Unveiling Societal Complexity: A Multifaceted Critique of Crucifix Calabia's "Grace"
"Grace" by Crucifix Calabia is a short story about Egoy, who seeks revenge for his beloved Grace. Determined to find those responsible for her death, he strategically gathers information about the suspects, plans his actions, and covers his involvement in the event by hiding bodies and manipulating evidence. After executing his revenge, he reflects on the impact his actions have on himself. The narrative aims to analyze and criticize societal aspects through various literary theories, including feminist, marxist, and psychological approach. This multi-faceted approach provides a nuanced examination of the characters and events in the story.
Throughout history, societal norms and prejudices have perpetuated the perception of women as inferior to men. These biases have been embodied in various forms, from limited access to education and employment opportunities to restrictive societal expectations. The abuse of women further worsened this issue, reinforcing power imbalances and contributing to a cycle of inequality bordering on what happened to the female characters in the short story "Grace'' written by Crucifix Calabia.
The story revolves around Egoy, a typical college student at UPLB, who undergoes a journey in search of justice and revenge for individuals like Delia and Grace, who have fallen prey to the malicious forces within the confined world of Los Baños. The narrative unfolds as Egoy confronts the challenges and complexities surrounding him, weaving a compelling tale of moral struggles and the pursuit of righteousness in the face of adversity.
Feminist approach sheds light on the multifaceted impact of abuse, revealing its role not just in causing harm but also in perpetuating power imbalances that favor men. In the portrayal of characters like Delia and Grace, their experiences highlight the cruelty of the world against women. Their narratives become crucial lenses through which to examine the composite layers of women's abuse. Beyond the immediate depiction of physical and verbal harm, these stories reveal the insidious nature of gender-based violence, emphasizing its pervasive impact on the lives of women.
Moreover, it underscores the troubling reality of women's objectification, as exemplified in the narratives of Delia and Grace. These stories emphasize how societal norms, rooted in patriarchal structures, diminish women to mere objects. This objectification, stemming from a system that prioritizes male dominance, not only decreases the worth of women but also hinders their autonomy and empowerment. It's a prevalent issue that requires critical examination and dismantling of ingrained gender biases to foster a more equitable society. They are confined to societal roles based on expectations rather than recognized for their inherent value, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and restricting acknowledgment of their unique capabilities.
By way of the lens of feminist analysis, the narrative encourages a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay of power, gender roles, and societal expectations. It becomes evident that these factors collectively contribute to perpetuating the distressing cycle of abuse against women. The narrative, thus, not only serves as a portrayal of individual experiences but also as a larger commentary on the urgent need to dismantle patriarchal structures and challenge ingrained societal norms to foster an environment where women are free from being seen as inferior to men.
Egoy lived in the squatter areas of Los Banos, as depicted in the story, the squatter areas of Los Banos lacked access to opportunities given the stereotypic image that the society has set to every squatter area pushing them to commit to activities such as stealing or asking for alms as their way of survival and was the standard of living for them. Later on, Egoy came to realize that he wanted to be better for his family. He moved out and strived to avail scholarships and go to school, which reflects the reality in our society stating that education is a must, yet education is also a privilege that not everyone can access.
The plot then accelerated to how the professor made use of gangs along Los Banos to rape and kill Grace because of the threat she gave him. This explicitly portrays how one ruling class takes advantage of their power just because they have the capability to make their hands clean from blood and run away from their crimes and use money to take control of the situation and lure people to do the dirty work for them so they can innocent or in the Filipino culture commonly called as “maghugas kamay”.
The narrative reveals the truth in the system of power that exists anywhere. That individuals who lack authority will not receive the justice they seek, simply because they are powerless in the eyes of the justice enforcers. The system ultimately demonstrates the injustices that lead some people to take matters into their own hands because those with the ability to enforce legislation, do not provide the equal treatment that they give to those with power and to those who do not have the power politically.
Our society has been reigned and governed unjustly, hence the Philippines. Many of the people lost their faith and hope as most of the law they abide threatens one’s life. The officials whom they laid their trust in, are the first ones to turn their heads back to the people who needed their support when people needed them. This is one reason why many crimes happen due to the fact that the officials that the people need, turn blind, mute and deaf to the issues of the society, and slowly turn themselves into vicious and fraudulent beings, ready to swindle people just to obtain power.
"Grace" depicts the harsh realities of class struggle and systemic inequities in Philippine society. It sheds light on the exploitation by the ruling elite, emphasizing the profound influence of power and wealth. The narrative calls for a reevaluation of power dynamics and a reimagining of justice that is truly accessible to all. The loss of faith in officials who neglect societal issues contributes to a rise in crime. The story advocates for addressing injustices, strengthening the legal system, and promoting solidarity among different sectors to achieve a more equitable society, particularly in urban areas like Los Baños.
A narrative that shows the reality of the justice system in the Philippines that shows the deprivation of liberty among the poor. The narrative faces the reality in our society concerning the gap of power and privilege between the elite and working class. Marxism sheds light to economic, political, and social issues in a society. The short story “Grace” by Crucifix Calabia exemplifies the impact of one's social standing, the privilege and connections one can get, and the abuse of money and power.
The story “Grace” highlights how injustice is perpetuated in the Philippines, wherein tears are wetted and blood is shed as people mourn for grievances. People strive to survive and fight for their rights but still, the ones who sit in power are always deemed winners in law. The story shows how people who do not have the power will not get the justice that they deserve. Within the story, Grace’s lover Egoy, took the matters with his hands and massacred the ones who sexually assaulted and killed his lover. In relevance to this, Egoy’s anger engulfed him which resulted in an onslaught, because of the fact that the justice system could not unravel the truth that had happened to his lover.
Revenge is the act of carrying out a grudging desire to punish someone in return for causing pain to oneself. The story "Grace" by Crucifix Calabia explicitly illustrates how an eagerness for revenge can lead to moral blindness and numbness. The narrative follows the perspective of a young man named "Egoy" and his thrilling quest for revenge against all the men involved in the killing of his beloved girlfriend, Grace.
Throughout the story, Egoy exhibits signs of psychological trauma stemming from witnessing Grace's death. His descent into violence and rage results in unresolved anger and a twisted perception of justice. His actions can be seen as maladaptive coping mechanisms for dealing with trauma and grief. The loss of empathy leads him to commit acts of violence, justifying them by dehumanizing his victims and framing them as acts of "justice."
In psychology, revenge is pursued to achieve equity and stemmed from great pain and anger, embodying the concept of "an eye for an eye". Egoy's actions highlight how the pursuit of revenge overshadows moral consciousness. The story emphasizes the recurring nature of violence, suggesting a never-ending cycle of suffering and trauma. The concept of revenge as portrayed in the story is reflected in real-life events, such as the case of Christine Silawan. Her murderer drew inspiration from a viral online challenge, resulting in a copycat crime. Unlike Egoy, who visualized his lover's death and took initiative, the connection illustrates the potential for crimes influenced by previous acts.
Egoy's determination to exact revenge without considering consequences highlights the horror of revenge—the lack of remorse in execution. Despite the immediate satisfaction and sense of balance it provides, revenge often haunts individuals for the rest of their lives, affecting those around them. The story concludes with Egoy successfully avenging his girlfriend but expresses a lingering sense of longing, revealing the bittersweet reality of revenge. While it may act as compensation for pain, the emotional and psychological scars remain, underscoring the true cost of revenge.
Overall, "Grace" by Crucifix Calabia takes a deep dive into societal issues by looking through feminist, Marxist, and psychological lenses. It shows how women like Grace face violence and mistreatment, reflecting broader gender problems. The story also sheds light on the unfairness in the Philippines, where the powerful escape consequences while the less privileged suffer. Additionally, it explores the psychological toll of revenge through Egoy's story, revealing the lasting impact on mental well-being. This layered approach makes "Grace" a thought-provoking tale that tackles real-world complexities.