Aly pattern
Aly pattern
WORKS OF RIZAL
Dr. José Rizal, the well-respected national hero of the Philippines, “the pen is mightier than the sword.”
Through his literary masterpieces, he voiced strong opposition to the abuse of Spaniards and conveyed
messages that he hoped would inspire his fellow countrymen.
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 for a 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, the youth in particular, that they are the hope of the nation.
2.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.
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, he addresses 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
4.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.
5.Junto 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.
6.Noli Me Tángere
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.
7.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.
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.