Paulo Romeo J.

Yusi
WRITLIT A51
11328223
The Bread of Salt: A Narrative Analysis
In traditional Aristotelian fashion, N.V.M. Gonzalez, in The Bread of Salt, creates a
tightly knitted narrative that strictly follows up one causally related scenario with another. In the
story, the plot follows a rather straightforward flow. It starts out with a beginning, a conflict
arises, then the climax, the falling action, and finally a dnouement. Although this plot structure
is advantageous for the readers in the sense that confusion, if any, is at a minimum and
unanswered plot holes are nearly non-existent, it also sacrifices the possible element of spectacle
and surprise by constraining itself to a logically patterned out plot.
Albeit not being as grand as other short stories, Gonzalez still manages to capture the
attention of his readers with a constant build up of suspense. It is established early on that the
narrator bears romantic feelings towards Aida and from there, the storyline gradually picks up
pace. The narrators exemplary violin playing in the school orchestra, his joining of Pete Saez
band, and their string of performances all lead the readers into anticipating a clich climax in
Don Estebans party. Here, the Aristotelian influence again manifests itself. In the spirit of
realism, Gonzalez refuses to employ deus ex machina to relieve the narrator of the utter shame
he had brought unto himself. Even if one were to take into account that fact that saving oneself
from embarrassment is possible in real life, the author firmly stands his ground in deciding to
leave no space for plausibility and chances in the story.
In spite of a disappointing and lackluster ending (romantically speaking), the writer
succeeds in resolving the storys underlying conflict: the protagonists ambitions versus the
status quo. The narrator, prior to his bands performance in Don Estebans hacienda, held
extremely high hopes that he would be able to court someone of a much higher social status than
him. The humiliation he suffered right in front of the object of his desire, Aida serves as a wake
up call to his true nature. The sheer impulse that drove him to stuff egg-yolk things in his
pocket that subsequently caused him chagrin is a testament to how he does not belong to the
society which he aspires to be a part of, through Aida. In an attempt, probably, to end the text on
a lighter note, the protagonist sees Farther away glimmered the light from Grandmothers home,
calling me home. This, paired with his decision to go to the bakery store to buy pandesal, can be
interpreted as him finally accepting the his life and his social status. In retrospect, the party at
Don Estebans house serves as a metaphor to the life phases that people excitedly look forward
to yet is let down once already there such as adulthood, marriage, and retirement.
Paulo Romeo J. Yusi
WRITLIT A51
11328223