Date of Publication

7-2026

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Literature major in Creative Writing

Subject Categories

Creative Writing | Fiction

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Literature, Department of

Thesis Advisor

Genevieve L. Asenjo
Josefina C. Baui

Defense Panel Member

Cris Barbra N. Pe
Germilina M. Santos

Abstract (English)

Within the Extraordinary: A Short Story Collection is a collection of four short stories that draw on the ordinary lives of young adults confronting uncertainty and finding themselves in extraordinary situations. By using the lenses of Bildungsroman and Magic Realism, this collection argues that the coming-of-age story becomes richer when imagination is allowed to illuminate everyday living. Realism alone cannot capture the struggles of growing up. Still, magic realism reveals the unseen dimensions of being young, including its mysteries, fleeting wonders, and symbolic truths that realism cannot fully hold. The strongest contribution of this thesis lies in its participation in reimagining the Filipino coming-of-age narrative. It moves beyond postcolonial themes by showing that young Filipino literature can embrace magic realism to address uncertainty, fear, and resilience. In doing so, it offers young readers a way to see hope and possibility in ordinary life, even when “happy endings” take unconventional forms.

Keywords: Magic Realism, Bildungsroman, Coming of Age

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

Within the Extraordinary: A Short Story Collection ay kalipunan ng apat na maiikling kuwento tungkol sa mga kabataang humaharap sa kawalang-katiyakan at napapasabak sa mga pambihirang karanasan. Sa pamamagitan ng Bildungsroman at Mahiwagang Realismo, ipinapakita ng koleksiyong ito na higit na yumayaman ang kuwentong pagkamulat kapag naliliwanagan ng imahinasyon ang pang-araw-araw na buhay. Hindi sapat ang realismo lamang upang lubos na maipakita ang karanasan ng paglaki at paghahanap sa sarili; naihahayag ng mahiwagang realismo ang mga hiwaga, kababalaghan, at simbolikong katotohanan ng kabataan. Mahalaga rin ang tesis na ito sa muling paghubog ng naratibong pagkamulat sa panitikang Pilipino. Ipinakikita nito na maaaring gamitin ang mahiwagang realismo upang talakayin ang kawalang-katiyakan, takot, at katatagan, at upang magbigay ng pag-asa at posibilidad sa gitna ng ordinaryong buhay, kahit hindi pangkaraniwan ang anyo ng mga masayang wakas.

Mga Keywords: Mahiwagang Realismo, Bildungsroman, Pagkamulat

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Short stories, Philippine (English); Philippine fiction (English); Creative writing

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Embargo Period

7-23-2027

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Available for download on Friday, July 23, 2027

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