Three Generations

by Nick Joaquín

Three Generations" by Nick Joaquin follows Celo Monzon and his terrible childhood. He reflects on the unhappiness he experienced as a child after his own son decides to enter the priesthood. The story focuses on themes of sexuality, inheritance, traditions and acceptance as Monzon comes to terms with his grandfather's behavior during his childhood.

ebook

About the author

Nicomedes Márquez Joaquín (1917–2004) was a Filipino writer and journalist best known for his short stories and novels in the English language. He also wrote using the pen name Quijano de Manila. In 1976, Joaquin was conferred the rank and title of National Artist of the Philippines for Literature. He has been considered one of the most important Filipino writers, along with José Rizal and Claro M. Recto. Unlike Rizal and Recto, whose works were written in Spanish, Joaquin's major works were written in English despite being a native Spanish speaker.

Before becoming one of the leading practitioners of Philippine literature in English, he was a seminarian in Hong Kong – who later realized that he could better serve God and humanity by being a writer. This is reflected in the content and style of his works, as he emphasizes the need to restore national consciousness through important elements of Catholic Spanish Heritage.

In his self-confessed mission as a writer, he is a sort of "cultural apostle" whose purpose is to revive interest in Philippine national life through literature – and provide the necessary drive and inspiration for a fuller comprehension of their cultural background. His awareness of the significance of the past to the present is part of a concerted effort to preserve the spiritual tradition and the orthodox faith of the Catholic past – which he perceives as the only solution to our modern ills.

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going through the short stories book and this is the first one I read. Honestly, I really liked the story.. although the father's concubine's implied youth & Nick Joaquin's protagonist describing her as a woman was a bit of a culture shock to me, I know there are some child brides out there in other countries but it was in this that I read and was like "yeah, sounds like she was written by a man". But to discredit the entire story would be a disservice. There's a lot to be said about the dynamics of the three generations, the carnality and desires of the flesh of the old man, the spiritual calling and purity of Chitong, and then there's the elder Monzon, who wishes he was as innocent as Chitong but was exposed to the harsh brutality and perversion of his father. He strove to raise his son differently and I think that kind of dynamic speaks to a lot of families today, especially those trying to break generational curses.

There's something to be said about Nick Joaquin's writing style. It's like poetry. He's a genius, obviously, but that doesn't mean he's not infallible. And considering this was an early work & what kind of world he grew up in, I'm not going to assume anything else than that.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also a short story but logging it anyway!

Also read for class.

[andiwithani · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the writing style just wasn't my type. Those were some of the longest sentences I've ever seen.