Enate, Maryrose L.
BSED 3A
“Desire” by Paz Latorena
Paz Latorena’s short story “Desire” delves into the complexities of human desire, particularly the
clash between personal yearning and societal expectations. A psychoanalytic lens reveals the
story’s underlying themes of repressed emotions, unconscious motivations, and the impact of
social conditioning on individual fulfillment.
The story revolves around the protagonist, Amada, a young woman who finds herself drawn to a
man named Tony. Her attraction to him, however, is complicated by her existing relationship with
her fiancé, a man who embodies the traditional expectations of a suitable partner. Amada’s internal
conflict can be interpreted through the lens of the Oedipal complex, where the unconscious desire
for the father figure is projected onto a figure outside the family unit. Tony, with his rebellious
nature and unconventional lifestyle, represents a forbidden desire, a challenge to the societal norms
that Amada is expected to uphold.
Amada’s internal struggle is characterized by a constant battle between her desires and her sense
of duty. She represses her feelings for Tony, rationalizing her actions by focusing on the
practicalities of her relationship with her fiancé. This repression, however, manifests itself in
various forms of psychological defense mechanisms. Her dreams, for instance, reveal her
subconscious desires, while her guilt and anxiety reflect the internal conflict she faces.
One particularly telling dream sequence occurs when Amada dreams of a “forbidden fruit,” a
symbol of her repressed desire for Tony. This dream, coupled with her frequent daydreams about
him, suggests that her feelings for Tony are deeply rooted in her unconscious. The dream also
reflects the societal pressure she faces, as the fruit is “forbidden,” signifying the taboo nature of
her attraction.
The story's setting, a rural Filipino community, plays a significant role In shaping Amada’s internal
conflict. The societal expectations of marriage and family, along with the pressure to conform to
traditional norms, create a restrictive environment for Amada. Her desire for Tony, a man who
doesn’t fit into the societal mold, is viewed as a transgression, further fueling her internal conflict
The “river,” a recurring motif in the story, serves as a powerful symbol of the flow of emotions
and the constant struggle between Amada’s desires and her societal obligations. The river is
described as both beautiful and dangerous, reflecting the duality of Amada’s own feelings. The
river’s current, constantly moving forward, symbolizes the unstoppable nature of her desires, while
its potential for danger represents the consequences of succumbing to them.
The story's ending, where Amada ultimately chooses to remain with her fiancé, suggests that she
has chosen to prioritize societal expectations over her own desires. However, the final line, “But
the river flowed on,” implies that her repressed feelings for Tony continue to linger, a testament to
the enduring power of the unconscious.
Through a psychoanalytic lens, “Desire” emerges as a powerful exploration of the complexities of
human desire and the impact of social conditioning on individual fulfillment. The story’s
exploration of the Oedipal complex, repression, and defense mechanisms reveals the hidden
motivations and internal conflicts that drive Amada’s actions. By highlighting the tension between
personal yearning and societal expectations, Latorena’s story offers a poignant commentary on the
human condition and the struggle to reconcile individual desires with social norms.
The story's strength lies In its subtle exploration of these complex themes. Latorena avoids explicit
pronouncements, allowing the reader to interpret Amada’s motivations and the story’s implications
through her actions, thoughts, and dreams. This approach makes the story both relatable and
thought-provoking, leaving the reader to ponder the enduring power of desire and the
consequences of repressing it.
