The Pretenders by F Sionil Jose Reviewed by Elaine Joy Edaya Degale

Summary

In this review, the complex narrative of 'The Pretenders' by F. Sionil José is explored, highlighting the central theme of class struggle. The protagonist, Tony Samson, from humble beginnings, experiences an internal conflict after marrying into wealth, leading to his tragic suicide. The story delves into the personal and societal tensions arising from his revolutionary spirit and the expectations of his affluent in-laws, culminating in a poignant reflection on pride, dignity, and the cost of maintaining one's ideals in a materialistic world.

Takeaways

• 📚 'The Pretenders' is part of the Rosales Saga, a series of novels exploring class struggle and personal growth.
• 🌱 The protagonist, Antonio Samson, also known as Tony, hails from a humble, indigenous Ilocano background in a village in Rosal Pangasinan, north of Manila.
• 🎓 Tony's academic journey includes a doctorate from Harvard, which shapes his worldview and leads to internal conflicts with his personal values and the expectations of his wealthy in-laws.
• 💔 The novel opens with Tony's wife, Carmen Villa, reflecting on her life after learning about Tony's suicide, revealing the personal and societal pressures that contributed to his tragic end.
• 🔥 Tony's revolutionary spirit is ignited by his father's imprisonment for burning down a municipal building and killing a landowner, an act of defiance against the exploitation of the poor.
• 🤝 Tony's complex relationship with his wife's family, the Villas, is marked by tension between his humble origins and their aristocratic status, influencing his struggle with identity and self-worth.
• 🏛 Tony's disillusionment with the academic world is deepened by the discovery of plagiarism and exploitation by his mentor, Dean Lopez, shattering his idealistic views of academia.
• 💼 Tony's role as a public relations figure for the Villa family further complicates his internal conflict, as he becomes a mouthpiece for their controversial land acquisitions.
• 👨‍👧 Tony's strained family relationships, including with his sister who rejects him due to his father's imprisonment, contribute to his feelings of isolation and rejection.
• 🚫 The revelation of Carmen's illegal abortion and the subsequent fallout highlight the cultural and moral differences between Tony and his wife, exacerbating their marital discord.
• 💔 The culmination of Tony's personal crises, including his wife's infidelity and the betrayal by his friends, leads to his ultimate decision to end his life, underscoring the devastating impact of societal and personal pressures.

Q & A

What is 'The Pretenders' and how does it relate to the Rosales Saga?

The Pretenders is a novel by F. Sionil José and is part of the Rosales Saga. It is the third installment in the series, following 'Poon' and 'Tree', and preceding 'Mass'. The saga explores themes of class struggle and personal growth within the context of Philippine society.

What is the main theme of 'The Pretenders'?

The main theme of 'The Pretenders' is class struggle, focusing on the personal journey of Antonio Samson, who comes from humble beginnings and experiences internal conflict as he navigates the complexities of his social and economic status.

Can you provide some background on Antonio Samson's character?

Antonio Samson, also known as Tony, is the protagonist of 'The Pretenders'. He comes from an indigenous Ilocano background in a village called Kukaan within Rosal Pangasinan, north of Manila. He is characterized by his revolutionary spirit, influenced by his father's actions and imprisonment for burning down a municipal building and killing a landowner.

How does Tony's education at Harvard influence his character and life?

Tony's education at Harvard is a significant turning point in his life. It provides him with an Anglo-Saxon name, 'Tonus', and a prestigious doctoral degree, which sets him apart from his humble roots and leads to internal struggles as he tries to reconcile his idealism with the realities of his life and marriage.

What is the significance of Tony's wife, Carmen Villa, in the story?

Carmen Villa, Tony's wife, is depicted as a vapid, wealthy woman from a Spanish aristocratic family. Her character contrasts with Tony's humble origins, and their marriage is marked by tensions that stem from Tony's internal struggle rather than direct class conflict.

Why does Tony's father end up in prison?

Tony's father is in prison because he burned down the municipal building and killed a rich landowner who tried to claim his land. This act of defiance against the injustice he faced was driven by his revolutionary spirit.

What role does Dean Lopez play in Tony's life and how does their relationship change?

Dean Lopez is a mentor to Tony, helping him get sponsored for his Doctorate at Harvard. However, when Tony marries into a rich family, the Dean turns on him, revealing a side of himself that is more concerned with status and wealth than with mentorship and academic integrity.

How does Tony's relationship with his sister and her family affect him?

Tony's relationship with his sister is strained due to her refusal to let him meet his nieces and nephews because of the family's association with their father's imprisonment. This rejection, along with the broader social and personal conflicts he faces, contributes to his feelings of isolation and despair.

What is the significance of the steel mill workers' party in the story?

The steel mill workers' party is a moment of revelation for Tony. It is during this event that he witnesses the corruption and moral compromise of his friend Godo, who sells his integrity for a low price, further disillusioning Tony about the world he is now a part of.

What are the circumstances that lead to Tony's suicide?

Tony's suicide is the result of a series of personal and professional disappointments, including the discovery of his wife's infidelity, the corruption he encounters in his professional life, the rejection by his sister, and the realization that his idealism is incompatible with the world he now inhabits.

How does the character of Lawrence Bit Fugo contribute to the story's conclusion?

Lawrence Bit Fugo, Tony's college roommate from Harvard, visits the Philippines after Tony's death. His experiences with the Villa family and his observations about their attitudes and actions help him understand the pressures that led to Tony's suicide, providing an outsider's perspective on the tragic events.

What message does the character of Manang Betty convey about pride and social class?

Manang Betty suggests that pride is a luxury only the rich can afford, implying that it is not a trait valued or accessible to the poor. This statement provokes reflection on the societal expectations and the value of dignity across different social classes.