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. He addresses all kinds of Filipino women – mothers,
wives, and even single women in his letter. Throughout this literary piece, he highlights Filipino mothers’
qualities, the duties of wives to their husbands and children, and a counsel on how young women should
choose their life 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.

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 of Filipinos. Its theme
highlights Christianity, good vs. evil, and paganism. Jose 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.

Mi último adiós

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 that centers around the life and works of Rizal. Through his work, Jose Rizal is always
remembered and looked upon with high regard for his contribution towards the Philippine
independence.

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/the-8-most-important-literary-works-by-jose-rizal/