Answer:
"Tong" by F. Sionil Jose is a Filipino short story that delves into themes of poverty, exploitation, and human resilience.
Characters:
- Tong: A young boy who lives in the slums of Manila.
- Pinong: Tong's older brother who is involved in criminal activities.
- Impong: Tong and Pinong's grandmother.
Setting:
- The story is set in the slums of Manila, Philippines.
Time:
- The story seems to be set in the 20th century, reflective of the social conditions and struggles faced during that era.
Place:
- Manila, specifically the impoverished areas where Tong's family resides.
Plot:
- The story follows Tong's daily life in the slums and his interactions with his brother, Pinong, and his grandmother, Impong.
Conflict:
- Tong faces the internal conflict of choosing between the harsh realities of his environment and his desire for a better life. There is also the external conflict of poverty and survival that the characters grapple with.
Key events:
- Tong witnessing his brother's criminal activities.
- Tong's struggle to resist the temptation of following his brother's path.
- The deteriorating health of their grandmother, Impong.
Climax:
- The climax occurs when Tong is faced with a crucial decision that will determine his future and the path he chooses to take.
Resolution:
- The story's resolution is open-ended, leaving readers to contemplate Tong's eventual choice and the consequences it may bring.
Tone:
- The tone of the story is somber and reflective, highlighting the harsh realities of poverty and the resilience of the human spirit.
Point of view:
- The story is narrated from a third-person limited point of view, focusing primarily on Tong's experiences and internal struggles.
