Paz M. Latorena (1908-1953) was a pioneering figure in the first generation of Filipino writers to use English as their primary literary medium. She was a multifaceted talent, excelling as a poet (under the pseudonym Mina Lys), a prolific writer of short stories such as "The Small Key," an educator with advanced degrees who taught English literature at the University of Santo Tomas, and a literary editor for The Varsitarian. Born in Boac, Marinduque, and educated in Manila, Latorena began her literary journey at the University of the Philippines, where she studied under Paz Marquez-Benitez, who invited her to write for the Philippines Herald Magazine. Latorena's contributions to Philippine literature are significant, paving the way for future generations of Filipino writers to embrace English as a literary language. Her work, including "The Small Key," explores human emotions with depth and insight.
Characters
Pedro Buhay: husband
Soledad: wife
Esperanza: Pedro's deceased first wife
Summary
Married couple Soledad and Pedro Buhay live on a farm. Soledad, despite knowing that the farm will produce plenty still felt a bit discontented. And to fill this kind of feeling, she decided to mend some of her husband’s shirts, which were in a locked trunk.
Pedro took out from his pocket two keys, a large and small key – he gave the large key to his wife to open the large trunk where his clothes can be found putting back the small key to his jacket’s pocket. Feeling hot that morning, he took off his jacket, and when Soledad attempted to fold the jacket neatly, the small key fell to the floor.
It’s obvious to her that the small key holds great value to her husband. She tried hard to keep her mind off the small key but curiosity ate her up. She opened it and was pained to see that it contained the old clothes of his first wife. She wondered why he was still keeping it and feared that her husband is still in love with his deceased first wife. Soledad got worried that this may destroy their relationship.
Pedro returns home to Soledad who was pretending to have a fever. The next morning, he discovered the pile of ashes and half-burnt clothing in the backyard. He then realized what Soledad did. He rushed to the small trunk and his hunches were confirmed. He got angry and he is expecting Soledad to talk about it with him and explain why she did it. Within him, he knows he can eventually forgive but he is also aware of how this would impact their lives.
Notes and Analysis / Study Guide for Students
The story's central conflict stems from Soledad discovering the small key and old trunk, which sparks jealousy and insecurity, revealing her deep fears about her role in Pedro's life. The small key symbolizes Pedro's lingering attachment to his first wife and the emotional barrier it creates between him and Soledad. The narrative underscores how past memories and attachments can impact present relationships, with Pedro's connection to the trunk's contents making Soledad feel ignored and undervalued.
