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Keywords

archetypes, formalism, Hiligaynon short stories, Peter Solis Nery, symbolism

Abstract

Philippine regional literature, specifically Hiligaynon, encompasses a multifold of genres that reflect the region’s culture and literary excellence. Authors in the language excel in the craft of putting narrative and other elements together to create stories that provide insights into the lives and values of the Hiligaynon community. This study aims to contribute to the visibility of regional literature in academic research by exploring Hiligaynon literature through the works of Peter Solis Nery, particularly in the aspect of symbolism. Employing a Qualitative Textual Analysis design, this study sought to find (1) the symbolisms in the short stories Lirio, Donato Bugtot, and Si Padre Olan kag ang Dios, and (2) how the symbols align with or diverge from universal archetypes. Using I.A. Richard’s Formalism, the study examined the symbolisms in the three short stories to uncover layers of representations and meanings. Guided by Carl Jung’s Archetypal Theory, the symbols were then compared to collective mental constructs that have resonated among individuals for thousands of years. The findings show that the symbols play important roles in the stories, serving as vessels through which the characters’ struggles, experiences, and faith are illustrated, illuminating the truths often unspoken within Filipino society, such as abuse, social rejection, and the struggle of faith. Among the eighteen symbols, fifteen were found to align with universal archetypes, highlighting the universality of Hiligaynon literature. Meanwhile, the three symbols, specifically the lily flower, Donato’s hump and kidney, hold distinct meanings in the narratives, showing the contextual nature of symbolism.

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