The Virgin

by Kerima Polotan Tuvera





Feminist Analysis

         The woman in the story symbolizes the female stage, in which the Showalter's theory describes it as the "phase of self-discovery" and being free from dependency towards opposition, because in the story, it can be seen that she was able to live her life without a man. She can assist herself financially, no one forbids her to work, no one dictates her what to do and no one interferes with her rights. Though she possesses these traits, she cannot deny the fact that something is missing in her life - and that is love and be loved.

         Miss Mijares is a devoted daughter, for all her life, she spends most of her time taking care of her ailing mother.

           She is highly respected in their office because of being a high-rank officer, to the point that was feared because of being a strict, stereotypical and conservative spinster.

         In the story, Miss Mijares is a gloomy and a lonely woman, a slender lady, almost bony, who would camouflage herself and conceal her emotions by dressing ruffled and pastel-colored clothes.

           She poured too much attention to work that she forgot to pay attention to herself; and realizes that she is now past her age to marry. When she met the guy, she felt attracted to him because the guy didn't fear her.

          She loses herself every time she is with him, but not totally, for opposite to her, the man was big and graceful. The kind who knew his body and used it well. Until later on, she finds herself caring for this man. May it be a subordinate or a colleague, she didn't care.

          She was deeply shocked when she found out that the man has a son, for it is not allowed in their agency. She is confused why she felt being betrayed, either because the man didn't tell her or because of what she has discovered. She gets into reality and realizes that not all things are in her control.

            In the end, she learned to step out of her shell with the man's help.

           The story, though filled with symbolism, has the essence of letting us know that it is not easy to love. We may be eager to experience the feeling, but something is suppressing us because of risks, making us to feel unsure and afraid. Miss Mijares' traits are the typical characteristics of a Filipina. Conservative and the one who always sticks to norms. We are guarded by our emotions because we are aware that when we do something, it's not impossible for us to get hurt. That's why we sometimes feel uncomfortable, even though we are now eager to enter a relationship and to fall in love again.