* Unhappy Marriage: Teang's marriage to Dodong is portrayed as unhappy and lacking in passion. Their lives become routine and mundane, far removed from the romantic ideals they held in their youth.
* Unfulfilled Dreams: Teang's life is filled with unfulfilled dreams. She yearned for a life beyond the confines of her marriage and family, wishing for "a life of adventure, excitement, and romance." Her marriage traps her in a life she never envisioned.
* Lack of Fulfillment: Teang feels a deep sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction with her role as a wife and mother. She lacks the fulfillment and purpose she craved, leading to a sense of regret and longing.
* Lost Identity: Her marriage seems to have stifled her individuality and made her lose a sense of herself. She feels trapped and unable to express her true desires and aspirations.
Teang's struggles highlight the harsh realities of marriage and the societal pressures placed on women, particularly in the context of the Philippines in the early 20th century. Her experience serves as a reminder that marriage, while it can be a source of happiness, can also bring disappointment and a feeling of being trapped.