Post-colonial Criticism: “At Merienda” by Maryanne Moll

Post-colonial Criticism: “At Merienda” by Maryanne Moll

Roland Raymond A. Roldan    LIT230   Prado     Ateneo de Naga University

Maryanne Moll’s “At Merienda,” shows various signs of postcolonialism in the Bicol setting. Post-colonial life in Naga city presents both Spanish and American influences affecting the day-to-day lives of Annie and her extended family. One can say, just by looking at the title, that this story may be the “uncritical representation of the benefits of colonialism for the colonized” (Tyson 2006). Merienda, Spanish for snacks, evokes images of Spanish-style sweets presented as deliciously desirable and a benefit of being colonized. Furthermore, the characters’ behaviors, language, and habits are laced with Spanish affectations leading one to conclude that the story reinforces colonialist ideology.

The characters’ mimicry of the colonizers is apparent in the following instances: 1) the Spanish-influenced habit of the women in eating merienda, 2) the grandmother being called abuelita, Spanish for grandmother, 3) the use of Spanish expressions in casual conversation such as “Este, Antonia…” and “Que barbaridad!” Additionally, the household helpers being excluded from the merienda ritual, may be a metaphor for the colonized being excluded from partaking in the riches of their own country; moreover, this subjugation can also be represented by the constant obedience of Joventino, the old helper, as he says, “Yes, Señora.” multiple times.

The reinforcement of this colonialist ideology can also be seen in the younger women’s mimicry of the American ways as seen in: 1) the names of children, no longer Spanish, but English such as “Annie” and “Chandler,” 2) Gina’s recommendation of the book entitled “The Purpose-Driven Life,” a self-help book written by American pastor Rick Warren, and 3) the drinking of Coca-Cola, a soft drink brand from America.

However, Annie’s relationship with her husband which ended in divorce, may be a representation of a liberation of sorts. Although not directly stated in the story, Annie breaking free from the clutches of her husband can be a metaphor for our country being liberated from Spain and America; and their son, Chandler, may be seen as the hybrid of the cultures of the colonizers and the colonized. Just as the Americans and Spanish have left us and no longer shows concern toward us, with regard to our nationhood, so does her husband who hardly ever comes home to bond with her and their son. Ultimately, Annie divorces her husband and she is free to do what she pleases which include partaking in meriendas with her abuelita, mother, aunts and cousins.

In conclusion, the story reinforces colonialist ideology. It constantly and explicitly presents the colonizer’s ways as favorable while making no mention of its oppressive nature. In addition, one can even go as far as saying that Annie’s lonesome wifehood can be a metaphor for the colonized pining for the colonizer’s affection and love.