Istak Character Analysis

Looking back on Istak’s life, there are four well defined stages. He starts off as a student of the Church serving God and himself by getting a higher education. Next, there is the journey he makes with his family as they flee Po-On which demonstrates his duty towards family. Following this journey, we see Istak’s transition to Civilian life in Cabugawan where his duty lies primarily to his family and the villagers to whom he gives medical treatment. Finally, Istak’s duty is towards his nation and people as he risks and gives his life delivering the message to the President. With these stages in mind, it seems like Istak’s character changes over time since his duty seems to shift. However, I believe that there is a common thread among all his

He prayed that his mother might finally be granted the peace she never had in life” (151). While this action may seem heartless in the moment, it is clear from the novel that Istak has nothing but love for his mother, so clearly this action does not result from a lack of love. However, Istak does understand how hard Mayang’s life is from having to deal with his father, so he knows that she is better off now. Istak’s ability to realize this in the split second of the moment demonstrates his ability to see the situation for more than what is just happening immediately. This is in stark contrast to everyone else in his group. All the other men “dove again and again” into the river to try and find Mayang (151). This is where the key distinction between the duty of Istak and the other men is revealed. The only thing separating Istak from the others is his education. His education has taught him how to see past the moment, whereas his more primitive relatives only think in the moment. The other men let their emotions take control over their actions as they try to save Mayang because they are following their gut instinct. The nature of their duty is fleeting and in the moment. However, because of his education, Istak understands the whole picture,

Once Istak sets up the land in Cabugawan, one would think he would be happy to have a stable place after making it this far through such a hard journey. In the beginning, Istak seems to be content with serving his family and living off the land as it states how “he worked on, sometimes thinking of what awaited him at home, steaming ginger broth flavored with cane sugar. And Dalin-the sweet peace with which she always welcomed him” (171). It is apparent that Istak is enjoying living a simple life with his family. He seems content, which indicates a change of character. Previously along the journey, he was constantly worried about moving forward, but now he has settled into ordinary life. This seems to indicate that the nature of one’s duty can change over time. However, following his sickness, this all changes. Once Istak is cured, Jose describes how he starts to treat everyone in the town as “they usually came early in the morning, sometimes even before sunrise, for it was at this time of day that Istak felt he was best prepared” (203). This highlights a change in Istak. No longer is he content with living civilian life, but rather, he feels a sense of duty to serve his community. Although it took a major sickness and lots of time for Istak to realize that he is not content with just