STA.

TERESA COLLEGE
BAUAN BATANGAS
COLLEGE DEPARTMENT

Jose Rizal’s literary works

Introduction
We round up his best works and uncover the underlying meaning
behind them.

Student Learning Objectives (SLO)

 To gain insight in the cultural/moral values of the Filipinos as depicted by the
characters and ideas of the writings
 To decipher/interpret symbols --characters or otherwise
 To analyze the various issues surrounding the experiences divulged by the
writings
 To give multiple meanings and interpretations of the literary works
 To develop ethical judgment on contemporary issues relevant to experiences
tackled by the readings

Content
JOSE RIZAL’S LITERARY WORKS
For Dr. José Rizal, “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. 

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 for a
poem contest organized for Filipinos by the Manila Lyceum of Art and Literature at the
age of 18.
Rizal won the first prize and was rewarded with a feather-shaped silver pen and a
diploma.

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BAUAN BATANGAS
COLLEGE DEPARTMENT
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.
He addresses all kinds of Filipino women – mothers, wives, and even the single
women.
The idea behind this letter sparked after he was impressed by the women of Malolos
who won the battle they fought.

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. 

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.
Dr. Rizal 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 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. 

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.

Mi Último Adiós

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BAUAN BATANGAS
COLLEGE DEPARTMENT
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.

Assessment and Evaluation

REPORTING FOR SEMIS AND FINAL PERIOD

• You will be grouped into eight.
• Each group has an assigned topic.
• Each group will report.

For Semis Period

• Group 1 – Noli Me Tangere
• Group 2 – To the Filipino Youth
• Group 3 – Goodbye to Leonor
• Group 4 – Kundiman

For Final Period

• Group 1 – El Filibusterismo
• Group 2 – Junto Al Pasig
• Group 3 – To the Young Women of Malolos
• Group 4 – Mi último adiós

What should happen to the report?

• Make sure each member contributes to the reporting.
• You need to find the background of the literary piece entrusted to you.
• Give the summary and message of the literary piece.
• If you are reporting a novel or play, provide its main characters. Give its symbol
to the country and the desired message that Dr. Rizal wants to give.
• Based on the assigned literary piece in your group, what do you think are the
messages that want to be conveyed in the current state of our country? Each
member must provide what is demanded.

Other reminders:

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BAUAN BATANGAS
COLLEGE DEPARTMENT
Be sure to make a PowerPoint presentation with neat text and pictures.
Make sure that the assigned member for screen sharing has a good internet
connection.
Also make sure that each team member can speak on the day of the report.
Submit your PowerPoint presentation in advance.
Your report will also serve as a project and final recitation.

References
https://theculturetrip.com
Prepared by: Checked: Approved:
Mr. Brian Jay U. Giman
Mrs. Rita A. Cruzat
__________________ ______________
Instructor / Instructress Department Head Dean

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