F.

SIONIL JOSE’S ERMITA:

A Feminist and Historical Literary Perspective

A Term Paper submitted to the Faculty of Teacher Education Program

Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in English
Core Gateway College, Inc.

In Partial fulfillment
of the Requirements for the subject
EL 107 – Literary Criticism

By Zandy S. Miguingan
May 24, 2024
 I. A brief background of the author

He is best known for his monumental Rosales Saga, a five-novel epic

that captures the essence of the country's social and historical landscape
according to the article celebrating the life of national artist F. Sionil Jose, 97
written by F. Gargantiel II (2022). Additionally, He enrolled at the University
of Santo Tomas, but he eventually left when the conflict broke out. In those
days, he started working as a journalist. Later on, he opened Solidaridad
Bookshop, a publishing firm, and bookstore, which was situated on Padre
Faura Street, Ermita, Manila, together with his wife, Teresita. Over his career,
he produced 10 other novels, a five-novel series, two novellas, a children's
book, numerous nonfiction pieces, and articles. His contributions were
recognized through numerous awards, including Pres. Ramon Magsaysay
Award and the title of Philippine National Artist for Literature.

II. Short Summary

The protagonist of the book is a wealthy Filipino prostitute named

Maria Ermita Rojo. A daughter of a wealthy Filipina and Spanish mestiza who
was raped by a Japanese soldier during World War II. After being raised by
Sister Constancia at an orphanage, she was eventually sent to live with her
aunt Felicitas not because as a member of the Rojo family but because of
fear that Ermi would make a mistake and do something that may affect their
ancestors and Conchita's trauma, her mother. Maria lives in the Rojo family
garage with Arturo, Orang, and their kids, Mac and Nanet, while remaining
concealed from the public eye. To live as if she didn't have the Rojos' blood
flowing through her, she needs to conceal her true identity from the public.
Ermi gets more hateful of the Rojo family since she is mistreated, poor, and
has been denied her ancestry. She turns to prostitution at the age of
eighteen to generate money since she is unable to handle the weight of her
circumstances and is resolved to exact revenge on the Rojos, who have only
caused her suffering. She starts charging foreign celebrities a premium fee
for her body under the Camarin. As an abandoned illegitimate daughter,
Ermita wanted to exact revenge on her mother, uncle, and aunt in particular.
She seduced guys with her strength and influence. She used their influence
to assist her execute her plan. But she finds that what she expected to be
payback is not what it is. Once her revenge was over, she did not see a joyful
conclusion. It didn't help her discover who she was.
III. Feminist Analysis

Women have historically faced discrimination and disrespect, often

being viewed as weak while men are seen as strong. It is very clearly seen in
the character of Ermita Rojo in F. Sionil José's novel "Ermita," which depicts
the treatment of women during World War II and martial law. Rojo’s family is
wealthy due to having a farm in Nueva Ecija and because of their parent's
businesses. However, even though Maria Ermita is part of Rojo, Conchita,
Joselito, and Fely treated her as a servant like Arturo and his family because
she was a product of plunder by the Japanese Soldier. She became a high-
class prostitute due to a lack of power and eagerness for revenge on her
Aunt Fely, Uncle Joselito, and especially her mother who abandoned her.

The novel explores how genders have disadvantages to people. While

reading I conclude that 5 characters experience gender stigma, stereotypes,
and gender norms. First, Conchita is presented in the novel as a refined
poised woman. However, we then see that she is not like that because, in
times of difficulty, she will use anything to get what she wants. An example
of this is when she seduces Collier even when she knows that she has a baby
in her belly. Conchita’s sister, Fely, is described in the novel as a powerful
woman in their town. She protects her sister Conchita from trauma that
shapes Ermi’s life. Fely values the name of Rojo as well as her fame. She
would do anything just to protect and get what she wants. The next one is
Maria Ermita or Ermi who experienced the terrible reality of life at a young
age. In the novel, there is a part when she first time to meets her uncle
Joselito who makes her undress herself and then masturbates in front of her,
after that, he gives her money and it makes Ermi curious about the thing
“sex” until she turns in junior college. When Ermi joined the Camarin club,
Didi was the one who accepted Ermi because she predicted that her body
and appearance could many men enamor her and make her rich at the same
time. And Didi trusted Rolando Cruz to help Ermita.

Rolando Cruz also encountered gender discrimination when her wife left
him because of his job. His character in the novel sees that a man should be
capable and responsible in family and anything. The last one I saw was
Macartur or Mac that shown in the narrative, as every man only wants
women who are pure and virgins. Said this because he can’t accept or
forgive Ermita for being a prostitute or “Puta” which is shown in the last
chapter of the novel.

The novel depicts gender as both an advantage and a disadvantage.

Women like Ermita and Fely face societal judgment and restrictions due to
their gender. The setting, spanning from the 1940s to the 1970s, reflects a
deeply religious and conservative society, limiting women's freedom. Gender
shapes what women can do and who they can become just like how Ermita
chooses to revenge and make a power to protect her loved ones. Women
 also face pressure to make ethically questionable decisions, such as
Conchita's abortion dilemma and Fely's efforts to conceal Ermita's identity.
However, gender also serves as a blessing for Ermita, enabling her to
achieve her goals through seduction, and wielding power over influential
men. Additionally, It portrays women as inferior and submissive to men, who
are depicted as having greater power. However, it's important to remember
that this is a work of fiction and may not accurately represent historical
gender dynamics. For example, the character Ermita manipulates Senator
Bravo and General Bombilla, showing women wielding power over men.

Overall, "Ermita" is a powerful exploration of gender discrimination and

societal norms, challenging readers to recognize biases and strive for a more
equitable world. The novel underscores the need for broader societal change
that values and respects both women and men equally, advocating for a
future free from outdated stereotypes and norms.

IV. Historical Analysis

"Ermita" is a novel that gives Philippine historical experince,

specifically the Japanese occupation and the Martial Law period under
Ferdinand Marcos. The story setting is narrated from the viewpoint before
and after of existence of Ermita Rojo.

The author expertly shows the flow of characters and events, setting a
high standard that others may find challenging to match. F. Sionil Josè's
unique qualifications contribute to the success of this novel, drawing from his
personal experiences, background as a journalist and novelist. By fearlessly
incorporating historical events and social issues, he addresses topics that
many writers tend to avoid, effectively drawing readers into the narrative.
The story serves as a mirror to the prevailing values of its time, prompting
reflection on societal norms and exposing enduring issues such as
corruption, prostitution, and colonialism that remain relevant today. Without
meaningful changes, more individuals like Ermita and Rolando Cruz will
continue to emerge, trapped by their social circumstances and torn between
love for their country and its exploitation.

I find Ermita to offer an unusual on reminding or teaching people about

our history. As I mentioned earlier, the horrors of the past can only be truly
conveyed by those who have lived through it, and Ermita succeeds in doing
just that. The story is told from the perspective of the people, rather than
glorifying national figures, and it focuses on what happened rather than the
victories of the victors.
V. Conclusion

The narrative Ermita tells the story of our nation's past while
highlighting societal challenges that still affect people today. It's not just
about Ermita's prostitution and retaliation, or about Rolando Cruz, who first
wants to lead the nation's advancement but ultimately wants to live
comfortably at the expense of his nation. If there is one thing I have learned
from the book, then it would be to loving self and be contented. Wanting to
see changes in the way women are perceived and treated is not enough.

VI. References

Gargantiel II F. (2022). Celebrating the Life of National Artist F. Sionil Jose, 97.
University of the Philippines
https://up.edu.ph/celebrating-the-life-of-national-artist-f-sionil-jose-97/

Quieta, R. (2022b, January 7). The life and works of National Artist F. Sionil
Jose. https://www.gmanetwork.com/lifestyle/news/84401/the-life-and-works-
of-national-artist-f-sionil-jose/story