BY JIEAN SAGADRACA
Arceo’s Titser is a tale that tackles the multitude trials of a teacher as a distressed daugher, determined lover, and dutiful mother. All throughout the novel, the characters display their drive toward their respective desires.
At the onset, everyone was distressed. Amelita, the protagonist, is conflicted in pursuing her career as a public school teacher for her mother, Aling Rosa, who wishes otherwise. Living a plain life in the countryside, it is Aling Rosa’s ardent wish to alleviate the impoverished lifestyle of her children. She first deemed high-paying jobs as a solution to this; but as Amelita became a local teacher, her desperation grew. Such was emanated through the extent of setting her daughter up for marriage to the affluent haciendero Osmundo. Upon knowing her mother’s plan, Amelita and Mauro decided to immediately marry. Osmundo then was madly in love with Amelita that his pure intention of being with her led him to select a corrupt way instead: to order the killing of Mauro. The rest of the story unraveled as the man who was tasked to do the job did not proceed for his child was once helped by Mauro. Conscience indeed was a vital tool for the narrative to persist.
Aling Rosa’s convictions were not shaken even after the birth of her grandchild, Rosalida. Her distaste of Mauro was immensely evident when she paid Amelita’s family a visit in the hospital when Lida became ill. Lida too having developed her awareness once asked Amelita as to why her grandmother always seemed distant. On the other hand, the family remained fervent to their endeavors. Mauro and Amelita stayed as humble teachers in their village.
Years soon passed. Osmundo, now with a family of his own, returned. He still had feelings for Amelita but knew they were not meant to be there. He showed Lida his farmland that caused Mauro and Amelita’s worry. Eventually, Osmundo found within himself peace. He left for abroad where he permanently lived. Still, he kept helping the rest of the village through monetary aid. Aling Rosa who was in a deeply vile condition appreciated Amelita as it was only this daughter of hers who took care of her at such an old age. The novel concludes with Amelita presenting the plaque of recognition from her school and Aling Rosa hugging her with overflowing joy – a scene that pictures a dedicated daughter’s acceptance of people’s recognition to her profession and of an enlightened mother’s acceptance and support of her daughter’s love.
Titser's Table 