GROUP 4

Literary Works by Jose Rizal

TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH

Rizal wrote this literary poem when he was still studying at the University of Sto. Tomas (UST).
Originally written in Spanish (A la juventud filipina), Rizal submitted this piece fora poem contest
organized for Filipinos by the Manila Lyceum of Art and Literature. At the age of 18, this work is
beaming with strong messages to convince readers, they outh in particular, that they are the
hope of the nation. He also stresses the importance of education to one’s future. Rizal won the
first prize and was rewarded with a feather-shaped silver pen and a diploma
 GOODBYE TO LEONOR

This literary piece gives an insight into the romantic relationship of Rizal and his beloved,
Leonor Rivera. The two met when in the province of Dagupan when Rivera was only 13-years-
old. Rivera’s parents were not in favor of their relationship and though distance separated them,
the two kept in touch by sending letters and photographs to each other. Rizal later found out
that her lady love would soon tie the knot with Henry Kipping, and the news definitely
disheartened him. The lonely, heartbreaking feelings he felt, resulted in this melancholic poem.
 TO THE YOUNG WOMEN OF MALOLOS

Addressed to the Filipino women, Rizal’s letter entitled To The Young Women of Malolos
reflects his inheritance and issues reminders to Filipino women. In his letter, headdresses all
kinds of Filipino women – mothers, wives, and even the single women. Throughout this literary
piece, he highlights the qualities that Filipino mothers should possess, the duties of wives to
their husbands and children, and a counsel on how young women should choose their lifetime
partners. The idea behind this letter sparked after he was impressed by the women of Malolos
who won the battle they fought. Rizal advises women to educate themselves, protect their
dignity and honor, and live with good manners – setting up as a role model
 KUNDIMAN

A kundiman traditionally refers to a love song where a man serenades the woman he loves. For
scholars, this word was derived from the Tagalog phrase “Kung Hindi man” (if it should not be
so) which suggests that people put their faith in a Higher Being who decides whether or not
something is meant for them. But in Rizal’s literary work, he wrote a kundiman to profess his
intense love for his motherland. This piece reflects his high hopes that one day, the Philippines
would be free from treachery and injustice. At the time, the country faced great threats while he
was in Europe. And, through this work, he voices his hopeful thoughts despite being far away
from the country.
 UNTO AL PASIG

When translated into English, the title of this work means Beside Pasig River. In response to the
Jesuits’ request, Rizal wrote this one-act play in the Spanish language for the velada – a gala
variety program during the principal feast days. The play centers around Leonido (a young
Filipino who has a strong faith in the Virgin) and the Diwata/Satan, which symbolizes the
Spanish oppression towards Filipinos. Its theme highlights Christianity, good vs. evil, and
paganism. The Philippines’ national hero wrote it in honor of the Our Lady of Peace and Voyage
of the UST, and the play was staged on December 8, 1880.
 NOLI ME TANGERE

One of the most sought-after books in Philippine literature until today, is Rizal’s famous novel
titled Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not). Driven by his undying love for his country, Rizal wrote
the novel to expose the ills of Philippine society during the Spanish colonial era. At the time, the
Spaniards prohibited the Filipinos from reading the controversial book because of the unlawful
acts depicted in the novel. Yet they were not able to ban it completely and as more Filipinos
read the book, it opened their eyes to the truth that they were being manhandled by the friars. In
this revolutionary book, you’ll learn the story of Crisostomo Ibarra, how he dealt with Spanish
authorities, and how he prepared for his revenge, as told in Rizal’s second book, El
Filibusterismo.
 EL FILIBUSTERISMO

This is Rizal’s sequel to his first book, Noli Me Tángere. In El Filibusterismo (The Reign of the
Greed), the novel exhibits a dark theme (as opposed to the hopeful atmosphere in the first
novel) in which it depicts the country’s issues and how the protagonist attempts a reform. The
story takes place 13 years after Noli Me Tángere, where revolutionary protagonist Crisostomo
Ibarra is now under the guise of Simoun – a wealthy jewelry tycoon. Because the novel also
portrays the abuse, corruption, and discrimination of the Spaniards towards Filipinos, it was also
banned in the country at the time. Rizal dedicated his second novel to the GOMBURZA – the
Filipino priests named Mariano Gomez, Jose Apolonio Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora who were
executed on charges of subversion. The two novels of Rizal, now considered as his literary
masterpieces, both indirectly sparked the Philippine Revolution
 MI ULTIMO ADIOS

After being associated with the Katipuneros, Rizal was arrested and later sentenced to death by
firing squad for acts of sedition and rebellion. During his final days in Fort Santiago of Manila,
Rizal bid farewell to his motherland and countrymen through letters. Mi último adiós or My Last
Farewell is one of the few last works that Rizal wrote. Some historical accounts say he wrote it
on the eve before his execution, while others claim that he wrote the poem a few days before
his death in Manila on December 30, 1896. But, because there was no title ascribed to this
poem, his good friend and fellow reformist Mariano Ponce came up with the title. Today, Rizal’s
literary works, specifically his two novels, are alive and continuously being analyzed by students
and professionals. Colleges and universities in the Philippines even require their students to
take a subject which centers around the life and works of Rizal. Through his work, the country’s
national hero is always remembered and looked upon with high regard for his contribution
towards the Philippine independence.
 Sobre la indolencia de los filipinos

Sobre la indolencia de los filipinos was written by Rizal as a five-part essay for La Solidaridad
(similar to Filipinas dentro de cien aos). Sobre la indolencia de los Filipinos, published in 1890,
was written in reaction to the charge that Filipinos were idle, preferring to gamble their money
rather than labor on the land. He began his article by depicting what life was like in the
Philippines before to the arrival of the Spaniards. Citing Pigafetta and Morga, among others,
who spoke of the islands' wealth and the people's diplomacy in dealing with strangers. Then,
when the Spaniards came to capture the nation, Rizal explained how the Filipinos were reduced
to a state of insanity.
 Sa Aking Kababata

(English: to my fellow youth) The poem was widely taught in Philippine schools to point out
Rizal's precociousness and early development of his nationalistic ideals. A passage of the poem
often paraphrased as "Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika, masahol pa sa hayop at
malansang isada." (English: "He who knows not to love his own language, is worse than beasts
and putrid fish")
 "El Consejo de los Dioses" (The Council of the Gods)

El Consejo de los Dioses (English Translation: The Council of the Gods) is a play written
in Spanish by Filipino writer and national hero José Rizal, first published in 1880 in Manila by
the Liceo Artistico Literario de Manila in 1880, and later by La Solidaridad in 1883.

El Consejo de los Dioses was written by Rizal when he was only nineteen years old, and
reveals the humanistic education of the Philippines at the time and his answer to scholasticism.
Himno al trabajo (Filipino: Dalit sa Paggawa; English: "Hymn to Labor") is a poem written by
Dr. José Rizal. The poem was requested by his friends from Lipa, Batangas, in January 1888 in
reaction to the Becerra Law, and to address the hardships of Lipeños (people from Lipa).
One of Jose Rizal's many talents was the ability to create tremendous pieces of artwork which
included sketches, paintings, and sculptures.
 They Ask Me for Verses

Jose Rizal became an acclaimed poet even after his martyrdom. Zealous poets and writers
were inspired by Rizal’s works in every generation. Freedom of expression, in whatever artistic
and literary genre, reveal Filipino patriotism in the midst of rejection and persecution.

Rizal’s poem below was written while he was a member of Circulo Hispano Filipino. Me Piden
Versos (They Asked Me for Verses) reflects how sad it was for him to have the ability to steer
emotions through his poems, and have these emotions stifled and muted by the powerful and
oppressive Spaniards.
 Mi Retiro

Mi Retiro (translated to English as My Retreat) was written by Rizal while in exile in Dapitan.
From his mother’s prodding, Rizal revived his writing of poems where he expressed his serene
life and his acceptance of his destiny and whatever justice will be given him.
 To My Muse
A poem published in La Solidaridad using the pen name,Laong Laan.It was written by Jose
Rizal in 15 December 1890.

Why Rizal Wrote This Poem

It is because of his disappointment over the half-hearted attitude of the Filipino expatriates working
for the reforms in Spain.This poem expressed his bitterness over the troubles in Calamba.
 GROUP 4

LITERARY WORKS BY RIZAL

Group Leader:

Mark Renand Lomibao

Group Members:

Kayla Avon Cardines

Monaliza Saura

Celestial Jeawel Tambelisma

Rhandolf Ramos

Dielvon Viado

Dianiel Jerome Fabia

Pierce Ian Olesco

Renze Art Liwanag