Unveiling social realities: A Marxist analysis of Rene Eune Ponte’s balak

The research employs the Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) framework within the Marxist literary approach to examine selected balak (poetry) from Rene Eune Pueblos Ponte's collection Hagawhaw sa Salibagjaw. Ponte, a prominent cultural figure in the Bohol School of Living Traditions, Bohol, Philippines captures the socio-political realities of his community through poetry. The study focuses on five balak selected based on Marxist criteria, emphasizing their reflection on class struggle, ideology, and socio-economic disparities. Using CDA, the research dissects the linguistic and thematic elements of the balak, revealing how language conveys power dynamics and class ideologies. The analysis identifies recurring Marxist themes: alienation, corruption, poverty, inequality, and social injustice. These themes illustrate Ponte’s critique of systemic oppression while resonating with broader socio-political conditions in the Philippines. Findings demonstrate that Ponte’s balak are cultural artifacts encapsulating collective struggles and aspirations. His poetic imagery and stylistic devices articulate the lived experiences of marginalized communities, fostering critical consciousness among readers. The study bridges literary analysis with societal critique, emphasizing the relevance of Marxist literary criticism in understanding regional literature. Ponte's verses become a vehicle for collective introspection, offering insights into the poet's and his community's societal challenges. This research contributes to appreciating Boholano literature by providing insights into societal issues embedded in local poetic traditions. It advocates for including regional literary works in the curriculum, enriching cultural understanding and critical thinking while shedding light on enduring societal issues in the Philippines that resonate with the Marxist themes found in Ponte's poetry.