What is the summary of tomato game by NVM Gonzales?

N. V. M. Gonzalez's short story, "The Tomato Game," explores themes of colonialism and rebellion through interwoven accounts of political protest, cultural assimilation, and personal struggles in the Philippines during the period of American colonization. The story mainly revolves around the tomato game during a town fiesta.

Mr. Mariano Guevara, the story's main character, is a prominent town figure and a retired revolutionary hero who fought for Philippine independence against Spain and America. He is revered and respected by the community, but he also embodies the conflict between the old revolutionary ideals and the evolving reality of American occupation and assimilation.

At a town fiesta celebrating American Independence Day, Mr. Guevara participates in the tomato game, which involves throwing tomatoes at a target. During the game, he recalls the past and witnesses the younger generations' growing disenchantment with the promises of American rule and their eagerness to fight for true independence.

As the tension mounts, the game transforms from playful fun into a symbolic act of rebellion against American colonizers. Mr. Guevara's internal conflict intensifies, as he struggles to balance his reverence for the old ideals with the realization that new methods are needed to resist the new oppressors.

The tomato game becomes a catalyst for personal growth and revelation for Mr. Guevara. At the end of the story, he chooses to let go of his former glory, embrace the new generation, and continue the fight for justice, albeit in different ways.

Overall, "The Tomato Game" offers a nuanced exploration of the effects of colonialism and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression.