Intricate Family Dynamics in Lualhati Bautista’s Bata, Bata…Pa’no Ka Ginawa?

Abstract

Understanding the intricacies within a household through a novel solidifies the idea how literature reflects life and serve as a means of self-expression, often through impactful stories such as novels. One of the Philippines' celebrated novelists is Lualhati Bautista, known for her works that raise awareness about issues in Philippine society. This study explores the intricate family dynamics in Lualhati Bautista's Bata, Bata... Pa'no Ka Ginawa?, focusing specifically on the characters, conflicts, and themes. This qualitative study applies narrative discourse analysis, supported by Murray Bowen’s Family Systems Theory and Patrick Davies and Mark Cummings’ Emotional Security Theory. As revealed in the findings of this study, it is found that Lualhati Bautista’s Bata, Bata...Pa’no Ka Ginawa? reveals intricate family dynamics. The complex family dynamics in the novel includes stepfamily relationships, co-parenting, separate parent family dynamics, extended family, and sibling relationships. Analyzing the intricacies of family dynamics in the novel not only amplifies the existing studies but is also an outstanding replication of the issues inside the household, contributing to the legal structures related to marital and familial issues. Moreover, although the novel was written years ago, it strengthens the idea of how literature is timeless. Its continued relevance and study today demonstrate its lasting si