LITERARY ANALYSIS ON THE ROAD TO ARAS-ASAN
The literary piece "The Road to Aras-Asan by Rebekah M. Alawi is a journey
narrative of a mother to meet his future daughter-in-law and witness his son tying a knot
to his behalf. From Pamamanhikan up until the wedding day, the mother descriptively
narrates her experiences and her struggles to the remote area of Aras-asan to support
his son to another chapter of his life as a married couple. Moreover, the writer's
exposition on how religiously and culturally tied Filipinos are evidently emulated on this
story. The cultural observances of both Christian and Muslim customs were illustrated to
show how rich and culturally-knotted Filipinos are. The protagonist of the story (mother)
has encountered many challenging experiences throughout their journey. These
experiences, however, have led her to a life-changing conclusion at the end of the story.
She has been given a new perspective on the value of selflessness, compassion, and
love.
The strong characterization of the groom's mother signifies a typical Filipino mom
and how dynamic actions and decisions are just for their family. In the lines, "I thanked
my son's new family, for taking him in despite his different cultural background, or
treating him as their own," explains how motherly love emulates to support their child
and make sure that they are in the right hand. The main character also exemplified that
value of friendship that allowed her to develop the strong willpower in going to the
remote and deserted area of Aras-asan. Within their journey, her friends made the ride
bearable for her as they made jokes and conversations to ease the static vibe and
difficult ride. It is evident in the line, "I would not mind finding myself on the road to Aras-
Asan. Again. But with the same jocund and like-minded company, of course."
Another notable element that is worth pondering in the story is its theme. The
author highlighted the Filipino Virtues, which encompasses love for culture, tradition,
and family. Family cultures affect the story because they practice different beliefs and
traditions. Culture is one of the factors that affect the decision of both families. Inside
the story, the mother had a struggle in keeping with the daughter-in-law's culture who
practice Muslim Culture because of their Christian Beliefs. They both agreed to
commence the wedding in two religious' practices. First, they follow the rule of the
Islamic wedding where the groom needs to do the Pamamanhikan, and the marriage
must take place in the bride's home. Then, they are rewed on the Christian Church for
the accomplishment of the bride's side.
Moreover, the author made the readers realize that everything can be
agreed in between as long as you genuinely love the person. It also values the spirit of
friendship, which was emulated in the later parts of the story. Despite the long journey
for the Christian Wedding, the mother's friends stayed until they reached Aras-asan. It
only shows how multi-dimensional love is. Even though they have experienced bumps
along the way, such as disagreements and external conflicts, love will still shine within
their hearts to fulfill their goals in supporting the couple's wedding in a deserted and
remote area.
In conclusion, we appreciate on how the author put emphasis on the Filipino
values and the strong characterization of a mother in his affiliation to family affairs.
There is no greater love than a mother’s affection and that is emulated in the entire
story that must be cherished by its readers. Mother’s love is always leaning for the
happiness of its family and that it will always defy obstacles even differences in culture.
