Ocampo, Alfred R.

22-MEN-01
All About The Hero

Answer the following questions in not less than 5 sentences.

1. Explain why Jose Rizal rejected the use of a revolution or use of brute force to
achieve freedom?

I believe Dr. Jose Rizal refused to use revolution or brutal force to achieve freedom
because he taught that it is unjust and he always believed in values of respect and dignity.
I discovered that one of the reasons he was opposed to revolution was that our country
was not prepared, and we did not have many resources for such things. He opposed the
revolution because he believed that successful reforms should come from above. It's
understandable that the hero thought so because that was the belief of the ruling class, to
which Rizal belonged.Rizal's weakness in this regard was his inability to fully
comprehend his people. In launching the armed rebellion, he was unable to empathize
with the true sentiments of the people from below.

2. Explain how Rizal proved that "The pen is mightier than the sword"

For so many Filipino heroes, Jose Rizal is one of a kind. His way of fighting and battling
for our country's freedom is valuable action and contribution which upholds the true
value of humanity. Instead of using a sword as a tool and weapon, Jose Rizal used the
pen to fight for our rights and freedom. His life and works are truly an amazing
contribution to our society. The time that he fought for our freedom without being harsh
and using violence in fighting is really mightier than any way of battles. He wrote novels
using an indelible ink pen. Figuratively, he represents the pen being the voice of the
Filipinos during his time. The pen symbolizes peaceful opposition. The sword means
powerful revolution.

3. How did rizal use education as a tool for reform and nationalism?

Dr. Jose Rizal is one of the individuals who puts value and emphasis on the importance
and advantages of education. He then used education for reform and nationalism in a way
that is aligned to what he saw for a brighter future of our country. "Rizal always saw
education as a cure-all for the problems of Colonial Philippines." He believed in an
education free of political and religious influence. I can say that Rizal was very keen on
education because he thought it was the only way his country would ever progress.

4. The Count Of Monte Cristo was Rizal's favorite novel. What characteristics does
Edmond Dantes (Lead character) have which can also be seen in Rizal? How did
this help Rizal pursue is life time mission?

The novel "The Count of Monte-Cristo" by French author Alexander Dumas was read
and admired by Jose Rizal. People who read Rizal and this work by Dumas frequently
confuse the character of Edmond Dantes with Simoun (El Filibusterismo). The plot of
vengeance and the lonely figure of an avenging hero are too similar to be ignored. The
difference was in the endings of the two novels. While Edmond Dantes found fulfillment
in his life, Simoun met a tragic end at the hands of Rizal (Ibarra). It is true that Edmond
Dantes and Dr. Jose. Rizal is in a similar situation to a victim of deception and a
Machiavellian plot because they were victims of injustice and betrayal that they did not
deserve. They thought that by doing good, they would be rewarded, but it was the
opposite. Instead, they were betrayed and plotted against, leaving both of them befuddled
and initially disbelieving.