Literature as a Mirror: Exploring Disparities in the Educational System through Gilda Cordero-Fernando’s The Visitation of the Gods

Abstract

This study examines the disparity within the educational system in Gilda Cordero-Fernando's The Visitation of the Gods; specifically, it engages in plot, characters, and theme. This study uses qualitative methods, particularly discourse analysis. This assumption is supported by Karl Marx's Class Struggle Theory and Marxist Criticism Theory. The disparities within the educational system present in the plot are administrative discrepancy, financial sacrifices, administrative uncertainty, farce, disillusionment, and hierarchy of positions. Neglect, inequality, privilege, and cynicism are the disparities within the educational system shown in the characters. The themes are positional gap, inadequate support, moral decay, and educational struggle. As revealed in the findings of this study, it is concluded that Gilda Cordero-Fernando's The Visitation of the Gods shows disparities within the educational system. Based on the findings and conclusion, future research recommendations are offered. First, analyzing characters in The Visitation of the Gods through psychological theories like Freudian analysis or Erikson's stages could reveal their intricate motivations and behaviors, unraveling the tension between societal pressures and personal desires. Second, examining the socio-political backdrop of the Philippine educational system depicted in the story may unveil inherent disparities. Critical lenses like post-colonialism or critical race could illuminate power dynamics and structural inequalities within the system. Finally, there are many study opportunities when examining institutional authority corruption and disillusionment, especially in the context of school bureaucracy. Discourse analysis and ethnographic study are two techniques that may be used to reveal how these themes appear in actual educational contexts.