Philippine E-Journals

New Historicism in Antonio Enriquez’ Samboangan

Kristine B. Bernaldez

Discipline: Literature

 

Abstract:

Samboangan contains a wealth of historical information on Zamboanga’s geography, groups of people, history, and culture, as well as personalities and events. The novel also contains social and moral issues. Enriquez shapes his subjects’ lives and actions around historical events. The novel is best described as a rewriting of the past and, as such, its setting plays an important part in understanding the exhibited traits, perspective, ideas, emotions and reactions, and decisions made by each of the characters. Enriquez imagines Samboangan’s setting in a unique way to capture Zamboanga’s cultural nuances. By referring to a particular setting where events take place for the characters, Enriquez has produced an atmosphere, one that he envisions will create an impact.