Student Question

What are the key elements of the plot in "Footnote to Youth"?

Quick answer:

In "Footnote to Youth", key plot elements include Dodong's recognition of his manhood and his wish to marry Teang (exposition), his difficult conversation with his father about marriage (rising action), the birth of his first child (climax), the hardships of constant childbearing and work for Teang, and Dodong's growing responsibilities (falling action). The story concludes when Dodong's son, Blas, asks to marry, mirroring Dodong's own youthful decision (resolution).

Expert Answers

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The exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution of Villa's story are as follows:

Exposition: The story begins with Dodong's recognition of his manhood and his desire to marry his girlfriend, Teang.

Rising action: Dodong comes home, determined to ask his father's permission. Their conversation is not easy. Dodong's father is not pleased with his son's decision but feels helpless to change his mind. His one question, "Must you marry?" implies that Dodong is making a fateful decision, one that the father does not agree with.

Climax: The climax comes with the birth of Dodong's first child. Dodong has conflicting feelings about this event. He is in "awe" of becoming a father; he realizes now that he is "young" and feels shame in front of his parents, perhaps for insisting on marrying in the first place. But it is his parents' kindness and pride that makes him able to claim his son and hold him in his arms.

Falling action: Dodong has many more children. Teang is worn down by the endless work and constant pregnancy of these years. Dodong's youthful confidence in his manhood changes into an adulthood filled with responsibility.

Resolution: Eventually, Dodong's eldest son, Blas, comes to Dodong, asking permission to marry. The story has come full circle: when Dodong asks, "Must you marry?" he finally comprehends what his own father felt about his, Dodong's, marriage.

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