Chains of Oppression

Abstract

This collection of three-pantoum style poems: "Pedro's Plight," "Teresa's Act," and "Jose's Honor" explores the enduring struggles of Filipino laborers across successive colonial eras, weaving a multidisciplinary tapestry of literature, history, and socio-political critique aligned with the journal's focus on labor dynamics. Through the lens of Spanish friar exploitation in the agrarian field systems, American cultural imperialism in the performing arts, and Japanese wartime brutality during the Bataan Death March, the poems illuminate themes of economic oppression, cultural resilience, and unyielding defiance against dehumanizing forces that commodify human toil and spirit.

The repetitive lines, characteristics of the pantoum form, echo the cyclical nature of exploitation and endurance, reinforcing a rhythmic lament that mirrors the relentless grind of labor while amplifying the intimate visceral voices of the first-person personas. Pedro's character shows weary submission yet quiet rebellion, Teresa's character displays a performative hope amid destitution, and Jose's persona reveals a stoic honor in the face of torture. This stylistic choice not only heightens emotional intensity but also symbolizes the historical repetition of colonial subjugation, inviting readers to reflect on labor as both a site of historical trauma and a catalyst for literary resistance.

The struggles of Pedro, Teresa, and Jose are not isolated events, but echoes that have reverberated through history, specifically within the backdrop of the colonial and wartime Philippines. Pedro, Teresa, and Jose embody an indomitable spirit as their character navigates challenges during their time, whether it's the economic exploitation of Pedro, the performer's struggle for survival in Teresa's Act, or the brutal treatment of Jose at the hands of the Kempeitai.

All three poems deal with the theme of oppression, whether it is economic, cultural, or physical. Meanwhile, each poem reflects a unique struggle against oppression, poverty, and the quest for dignity in the face of adversity. The use of repetition and refrain in each poem creates a sense of rhythm, emphasizing both oppression and resistance. 

Keywords: Colonial exploitation, labor oppression, pantoum, Philippine history, resilience