THE MOUNTAIN BECKONS

The AuthorEVEE V. HUERVANA,

a literature graduate of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, is articulate

both in English and in Hiligaynon. Her poems and short stories were published in

anthologies such as Ani and Patubas,in journals and magazines like Kapawa, Home Life, FILES, Hiligaynon and Yuhum. Creative writing took a back seat when she joined

the local print media and pursued a career in journalism for several years. She later left the post of editor-in-chief of FILES, a weekly

magazine in Western Visayas, to join a research center in UP Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo

in 2000. She sits on the board of the Arts Council of Iloilo, Foundation, Inc. (2001 and 2002) and co-chairs ACIFI's Committee on Literary Arts. She also co-chairs the Hilway Writers Group and is founding president of

the Ilonggo Literature Archive, Inc.

Tone – HatredMood – Annoyed/ IrritatedPersona – Concerned citizen of the country

Analysis

Literary Devices Symbolism

Brags – Symbolizes boastful and arrogant politiciansVictims – Symbolizes the poor citizens that cannot stand up for their rightsMountain – Symbolizes peaceful placeCrickets – Light problems

Figure of Speech

• The nose of that man with oversized wooden hammer – hyperbole

* Eyes of that heavyweight whistle man discriminately myopic of violators - Personification

Theme

The mountain beckons truthfully presents our society today which is tainted with corruption. No agency or organization seems to be exempted from this social cancer which ironically victimizes those who are already poor, helpless, and oppressed.

ConnotationBeckons – Inviting/ calling

Brags – Boastful/ arrogant Jaundiced – resentment/ envy

Requiem – A mass for the repose of the souls of the dead

Myopic – Nearsighted Respite – Rest/ relief

Questions

Who are the characters mentioned in the first stanza?

• The man with oversized wooden hammer• The jaundiced man of cape• The heavyweight whistle man

What appropriate adjective best describes all the three characters mentioned in the

first stanza?a. Arrogant b. just c. corrupt d. fair

Explain your answer briefly.

Arrogant, it is because when they already attain the highest point of their lives they failed to recognize other people below their status.

Who are referred to in the first six lines of the second stanza?

The poor people of the society

What does the persona plan to do at the end of the poem? Why?

The persona planned to go to the mountain where only the crickets will disturb the persona’s sleep because the mountain is the only peaceful place to stay.

What is implied by the title?

The title implies relaxation and serenity. It calls for an escape from the chaotic world.