PAZ MARQUEZ-BENITEZ The woman Alfredo is engaged to, Esperanza is

described as a homely, literal-minded, and

intensely acquisitive person. She represents
Paz Marquez Benitez (1894–1983) was a
stability and practicality, yet she is unaware of
prominent Filipino writer, best known for
Alfredo’s emotional turmoil. Esperanza is the
her contributions to Philippine literature
embodiment of the ideal, dutiful woman, but her
in English. Born in the Philippines, she
relationship with Alfredo lacks the romantic
was a pioneering female writer during
passion he once felt for Julia.
the early 20th century. Benitez studied Esperanza
at the University of the Philippines,
where she earned a degree in A woman who remains single her entire life, Julia
education. Her most famous work, is Alfredo's former lover and a key figure in his life.
Dead Stars (1925), is considered one of the first short stories written in She is married to Judge Del Valle’s brother and is
English that explored the complexity of human emotions, particularly love, described as a beautiful woman whose emotional
regret, and personal growth. Benitez's writing often reflected the connection with Alfredo continues to linger in his
intricacies of Filipino society and the challenges of modernity. She was heart. Julia represents lost love, memory, and the
also an educator and an advocate for the development of Philippine allure of a past that never truly faded in Alfredo’s
literature. Throughout her career, Benitez was celebrated for her skill in mind.
storytelling and her ability to capture the subtleties of human relationships.
Julia Salas

ELEMENTS OF THE STORY Alfredo’s sister, Carmen is married to Vicente.

While not as central to the plot as Alfredo or
CHARACTERS Esperanza, Carmen’s role as part of the
family adds depth to the story’s exploration of
A man in his early thirties, Alfredo is a bachelor
Alfredo Salazar familial duty and relationships.
who is engaged to Esperanza, yet his heart
remains conflicted. He has been engaged to
Esperanza for four years but still finds himself Carmen
haunted by his past infatuation with Julia Salas.
Alfredo is a character caught between the
security of his relationship with Esperanza and
his nostalgic feelings for Julia, representing the
theme of emotional inertia and unfulfilled
longing in the story.
 Dionisio
Husband of Donna Adella, Dionisio's role is similarly minor,
functioning as part of the extended family structure but not
significantly impacting the central narrative of Alfredo’s
emotional conflicts.

Don Julian Judge Del Valle Vicente

Alfredo’s father, Don Julian is an The brother-in-law of Julia Carmen’s husband, another minor character who contributes
older man, a figure of authority Salas, Judge Del Valle is to the family dynamic without influencing the central plot of
in the family. His role in the story married to Donna Adella. He Alfredo’s relationship struggles.
is more passive, but his plays a peripheral role in the
presence reflects the traditional story, mostly framing the social
values and expectations that context of Julia’s life and the Brigida Samuy
influence Alfredo's decisions larger community to which
The illusive woman Alfredo seeks, symbolizing the
regarding marriage and duty. Alfredo belongs.
unattainable and the shifting nature of his desires. Although
she never physically appears in the story, Brigida’s elusive
Donna Adella presence serves as a metaphor for the fleeting and
unreachable nature of certain desires that haunt Alfredo
Julia’s sister, a small and plump woman who is pleasant in
throughout his life.
appearance and demeanor. She contrasts with her more
serious and reserved sister, adding another layer to the social
and familial dynamics that shape the story’s environment.

Calixta
The note carrier for Alfredo and Esperanza. Though her role
is minor, she serves as a conduit for communication in the
story, helping to further develop the emotional tension
between the main characters.
 settings RISING ACTION
The setting of Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez takes place in Alfredo meets Julia Salas, a woman who brings
the early 1900s, during the transition from Spanish to American rule excitement and novelty into his life. They spend
in the Philippines. The story is set in Manila and its surrounding time together, and he begins to feel a
areas, particularly in the neighborhood of Sampaloc. The time passionate attraction toward her, which
period reflects the lingering influence of Spanish customs, such as contrasts with his stable yet lackluster
long engagements, formal courtship, and the use of the Spanish relationship with Esperanza. Alfredo faces an
inner conflict, torn between his commitment to
language among the educated class. The physical setting,
Esperanza and his newfound feelings for Julia.
including the Martinez house where Alfredo meets Julia, and the
streets of Manila like Calle Luz, also highlight the emotional and
social dynamics of the time. These spaces underscore the story’s
CLIMAX
themes of love, duty, regret, and nostalgia, illustrating the tension
Alfredo realizes he must make a choice. Julia,
between tradition and changing desires in Filipino society. The
sensing the complexity of Alfredo's situation,
formal social practices, like harana (serenading), further
prepares to leave town, understanding that their
emphasize the cultural context in which the characters' relationship cannot continue. Alfredo comes to
relationships unfold. a painful realization that his feelings for Julia
are intense but unrealistic, and he decides to
fulfill his obligations by staying with Esperanza.
plot

EXPOSITION FALLING ACTION

After Julia leaves, Alfredo marries
Alfredo Salazar, a young lawyer, is Esperanza, choosing his familiar life and
engaged to Esperanza, whom he has commitment over the uncertainty of an
known for many years. His family affair with Julia. However, Alfredo
expects him to marry her, yet Alfredo remains conflicted, unable to forget
feels a deep sense of unease and about Julia. Over the years, he continues
questions if his love for her is genuine. to carry the memory of their brief
connection.
 RESOLUTION THEME
After eight years of marriage, Alfredo visits the The theme of "Dead Stars" is about love, illusion, and the
town where Julia lived. By this time, his feelings disappointment of unfulfilled desires. It shows how the idea of
for Julia have faded. Alfredo realizes that his
a perfect, exciting love can sometimes make us overlook what
past emotions were like the "light of dead
stars"—they seemed present but were no longer is real and dependable. Alfredo struggles between his
alive. He has come to accept his life with feelings for Julia, which seem thrilling and new, and his
Esperanza, acknowledging that the love he commitment to Esperanza, which is steady but lacks
thought he had for Julia was only a fleeting excitement. In the end, he realizes that his strong feelings for
moment in time.
Julia were like "dead stars"—they looked bright but had
already faded away. The story suggests that chasing an
idealized love can lead to regret and that real happiness may
CONFLICT come from accepting the reality of one’s life rather than
longing for something that was never truly there.
MAN vs. SELF
The main conflict in "Dead Stars" is Alfredo Salazar's internal
POINT OF VIEW
struggle between duty and desire. He is torn between his
long-standing commitment to Esperanza, who represents Dead Stars by Paz Marquez-Benitez is written in the third-
stability and social expectations, and his intense attraction to person omniscient point of view. The omniscient narrator has
Julia Salas, who symbolizes passion and the thrill of the an all-knowing perspective, allowing insight into the thoughts,
unknown. Alfredo’s conflict arises from his inability to feelings, and motivations of all the characters. This enables
reconcile these two desires; he is expected to marry the narrator to explore the inner conflicts of characters like
Esperanza, but he feels captivated by the possibility of Alfredo, his feelings of regret, and other characters'
something deeper and more fulfilling with Julia. This tension emotional journeys. The narrator is not limited to one
between societal obligations and personal longing drives character’s perspective, offering a more comprehensive
Alfredo’s turmoil throughout the story, leading him to question understanding of the events and themes. By revealing details
the nature of love and ultimately realize that his feelings for beyond the characters' awareness, the omniscient point of
Julia were based on an illusion—a “dead star” that had view gives readers a fuller grasp of the story and its
already faded. underlying meaning.
1. Discuss Alfredo's character. By starting the story in medias res and using a flashback
• How is it revealed? structure, Benitez emphasizes the lingering emotional impact of
• What attributes does he possess? Alfredo's past relationship with Julia. The non-linear narrative
Alfredo, the protagonist of “Dead Stars”, is a complex reflects Alfredo’s ongoing internal conflict and the way past
character marked by emotional impulsiveness, indecisiveness, and emotions continue to affect his present life. The fragmented
a sense of responsibility. He easily falls in and out of love, as storytelling allows the reader to experience Alfredo’s confusion
shown in his fleeting infatuation with Julia, despite being engaged and emotional complexity as he looks back at his past while
to Esperanza. His emotions are transient, like a "dead star," whose dealing with the realities of his marriage. It also emphasizes the
light fades despite its visible presence. Alfredo’s quick shift in theme of the “what ifs” in life—how people are often haunted by
affection reveals his inner restlessness and uncertainty about his past decisions and relationships that may never fully fade. The
desires. However, he also demonstrates responsibility when he flashback structure highlights the dissonance between Alfredo’s
ultimately chooses to marry Esperanza, honoring his commitment present contentment and his past emotional turmoil, reinforcing
to her. Despite his emotional turmoil and confusion, Alfredo the story’s exploration of love, memory, and the passage of time.
accepts the consequences of his actions, reflecting the
complexity and contradictions of human nature. His character 3. What is the climax of the story? Account for the decision Alfredo
highlights the tension between fleeting passion and lasting makes. Is it a result of his character, chance, or the environment?
responsibility, ultimately recognizing that his love for Julia was
The climax of “Dead Stars” occurs when Alfredo faces a
shallow and transient.
decision between his fiancée, Esperanza, and his feelings for Julia,
who is about to leave town. Torn between the two, he ultimately
2. The story begins in medias res and then makes a flashback.
chooses to marry Esperanza. This decision stems from both his
Make a chronology of events. What does Benitez gain by not
character and external pressures. Alfredo’s indecisiveness and
presenting the events chronologically?
emotional impulsiveness drive his initial attraction to Julia, but he
In Dead Stars, Alfredo Salazar, a young lawyer engaged ultimately conforms to societal expectations, fearing judgment if
to Esperanza, begins to question his feelings for her after meeting he breaks his engagement. His choice reflects the tension
Julia Salas. Julia brings excitement and passion into his life, between personal desires and societal norms, showing how both
making Alfredo question whether his engagement is based on internal and external forces shape his decision.
genuine love. Torn between his commitment to Esperanza and his
attraction to Julia, Alfredo faces a difficult decision. Eventually, he
chooses to marry Esperanza, acknowledging that his feelings for
Julia were fleeting and unrealistic. Years later, after visiting the
town where Julia once lived, Alfredo realizes that his memories of
her have faded, and the love he once felt was just an illusion,
allowing him to finally accept his life with Esperanza.
4. The story depicts a love triangle, Alfredo must choose between Calle Real, or “Royal Street,” represents Alfredo’s
Julia and Esperanza. Is his dilemma merely a choice between two confrontation with reality. It’s where he realizes that his feelings
women? Explain. for Julia, though real at the time, cannot overcome his duty to
Alfredo's dilemma in Dead Stars is not just a choice Esperanza and the social pressures around him. The name “Real”
between Julia and Esperanza, but a deeper conflict between his also alludes to the weight of tradition and public expectation
desires and his responsibilities. While he is drawn to Julia, he that ultimately influences his decision to stay with Esperanza.
feels obligated to marry Esperanza due to societal expectations.
His struggle is between following his heart and doing what he Alfredo Salazar, whose name can suggest "salvation,"
believes is the "right" thing. Ultimately, Alfredo chooses embodies a man torn between emotional desires and societal
Esperanza, realizing that his feelings for Julia were fleeting and expectations. His confusion and indecisiveness reflect the
shallow, like a "dead star." His decision reflects the tension struggles many face when choosing between personal happiness
between personal desires and social pressure, showing that his and fulfilling obligations.
choice is about more than love—it's about duty and the
consequences of his actions. Through these names, Benitez deepens the story’s
themes of love, duty, and societal pressure. Esperanza, Julia, and
5. Benitez resorts to name symbolism in the story. Can you explain the streets they inhabit symbolize the paths Alfredo must
the significance of "Esperanza", "Calle Luz", and "Calle Real"? Did navigate, with each name reflecting the tension between his
you find any examples of name symbolism? desires and the expectations that ultimately shape his decisions.
In “Dead Stars”, name symbolism plays a significant role
6. What is the story's theme? How does the title tie in within?
in exploring the main context of the story. The theme of “Dead Stars” revolves around the conflict
between duty and desire, and the fleeting nature of love. Alfredo
Esperanza, meaning "hope" or "expectation" in Spanish, is torn between his commitment to Esperanza, who represents
symbolizes the stable, socially acceptable choice for Alfredo. stability and societal expectations, and his brief infatuation with
Although his love for her fades, he feels obligated to marry her Julia, which ultimately fades. The story explores how love can be
because she represents the future society expects him to have. temporary and shaped by societal pressures, as well as the
Esperanza’s unwavering hope and loyalty reflect her role as the persistence of memories of lost emotions.
"safe" and "expected" partner in Alfredo’s life.
The title, “Dead Stars”, ties into this theme by symbolizing
Calle Luz, where Julia lives, translates to “Street of Light,” the fading passion Alfredo feels for Julia. Like a dead star, his
symbolizing the brief, captivating spark Alfredo feels when he love for Julia continues to exist in memory, but it is no longer
meets Julia. Like light, Julia pulls him away from his routine life alive or real. The title reflects the idea that intense emotions can
with Esperanza, offering excitement and passion. However, just burn brightly but eventually fade, leaving only a distant, empty
as light fades, Alfredo’s feelings for Julia diminish over time, glow. Ultimately, Alfredo’s realization that his love for Julia was a
symbolizing the transient nature of his infatuation. "dead star" mirrors his acceptance of his life with Esperanza.
7. "She was a believer in the regenerative virtue of institutions, in b. Esperanza’s judgment of Calixta exposes her rigid adherence
their power to regulate feelings as well as conduct. If a man were to societal norms and contrasts with Alfredo’s hypocrisy. While
married, why, of course, he loved his wife; if he were engaged, he Esperanza criticizes Calixta’s non-conformity, Alfredo secretly
could not possibly love another woman." Explain. loves Julia despite his engagement to Esperanza. This highlights
In this passage, Esperanza believes that engagement themes of societal pressure, hypocrisy, and the conflict between
and marriage regulate emotions and ensure loyalty. She thinks duty and personal desires.
that since Alfredo is engaged to her, he cannot possibly love
9. The historical context is, of course, the American Colonial
another woman, as the institution of engagement should
Period. Is this significant? Why?
guarantee his devotion. However, her belief reveals a naivety, as
she overlooks Alfredo’s true feelings. The historical context of the American Colonial Period
is significant in Dead Stars because it shapes the social norms
Esperanza’s devotion to Alfredo may not be based on and values surrounding courtship, marriage, and fidelity. During
real love, but on moral obligation. The idea of the “regenerative this time, there was a strong emphasis on duty and tradition,
virtue of institution” suggests she stays with Alfredo because of which influenced Alfredo’s engagement to Esperanza despite his
duty, rather than genuine emotional connection. Their emotional distance. His inner conflict between desire and
relationship may have become more about societal expectations obligation reflects the tension between societal expectations
than mutual love, highlighting the tension between social and personal feelings.
conventions and true emotional fulfillment.
The story acts as a "time machine," offering readers a
8. What is the significance of (a) Julia's mistake with Mr. Manalo's glimpse into early 20th-century attitudes toward love and
name (b) Esperanza's judgment of Calixta as having an indignant relationships. It highlights the contrast between the rigid
relation? How does Benitez use these incidents to emphasize traditions of the past and the emerging, more individualistic
character and theme? values of the present. By exploring these cultural shifts, Benitez
Benitez uses Julia’s mistake with Mr. Manalo’s name and critiques the contradictions in societal norms, making the
Esperanza’s judgment of Calixta to highlight character traits and historical setting crucial to understanding the characters'
key themes. decisions and the story’s themes of love, duty, and societal
pressure.
a. Julia’s mistake with Mr. Manalo’s name shows the fleeting
nature of her relationship with Alfredo, emphasizing the theme
of transient love and unfulfilled desires. For Julia, their bond was
brief and unimportant, underscoring the short-lived nature of
Alfredo’s infatuation.
10. What lessons in life can we gleam from Dead Stars?
“Dead Stars” offers several valuable life lessons. One of
the key takeaways is the fleeting nature of love. Alfredo’s brief
infatuation with Julia, which fades over time, reminds us that not
all emotions or relationships are meant to last. This teaches us
that feelings can be temporary, and what seems intense in the
moment may not endure as circumstances change. The story also
highlights the conflict between duty and desire, as Alfredo is torn
between his obligation to marry Esperanza and his feelings for
Julia. It suggests that while societal expectations and
responsibilities are important, it’s equally crucial to be honest
with ourselves about our true desires. Additionally, Alfredo’s
journey of self-reflection, especially his realization that his
feelings for Julia were like "dead stars," teaches us the
importance of looking back on our past decisions and
understanding their true significance. The story also emphasizes
the power of social pressures in shaping our choices, as Alfredo
feels compelled to marry Esperanza despite his shifting feelings.
Finally, Dead Stars reminds us of the complexity of human
relationships, which are often influenced by a mix of love, duty,
societal norms, and personal growth. The story encourages us to
carefully consider these factors and be honest about what drives
our decisions in relationships.