My Father Goes to Court (Carlos Bulosan)

My Father Goes to Court

The How's, What If's and If ever's:

1. How are Filipino neighbors described in the story?

          The Filipino neighbors have a simple way of living. They look happy with their families because they are contented with their life. Their smile were all priceless. They really enjoy their life.

2. What Filipino values are portrayed by the poor man's family?

          These are some of the values that help the poor man's family to have a better life compared to the rich family. They showed that Filipinos are the happiest and strongest person if they are with their families. We can see it when they were in the court. Also, they showed that their social status will not affect their happiness in their life. They just enjoy and accept the small or big things that they have.

3. How does the story reflect the present situation of Filipino families?

          Nowadays, some Filipino families didn't have enough money to buy some delicious food but it will not be the reason of their sadness. They are still happy and contented with their "sardinas" or "tuyo" especially when they are eating together. They will always find a way in order to have a food for all the members of the family. A family that eats together, stays together. That is one of the Filipino values that we should be proud of.

4. Does one's social status affect his way of life, his principles? Why or why not?

          Yes, social status affect one's way of life because they are different in many ways. They are different in goals, dreams, lifestyle, wants, beliefs and many more. They will always be different just like the poor man's family and the rich man's family in the story. The poor man's family just have a simple lifestyle but they are a happy family but the rich family is not that happy compared to poor man's family. We can say that not all rich people are truly happy because somehow they are one of the people who are facing many problems in life.

5. How does laughter help you as a person?

          Laughter can make our feelings better especially when we have problems. It is the way to lessen the pain that we felt within our hearts. It is not the solution but it helps us while doing an action. Let's try to share it with other people because it is free. It is the best medicine at all.

6.  What does Bulosan's My Father Goes to Court tell us about happiness?

          It tells us that happiness is within our family. We need to have a good relationship with all the members of our family in order to feel the true happiness that we needed. Our family will be our strength with all our problems in life so we must treasure it. We should remember that a complete and happy family is always the best. Give and share the true love with our family.

7. If ever you have the chance to talk to rich people in a conversation, what important reminder will you tell them about living life to the fullest?

          I would say to them that don't focus on the material things because these things are just temporary. You may have many things that you wanted but you don't have the genuine feeling or happiness that the average people have with their loved ones. Having a good relationship with the family although you are at average level can make you feel that you are rich. You will feel that way because you are surrounded by people who are rich in love and happiness. The goal is to focus on our strength which is our family.