Textual analysis: a close reading of "aba nakakabasa na pala ako!?"

Thesis (Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English) -- University of Rizal System-Morong.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This study was conducted at the University of Rizal System-Morong Rizal during the academic year 2016-2017. Descriptive-qualitative type of research was used since the analysis and interpretation are based on quality not to the extent of quantifying the data. Data of the study were gathered through qualitative discussion of the two novels entitled "Aba, Nakakabasa na pala ako?!" and "Bakit baliktad magbasa ng ng libro ang mga Pilipino?" employing the theory of New Criticism. The idea of literary elements such as the figurative language is used to analyze deeply the text itself. The used of irony and paradox (contradiction), metaphor and simile (comparison) and symbol showcased the literariness of the detailed structure of the novels. Moreover, the study was conducted to show the relevant themes they suggested. Furthermore, Norman Norwood Holland's "Five Reader's Reading" was applied for the external use of triangulation. The researchers employed triangulation to cross-examine their findings. The legs of the triangle were composed of researchers' analysis and interpretation, responses from the external readers, and selected articles and gist from the books relevant to the study. The researchers' findings for the usage of figurative language included the following: (1) irony- the usage of this is to make readers think about something or to emphasize a point in the story with the help of its classification namely the verbal, situational and dramatic, (2) paradox - the author used this literary device to arrest attention and provoke fresh thought to the readers, (3) metaphor - allows the readers to understand the concepts, object or character being described with the aid of analyzing its part - the tenor and vehicle, (4) simile - the author put comparisons to convey sentiments and thoughts through vivid word pictures (5) symbol - the author used it as a vital tool in convey meaning and imagery. After the close analysis of the figurative language used by the author, the theme was unraveled in the two novels. "Aba, Nakakabasa na Pala Ako?!" has a theme of school where the story is always told. It has minor themes such as the students' experiences in school and the educational system in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the book of "Bakit Baliktad Magbasa ng libro ang mga Pilipino?" suggested the theme of Manila as the central idea of the story. Also, it has a minor theme such as Filipino culture, Filipino Flaws and Problems, and discipline for a change. Through the use of triangulation, the researchers were able to verify certain claims. The researchers recommended that other lens can be applied most in particular, the Marxism, on the selected works of Bob Ong. They also depicted the idea of analyzing the succeeding works of Bob Ong utilizing the New Criticism approach and utilize the works of Bob Ong into a pedagogical setting.