CHAPTER V

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the summary, significant findings, conclusions, and recommendations based

on the data gathered and analyzed.

Summary

This study was conducted to identify and analyze the common plot structures employed by

famous Filipino short story writers. Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:

1) What are the plot structures utilized by famous Filipino short story writers in their masterpieces,

such as:

1.1 Nick Joaquin’s The Summer Solstice and May Day Eve,

1.2 Francisco Sionil Jose’s The God’s Stealer and Waywaya,

1.3 Manuel E. Arguilla’s Morning in Nagrebcan and How My Brother Leon Brought Home A Wife,

1.4 N.V.M. Gonzalez’s The Tomato Game and Children of the Ash-Covered Loam, and

1.5 Gregorio C. Brillantes’ Faith, Love, Time and Dr. Lazaro and Flood in Tarlac?

2) What techniques/types did the famous Filipino short story writers use in their masterpieces in

terms of:

2.1 exposition,

2.2 rising action,

2.3 climax,

2.4 falling action, and

2.5 resolution/denouement?

3) What are the similarities and differences of types/techniques did the famous Filipino short

story writers use in their masterpieces in terms of:

3.1 exposition,

3.2 rising action,

3.4 falling action, and

3.5 resolution/denouement?

This study used a structural analysis since this study is focused on analyzing the plot structure of

a literary work because it helps us dissect and understand the organization of the story. Examining the

essential components entails focusing on the exposition of characters and setting, the rising action that

builds the primary conflict, the climax that marks the height of the narrative, the falling action that

follows the climax, and the resolution or conclusion. You can determine the narrative arc, character

motives, and thematic elements that add to the work's overall meaning by dissecting the plot into various

parts. The specific elements of the story and how its structure affects the reader's interpretation and

emotional engagement are better understood by readers and researchers alike because to this approach.

Findings

Based on the data gathered and analyzed, important findings revealed the following:

1. Upon examining the narrative forms utilized by different Filipino writers, several patterns

become visible. "May Day Eve," which follows the Seven-Point Story Structure, is structured

around the Hero's Journey, while Nick Joaquin's "The Summer Solstice" follows the second

model. The works of Francisco Sionil Jose exhibit variation; "Waywaya" adopts the Hero's

Journey, while "The God Stealer" adopts the Three-Act Structure. N.V.M. Gonzalez's stories,

such as "The Tomato Game" utilized the Five-Act Structure and "Children of the Ash-

Covered Loam," has the origin in Freytag's Pyramid. Manuel E. Arguilla connects stories like

"Morning in Nagrebcan" utilizing Freytag's Pyramid, reflecting the structure observed in

"How My Brother Leon Brought Home A Wife." Last but not least, Gregorio C. Brillantes'

"Fath, Love, Time, and Dr. Lazaro" follows Freytag's Pyramid along with the “Flood in

Tarlac.”
2. Every author examined uses narrative exposition to give the reader a straightforward

introduction to the characters, environment, and background information. This establishes the

story's setting and helps the reader comprehend the context of the events that will take place.

Conflict and complication are the driving forces behind rising action, although the relative

importance of each changes. There are two types of conflict: external, such as a fight between

individuals or with society, and internal, such as a character's struggle with their own values.

Unexpected occurrences or fresh information that advances the plot are called complications.

Climaxes frequently feature a character's epiphany, a dramatic event, or the disclosure of a

secret. These are narrative turning points that are usually accompanied by intense feelings.

Falling action usually entails settling the conflict, in whole or in part, and turns the attention

from the climax to the inner monologues of the characters. The characters might analyze what

has transpired and consider the effects of their choices throughout this stage. Lastly, most

denouements provide closure, enabling readers and characters to consider the lessons they

have learned and the adjustments they have made. The level of resolution, however, varies,

ranging from an unclear or unresolved finish to a clear and satisfactory conclusion. This

leaves room for various readings of the narrative and its meaning.

3. The setting and cultural background of the story are skillfully introduced by the authors we

looked at through narrative exposition. Although this method is often used, the writers'

attention to detail and the particulars they highlight differ. While some emphasize the

distinctive qualities and cultural significance of the area, others place more emphasis on the

motivations and personalities of the individuals. Both conflict and complications drive the

rising action in these stories, while the authors give differing weight to different elements.

While some stories concentrate on outward conflict, such as a character's fight with society or

other characters, others highlight interior conflict, such as a character's struggle with their

beliefs or ambitions. In the same way, the stories differ in how heavily they rely on

complications to build suspense—some use them heavily, while others use them less
 frequently. A dramatic event, a character's revelation, or the disclosure of a secret are

common elements of climaxes; however, each story has a different kind. Falling action

usually entails settling the conflict, in whole or in part, and turns the attention from the

climax's exterior events to the characters' inner reactions. The emphasis on internal responses

and the level of resolution, however, differ significantly. Most denouements offer closure,

enabling readers and characters to consider the lessons they have learned and the adjustments

they have made. But there are many kinds of closure: a clear resolution, in which the conflict

is definitely resolved; or an unclear or unresolved conclusion, in which the reader is left to

consider the consequences and possible endings.

Conclusions

Filipino short stories exhibit a complex variety of storytelling traditions when their plot patterns

and narrative devices are analyzed. Although all writers use the same elements of a story—exposition,

rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement—they each have their own unique methods and

focuses that are indicative of their cultural and personal preferences. The application of several story

forms, such as Freytag's Pyramid, the Hero's Journey, the Seven-Point Story Structure, and the Three-Act

Structure, shows a thorough comprehension of narrative frameworks and how to employ them to draw in

readers. The writers also use a variety of strategies, such as action, conflict, complications, realization,

and disclosure, to develop suspense, evoke strong feelings, and tackle difficult subjects. This study

reveals both a common cultural background and unique individual voices, while also highlighting the

parallels and variations in the ways these authors compose their narratives. In the conclusion, the study

highlights the timeless value of Filipino storytelling by showcasing its capacity to attract readers with

taking stories that speak to a commonality of human experiences.

Recommendations

Based on the findings and conclusions of this study, the following are now recommended:
1. Examine a range of Filipino short stories to understand the diverse story forms and

approaches taken by different writers. This can deepen your comprehension of narrative and

provide you with fresh ideas for your own writing.

2. Draw inspiration from the variety of strategies employed by Filipino writers, including

conflict, intricacies, climaxes, and resolutions. You may give your narratives more nuance

and complexity by experimenting with these elements in your writing.

3. While it's beneficial to learn from seasoned writers, don't forget to develop your own distinct

voice and style. To write genuinely unique and interesting stories, allow your own

experiences, viewpoints, and interests to come through.