Carlos Bulusan
Marxism Approach
 There is a thick line between
the rich (oppressor) and the
poor (oppressed).
 They are oppressed in a
sense that they were
charged of stealing the
“spirit” of food which seems
very ridiculous and
nonsensical.
 But at the end, there is a
clear depiction that the
poor family is the one
favored and benefited in
the story. They are
portrayed in a very
positive light.
Gist/Summary of the Text
 The story is set in a small town on the island ofLuzon. The
young narrator begins by describing his family. Evidently, the
narrator’s family is poor but despite the material poverty, they
seemed to be contented and happy with what they have. The
children are all going strong and healthy even though they
often go hungry. On the other hand, their rich neighbor
shows disdain to them. While the poor children play and sing
in the sun, the rich man’s children stay and lock themselves in
the room.
Gist/Summary of the Text
 The children then, go thin and sickly although they
have plenty of delicious food to eat, which their poor
neighbor enjoys smelling over the fence. Thereupon,
the rich man accused the poor family of stealing the
“spirit” of his family’s food. The poor father then pay
the rich man through shaking the hat full of collected
coins. The favor is in the poor family and the rich man
is forced to depart with no other payment than the
“spirit” of the money.
Thesis Statement

The rich family thinks that through

wealth or money, they can easily
oppress or step on the unfortunate
ones – which is not.
Supporting point #1

The material/tangible things

overpower the human beings.
(commodification)
Supporting Point #2

The status quo gives them the

license to demoralize those in the
lower classes. (class struggle)
Supporting Point #3

Money is not everything.

Conclusion

 Thisstory brings people the idea that the real

essence of life and wealth is our family, our
happiness, and our health. It does not matter
whether you come from the richest family in town or
you have all the tangible means in life. What
counts, is the positive outlook and the way we
appreciate hard work and love.
Personal Reflection
 Being wealthy, materially speaking, does not mean you have
everything. Sometimes it is NOT the money that we need but
the genuine love and care that we can feel with our loved
ones.
 Never ever step on someone just because you are more
powerful than them and that you are jealous to them.
 If you’re on the right stand, SPEAK UP, TELL THE TRUTH, and
ENJOY YOUR LIFE.