Critical Literary Analysis Paper of "Alaala" by Jayson Gamelo
“Alaala” By Jayson Gamelo de la Calzada, Kristiene Rae C. Diamante, Dezza Mae S. Gamboa, Reina Faye M. Ticar, Cassiopeia Bella C. Tumaodos, Brent Leanard Y. INTRODUCTION The literary text “Alaala” by Jayson Gamelo is a short story that shares a man’s memory of his deceased partner, leading him to be stuck in the past. It explores the fragility of memory and emotional weight of aging, especially in love. The narrative focuses on an elderly man who, one day, woke up confused about his surroundings, finding it difficult to identify the people around him. He becomes increasingly confused as he looks for his wife Jane, only to learn the tragic reality that she had already passed away and that those who live with him are his children and grandchildren. In addition, the story engages with philosophical concepts such as personal identity and memory. According to philosophers like John Locke, a person's concept of self is based on their memory and consciousness, and when memory disappea...