My Father Goes To Court of Carlos Bulosan: A Moral and Philosophical Critique

I. Introduction

Laughter, often hailed as the best remedy for life's woes, has the remarkable
power to heal both mind and body. The origin of the saying “laughter is the best
medicine” is shrouded in mystery, with some attributing it to the Bible, while others credit
American humorist Bennett Cerf. Regardless, the act of laughter serves as a potent
antidote to pain, stress, and conflict, swiftly restoring equilibrium. Sharing a laugh with
others lightens burdens and sharpens focus. In navigating life's challenges, humor
proves to be a formidable tool, enhancing mental and physical well-being.

Carlos Bulosan, a Filipino novelist and poet, penned the tale "My Father Goes To
Court." Hailing from the rural village of Mangusmana near Binalonan in Luzon's
Pangasinan province, Bulosan intimately understood the economic struggles faced by
many Filipino families due to US colonization, for he experienced it firsthand. The
narrative unfurls through the lens of a child reminiscing about pivotal life events. From
surviving a harrowing flood to daringly relocating, this family's journey introduces them to
affluent neighbors whose interests starkly contrast with their own. These well-off
children, accustomed to outdoor pursuits, enjoy the bounties of their privileged existence
- from the sun's gentle rays to the mountain-fed river's cool waters. The tantalizing
aromas emanating from their neighbor's kitchen remain etched in the child's memory, a
scent of prosperity eagerly absorbed. However, when the prosperous father spies the
healthy children savoring these fragrances, he promptly seals his windows, a gesture
laced with mistrust. Later, when sickness befalls the wealthy man and his family, an
official complaint is lodged against the humble yet contented and robust family.

The narrative delves into the tactics employed in times of scarcity, offering
profound insights into human behavior, rationale, and decision-making amidst adversity.
Thus, a moral and philosophical critique emerges as the most adept approach to
unraveling these intricacies. It beckons readers to ponder the ideals and principles
embedded within human nature, granting a deeper comprehension of the story's
underlying messages.
 Moral and Philosophical Criticism is a type of literary critique that judges the
value of the literature based on its moral lessons or ethical teachings. In simple terms, it
determines the worth of the literature by seeing if it encourages good out of the reader.
Literary Criticism Based on Moral and Philosophical Principles assumes that the
objective of literature is to educate values, morality, and virtues, as well as to express
universal truths about life, ideal or excellent rules of human behavior that society or
civilization should copy for a better existence, a better world. And, of course, investigates
philosophical questions and topics within a text, work of literature, or piece of art, which
is why these two techniques are regarded interchangeably.

II. Background

Carlos Bulosan's story "My Father Goes to Court" is a fictitious narrative that
presents a commentary on social disparity by contrasting the lives of an impoverished
family and those of a wealthy neighbor. It takes place in a small village on the Philippine
island of Luzon. The narrator's family lives in humble conditions after losing their farm
due to a flood. They share a house with a wealthy man and his family, who are
presented as secluded and aloof. The affluent man's home is regarded as lavish, and his
children are rarely seen outside. The story emphasizes the two families' starkly different
lifestyles. Despite their financial difficulties, the poor narrator's family is described as
alive, healthy, and content. They appreciate simple joys like playing in the sun and
smelling the fragrances of meals served by the rich man's slaves. In contrast, despite
their worldly abundance, the rich man's family is portrayed as ill, pale, and lonely. The
rich man's and his family's health deteriorates over time, but the narrator's family thrives.
The rich guy believes that the narrator's family is "stealing" the essence of his riches and
food, prompting him to file a legal case.

During the court hearings, the rich man's lawyer seeks to argue that the
narrator's family has profited at the expense of the rich man's family. Despite his lack of
assistance from a lawyer, the narrator's father makes a strong argument. He admits that
they enjoyed the smells of the rich man's food, but he denies that they stole anything. In
an unexpected twist, the father chooses to pay the rich man as a gesture of goodwill. To
demonstrate the "spirit" of money, he fills a hat with coins and shakes it. This gesture
overwhelms the affluent guy, causing him to fall. The case is quickly dismissed by the
judge, and the story concludes with a joyful burst of laughing. The narrative is a societal
satire on the arbitrary nature of riches and the notion that true wealth is found in shared
human experiences and laughter. It emphasizes the narrator's family's tenacity and spirit
in the face of misfortune, in contrast to the wealthy neighbor's isolation and sadness.
The story ultimately reflects the ability of laughter to heal societal divisions and bring
people together.

The main idea of the story is the sharp contrast between material wealth and
spiritual richness, as well as the power of laughter and human connection in the face of
suffering. The story begins with a dramatic representation of economic disparity, with the
narrator's family living in humble conditions adjacent to a wealthy neighbor. The rich
man's children are secluded and ill, confined to their opulent home, but the narrator's
family flourishes in their basic, communal lifestyle, despite being materially
impoverished. This lays the groundwork for the investigation of the true causes of wealth
and well-being. The story emphasizes the significance of abstract qualities over
materialistic ones. While the rich man's family has lots of material goods, they lack the
narrator's family's joy, laughter, and vitality. The rich man's children become weak and
unwell, illustrating that worldly wealth may not always lead to true happiness or
contentment. Furthermore, the story emphasizes the idea that true riches are
characterized not by possessions, but by the strength of interpersonal ties. Through
play, laughing, and shared experiences, the narrator's family unites, generating a sense
of belonging and mutual support. The rich man's family, on the other hand, is secluded
and estranged, leading to physical and emotional degeneration.

The courtroom scenario is the story's conclusion, stressing the clash between
these two opposing worldviews. The rich guy accuses the narrator's family of taking the
"spirit" of his wealth and food, emphasizing his erroneous emphasis on earthly
belongings. The narrator's father, on the other hand, answers with a powerful display of
the actual worth of human connection and shared laughter. The ending of the narrative
supports the concept by demonstrating that actual wealth may be found in laughter and
personal connection rather than material stuff. The sound of laughter eventually
overcomes the rich guy, who collapses in the face of this exhibition of actual abundance.
The judge's loud laughing emphasizes the theme of the story, highlighting the universal
power of shared joy. Finally, Carlos Bulosan's "My Father Goes to Court" delves into the
issue of true riches and well-being, illustrating that financial possessions are not the
ultimate source of happiness. The story emphasizes the value of human connections,
laughter, and shared experiences as true indicators of abundance. The story
communicates a timeless lesson about the enduring value of intangible wealth through
vivid characterization and a compelling climax.

Several components serve as symbols in Carlos Bulosan's short narrative "My

Father Goes to Court," expressing deeper meanings beyond their literal expression. The
affluent man's closed windows are a significant symbol. These windows serve as a
social class barrier, reflecting the isolation and distance between the wealthy family and
the narrator's family. The closed windows not only separate them physically, but also
represent the emotional and cultural barrier between the rich and the less fortunate.
Another potent indication is the aroma of the rich man's food. It exemplifies the two
families' severe economic disparities. While the wealthy family lives in excess and
indulgence, the narrator's family lives in scarcity and hunger. The aroma of the cuisine
serves as a reminder of this disparity, stressing how money and luxury are concentrated
in the hands of a few while others struggle to make ends meet. The two families' varied
physical situations represent their total well-being. The narrator's family is portrayed as
healthy, robust, and vibrant. This reflects their tenacity, resourcefulness, and ability to
prosper in the face of adversity. The rich man's family, on the other hand, is portrayed as
skinny, anemic, and sickly, indicating the negative effects of wealth hoarding and
isolation.

Furthermore, the courtroom itself becomes a symbol of justice and fairness. It is

a space where both parties have the opportunity to present their case and seek
resolution. The judge, as a figure of authority, represents the potential for impartiality and
equality before the law. The courtroom symbolizes a system that, ideally, should provide
a platform for justice to prevail. The act of Father filling the hat with coins and handing it
to the rich guy is a powerful symbol of restitution and reconciliation. It indicates a
willingness to admit wrongdoing and make restitution, even if it appears unorthodox.
This act eventually causes the rich man's physical breakdown, emphasizing the
gesture's significant impact and implying that genuine wealth may not be measured
exclusively in worldly goods. Finally, Carlos Bulosan expertly combines many symbols in
"My Father Goes to Court" to portray deeper issues of societal injustice empathy, and
the possibility of reconciliation. Closed windows, food smells, physical well-being, the
courtroom, and the coin hat all serve as powerful symbols that deepen the tale and
encourage thought about societal inequities and the possibilities for human connection.

III. Analysis/Argument- Core of the essay

"My Father Goes to Court" by Carlos Bulusan intricately weaves together a

tapestry of moral and philosophical themes that resonate deeply with readers. Through
vivid storytelling and poignant characters, the narrative invites us to explore the profound
truths of life, challenging conventional notions of wealth, happiness, and justice. Each
facet of this tale offers a lens through which we can examine the human experience,
from the injustice of baseless accusations to the transformative power of shared
laughter. Within these pages, we encounter a powerful critique of materialism and an
affirmation of the enduring value of human connection. As we delve into the intricacies of
this narrative, we embark on a journey of introspection and contemplation, guided by the
moral and philosophical insights that underlie its narrative tapestry. Let us now delve into
each of these themes, extracting the profound truths and viewpoints they unveil.

Moral Points

 Accusation and Injustice

The rich man's unfounded charge against the narrator's family effectively
demonstrates the topic of injustice in the story. This charge, which lacks any
serious evidence, is a harsh reminder of how damaging and unjustified
accusations can be. It throws light on the potential ramifications of blaming
without appropriate justification. The affluent man's actions show a lack of
empathy as well as a disrespect for the truth. This moral lesson serves as a
cautionary story, reminding us to be wary of false accusations and to discover
 the facts before pronouncing judgment. It forces us to contemplate the
significance of our words and the influence they can have on the lives of others.
Furthermore, it pushes us to create a sense of fairness and empathy in our
interactions, acknowledging that false allegations can cause enormous hurt and
division.

 Fairness and Resolution

The father's reaction to the accusation demonstrates a deep dedication to

fairness and justice. Rather than reacting with rage or defensiveness, he
chooses an innovative and surprising approach. Filling a hat with coins and
delivering it as payment is a symbolic gesture of restitution. Even in the absence
of specific evidence, it indicates a willingness to correct any perceived wrongs.
This moral principle emphasizes the significance of finding unique and equitable
solutions to issues rather than turning to confrontations or legal fights. It makes
us think about the role of creativity and empathy in conflict resolution. Also, it
encourages us to see disagreements as chances for creative problem-solving,
emphasizing the possibility of positive outcomes when approached with an open
mind and a dedication to justice.

 Value of Human Connection

The narrative brilliantly highlights the underlying significance of human

connection. The narrator's family finds their richness in shared experiences,
laughter, and friendship rather than financial belongings. This demonstrates the
powerful influence that true relationships may have on one's well-being and
happiness. It promotes introspection about what genuinely defines riches in our
life. The story calls into question the concept that wealth can only be measured in
monetary terms and encourages us to value the intangible riches that come from
true personal ties. This moral point encourages us to value genuine connections
and identify them as a source of true prosperity. It motivates us to devote time
 and energy in cultivating connections with others, realizing that these
relationships are critical to our emotional well-being and overall life fulfillment.

 The Power of Laughter

The transformational power of laughter emerges as an integral subject. It

is portrayed as a force capable of breaking down societal barriers and
encouraging unity. When the judge and the audience join in the family's laughter,
it represents how shared joy can bring people together even in the face of
turmoil. This moral point emphasizes the notion that laughing is a global
language that bridges gaps and fosters a sense of common humanity. It
encourages us to realize the unifying power of laughter in our own lives and to
look for opportunities for shared delight. Furthermore, it encourages us to
approach disagreements with levity and a willingness to establish common
ground, realizing that laughing has the power to dissolve hostility and bridge
differences.

Philosophical Points

 Utilitarianism

The novel adheres to utilitarian philosophy by emphasizing that the

greatest satisfaction is found in the narrator's family's basic joys and laughing.
This calls into question the widely held belief that greater material prosperity
equals better happiness. It implies that genuine happiness stems from shared
experiences, genuine connections, and a sense of belonging. This philosophical
perspective encourages us to reconsider our priorities and analyze the genuine
sources of fulfillment in our life. It invites us to consider the societal emphasis on
material accumulation and whether it genuinely leads to a more happy and
contented life. The narrative challenges us to evaluate how our activities might
contribute to the greater happiness of society as a whole by emphasizing the
value of collective well-being and shared moments of delight.
 Existentialism

The novel gently explores existentialist concepts, specifically the notion

that individuals have the ability to create their own meaning and happiness.
Regardless of their circumstances, the narrator's family creates a life filled with
love and connection. This existentialist viewpoint stresses people' agency and
autonomy in crafting their own futures, regardless of external circumstances. It
urges us to consider our ability to discover meaning and fulfillment within
ourselves rather than being defined entirely by external factors. Even in the face
of adversity, the story encourages us to accept our own agency in creating a
meaningful and rewarding life. It invites us to contemplate how, regardless of
external circumstances, we can actively build our own narratives and find
meaning in our particular experiences.

 Value of Simple Joys

The story effectively conveys the idea that true riches is not dependent on
worldly stuff. It is instead found in the intangible wealth of human connection and
shared experiences. The family's capacity to find enjoyment in basic joys such as
playing in the sun and smelling meals indicates that genuine contentment stems
from appreciating life's simple pleasures. This philosophical viewpoint pushes us
to reconsider our society emphasis on materialism and to recognize the
underlying value of ordinary experiences. It encourages us to see the great
beauty and richness that may be found in the banal and ordinary areas of life.
The narrative motivates us to acquire a better appreciation for the present
moment and the brief moments of delight that it can provide by celebrating the
simple joys.

 Critique of Materialism
 The story is a powerful critique of the widely held assumption that material
riches is the ultimate source of happiness and well-being. Despite the affluent
man's wealth, his family stays lonely and sad. This sharp difference calls into
question the accepted relationship between financial wealth and a satisfying
existence. It challenges us to reconsider social ideals that stress financial
acquisition over genuine human ties and emotional contentment. The story
encourages us to critically examine our own views and attitudes toward financial
prosperity, questioning whether it genuinely leads to a more meaningful and full
life. It forces us to reconsider our priorities and acknowledge the limitations of
equating worldly riches with actual happiness.

IV. Conclusion
V. References