Here's a breakdown of some of the key aspects that could be considered "standards" in this context:
Themes:
* Alienation and Loneliness: The story explores the isolation of the protagonist, a Filipino immigrant in the US, who struggles to find his place in a foreign society.
* Loss of Identity: The protagonist experiences a loss of his Filipino identity as he tries to adapt to American culture.
* Social Commentary: The story implicitly critiques the realities of Filipino immigrants in the US, particularly the struggles they face with discrimination and prejudice.
Style:
* Realism: The story is written in a realistic style that captures the everyday experiences of the protagonist.
* Simple but evocative language: Santos uses a straightforward and accessible language, but his descriptions and dialogue are often evocative, capturing the protagonist's emotions and the atmosphere of his life.
* Focus on internal monologue: The story delves deeply into the protagonist's thoughts and feelings, creating a sense of introspection and isolation.
Literary Techniques:
* Symbolism: The title itself is symbolic, representing the world's perceived beauty and the deceptive nature of appearances.
* Irony: The story uses irony to highlight the protagonist's disillusionment and the contrast between his expectations and reality.
* Stream of consciousness: The story incorporates elements of stream of consciousness, reflecting the protagonist's fragmented thoughts and feelings.
Overall:
"The World Is an Apple" is a powerful and thought-provoking story that explores important themes of identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience. It's considered a classic of Filipino literature because of its realistic portrayal, its insightful social commentary, and its masterful use of language and literary techniques.
However, "standards" are subjective. Different readers might interpret the story and its strengths in different ways. The story's success is likely due to its ability to resonate with a wide audience through its exploration of universal human experiences.