El Filibusterismo · Question
How does El Filibusterismo develop the theme of Class and Racial Inequality?
Answer
El Filibusterismo by José Rizal develops Class and Racial Inequality across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
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.
Evidence in the book
- I: On the Upper Deck
The upper deck hosts Europeans and officials while the lower deck is crowded with Indians, Chinese, and mestizos, highlighting racial and class divisions.
- IV: Cabesang Tales
The contrast between the wealthy, powerful friars and the poor, ignorant Indian farmer underscores the deep class and racial divides in colonial society.
- A Cochero's Christmas Eve
The cochero's envy of the Magian Kings (two Spanish, one black) and the curate's forced gifts highlight racial and class hierarchies.
- Basilio
Basilio's poor appearance and Indian heritage lead to discrimination by professors and classmates, reflecting the class and racial hierarchies of colonial society.
- VIII: Merry Christmas!
Julî's decision to enter servitude highlights the economic pressures faced by poor Filipino families, while the wealthy enjoy the Christmas festivities.
- IX: Pilates
Cabesang Tales, a native farmer, loses his land and family to the powerful friar-administrator and colonial authorities, illustrating systemic inequality.
- X: Wealth and Want
Simoun's jewels symbolize the vast wealth disparity, as the poor like Tales are contrasted with the rich who can afford such luxuries.
- The Tribulations of a Chinese
The Chinese are treated as second-class citizens, as seen in the discussion about the Chinese paying for church pews while natives and mestizos are humiliated.
