In “A House for Mr. Biswas” by V.S. Naipaul, the lead character, Mohun Biswas, sees a house as a sign of his triumphs, independence, and vindication from his bad fortunes. I surmise that it’s not a mansion or a palace, but a house that he can call his own.
In a GMANews.TV report, the Coconut Palace – that edifice to anything and everything Imeldific, one of the many monuments to the ostentatiousness of Martial Rule – is being considered as the official residence for Vice President Jejomar Binay, who seems to be getting a little bit of cabin fever from his office. Apparently, the office in the PNB Building isn’t dignified and respected enough for Binay to exercise his duties. As such, the office that he represents should have an official office and residence fit for his position.
There’s no better manifestation of a “structure of power” than a house. It’s more than just a place to live: it’s a status symbol. We add floors, create wings, fill rooms with furniture and create fences and gates to affirm class and status. It’s a matter of giving something prestige, of creating (literal) structures that affirm our lot in life. That, in effect, is what Binay is trying to do: give some weight to his position. In this case, a nicely-appointed residence.
