Although set in pre-World War 2 Philippines, this story by Manuel E. Arguilla illustrates the plight of unprotected tenant farmers throughout the world. Storms have destroyed half the rice crop. The landlord has taken her full due, and there is insufficient left for farming families. The landlord offers to lend them rice until the next harvest, but on exorbitant terms. Desperate farmers must choose between accepting the offer, seeing their families starve, or taking action that could leave them dead or in jail. Themes include poverty, the unpredictability of nature, feudal oppression and exploitation, greed, despair, activism.
Rice Full Text / PDF (2,750 words)