Draft:Benjamin
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The novel Benjamin or pronounced (Bén·ha·mín), is a significant piece of Philippine literature, as it is regarded as the first novel written in Hiligaynon. Written by Angel Merle Magahum Sr. in November 1894, and published in 1907 by La Panayana, it earned him the title "Ama ng Nobelang Ilonggo" (Father of the Ilongo Novel).
The novel combines elements of both an example and a chronicle, showcasing the social and cultural realities of its time. At the same time, it serves as a teaching tool, including moral lessons and guidelines for behavior within its story.[1]
The novel has been reprinted only a few times, with the latest edition published in 2023 by the University of the Philippines Press.
Synopsis
[edit]In this novel, Benjamin is already old and recounts his life story to the author. He is a spoiled young man sent to Manila to study but ends up getting involved in bad activities. He impregnates Inocencia, but due to his significant debts, he decides to leave her and return to his hometown. He marries Margarita, who turns out to be stubborn. He longs for Inocencia's goodness, but a letter informs him that his lover and their child have died.
As the story of Benjamin unfolds, Margarita becomes addicted to gambling and has an affair with Pepito, a family friend, who becomes the father of her child. Benjamin learns all this through a letter from Pepito, who also confesses that he is Serafin, Inocencia’s brother, and he does everything to seek revenge. He also kidnaps the child, Margarito. Benjamin's search becomes meaningless. Margarita goes mad and dies. In his grief, Benjamin sells his property and moves to Sugbu. At sea, he witnesses a mutiny. A man, Serafin, kills the ship’s captain and his wife and casts their three children into the sea. A fire breaks out, and Serafin dies. Benjamin and the three children are rescued. Benjamin's life improves in Sugbu. He helps those in need. However, he is later robbed and once again falls into hardship. He is forced to return to his hometown, where he concludes his narrative.[2]