonetheless, he maintains unwavering faith and belief that he is capable of achieving his ambition to become the future of musical theater and revolutionize it.
Jonathan spent his 8 years working relentlessly and made his futuristic dystopian original musical, "Superbia." In the midst of all of this, Jonathan has also neglected important aspects of his life like his girlfriend, and his best friend, who, unbeknownst to him, is fighting their own battle against HIV. When he finally got the opportunity to showcase his work, critics and veterans were amazed by his craft and his artistry. However, despite the overwhelming praise, the show fails to secure a spot on Broadway or even off-Broadway because its production is costly.

Discouraged, Jonathan receives advice to simply move on and write another musical, as that is the life of a writer. This suggestion leaves him feeling drained and disheartened, as he believes he has already wasted so much time and does not wish to waste any more. It was 2 days before he turned 30 hence, his chance to debut on Broadway before reaching the age of 30 was in shambles. The pressure mounts, and Jonathan feels as though a time bomb is ticking away. What I think was devastating though was that, in the film, although Jonathan had some artistic struggle, it was clear that his talent was never the problem or issue. He might have spent 8 years to finish Superbia because he kept on rewriting it but he was undeniably gifted, extremely talented and he is capable of achieving his dreams. However, it was also the business aspect of musical theater that hindered such kind of art from being known to the world.
When Jonathan confronts one of his friends about his own existential race against time later on, the harsh reality hits him like a slap in the face when his best friend reveals that he is HIV positive. One by one, he witnessed his other friends die due to AIDS. They were another example of what it is like to run out of time because they are people who have a limited amount of time to live and know only how much time they have left. Unlike Jonathan, who knows he is running out of time in a different sense.

Years later, Jonathan made another musical titled "Rent," which became his sole musical that made it to Broadway. Through this work, he was able to leave an indelible mark on the musical theater industry, revolutionizing it with his artistry and vision. Tragically, Jonathan himself never gets to witness the first show of "Rent," as he passes away before its premiere.
I think the film beautifully encapsulates everyone’s struggle against time. We might not be as talented as Jonathan Larson was, but we have all experienced the feeling that we are running out of time and the urgency to do the things we want and pursue our ambitions because we do not have much time left. Like Jonathan, some of us are fine with repeating things until we achieve what we want, but we are also considering that time, once wasted or lost, is something that we cannot bring back. Yet, we have to remember there are many factors that waste our time or that make us waste time. Some of these are out of our hands, and we should take the pressure off ourselves. However, time remains an adversary to all of us, which constantly reminds us that we must do our best to spend our time in the best way possible because we do not know what might happen tomorrow.
Essentially, "Tick, Tick... Boom!" serves as a reminder that time is a precious and finite resource that we must all give importance to.

Explanation:

Tick, Tick... Boom! explores Jonathan Larson's personal experiences as an aspiring composer and his challenges in achieving his goals. The illustration shows him climbing the piano stairs, which have a broken clock on top. The piano staircase represents his progress as a composer as he pursues his dreams. The piano was his instrument of success because that was what he mainly used to create his art. It can be seen that the riser of the stairs is low to the point that it has turned into a ramp, showing that his progress is slow. The broken clock at the top of the piano stairway represents running out of time. The minute hand of the clock is approaching 30, which puts pressure on him because he has not yet achieved his ambition, which is to make a mark on Broadway or the musical theater industry. In addition, notes serve as the clock's broken pieces and illustrate his struggles as an artist. Additionally, there is a red note and other notes on the clock that represent his passion for music composition. Overall, the illustration portrays Jonathan's life as that of an aspiring composer who is under pressure due to his impending 30th birthday. The illustration also features a simple white and black color scheme to honor his passion and express sadness that he passed away before seeing his success, as he died shortly before the Off-Broadway premiere of his renowned musical "Rent."

Illustration by: Jazz Dorothy H. Del Rosario
Written by: Czairra Paulette R. Ricamata

12/06/2023

North America - Movie
The Hunger Games

Gary Ross is an American filmmaker who directed the first Hunger Games film. It premiered on March 22, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. The Hunger Games is an action and sci-fi movie. The story revolves around a survival fight-to-the-death competition. It was a successful franchise, with a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. The film begins with the Capitol annually selecting a boy and a girl aged 12 to 18 from each district to participate in the Hunger Games. The games started to serve as a reminder of the Capitol's amnesty for the rebellion of the 12 districts and are televised throughout Panem for the Capitol's entertainment.

Katniss Everdeen, along with her sister and mother, lives in District 12 of Panem in Northern America. It is known as the smallest and poorest district. Mining coal is their main business. Every year, uncertain about their fate, Katniss and her best friend, Gale Hawthorne, hope not to be chosen as the district's tribute. However, everything changed when Katniss's sister Prim was selected for the 74th Hunger Games. Driven by her love for her one and only sister, Katniss volunteered as the tribute in Prim's place, becoming District 12's final tribute alongside Peeta Mellark. Each pair of tributes is presented to the Capitol with the hope of gaining sponsors to assist them in the competition.

Katniss and Peeta amazed the Capitol by appearing in costumes engulfed in flames. This was a significant element of their characters as it highlights their uniqueness and ability to stand out, also echoing the main industry of District 12, which is mining. Early in the film, Katniss was already introduced as ‘the girl on fire’, symbolizing her steady and strong spirit. Similarly, fire is still used today to demand attention, as seen in rallies and protests, where citizens use it to capture the attention of others and make their voices heard.

Another element of the film is the three-finger salute which can be seen throughout the movie. It serves as a way to bid farewell or show respect. This salute appeared several times, by several people. Executing this in critical moments reminds the audience to remember their origins and emphasizes respect as a vital virtue in life. Aside from this, it also symbolizes the anger of the citizens against the rotten system of the games. This reflects the collective willingness of a community to influence a revolution.

Katniss faced many challenges during the competition but succeeded in winning in the end. She embodied the extraordinary bravery of someone willing to challenge a system to achieve change, similar to citizens taking a step to call out the government when things are not for the welfare of the people. The Hunger Games is a powerful film that awakens viewers to real-life issues concerning the government and society. One example is the persistent issue of social class inequalities happening in many nations. Some leaders also tend to abuse their power, resulting in the oppression of the poor or the weak people of society. Most importantly, the story imparts the lesson of fighting for what is right. A single individual has the power to initiate change that will benefit the many.

Illustration by: Penelope Ann D. Bacares
Written by: Bea Kristine S. Coronel

12/06/2023

𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 - 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲
𝐌𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐲 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐳

"My Life with the Wave" was written by a Mexican poet and author, Octavio Paz. It is a surreal and complex short story that explores the theme of the individual's relationship with the natural world, being able to experience different phases each moment. The narrator of the story describes his life with a wave, which somewhat he personifies as a living being with whom he has a deep and intimate connection.

The story is structured in different parts, each with a different tone and mood. The beginning portion sets the scene and introduces the wave as a character by giving characteristics of a person to the wave, mentioning that it was “tall and light” and referring to it as a she. It was followed by describing the narrator's initial encounter with the wave and their subsequent relationship. The middle up to the latter part is a turning point in the story, where the speaker realizes that his relationship with the wave is not sustainable as he doesn’t seem to control and understand the wave as thoroughly as he wishes. The final part of the story concludes with a sense of loss and longing as the speaker and the wave split apart for the rest of their lives.

Throughout the story, Paz uses vivid and sensory language to create a dreamlike atmosphere. The wave is described as "a green, transparent living thing" with "eyes of gold." The speaker's interactions with the wave are sensual and erotic, with references to "embraces" and "kisses." However, as the poem progresses, the speaker becomes increasingly aware of the wave's power and unpredictability. He realizes that he cannot control it and that their relationship is ultimately doomed.

The story can be interpreted in a number of ways. On one level, it can be seen as a metaphor for the human experience of nature, with the wave representing the natural world and the speaker representing humanity. It suggests that our relationship with nature is both intimate and fragile, and that we must acknowledge the power and unpredictability of the natural world if we are to coexist with it. This can also be interpreted as a woman in love, whereas a woman may seem stable and reachable at first, but then once you’ve seen all her phases completely, it’s like you’re being transported into a different kind of world you have never been to in your whole life. One thing is constant, a woman has a lot to handle comparable to the wave in which we can not predict how much rage and changes she can possess. In order to completely know a woman, you must be able to experience each kind of scenario with her. Relatively to the speaker bringing the wave to his adventures, this can go the same as to a romantic relationship. You might encounter your partner being influenced by other people, resulting in it treating you harshly, something you never expected to happen and something that leaves you confused like you did something wrong. It indeed takes a lot of courage to deal with a woman in love.

Overall, "My Life with the Wave" is a rich and complex short story that rewards close reading and interpretation. Through its expressive imagery and surreal atmosphere, it explores themes of intimacy, power, judgment, and the human relationship with the natural world.

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:

Ever wondered what transpires when a person finds themselves entangled in the grip of a relentless wave, realizing the futility of control and the impending demise of their relationship? In this illustration, the figure finds himself covered by the wave's embrace, symbolizing their profound realization. As the wave engulfs them, they grapple with the stark truth that their influence over it is futile. The person's outstretched hand reaches towards a radiant light, a beacon of hope amidst the turbulent tides. It is not just a symbol of hope but also an embodiment of their willingness to let go. They realize that clinging to the wave will only prolong their own suffering, and instead, they choose to embrace the uncertainty of what lies beyond. The scattering of books on the floor signifies their tireless pursuit of understanding as they strive to make sense of their predicament. A falling paper bearing the illustration of a broken hourglass serves as a solemn reminder of the fleeting nature of their bond. Time is slipping away, and their connection is destined to fade. The walls are adorned with colorful posters, capturing brief moments of happiness shared with the wave. Peering through the window, a radiant world bathed in sunlight comes into view, offering a glimmer of hope and the prospect of newfound perspectives. The luminous scene promises the potential for liberation as if inviting the person to break free from their entangled bond with the wave.

𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲: 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐧 𝐂. 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨
𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐏. 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐨

12/06/2023

𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 - 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲
𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐲 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐭á𝐳𝐚

The story "Letter to a Young Lady in Paris" by Julio Cortázar explores the complex relationship between a young boy and a girl named Andrea, highlighting the internal struggles and fears that can deeply affect an individual.

At the beginning of the story, when Andrea invites the boy to join her in Paris, he is hesitant and unsure of himself. He perceives Andrea as someone who lives beautifully, while he sees himself as a mess. However, despite his reservations, the boy eventually decides to travel to Paris and live with Andrea. Upon arriving at her apartment, his fear intensifies. He becomes paralyzed by anxiety, even afraid to use a utensil for fear of disrupting the order and harmony in Andrea's perfectly arranged home.

In the letter he writes to Andrea, the boy reveals a strange secret about himself: whenever he falls ill, he vomits out a rabbit. Initially, it was easy for him to conceal this from Andrea. He would hide the rabbits in the closet at night and release them when she was asleep. However, as time goes on, the number of rabbits increases to eleven, and they become too large to fit in the closet. The boy finds himself trapped in a dilemma, feeling that he cannot get rid of the rabbits without also getting rid of himself.

The story takes a dark turn at the end when it is revealed that the letter is not a love letter, as many initially believed, but rather a su***de note from the boy to Andrea. The rabbits in the story symbolize the flaws and vulnerabilities that humans possess. The boy's desperate attempt to hide his rabbits reflects the pressure he feels to present himself as perfect and without flaws in the eyes of Andrea. He fears that exposing his imperfections would shatter the image she has of him and their relationship.

Cortázar's story dives into the profound impact of anxiety and fear on a person's life. The boy's constant fear with hiding his flaws and anxieties prevents him from fully engaging in daily activities and connecting with others. It serves as a cautionary story, reminding us of the importance of finding a balance between acknowledging and accepting our flaws while also understanding the context and environment in which they are shared.

While it can be challenging to confront and reveal our vulnerabilities, doing so can foster empathy, build trust, and create more authentic relationships. The decision to hide or reveal our flaws ultimately depends on individual circumstances, personal values, and the level of support and acceptance we have within our social circles.

Cortázar's storytelling technique, his use of symbolism, and the deep allegory present in "Letter to a Young Lady in Paris" can make the story confusing and initially hard to understand. However, once the reader grasps the narrative's essence, it becomes an eye-opening experience that allows us to empathize with the boy's perspective and understand the weight of his fears.

Ultimately, the story serves as a reminder that we do not have to face our flaws alone. Sharing our struggles and imperfections with others can lead to growth, understanding, and the formation of genuine connections. It encourages us to seek support, empathy, and acceptance from those around us, helping us navigate the complexities of our own inner conflicts.

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:

The short story employs representations and symbolism that indirectly unveil a tragic ending. Firstly, the man who wrote the letter is depicted as confined in a box, seemingly hiding from his fears and flaws. One half of his face is drawn, while the other half remains in darkness, symbolizing the depression and misery in his life. The man inside the box is held by a bunny, which represents fear and is characterized by a scary face. The size of the bunny and its firm grip on the box demonstrates its control and dominance over the man. Additionally, the bunny's eyes function as a running clock, symbolizing the time the man spends waiting for his girlfriend. The clock is set at 11:00, representing the 11th bunny in the short story and signifying the breaking point of the man's patience as he can no longer bear the situation.

In the background, a rope near a tombstone symbolizes the man's decision to take his own life. It is attached to a withered tree, symbolizing a lack of vitality, while a falling bird signifies an ending and the loss of hope. In tackling our problems, we realize that going it alone won't suffice. It is essential to develop the skill of expressing our emotions simply and honestly, fostering meaningful connections that can lead us toward resolution and growth. We, ourselves, must also learn to check the status of the people around us as a simple inquiry about someone's well-being can save somebody’s life.

𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲: 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐌. 𝐈𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐫𝐨
𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲: 𝐃𝐣𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐥 𝐊𝐞𝐧 𝐌. 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐝𝐚

21st Century Literature Blog: 11-Riemann

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