Dekada '70 is a staple in the Philippine educational curriculum (tertiary education) for courses in Philippine Literature and History.
Before dissecting page 359, one must understand the woman behind the words. Lualhati Bautista (1945–2023) was a pillar of Filipino feminism and social realism. Unlike romance novelists of her era, Bautista wielded her typewriter as a weapon. Her works—including Dekada ’70, Bata, Bata, Pa’no Ka Ginawa?, and Gapo—are characterized by sharp dialogue, unflinching depictions of poverty, and a deep-seated rage against patriarchy and authoritarianism.
Dekada ’70 (1983) was written while the Marcos regime was still in power. Publishing a novel that explicitly criticized the dictatorship was an act of rebellion. Bautista risked imprisonment, but she believed that the story of a middle-class family torn apart by state violence needed to be told. That bravery is imprinted on every page, but especially on page 359.
You can buy Dekada ’70 in print or eBook from:
If you need a specific passage on page 359, please provide the context or a quote from that page, and I can help analyze or explain it. I cannot reproduce the page content due to copyright restrictions.
Would you like a detailed analysis of a specific character, chapter, or theme instead?
Lualhati Bautista’s Dekada ’70 is a cornerstone of Philippine literature, famously documenting the turbulent Martial Law era through the lens of a middle-class family . The specific search term "
" typically refers to a specific digital document or upload on platforms like
, where the novel and its analyses are often shared for educational purposes. The Heart of Dekada '70: A Summary Set in the 1970s, the story follows Amanda Bartolome lualhati bautista dekada 70 pdf 359
, a mother of five sons, as she navigates the restrictive socio-political climate of the Marcos regime. While Amanda initially struggles with her role as a submissive housewife in a patriarchal society, she eventually finds her own voice and sense of agency. Hawaii Filipino Chronicle
The novel tracks her sons' varying paths of resistance and survival:
Joins the communist insurgency (NPA), representing radical activism. Isagani (Gani):
Joins the U.S. Navy, representing a path of escape or conventionality. Emmanuel (Em):
Becomes a writer of illegal political articles, using the pen as a weapon.
A victim of police corruption and "salvaging" (extrajudicial killing), highlighting the era's human rights abuses. The youngest, witnessing the family's transformation. Key Themes and Literary Significance
Why Filipinos Should Read: ‘Dekada ‘70’ by Lualhati Bautista
However, I need to clarify that I won't be able to provide a direct PDF of the book as it is copyrighted material. Nevertheless, I can offer you a comprehensive essay on the novel. Dekada '70 is a staple in the Philippine
Introduction
Lualhati Bautista's "Dekada '70" is a seminal work of Philippine literature, published in 1982. The novel is a scathing critique of the Martial Law regime under Ferdinand Marcos, which ruled the country from 1972 to 1981. Bautista's novel provides a powerful portrayal of the experiences of a Filipino family during this tumultuous period, shedding light on the struggles, fears, and resilience of ordinary Filipinos.
Historical Context
The 1970s was a pivotal decade in Philippine history, marked by significant social, economic, and political upheavals. In 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law, which effectively granted him absolute power and control over the government and citizens. The period was characterized by widespread human rights abuses, censorship, and economic stagnation.
Plot and Characters
The novel revolves around the story of the Vargas family, particularly the mother, Amanda, and her children. The family struggles to cope with the harsh realities of Martial Law, as their lives are disrupted by curfews, checkpoints, and the constant threat of arrest and disappearance. The protagonist, Julio, a young man and the son of Amanda, becomes increasingly politicized and joins the underground resistance movement.
Through the Vargas family's experiences, Bautista masterfully weaves a narrative that captures the complexity and diversity of Filipino life during the Martial Law era. The characters are multidimensional and relatable, embodying the fears, hopes, and aspirations of many Filipinos during that time.
Themes
Bautista's "Dekada '70" explores several themes that are relevant to the Filipino experience during the Martial Law era:
Significance and Legacy
"Dekada '70" is considered a landmark work in Philippine literature, as it provides a candid and insightful portrayal of the country's experience under Martial Law. The novel has been widely acclaimed for its lyrical prose, well-crafted characters, and unflinching critique of authoritarianism.
The novel has also been recognized for its contributions to the country's democratization efforts. By shedding light on the abuses and injustices committed during the Martial Law era, Bautista's work serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting democratic values and human rights.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lualhati Bautista's "Dekada '70" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that provides a compelling portrayal of the Filipino experience during the Martial Law era. Through its well-crafted narrative and memorable characters, the novel sheds light on the struggles, fears, and resilience of ordinary Filipinos. As a work of literature, "Dekada '70" continues to resonate with readers, serving as a reminder of the importance of democracy, human rights, and collective action.
It is crucial to address the elephant in the room. Searching for "Lualhati Bautista Dekada 70 PDF 359" often leads to unauthorized uploads on Scribd, Academia.edu, or personal blogs. While Bautista was sympathetic to students’ financial struggles (she famously allowed photocopying of her works for classroom use during the Martial Law years), copyright law still applies.
Lualhati Bautista is a prominent figure in contemporary Philippine literature. Her works often explore themes of love, identity, and social issues. Bautista has written several novels and short stories that have contributed significantly to Filipino literature. If you need a specific passage on page
One of the most striking techniques in Dekada ’70 is how the first-person narrator, Amelia “Lea” Bartolome-Delgado, gradually changes her sentence structures, vocabulary, and tone across the ten-year span (1970–1980). Early in the novel, she speaks in short, compliant, domestic phrases — often deferring to her husband’s opinions. By the later chapters (where page 359 might fall in some editions), her sentences become longer, more analytical, and openly critical of the Marcos regime.