"The Extra Bed" Review

Before reading the text:

By the title itself, “The Extra Bed”, we might infer that a “main” bed exits, but we will be focusing on the “secondary” one. It seems to give importance to something that is less looked upon. I can also tell that the essay may revolve to a place that gives rest because of the word “bed”. I can think of the “extra bed” as a place where guests or visitors may come to rest because the “main” bed is already occupied by other people of higher importance. Through this, I can say that it will show us the significance of things or people other than the one in the center of attention.

After reading the text:

• Author - Carmen Guerrero Nakpil is the author of “The Extra Bed”. She came from a prominent family of writers and medical people. This may explain how well-versed she is in her essay. She might also be a frequent visitor in hospitals because of this.
• Date and Place – It was written after the World War 2. This explains why she visited the hospital frequently. It was still quite a hostile period just after the World War 2, where tons of people were injured. Some may even be her friends or relatives, giving her more reason to go to hospitals.
• Title – The title “The Extra Bed” implies that there is the presence of a “main” bed. This means the essay would focus on something or someone that is not often focused on or given attention to. She would like to explain that even though the “extra bed and its occupant” is not foced on, it still is significant nonetheless.