Sweet Summer and Other Stories by: Cyan Abad-Jugo

 

                                       

                                                 Sweet Summer and Other Stories

                                                                      By: Cyan Abad-Jugo 

(Introduction)

"Sweet Summer and Other Stories" by Cyan Abad-Jugo initially presents itself like a fairytale, but beneath its sugary surface lies a deeper exploration of Filipino life and culture. The collection delicately showcases themes of belonging, innocence, social hierarchy, and acceptance, all while cloaked in the guise of a sweet confection. Abad-Jugo’s prose, with its lyrical grace and rich emotional resonance, paints a vivid picture of her characters against a backdrop that contrasts sharply with their inner lives. Through flowery language, the stories reveal a mirror of beauty and hardship, capturing the essence of diverse experiences within a complex society. This collection serves as both a mirror and a window, reflecting the subtleties of the Filipino experience while inviting readers to realize its themes. In order to investigate the intricate layers of this text, the reader must have a holistic approach. 

(Summary)

The story begins with the world of the Candy Club, a vibrant group of twelve-year-old girls indulging and describing themselves as their favorite treats—macaroons, Halls honey lemons, Cloud 9 bars, sweet éclairs, and nut brown fudge. They bask in the sunlight near a charming fountain, their laughter mingling with the warm glow of the day. Nearby, the older neighborhood boys hover, their gazes lingering enviously on the enticing, long-legged éclairs while dismissing the unassuming hot brown fudge in a homedress. Sara’s world brightens when Frederick, accompanied by his loyal Doberman, offers her kindness. In this newfound connection, Sara shyly presents him with a sweet treat, which he accepts with delight. However, their moment of happiness is quickly shattered by Felix, who strides in with a sneer, cruelly disrupting their joyful dance. Sara’s momentary joy fades as Frederick spits out the treat and walks away, leaving only his dog to glance back, savoring the last remnants of the honey lemon. This tale showcases themes of longing for happiness, the pangs of isolation, and acceptance, all while reflecting the system of social hierarchy. 

(Biographical context analysis)

An abrupt change in society where people are mostly ascertained on one’s worth through physical appearances. Such circumstance is made evident in Cyan Abad-Jugo’s short story entitled “Sweet Summer and Other Stories” which prattles through the story of Frederick and Sara’s puppy love with unforeseen challenges as scrutinizing for it greatly depicts different social issues that are rampant nowadays and other drawbacks that lie between the lines. The author Cyan Abad- Jugo  asserts that she has undergone multiple changes in her approach to creating her pieces. She claims that a large number of her early compositions were poems. She was only then persuaded to switch to fiction with a renowned classmate namely Néstor Vicente Madali González (NVM Gonzales) made her certained to change her genre. In terms of her favorite genre, she claims that realist fiction encompasses the majority of her works. It's clear that a large portion of her works are intended for a younger readership. She excels at telling stories in her specific area of expertise. And with the usage of such it is conspicuous how such technique of Abad-Jugo was greatly applied with this story. Moreover, To bring a little of her more about her life she stated, “It all has to do with the passions and interests one develops while young and impressionable. When I was around twelve or thirteen, I became very shy and tongue-tied, and the best outlet I had was to listen to the songs on the radio.” and with such statement it is evident how this was indeed applied in her life. Where she brings her limitations as her way to prove that she can do things with a passion in both her heart and mind.

(Linguistic context analysis)

The word “Sweet” In the context of a sweet summer, Sweet is likely to imply its connotation in which is often “Pleasure, Happiness, or something enjoyable, in its literary contexts, It can also imply a sense of nostalgia or idealization. “Summer” The term summer often refers to the season characterized by warmth, light, or relaxation, vacation, and fertility. Contextual implications The Phrase evokes a sense of positive and overall pleasing experience, These experiences are typically associated with summer. It might suggest a period of joy, contentment, and even memorable moments. Throughout this literary work, the author uses flowery and sweet language to reflect the intricate individuality and complexity of each character. In Literature or poetry, such a technique could be used to contrast with the harsher elements or to emphasize a serene and idyllic setting. It could serve as a contrast to the other elements within the text, It highlights differences between other periods or situations, Author intent, Cyan Abad-Jugo’s use of this technique may aim to set a tone within the mood of the text, to provide readers with an immediate sense of what the summer represents within the narrative or thematic structure. By Taking into consideration these elements, we can gain insight Into how “A sweet summer” functions from Its own Literary context and how it contributes to its overall meaning and emotional impact of the work.

(Sociocultural context analysis) 

The short story Sweet Summer shares a glimpse of the life of Sara in summer. This may show innocent and fair child's play but it reflects the pressing issues in our society at present.  In the story Sara is perceived as ugly, they find Camilla and Faye, who are tall and have a pale complexion, to be appealing. Sara is viewed as inferior to them just because she doesn't fit their notion of "beauty.” This resulted in a case of bullying. This has been addressed by the people which is why the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 was set into motion. This is a sad fact because it happens not just in the story but also in our own society. Shaking the confidence of an individual creates a lasting trauma that may lead to various problems. Most individuals have these kinds of beauty standards.  This creates a gap between those individuals who may feel less of themselves and tend to compare more. This especially affects the youth and how they go forth into the world. The Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 7394) aids us with this problem as it regulates practices that may promote harmful stereotypes. Similarly, the Philippines has also signed treaties like Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) which promotes equality and addresses bias based on appearance. And is also recognized in SDG Goal 5 which talks about gender equality. We must remember that each individual is created in the image and likeness of God, therefore we must present and accept ourselves as such. 1 Peter 2:9 states that we are chosen people who have a deeper purpose in this world. 

The interaction of Fredrick and Sara represents how the growing longing for affection leads individuals to give all they have just to acquire it. Similarly how Sara innocently gave away her honeydew lemon treat that she’s ever so cautious of handing away. This could represent her purity and self-worth. After that affair, Fredrick proceeded to spit out the sweet treat that Sara gave him which signifies that he had already gotten what he wanted. Her honeydew lemon left behind- used, and torn with only the Dog looking back. This truly shows us how we should be careful about handing away ourselves as our worth is not tied to what we can offer. Abraham Joshua Heschel once said “Self-respect is the fruit of discipline; the sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no. The characters in “Sweet Summer” grapple with choices that reveal their inner struggles and desires. For instance, Sara’s decision to take a walk with Frederick signifies her yearning for connection and joy. This choice represents an embrace of the present moment, reflecting her emotional state. Conversely, Frederick’s later decision to abandon Sara, influenced by peer pressure, highlights the conflict between personal desire and societal expectations. His choice demonstrates how external influences can undermine individual agency, a common theme in literature that mirrors real-life experiences. In investigating the layers of this tale, we must use theories of truth. A human person is an embodied spirit. Our rationality makes us human.

(Conclusion) 

Sweet Summer and Other Stories" is a kind of work that really manages to hold itself within the bond of our thinking on how we form ourselves and how we form others. The layers of the tale will slowly be unveiled in a mirror reflecting our society and how, despite the confusing roads that lie along the way, we navigate our own roles. In these stories, the momentary beauty of experience and the memory one leaves behind is exemplified. While reading all these stories together, we have illustrated how individual complexities work together to weave the tapestry of our lives, reminding us of the beauty present in mundane moments and how we should treasure every interaction we share with others. On a cursory level, "Sweet Summer" also seems to describe innocence and calmness. But further exploration uncovers relevant, pressing issues concerning society. The narrative simplifies interplay personal growth and improvement, relationships, and the passage of time into a new appreciation for the complexities of life. So well is this presented with the stories of so many Filipino people and how culture influences understanding these themes. In being a reflection of some aspects of Filipino culture, the story embodies shared struggles and enjoyment which contribute to the identity formation of the characters involved. Also, this collection is so powerful a reminder to relish the moment. It emphasizes that relationships are the enriching part of our lives and offer great insights into our very own journeys. And so, as we encounter every kind of dynamic in relationships and personal growth, we are nudged towards always seeing beauty in everyday encounters. Basically, "Sweet Summer" stimulates the memories within that prompt readers to reflect themselves and glean a deeper lesson out of it. This tale highlights individuality and the quest for acceptance. I always remember that the Lord is with me. He is here, close by my side, so nothing can defeat me - Psalms 16:8