Literary Analysis Paper

ENG 303 – Survey of Philippine Literature in English CN3371

“Symbolisms: Uncovering the Symbolisms in

In Paz Latorena's narrative, "The Small Key," symbolisms play a pivotal role in unraveling the

complexities of the characters' lives. The small key itself emerges as a potent symbol, representing hidden

truths and undisclosed facets of Pedro and Soledad's relationship. As Soledad stumbles upon the key, the

narrative unfolds the secrecy associated with Pedro's past, adding an element of tension and mystery. The

act of burning clothes becomes a compelling symbol of Soledad's intense jealousy, with the torn garment

stained in blood metaphorically reflecting the purity tainted by such overpowering emotions. Additionally,

Soledad's sudden illness and the revelation of the empty trunk symbolize profound regrets and guilt,

emphasizing the impact of undisclosed information on emotional well-being. Through these symbolisms,

Latorena crafts a narrative where seemingly ordinary objects become powerful literary devices, unlocking

the door to hidden secrets and exploring the intricate dynamics of trust, jealousy, and regret within the

characters' lives.

First, the small key in the story serves as a powerful symbol of hidden truths and undisclosed

aspects of the characters' lives. Pedro's act of entrusting Soledad with the key to his trunk signifies a level

of trust and intimacy in their relationship. However, as Soledad discovers the small key on the floor, the

narrative unfolds the secrecy associated with it. The key becomes a tangible representation of the

concealed past, suggesting that within the confines of the small trunk lie undisclosed aspects of Pedro's

life, specifically related to his first wife. Soledad's emotional reaction to finding the key reflects the weight of

hidden truths, introducing an element of tension and mystery into the narrative. Soledad's internal struggle,

as evidenced by her conflicting emotions upon discovering the key, underscores the impact of undisclosed

information on relationships. According to Callaway (2023) One of the most common symbolic uses of keys

in art and literature is to represent the act of unlocking doors or revealing secrets grant them access to a
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Literary Analysis Paper
ENG 303 – Survey of Philippine Literature in English CN3371

forbidden place or reveal the truth behind a mystery. The small key, although physically insignificant,

becomes a potent literary device, metaphorically unlocking the door to hidden secrets and setting the stage

for the unraveling of concealed truths.

Secondly, burning of clothes symbolizes Jealousy. The act of burning clothes in the story serves as

a symbolic representation of Soledad's intense emotions, particularly jealousy. Soledad's feverish and

hasty folding of newly washed garments, coupled with the accidental pricking of her finger, parallels the

emotional turmoil within her. The torn garment she comes across becomes a metaphor for the fractured

state of her own emotions. The burning of the clothes becomes an outlet for Soledad's overwhelming

jealousy, a physical manifestation of her inner turmoil. The white garment stained with her blood

symbolizes the purity tainted by jealousy, highlighting the destructive nature of such intense emotions. In

supporting claims, there is a similar situation like Solidads' deed. According to the news entertainment

website YourTango (2023), A woman shocked the internet after she revealed what she had done with her

fiancé’s late wife’s belongings. She claims that her actions were the result of a jealous rage, fearing that

she would never compare to her fiancé’s first love. “I burned all the photos threw her antique collection

away and destroyed some. I cut open all the stuffed toys of Lorraine’s and the letters she wrote and

destroyed every single thing of hers,” she wrote. “I felt satisfied knowing she won’t be a bother and nothing

to be jealous of anymore. I felt happy and not remorseful.” Soledad's repeated mantra about Pedro's first

wife being dead reflects her attempt to rationalize her jealousy and overcome the haunting presence of the

past. The burning of clothes becomes a cathartic act, an attempt to rid herself of the emotional burden

caused by her own insecurities and suspicions. According to Whiten (2015) there is no competition if the

other person isn’t alive.

Lastly, sickness symbolizes regret and guilt. Soledad's sudden illness and the subsequent

revelation of the empty trunk symbolize the profound regrets and guilt that weigh heavily on her

conscience. The sickness becomes a physical manifestation of Soledad's emotional distress and inner

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Literary Analysis Paper
ENG 303 – Survey of Philippine Literature in English CN3371

conflict. Her restlessness throughout the night, coupled with the plea for Pedro not to fetch the doctor, hints

at her awareness of the underlying issues causing her ailment. The empty trunk, previously holding the

clothes of Pedro's first wife, signifies the void created by secrets and regrets. Soledad's desperate attempt

to mend clothes and her verbal repetition of Pedro's first wife being dead highlight her struggle to come to

terms with the past. The physician's diagnosis of no physical ailment reinforces the idea that Soledad's

sickness is rooted in emotional turmoil. According to Brown (2013) Feelings of guilt and regret or

responsibility over action, can cause pain and sadness and affect a person's life negatively and also often

manifest as physical symptoms. These might include: Insomnia or trouble sleeping. This literary device

underscores the notion that unresolved guilt and regrets can manifest physically, impacting both mental

and physical well-being.

“Paz Latorena's "The Small Key" concluded the main points behind the symbolisms, each

contributing to the nuanced exploration of trust, jealousy, and regret within the narrative. The small key,

initially a token of trust, transforms into a tangible representation of concealed truths, setting the stage for

the unraveling of Pedro's past. The burning of clothes becomes a vivid symbol of Soledad's intense

jealousy, with the stained garment reflecting the destructive nature of overpowering emotions. Lastly,

Soledad's sickness and the revelation of the empty trunk serve as poignant symbols of profound regrets

and guilt, emphasizing the physical and emotional toll of undisclosed information. Collectively, these

symbolisms enrich the narrative, guiding readers through the intricate layers of the characters' lives and

highlighting the universal themes of human relationships, vulnerability, and the consequences of untold

secrets. Latorena masterfully employs these symbols to underscore the timeless notion that, beneath the

surface, lies a complex interplay of emotions that shape the characters' fates.

REFERENCES

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Literary Analysis Paper
ENG 303 – Survey of Philippine Literature in English CN3371

Your Tango Official website. (2023) Woman Destroys Her Fiancé’s Late Wife’s Photos & Belongings Out Of

Jealousy — ‘I Wanted Everything Gone’. https://www.yourtango.com/news/woman-destroys-her-

fiances-late-wifes-photos-belongings-out-jealousy?amp=

Brown, B. (2013). Shame v. guilt. Retrieved from.

https://brenebrown.com/blog/2013/01/14/shame-v-guilt

Callaway, L. (2023) Symbolism of Keys (Unlocking the Hidden Meanings).

https://symbolgenie.com/symbolism-of-keys/#Symbolic_Uses_of_Keys_in_Art_and_Literature

Whiten, S. R. (2015) Competing With Partner’s Dead Wife. https://www.drpsychmom.com/competing-with-

partners-dead-wife/

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