Reviewer in Rizal Semis

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 5

WORKS OF RIZAL mother tongue.

According to these verses, if a nation's TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH- is a poem written in Spanish by
9 POEMS WRITTEN BY DR. JOSE RIZAL people wholeheartedly embrace and love their native Filipino writer and patriot José Rizal, first presented in
SA AKING MGA KABATA- a poem about love of one’s language, that nation will also surely pursue liberty. He 1879 in Manila, while he was studying at the University
native language written in Tagalog. It is widely likens this idea to a bird soaring freely in the vast, of Santo Tomas.
attributed to the Filipino hero, who supposedly wrote it eternal sky above. • “A la Juventud Filipina” in Spanish
in 1869 at the age of eight. Pagka’t ang salita’y isang kahatulan • Written by Rizal when he was only eighteen
• No manuscript for Sa Aking mga Kabata Sa bayan, sa nayo't mga kaharian years old
written in Rizal’s handwriting exists. At ang isang tao’y katulad, kabagay • Dedicated to the Filipino youth which he
• The poem was first published in 1906, a Ng alin mang likha noong kalayaan. describes as "The fair hope of my
decade after his death. Language here is likened to a people born into motherland”.
• Poet Hermenigildo Cruz. Cruz claimed that he freedom. In Rizal's time, Filipinos were held in slavery by • Famous line of Rizal’s “ To The Filipino Youth”:
received the poem from another poet, Spain. Rizal, however, believed that if the people Unfold, oh timid flower! , & Fair hope of my
Gabriel Beato Francisco, who in turn received treasured and loved and used their mother tongue, it Motherland!
it in 1884 from an alleged close friend of Rizal, would become a symbol of relative freedom, and of
Saturnino Raselis. identity. Interpretation: To the Filipino Youth
• The poem uses the Tagalog word kalayaan Ang hindi magmahal sa kanyang salita Unfold, oh timid flower!
(liberty/freedom). However, Rizal first Mahigit sa hayop at malansang isda
encountered the word at least by 1872 - the Kaya ang marapat pagyamanin kusa Lift up your radiant brow,
year of the executions of the priests Mariano Na tulad sa inang tunay na nagpala This day, Youth of my native strand!
Gómez, José Apolonio Burgos, and Jacinto It is here in these lines of verse that we find Rizal's Your abounding talents show
Zamora. famous quote: "He who does not love his own Resplendently and grand,
• Rizal first came across kalayaan, or as it was language is worse than an animal and smelly fish." He Fair hope of my Motherland!
spelled, kalayahan. further adds that Filipinos must work to make the
• The poem uses the Philippine Commonwealth- language richer, and likens this endeavor to a mother Soar high, oh genius great,
era Tagalog spelling with a 'K'. If Rizal had feeding her young. The native tongue is now And with noble thoughts fill their mind;
indeed written it, it should have used the compared to a helpless child that must be nurtured in The honor's glorious seat,
phonetically equivalent Spanish 'C'. order to grow and flourish. May their virgin mind fly and find
• The poem uses the Philippine Commonwealth- Ang wikang Tagalog tulad din sa Latin, More rapidly than the wind.
era Tagalog spelling with a 'K'. If Rizal had Sa Ingles, Kastila, at salitang anghel, The first line, "unfold, oh timid flower," implies that the
indeed written it, it should have used the Sapagkat ang Poong maalam tumingin youth is silent, maybe daunted, and consequently has
phonetically equivalent Spanish 'C'. Ang siyang naggagawad, nagbibigay sa atin. not yet gone into full bloom for whatever reason there
• However, there is no evidence to support The Tagalog language is, according to these lines, is that may have silenced them. In the beginning
authorship by Rizal and several historians now equal in rank to Latin, English, Spanish, and even the stanza, Rizal encourages the youth, by telling them to
believe it to be a hoax. The actual author of language of the angels. It is not inferior to any other hold their heads high for they possess talents and skills
the poem is suspected to have been the language, nor must it be considered so. For it is God and abilities that would make their country proud.
poets Gabriel Beato Francisco or Herminigildo who has bestowed upon the Filipinos this gift, just as he
Cruz. has blessed the other nations and lands with their The second verse can be rearranged in contemporary
• Famous line of Jose Rizal’s “ Sa Aking Mga native tongues. English to say: "Oh genius great, soar high; and fill their
Kabata”: Ang hindi magmahal sa kanyang Ang salita nati’y tulad din sa iba mind with noble thoughts. May their virgin mind fly and
salita, Mahigit sa hayop at malansang isda, Na may alfabeto at sariling letra, find the honor's glorious seat more rapidly than the
Kaya ang marapat pagyamanin kusa, Na Na kaya nawala’y dinatnan ng sigwa wind." Here, Rizal calls to genious to fill young minds with
tulad sa inang tunay na nagpala Ang lunday sa lawa noong dakong una. noble thoughts and hopes that as they release their
These last lines may very well be referring to the Alibata, thinking from the chains that bind, they may be able to
Interpretation: Sa Aking mga Kabata or the old Filipino alphabet whose characters are soar swiftly high where the joy of honor is.
Kapagka ang baya’y sadyang umiibig unique in every essence, finding no likeness in any other Descend with the pleasing light
Sa langit salitang kaloob ng langit alphabet. The Tagalog language, according to Rizal, Of the arts and sciences to the plain,
Sanlang kalayaan nasa ring masapi has letters and characters of its very own, similar to the Oh Youth, and break forthright
Katulad ng ibong nasa himpapawid way other "elite tongues" do. These letters, however, The links of the heavy chain
This first stanza in Rizal's poem shows that long before he were overthrown by strong waves and lost, like fragile, That your poetic genius enchain.
sprouted the first fruits of his youth, he had already fickle boats in the stormy sea, many long years ago. Contrary to the second verse, which talked about
placed distinguished value in the importance of one's ascending and soaring to the heights, this third stanza
now talks about descent, and a downward motion of animate the hard rock at the impulse of your mind; and sun and back-breaking work, in order to do
the great genius to fill the earthly strokes of art and transform, with the great power of your mind, the pure so.
science with their magnificent ideas. Again, Rizal calls memory of great genius into immortality." • The women's stanza of the hymn supports and
them to break the chains that bind their intellect. And you, who with magic brush fortifies the men's will to work. The women's
"Poetic genius" here does not necessarily pertain to the On canvas plain capture chorus says that the men should "go to work
talent of writing poetry. Instead, the term "poetic" is The varied charm of Phoebus, with spirits high" because the women are at
simply an adjective to describe genius, meaning that it Loved by the divine Apelles, home watching over the house and the
is deep and mystifying and heavy with meaning. And the mantle of Nature; children. The women are tasked with teaching
See that in the ardent zone, Rizal here addresses the youth, comparing their abilities their children to love "virtue, knowledge and
The Spaniard, where shadows stand, to a magic brush that can capture even the most country."
Doth offer a shining crown, majestic views and the most glorious charms on a blank • The maidens' stanza further solidifies the
With wise and merciful hand canvas. importance of the young men's labor. The
To the son of this Indian land. Run ! For genius' sacred flame maidens' chorus states that the love of youth is
Rizal challenges the youth, that in their pursuit of Awaits the artist's crowning sustained with the struggle and work of labor.
knowledge and wisdom they may humble the hand of Spreading far and wide the fame • The final stanza of the hymn is sung by the
Spain, whose proud chin did not look kindly upon the Throughout the sphere proclaiming children, who ask for the older groups to
people whom they labelled as "Indios" and whom they With trumpet the mortal's name teach them how to follow in their footsteps
treated with contempt. He dreams that in their journey Oh, joyful, joyful day, and finish their laborious tasks.
to intellectual greatness they may humble even the The Almighty blessed be • Rizal created the hymn in an effort to reshape
proudest nations that look down on them and rightfully Who, with loving eagerness the moral and ethical values of a Filipino
deserve "a crown that shines, even where shadows Sends you luck and happiness. society that was held under Spanish
stand." The last stanza is a charge, urging the youth to run, for a occupation at the time.
You, who heavenward rise glorious crown awaits them. The "sphere" here pertains • The meaning of Hymn to Labor by Jose Rizal is
On wings of your rich fantasy, to the world, showing that Rizal believed the Filipino to explain why all different types of people
Seek in the Olympian skies youth is as brilliant as those in any other nation, and is play an important role in the world.
The tenderest poesy, able to contend with even the strongest powers if they TO THE FLOWER OF HEIDELBERG- was wrote on April 24,
More sweet than divine honey; only set their mind to making most of what they already 1886 while he was in Germany and felt a deep longing
have. for his family and his country.
You of heavenly harmony, • “A las flores de Heidelberg”
On a calm unperturbed night, HYMN TO LABOR- originally written in Spanish, in general • Rizal wrote this poem because of his mood of
Philomel's match in melody, speaks about how every Filipino is willing to work hard, homesickness. It shows patriotism, nationalism
That in varied symphony or labor, for his country. and love of his own land in spite of he is in the
Dissipate man's sorrow's blight; • “HIMNO AL TRABAJO” in Spanish other land, serving other people.
In these two stanzas, Rizal calls the youth to seek the • Hymn to labor was written in response to a • It symbolizes two realities. First, the flowers'
beauty of poetry and music, which he himself values request from Rizal’s comrades in Lipa, beauty symbolizes Rizal's love for his country,
greatly as essentials in every manner of life. He claims Batangas, who then were in need of a hymn and second, the flowers' reduced quality
that poetry is "more sweet than divine honey," and that to sing during the ceremony in honor of Lipa refers to Rizal's useless presence in another
music can "dissipate man's sorrow's blight." for being declared a city in January 1888. country
You at th' impulse of your mind More accurately, then, this song is intended to THROUGH EDUCATION MOTHER LAND RECIEVES LIGHT
The hard rock animate praise the hard work and industry of the • He wrote the poem in 1876 at the age of 15,
And your mind with great pow'r consigned people in Lipa. while the Philippines were under rule by the
Transformed into immortal state • A call to labor that focuses on four different Spanish government.
The pure mem'ry of genius great; groups of Filipino society: the men, wives, • It posits that a well-rounded education is the
Speaking to the youth, Rizal says that by the very maidens and children. Each of these groups key to fixing problems in the Philippines and
impulse of their mind, they are capable of bringing to has its own stanza and chorus in the hymn. affecting positive social and political change.
life or animating even someting as lifeless and • In the men's chorus of the hymn, the group • Education is portrayed as a torch lighting the
unmoving as a hard rock. He continues to say that the calls for their fellows to go out into the fields darkness or the morning sun casting out the
youth is able, to immortalize their thoughts and their and till the land. The men say that their labor shadows over a land.
words through the help of great genius (as he has done will sustain the Philippines and that they must
himself. This stanza can be arranged in a more overcome all odds, such as the hot rays of the THE INTIMATE ALLIANCE BETWEEN RELIGION AND GOOD
contemporary English structure as follows: "You can EDUCATION- was written when Rizal was only 15 years
old and was studying at the Ateneo De Manila titled it Mi Ultimo Pensamiento (My Last • THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF FILIPINO MOTHERS TO
University. Thought) in the copies he distributed, but this THEIR CHILDREN
• His opinion that good education naturally did not catch on. Whatever a mother shows to her children is
goes along well with religion. • It is unsigned, untitled and undated poem of what the children will become also.
THE SONG OF THE TRAVELLER- This was published in El 14 five-line stanzas. Rizal enumerates the qualities Filipino mothers have to
Renacimiento on December 29, 1903. • A poem about his impending death as he possess:
1.Be a noble wife.
• “El Canto del Viajero” wanted to honor his homeland, the pre-
2.Rear her children in the service of the state –
• Act in response to Blumentritts advice, Rizal Hispanic Philippines, for which he was giving
here Rizal gives reference to the women of
wrote to governor General Ramon Blanco, his life. He also used the poem to say Sparta who embody this quality
Despojul’s successor, on December 17, 1895, goodbye to his friends, family and loved ones. 3.Set standards of behavior for men around
offering his services as military doctor in 3 ESSAYS WRITTEN BY DR. JOSE RIZAL her.
Cuba. Months passed and he received no TO THE YOUTH WOMEN OF MALOLOS- is an essay • RIZAL’S ADVICE TO UNMARRIED MEN AND
reply from Malacañang. He gave up hope originally written in Tagalog. Rizal penned this writing WOMEN
that his humanitarian offer would ever receive when he was in London, in response to the request of They should not be easily taken by
government approval. Marcelo H. del Pilar. appearances and looks, because these can
• When he least expected it, a letter from • December 12, 1888, a group of 20 young be very deceiving. Instead, they should take
Governor Blanco dated July 1, 1896 arrived in women of Malolos petitioned Governor- heed of men’s firmness of character and lofty
Dapitan, notifying him of the acceptance of General Weyler for permission to open a night ideas.
Rizal further adds that there are three things that a
his offer. This letter, which reached him on July school so that they might study Spanish under
young woman must look for a man she intends to be
30th, also stated that the politico-military Teodoro Sandiko.
her husband:
commander of Dapitan would give him a • Rizal sent the letter to Del Pilar on February 22,
1.A noble and honored name
pass so that he could come to Manila, where 1889 for transmittal to Malolos. 2.A manly heart
he would be given a safe-conduct to Spain, The salient points contained in this letter are as follows: 3.A high spirit incapable of being satisfied with
and there the Minister of War will assign you to 1.The rejection of the spiritual authority of the engendering slaves.
the Army of Operations in Cuba, detailed to friars – not all of the priests in the country that
the Medical Crops. time embodied the true spirit of Christ and His ON THE INDOLENCE OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE
Church. Most of them were corrupted by • “La indolencia de los Filipinos”
MI RETIRO- “ My Retreat” (1895) worldly desires and used worldly methods to • Is an exploratory essay written by Rizal to
effect change and force discipline among explained the alleged idleness of his people
• He came with a beautiful poem upon the
the people. during the Spanish colonization.
request of his mother Teodora about his
2.The defense of private judgment • It was published in La Solidaridad. In Madrid,
tranquil life in Dapitan. 3.Qualities Filipino mothers need to possess – Spain (July 15,1890- September 15, 1890)
• The poem was sent to his mother in 1895 as evidenced by this portion of his letter, Rizal • He wrote it to defend Filipino from the charge
• In the poem, he gave a narrative account of is greatly concerned of the welfare of the that they were born indolent.
his peaceful life while he exiled in Dapitan Filipino children and the homes they grow up PHILIPPINES A CENTURY AFTER HENCE – is a socio-
where he lived a well-rounded life as a farmer, in. political essay written in four parts (1889-1890) in the
teacher, and a merchant. 4.Duties and responsibilities of Filipino mothers magazine La solidaridad by José Rizal.to forecast the
• The poem was generally acclaimed as one of to their children future of the country within a hundred years.
his finest, it has 24 stanzas composing of 120 5.Duties and responsibilities of a wife to her
lines. husband – Filipino women are known to be • Explained the causes of the Filipino people’s
• This poem tells a story about someone who submissive, tender, and loving. Rizal states in miseries during the four centuries of Spanish
this portion of his letter how Filipino women rule.
leaves the chaos of the modern world to be
ought to be as wives, in order to preserve the • Published in La Solidaridad starts by analyzing
alone and reflect on nature.
identity of the race. the various causes of the miseries suffered by
6.Counsel to young women on their choice of the Filipino people:
LAST FAREWELL - This was published in El Renacimiento a lifetime partner 1.Spain’s implementation of her military
on December 29, 1903. • RIZAL’S MESSAGE TO FILIPINO WOMEN policies
• This poem was one of the last notes he wrote In his letter, he expresses great joy and 2. Deterioration and disappearance of Filipino
before his death; another that he had written satisfaction over the battle they had indigenous culture
was found in his shoe but because the text fought. In this portion of Rizal’s letter, it is 3. Passivity and submissiveness to the Spanish
was illegible, its contents remain a mystery. obvious that his ultimate desire was for women colonizers
• Rizal did not ascribe a title to his poem. to be offered the same opportunities as those
Mariano Ponce, his friend and fellow reformist, received by men in terms of education.
2 NOVELS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL Sisa • He sent complimentary copies to Blumentrit,
NOLI ME TANGERE- Rizal’s first novel, written in Spanish. The mother of Basilio and Crispín, who went insane after Mariano Ponce, Graciano Lopez Jaena,
• “Touch Me Not” losing her sons. Antonio Luna and other friends.
• The first half of Noli was written in Madrid, Basilio • Original manuscript of Rizal’s own handwriting
Spain from 1884-1885 while Rizal was studying The elder son of Sisa. is now preserved in the Filipiniana Division of
medicine. While in Germany, Rizal wrote the Crispín the Bureau of Public Libraries in Manila.
The younger son of Sisa who died from the punishment
second half from time-to-time starting • The theme and plot of El Filibusterismo was
from the soldiers from the false accusation of stealing
February 21,1887. changed to convey message that the
an amount of money.
• First published in Berlin, Germany 1887. Padre Sibyla present system of government in the
• The story line goes detailed with the society Hernando de la Sibyla, a Filipino friar. He is described Philippines through the corrupt officials,
of the Philippines during Spanish colonial as short and has fair skin. dominated by the friars can lead to the
period and features aristocracy behind Kaptain Tiago downfall of Spain.
poverty and abuse of colonialists. Also known in his fullname as Don Santiago de los Objectives of Rizal in writing the novel
• Rizal objective in writing Noli Me Tangere is Santos the known father of María Clara but not the real 1. To defend Filipino from foreign accusation of
for the Filipinos to regain their human rights, one; lives in Binondo. foolishness and lack of knowledge.
especially human dignity, justice and Padri Salví 2. To show how the Filipino people live during
freedom. Also known in his full name as Bernardo Salví, a secret Spanish colonial period and the cries and
admirer of María Clara. woes of his countrymen against abusive
The Characters
Pilosopo Tasyo
(The Summary of “Noli Me Tangere”) officials.
Also known as Don Anastasio, portrayed in the novel as
Crisóstomo Ibarra 3. To discuss what religion and belief can really
a pessimist, cynic, and mad by his neighbors.
Also known in his full name as Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra y do to everyday lives.
Magsalin, a Filipino who studied in Europe for 7 years, 4. To expose the cruelties, graft and corruption
the love interest of Maria Clara. Son of the deceased EL FILIBUSTERISMO of the false government and honesty show
Don Rafael Ibarra; Crisostomo changed his surname • It is the second novel written by Jose Rizal as the wrong doings of Filipinos that led to further
from Eibarramendia to Ibarra, from his ancestor's the sequel to Noli Me Tangere. Like Noli Me failure.
surname. Tangere, it was written in Spanish.
The Characters
Elías • “The Reign of Greed” in English
Ibarra's mysterious friend, a master boater, also a • Consists of 279 pages of long sheets papers (The Summary of “El Filibusterismo”)
fugitive. He was referred to at one point as the Simoun
with 39 chapters
pilot. He wants to revolutionize his country. Ibarra's Crisóstomo Ibarra reincarnated as a wealthy jeweler,
• Dedicated to the three martyred priests of
grandfather condemned his grandfather of burning a bent on starting a revolution
Cavite mutiny. The execution of the three
warehouse, making Elias the fugitive he is. Basilio
priests was significant to the title of the novel. Sisa's son, now an aspiring doctor
María Clara • He took 3 years to write his second novel.
María Clara de los Santos, Ibarra's sweetheart; the Isagani
• He began writing in October 1887 while he poet and Basilio's best friend; portrayed as emotional
illegitimate daughter of Father Dámaso and Pía Alba.
was studying medicine in Calamba. and reactive; Paulita Gómez' boyfriend before being
Father Dámaso
Also known in his full name as Dámaso Verdolagas, • In London (1888), he revised the plot and dumped for fellow student Juanito Peláez
Franciscan friar and María Clara's biological father. some chapters. He continued to work on his Kabesang Tales
Don Filipo manuscript on Paris. Telesforo Juan de Dios, a former cabeza de
A close relative of Ibarra, and a Filibuster. • He later moved to Brussels where the cost of barangay (barangay head) who resurfaced as the
Linares living was cheaper and he would be less likely feared Luzón bandit Matanglawin (Tagalog
A distant nephew of Don Tiburcio de Espadana, the to be distracted by social events so he could for Hawkeye); his father, Old Man Selo, dies eventually
would-be fiance of Maria Clara. after his own son Tano, who became a guardia civil,
focus on finishing the book.
Captain General (no specific name) unknowingly shoots his grandfather in an encounter
• He finally completed the book on March 29,
The most powerful official in the Philippines, a hater of Don Custodio
1891 in Biarritz. Custodio de Salazar y Sánchez de Monteredondo, a
secular priests and corrupt officials, and a friend of • September 18, 1891- the novel was published
Ibarra. famous journalist who was asked by the students about
in Ghent, partially funded by Rizal’s friend his decision for the Academia de Castellano. In reality,
Captain Pablo
Valentin Ventura. Rizal immediately sent on he is quite an ordinary fellow who married a rich
The Leader of the rebels, whose family was destroyed
this date two printed copies in Hong Kong- woman in order to be a member of Manila's high
because of the Spanish.
Tarcilo and Bruno one for Basa and other for Sixto Lopez. society
Brothers, whose father was killed by the Spaniards. • Rizal gratefully donated the original copy to
Valentin Ventura.
Paulita Gómez LA LIGA FILIPINA- In the night of July 3, 1892, Dr. Jose
the girlfriend of Isagani and the niece of Doña Rizal founded and inaugurated the La Liga Filipina at
Victorina, the old India who passes herself off as a house No. 176 Ilaya St., Tondo. It was formed not for the
Peninsular, who is the wife of the quack doctor Tiburcio purpose of independence, but for mutual aid and
de Espadaña. In the end, she and Juanito Peláez are protection of its members, and the fostering of a more
wed, and she dumps Isagani, believing that she will united spirit among Filipinos. Its constitution declared
have no future if she marries him the ends, form, duties of members and officials, rights of
Father Florentino members and officials, the investment of funds, and
Isagani's godfather, and a secular priest; was engaged general rules.
to be married, but chose the priesthood instead, the The Liga's aims were:
story hinting at the ambivalence of his decision as he 1.To unite the whole archipelago into one compact,
chooses an assignment to a remote place, living in vigorous, and homogenous body
solitude near the sea. 2.Mutual protection in every want and necessity;
Huli 3.Defense against all violence and injustice;
Juliana de Dios, the girlfriend of Basilio, and the 4.Encouragement of instruction, agriculture, and
youngest daughter of Kabesang Tales commerce; and
Ben Zayb 5.Study and application of reforms.
Abraham Ibañez is his real name. He is a journalist who The Split of Liga:
thinks he is the only one thinking in the Philippines • At first the Liga was quite active.
Placido Penitente Bonifacio in particular exerted great
a student of the University of Santo Tomas who is always efforts to organize chapters in various
miserable, and therefore controls his temper districts of Manila. A few months later,
Quiroga however, the Supreme Council of the
a Chinese businessman who dreamt of being a consul Liga dissolved the society. The reformist
of a Consulate of China in the Philippines. He hid leaders found out that most of the
Simoun's weapons inside his house popular councils which Bonifacio had
Old Man Selo organized were no longer willing to send
father of Kabesang Tales. He raised the sick and young funds to the Madrid propagandists
Basilio after his mother Sisa had died because, like Bonifacio, they had
Father Fernandez become convinced that peaceful
the priest-friend of Isagani. He promised to Isagani that agitation for reforms was futile. Afraid
he and the other priests will give in to the students' that the more radical rank and file
demands members might capture the organization
Attorney Pasta and unwilling to involve themselves in an
one of the great lawyers of mid-Hispanic Manila enterprise which would surely invite
Captain-General reprisals from the authorities, the leaders
(no specific name) the powerful highest official of the of the Liga opted for dissolution. The Liga
Philippines membership split into two groups: the
Padre Sibyla conservatives formed the Cuerpo de
Hernando de la Sibyla, a Filipino friar and now vice- Compromisarios which pledged to
rector of the University of Santo Tomas (U. S. T. ) continue supporting the La
Noli and El Fili compared: Solidaridad while the radicals led by
Noli Me Tangere El Filibusterismo Bonifacio devoted themselves to a new
and secret society, the Katipunan, which
A romantic novel A political novel Bonifacio had organized on the very day
A book of heart A work of head Rizal was deported to Dapitan.
A book of feeling A book of thought
It has freshness, It contains
color, humor and bitterness, hatred,
intelligence pain, violence,
and sorrow
Contains 64 Contains 39
chapters chapters

You might also like