The story of "Scent of Apples" primarily revolves around one man's and his family's distinct journey as Filipino immigrants in the United States. It's a unique narrative, as the author, Bienvenido N. Santos, appears as a character within his own fictionalized account.
Core Narrative and Themes
The short story centers on an encounter between the unnamed Filipino writer (who represents Santos himself) and an elderly Filipino farmer named Celestino Fabia in the American Midwest. The writer is on a lecture tour, speaking about the Philippines, when he is approached by Fabia, who yearns to connect with someone from his homeland.
Through their poignant conversation, the story explores:
- Immigration and Adaptation: It delves into the lives of Filipino immigrants, particularly the challenges and sacrifices they made while settling in a foreign land.
- Nostalgia and Longing for Home: A central theme is the profound sense of longing for the Philippines experienced by the older generation of immigrants. This longing is often expressed through vivid memories and sensory details.
- Cultural Identity and Displacement: The narrative highlights the struggles of maintaining cultural identity amidst assimilation, and the feeling of being caught between two worlds.
- Family and Generational Differences: It touches upon the evolving dynamics within immigrant families, particularly the gap between first-generation immigrants and their American-born children, who may not fully grasp the struggles and memories of their parents.
- Memory and Reflection: The interaction between the writer and Fabia becomes a vehicle for reflection on past lives, missed opportunities, and the passage of time.
Key Characters
The story's power lies in the interaction between its two main characters:
| Character | Role / Significance |
|---|---|
| Narrator (Bienvenido Santos) | A Filipino writer visiting the U.S., he acts as an observer and listener, offering a reflective and empathetic perspective on the immigrant experience. |
| Celestino Fabia | An elderly Filipino farmer who symbolizes the older generation of immigrants. He embodies their longing for home, resilience, and the quiet struggles they endured. |
| Ruth (Fabia's wife) | Mentioned briefly, Ruth represents the American-born generation. Her lack of connection to the Philippines highlights the generational divide and the fading ties to the homeland. |
Fabia's character particularly encapsulates the "manongs," a term for the first wave of Filipino male laborers who immigrated to the U.S. in the early 20th century.
The Significance of "Scent of Apples"
The story's title, "Scent of Apples," serves as a powerful metaphor. Apples, a fruit native to the temperate climate of the U.S., contrast sharply with the tropical fruits of the Philippines. For Fabia, the scent of apples represents his new reality, a life built in America, while simultaneously evoking a bittersweet longing for the familiar smells and sights of his faraway home.
Bienvenido N. Santos, through this story, offers a poignant and often melancholic look at the Filipino diaspora. It remains a classic in Filipino-American literature, celebrated for its sensitive portrayal of identity, displacement, and the enduring human spirit in the face of profound change. The story underscores the universal themes of home, belonging, and the ties that bind people to their heritage, regardless of distance or time.
