Exploring Literary Concepts: From Bonifacio Day Celebration to Fables, Parables, and the Power of the Pencil

Introduction

The live session, led by Tutor Joyce, welcomed students with warm greetings, shout‑outs to participants, and a brief celebration of Bonifacio Day, a historic Philippine revolutionary society founded in 1892.

Shout‑outs & Celebration

• Viewers such as Joseph Conrad Bulakla, Trisha Lean Argolaniano, Sir Jerry, and many others were acknowledged.
• A quick quiz on the meaning of KKK (Kataas‑taasang Katipunan) engaged the class and reinforced knowledge of Philippine history.

Literary Concepts Covered

• Anecdote – a short, interesting or funny personal story that carries a lesson.
• Adaptation – transforming a literary work into another medium (film, play, etc.) while possibly altering plot, characters, setting, or theme.
• Fiction – imagined narratives created by writers, ranging from short stories to novels.

Elements of Fiction

1. Setting – time, place, weather, social conditions, and mood.
2. Characters – protagonists, antagonists, and supporting figures; can be human, animal, or even inanimate objects.
3. Plot – the sequence of events (beginning, middle, end).
4. Conflict – central tension or struggle that drives the story.
5. Theme – the underlying message or moral.

Characterization (STEEL Acronym)

• S – Speech
• T – Thoughts
• E – Effects (impact on others)
• E – Actions
• L – Looks Students identified each component through examples from the text.

Fable vs. Parable

Common examples mentioned: - Fables: The Tortoise and the Hare, The Lion and the Mouse, The Fox and the Grapes. - Parables: The Prodigal Son, The Good Samaritan, The Story of the Pencil.

The Pencil Parable (by Paulo)

The story uses a simple pencil to illustrate five qualities for personal growth: 1. Guidance – a hand (God) directs the pencil. 2. Sharpening – pain makes one sharper. 3. Eraser – learning from mistakes. 4. Core Graphite – inner character matters more than appearance. 5. Leaving a Mark – every action leaves a lasting impact. Students discussed setting (home/living room), characters (grandmother and grandson), dialogues, and the symbolic purpose of the sharpener and eraser.

Classroom Assessment

Quick questions reinforced comprehension: - Identify the story’s setting. - Name the characters. - Explain how the characters were presented (direct characterization). - Quote a dialogue from the parable. - Discuss the purpose of the sharpener and eraser.

Upcoming Lessons & Assignments

• Creative Literary Adaptation – Part 2 will integrate ICT skills (multimedia, digital picture formats, file extensions).
• Task: Read a favorite fable or parable, identify its basic short‑story elements, and post a creative adaptation on the class’s Facebook page.

Closing Remarks

Tutor Joyce encouraged students to keep exploring literature, subscribe to the DEP EdTech unit’s social media, and look forward to future sessions with Tutors Jess, Zen, Kit, and Jerry.

Quote to Remember

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” – Mayam Angelo

Understanding the core elements of fiction, the differences between fables and parables, and how to adapt texts using multimedia tools empowers students to think critically, create meaning, and apply literary lessons to real life.