Class and Racial Inequality

The novel contrasts the wealthy upper deck passengers with the suffering lower deck, and highlights the discrimination against Filipinos (Indios) by Spanish authorities and mestizo elites.

The upper deck hosts Europeans and officials while the lower deck is crowded with Indians, Chinese, and mestizos, highlighting racial and class divisions.

The contrast between the wealthy, powerful friars and the poor, ignorant Indian farmer underscores the deep class and racial divides in colonial society.

The cochero's envy of the Magian Kings (two Spanish, one black) and the curate's forced gifts highlight racial and class hierarchies.

Basilio's poor appearance and Indian heritage lead to discrimination by professors and classmates, reflecting the class and racial hierarchies of colonial society.