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The Sadness Collector: An Analysis Using The Topical/Historical Approach
The Sadness Collector: An Analysis Using The Topical/Historical Approach
BSED – English 4
“The Sadness Collector” highlights the traditional culture of the Philippines in the
Bobis (born 1959). Basically, the story has come to life because Bobis is an immigrant
herself. Since her works usually focus on the country’s culture, this piece is an epitome
of Filipino’s concern with the ones who have been deceived and who have been left
behind. Though Filipino labor migrants have kept the Philippine economy afloat and are
considered as heroes, this writing implies family fiasco behind the life overseas.
Lagare, Ronald Sebastien
BSED – English 4
October 8, 2018
Jose Garcia Villa’s “Footnote to Youth” vis-à-vis theme. Both foreground the Philippine’s
perennial problem in terms of socio-economic status. In the former, it is from the family’s
poor condition that the mother probably goes out with some lucrative man to uplift
herself, while in the latter; Dodong’s life is totally deteriorating as he chooses to marry
early sans the thought of the financial circumstances ahead. The stories focus on the
family problems as far as the paternal character is concerned. They tackle about
fatherly struggles although nothing from their actions seem to solve the conflict. The
stories end with anguish and both male characters are wrapped with desolation as they
have nothing more to do about their respective star-crossed fate. Moreover, these
famous writings gives realization that married life is mercurial and complicated.
Lagare, Ronald Sebastien
BSED – English 4
Approach
believed to be so because of the fact that she has been chained to the reality
where time is the only prospect to save her from the pandemonium she
experiences. In the narrative, the world itself acts as the cage. There strikes a
plethora of confusion or struggles from other people that also affected the main
she (Rica) has long kept. In time, Rica probably saves herself. She founds out
BSED – English 4
The “Sadness Collector” reveals situations of families whose members are said
to be happily working abroad. They are always the talk of the neighbors. They are said
to be lucky because they earn dollars. Even others enviously draw their resentment
towards them with subtle reasons – which is ridiculous. Along with the gossip lurking in
each corner are the talks about the secretive acts by a certain husband or wife which
the family remains unaware of. Then the truth is revealed and the family gets
annihilated. This is the setup of migration here in the Philippines. The ones left behind
readers, is extremely poignant because the father has done almost everything just to
become a perfect parent. I see how he has been so noble although it is unlikely for a
man to stay at home. This is a total agony. Why are there women who choose their
personal interests over their families? I go ballistic over the issue because our country
treats it as natural. Annulment has been easy as giving pancakes and divorce law is
making its own way to an obviously underdeveloped country. I think that what the
Philippines faces today in the field of migration needs a very serious attention. I do not
know what procedures the government needs to take to alleviate this pandemonium. In
the story, not only the couple is affected but also the child who is going to be influenced
BSED – English 4
family whose maternal member works abroad. Everything is at stake because it means
a struggle on the father, who with no choice assumes the motherly responsibility.
However, it does not discourage the mother to seize opportunities overseas. Long
distance relationship results to infidelity. This turmoil has long been haunting some
the doctrine have not fully sunk in. indeed, Filipinos venture across the globe for the
financial stability of their family but they tend to forget who they are. Bobis’ story is just
one aspect of the many problems the country faces today. So who is to blame?
Lagare, Ronald Sebastien
BSED – English 4
Not only is “The Sadness Collector” a story with identifiable odds and ends –
characters whether flat or round, POV whether first person or so on – but also if to be
contemporary Filipino families. One figure is that of a corpulent woman called Big Lady -
is fleeing across the globe, the ones left behind seek for themselves solution from
terrible longing. One example is the case of Rica. Furthermore, reiterated in the
narrative is a familiar word “legal”. This is what happens when an immigrant has finally
and successfully been a citizen to the country he is working. This one symbolizes
moving on. Basically, it is an exciting thing to the families left at home; ergo, they move
antagonistic twist because the maternal member herself makes everything come
undone. This story is poignant to the extent that one’s love of life seemingly becomes
BSED – English 4
ambiguous actions from the characters that one is left with rumination. It is analogous to
a jigsaw puzzle one has to put together – the covert Big Lady, the poignant longing of
Rica, and the father’s equivocal accusations. If based literally upon the text, never is it
mentioned that the baby on the picture is his wife’s. As it is only told “…she sent one of
herself and the baby of her new employer.” Why is the mother not guilty sending such?
Why send it anyway if it causes the family’s annihilation? Is that how immature she is?
Many a question comes to life as the ending approaches. Even so, never is the author
omniscient and reveal the woman’s (mother) side. Another issue is the father’s
questionable assurance that his wife is coming to get Rica. Has he been sober, he
might have found an answer to his skepticism. After all, he is only a father afraid of
BSED – English 4
In “The Sadness Collector,” it is palpable that the wife acts as the breadwinner
while the husband is left at home to take care of their only child. It is implied that the
husband is indolent on his responsibility as the pillar of his home. Although there has
been an emerging thrust for women empowerment, that they are also capable of
strenuous jobs, Philippine culture values much the role of women as the light in the
family. Their essence is on making sure children are illuminated by their motherly
affection. But in Bobis’ narrative, things happen the other way around. Albeit the mother
in the story fails to execute her conjugal vow which is not to indulge in any form of
adultery, it is notable that the husband’s inability to run the family is the root cause of
the conflict. The wife is just definitely a victim. Worse, she is even her own husband’s
victim. The role of a woman in the narrative is not pedestalized but rather demeaned.
Lagare, Ronald Sebastien
BSED – English 4
The proletarian condition of the Philippines remains a global stigma the story
“The Sadness Collector” subtly emphasizes. Indeed, its focal point is on the sentimental
value of the family – especially that Filipinos are known to have strong family ties;
however, hidden beneath the narrative lies the country’s odorous reputation in the
aspect of migration. Bobis simply tries to raise the utterance “Look what have you done
to your people?” the real antagonist is not the mother but the economy itself. What
causes Filipinos to flee overseas? It has been a traditional dream for every average
Filipino to work abroad, but in return, many an OFW in the social media inveighs
situation he faces over his chosen country. How the story turns into a seemingly sad
and annoying ending depicts a dilemma made by the Philippine government not by the
family.
Lagare, Ronald Sebastien
BSED – English 4
All throughout the story, Rica has been obviously longing for her mother – the
main reason of her nocturnal sadness. However, she then learns to control her emotion
when her father introduces her his effective trick – the myth of Big Lady. The innocence
is a value a child like Rica recognizes in her age; that is why she has been preoccupied
by some instances when she fails to give compassion to the fat one. Children at this
age normally manifest a high sense of curiosity; thus, Rica always tries to contemplate
The story accentuates a child’s life amidst having a parent working overseas.
This takes a tremendous adjustment. This implants trust issue. How does the child
adapt to these situations? Once the child learns the reality behind the picture which is
expectedly an another conflict, how does she even move on? As a part of her
development, Rica is yet to know the underlying answers her mind seeks to open.