Presence of Eroticism in Philippine Short Stories

Abstract

This study explored the presence of eroticism in selected Philippine short stories. There were four stories covered such as “The Riddle” by F. Sionil Jose, “The Virgin” by Kerima Polotan Tuvera, “Magnificence” by Estrella D. Alfon, “Midsummer” by Manuel Arguilla, “Dead Stars” by Paz Marquez Benitez and “How My Brother Leon Brought A Wife” by Manuel Arguilla. This literary study has to answer this lone question: What are the manifestations of eroticism, and how is eroticism presented in the different stories? Using qualitative design (focused on content-analysis) with two aid formal and psychoanalytic approaches of interpretation, the study yielded the following findings:  The eight stories contained eroticism that revolved around physical attraction towards the opposite sex; love and sex; lust; husband-wife relationship; and physical admiration. Based on the study's findings, the researcher concludes that Eroticism, which manifests in the forms of physical attraction towards the opposite sex; love and sex; lust; and physical admiration, are present in the covered eight Philippine short stories in English. Based on the findings and conclusion of the study, the researchers have to advance the following recommendations: Literature teachers should expose students to various literary pieces of Philippine literature and expose further students to various literary approaches to analyze literary opuses appropriately. Themes on eroticism in Philippine short stories and other genres need to be handled carefully by teachers by allowing students to see the bad side and good side of such themes. Lessons need to be sought after the come up themes for self-reflection. Future researchers are inspired to replicate this study.