Themes
What is the theme in this quote:
“I almost asked Jun what his father had done with my puppy, what he had done with its brothers and sisters the previous day. We can only handle so much truth at any given moment, I suppose. So instead, I said nothing.”
(Page xvii)
Truth
At 10, Jay experiences for the first time the reality of death, through a puppy abandoned by its mother. The experience unsettles him, but he refuses to ask his uncle what the family did with the dead puppy. Jay accepts the limits of his ability to engage reality, preferring to protect himself from difficult truths.
Who says this?
“I almost asked Jun what his father had done with my puppy, what he had done with its brothers and sisters the previous day. We can only handle so much truth at any given moment, I suppose. So instead, I said nothing.”
(Page xvii)
Jay
What technique is used in the quote:
“I almost asked Jun what his father had done with my puppy, what he had done with its brothers and sisters the previous day. We can only handle so much truth at any given moment, I suppose. So instead, I said nothing.”
(Page xvii)
Symbolism - the puppy is a symbol of the truth of the hard reality of life.
What kind of novel is "Patron Saints of Novel"
Prose Fiction
What is the capitol of the Phillipines?
Manila
What is the theme in this quote:
"Man", he says, shaking his head, "I forgot you're Filipino."
"Huh?"
"You're basically white."
I stop, stung.
Identity, Culture & Belonging
In this exchange, the significance of Jay's hybrid identities is revealed.
Which character says this:
"Man", he says, shaking his head, "I forgot you're Filipino."
"Huh?"
"You're basically white."
I stop, stung.
Seth.
Seth intends this offhand remark as a compliment to Jay’s uncanny ability to fit into the very white, very American suburban world. Until the death of his cousin, Jay has almost completely neglected the part of him that is Filipino.
What techniques are in the quote:
"Man", he says, shaking his head, "I forgot you're Filipino."
"Huh?"
"You're basically white."
I stop, stung.
Dialogue, first person perspective, emotive language.
A novel that features letters is referred to as what sort of novel?
Who was the President of the Philippines at the time the novel was written?
Rodrigo Duterte
What is the theme in the quote:
“It is very difficult to describe what the slums are like […] it is the kind of thing you need to experience for yourself to begin to understand. Like a full moon or a typhoon or love (so I am told).”
(Page 88)
Culture
Who says this:
“It is very difficult to describe what the slums are like […] it is the kind of thing you need to experience for yourself to begin to understand. Like a full moon or a typhoon or love (so I am told).”
(Page 88)
Jun.
Jun’s letter reveals the strategy through which Jay will become educated. First-hand experience will teach Jay the reality of life in the Philippines and, in turn, his responsibility for that world.
What language techniques are in the quote:
“It is very difficult to describe what the slums are like […] it is the kind of thing you need to experience for yourself to begin to understand. Like a full moon or a typhoon or love (so I am told).”
(Page 88)
Simile.
The text features narratives told from two point of views. What do we call this type of narrative?
Dual perspective Narrative
What is the national language of the Philippines?
What is the theme in the quote:
“I know you knew nothing when you arrived, but have you learned nothing today?”
(Page 156)
Culture, Belonging & Acceptance
Which character said this:
“I know you knew nothing when you arrived, but have you learned nothing today?”
(Page 156)
Tito Maning
Tito Maning says this after Jay finally confronts him with his suspicions about Maning’s involvement in Jun’s death. Maning’s disdain for Jay’s arrogant assumption that Jay has “solved” Jun’s murder exposes how much Jay still needs to learn.
What techniques are in the quote:
“I know you knew nothing when you arrived, but have you learned nothing today?”
(Page 156)
First person point of view, rhetorical question.
Highlights Jun's perceived ignorance from Maning's point of view. It highlights the lack of empathy Maning has for Jay's experience and his complete disregard for the cultural imperialism that he perpetuates, reflecting the issues he has with the own occupation of his country.
When was the book published?
2019
Which country was the first to colonize the Philippines?
Spain
What theme is in:
“If we do not live according to what we feel is right in our hearts, then what is the point of any of this?” (Page 260)
Truth
Which character says the following:
“If we do not live according to what we feel is right in our hearts, then what is the point of any of this?” (Page 260)
Jun
Jun asks a simple question in referring to his decision to stand up to his family and assert his right to be vegan because his conscience can no longer accept the moral implications of slaughtering animals. Jun’s conviction in his beliefs shows Jay the importance of taking a stand.
What language technique/s are in the following quote:
“If we do not live according to what we feel is right in our hearts, then what is the point of any of this?” (Page 260)
Symbolism, rhetorical question
What does the term "Patron Saints of Nothing" mean?
A patron saint, saint to whose protection and intercession a person, a society, a church, or a place is dedicated. The choice is often made on the basis of some real or presumed relationship with the persons or places involved. St. Patrick, for example, is the patron saint of Ireland because he is credited with bringing Christianity to the Irish people.
"Anyway, assuming this is all real and you were canonized someday, what would you want to be able to help people with? I know it is hard to think of something for which there is not already a patron saint! Personally, I would like to be St. Jun, the patron saint of holding in your farts during Mass. I think I would be very popular. Ha-ha! Just kidding!
In all seriousness, I don’t know what saint I would be. St. Nothing, I guess.
Anyway, I miss you, Kuya, and I hope you will come to visit soon here in the Philippines. You are always welcome.
Sincerely,
St. Nothing
I smile to myself as I put the letter away. I rest my head against the window and close my eyes. I drift off to sleep thinking of my cousin and me, of humanity and its problems, of oceans and islands. I imagine both of us, patron saints of nothing."
What is the national food of the Philippines?
Adobo