But like my father, I have not done anything. I could not, because I am me, because I died long ago

But like my father, I have not done anything. I could not, because I am me, because I died long ago

In the context of F. Sionil Jose's works, the quote "But like my father, I have not done anything. I could not, because I am me, because I died long ago" reflects the recurring theme of identity, legacy, and the burden of history that runs through many of his novels. Jose's characters often grapple with the weight of their past, the expectations of their family, and the struggle to define themselves in a society that is shaped by colonialism, poverty, and corruption.

Jose's protagonists are often caught between the desire to break free from the constraints of their upbringing and the pull of tradition and duty. They are haunted by the ghosts of their ancestors, by the mistakes and sins of those who came before them. In this sense, the quote can be seen as a reflection of the sense of futility and resignation that many of Jose's characters feel in the face of their own history.

The idea of being unable to escape one's past, of being trapped by the actions and choices of those who came before, is a central theme in many of Jose's novels. His characters are often torn between the desire to forge their own path and the knowledge that they are bound by the legacy of their family, their culture, and their nation.