Balasuela, Jozel Via P.

“To the Young Women of Malolos: Analysis”

In his renowned essay entitled "To the young ladies of Malolos" Jose Rizal's heritage to
Filipino women is personified and communicates all he wants them to bear in mind, addressed
to all sorts of women - mothers, wives, unmarried persons, etc. The battling spirit that Malolos'
young ladies had demonstrated touched profoundly Jose Rizal. He expressed considerable
happiness and satisfaction at the struggle they fought in his message. In this part of Rizal's
letter, it is clear that his ultimate wish was to provide women the same schooling chances as
males. In those days, the common belief that young ladies are soon to be born and stay with
the children at home only led to a lack of schooling. However, Rizal stresses the freedom to
think and the right to education that both boys and girls must be accorded.
In this part of his letter to the young women of Malolos, Rizal emphasizes many key
things. But the key concept is, that whatever a mother shows her kids, the kids will become as
well. If the mother kisses the hands of the friars in obedience at all times, then her children will
grow up to be sycophants and mindless follies that do nothing but do what they are ordered to.
Rizal lists the characteristics that Philippine moms must have: being a noble wife, rearing her
children in the service of the state, and set behavioral norms for males around it. Jose Rizal
points out to unmarried ladies that appearances and looks should not be accepted carelessly, as
they may be highly disappointing. Rather, they should pay attention to the firmness of men's
character and high ideals. Rizal also adds that a young lady must search for a guy she wants to
be her married, three things: a noble and honored name, a manly heart, and a lofty spirit that
cannot be satiated with the generation of slaves.
Recently the way in which Filipino women behave themselves appears to be increasingly
losing such traits. Sometimes women forget about their role in raising their children because of
the overwhelming notion that their husbands' income should be supplemented by family
earnings. Although the work hard for the well-being of the family is nothing wrong, the way
people live must always be balanced. In failure at home, whatever amount of riches or celebrity
cannot be compensated for.