Themes (Junior Cert English): Revision Notes

Themes

1. Inequality

• The novel opens with Raphael identifying himself not just by name, but by his place in society:

"My name is Raphael Fernandez and I am a dumpsite boy."

• The people of Behala live in extreme poverty, forced to scavenge through rubbish just to survive.

"I was a trash boy since I was old enough to move without help and pick things up."

• The poor are not only neglected but dehumanised. When Raphael is beaten by police, he is told:

"You are a piece of garbage."

• Inequality is deeply embedded in the social and legal systems. Those in poverty are denied dignity, justice, and opportunity, and are instead abused and discarded by the government.
• This theme is constant throughout the novel and highlights the lack of care or protection for the vulnerable.

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2. Corruption

• Trash shows a society where those in power abuse their positions for personal gain, while the poor suffer.
• The worst example is Senator Zapanta, who steals $6 million meant for schools and hospitals:

"In this country you pay for being stupid, just as you pay for being poor." – Gabriel Olondriz

• The legal system is rigged. Gabriel was falsely imprisoned for exposing corruption. José Angelico was killed during interrogation to protect those in power.
• Even the police are violent and untrustworthy, willing to torture a child (Raphael) to protect a corrupt official.
• The novel condemns this corruption and presents the boys as symbols of resistance, showing that even the most powerless can fight back.

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3. Loyalty and Friendship

• Loyalty is central to Raphael, Gardo, and Rat's friendship. Despite threats and fear, they never betray one another.
• Raphael stays silent under torture. Gardo risks arrest to meet Gabriel. Rat steals from the Mission School, not for greed, but to help his friends.
• Rat later returns the money, showing his sense of fairness and moral growth.
• At the end, they stay loyal to their community by sharing the stolen money with the people of Behala:

"The notes spilled out and whirled, and it was a storm of money."

• Their loyalty to one another and to the poor contrasts with the selfishness and greed of the government.