Name: Britney Shin A.

Tero
Section: St. Augustine Set B

Performance Check in 21st Century Literature

Literary Interpretation of the excerpt, “ The Revolution by Raymundo Mata” by
Gina Apostol
Given birth to the dreams and aspirations of the nation. Given birth to a
revolution. These statements illustrate the influence Noli Mi Tangere, a novel by Rizal,
has brought to the Philippines, to us. Reading it back then, I was fascinated by how Jose
Rizal made a fictional novel, a fantasy evidently portrayed the issues and problems of the
reality of the country, in the past. The excerpt of Gina Apostol is about how a young man
is captivated after reading Rizal’s novel. How reading it makes him imagine what would
have been like to be alive during those heady days of the revolution. It all started when
Raymundo reads the book of Noli, which was given to him by his friend, Father Gaspar.
The excerpt exhibits the importance of reading literature, especially that has been part of
our historic past, a part of our revolution.
After reading the book, Raymundo has felt intense emotions that led him to
bewilderment. The statements, “It was a bolt – a thunderbolt. A rain of bricks, a lightning
zap. A pummeling of mountains, a heaving violent storm at sea – a whiplash. A typhoon.
An earthquake.” This illustrated the whirlwind of sentiments and ideas he has perceived.
Raymundo thought that the novel has served its purpose. Because he could see and feel
the changes he has noticed in himself and the society he is part of. He was able to see
what he failed to see in the beginning. He has remembered what was been forgotten. And
compare what is now to what was before. Hence, reading the book led him to newer
perspectives.
As Raymond takes his barako coffee to somehow collect himself, he has arrived
at a coffee shop recognizing animosities among people. Everyone has their
contradictions. Different opinions and perspectives about the book. In reality, it is
common to have disagreements and unfortunate misunderstandings. Each people has
their own way of thinking. But in the excerpt, people expressed their opinions in a
manner Raymundo find impertinent. However, whatever stand the person is supporting,
still, reflects the power the book holds to its readers. It has overthrown beliefs and made
them more critical and reflective.
A piece Raymundo thought only a novel yet changed him, the society. I do think
reading can be a powerful foundation for a pursuit. The excerpt has shown how literature
can influence people and society. Reading literature gives us a deeper comprehension and
bridges us to newer perspectives. Especially, opening the eyes of thousands of people.
Reading the Noli Mi Tangere made the people understand the situation of the country in
the hands of our oppressive colonizers. It exposed the violence, corruption, and crimes of
the Spaniards to the Filipinos. And with that, people learned to dream and be inspired of
achieving freedom. Hence, the book has led them to revolution, leading us Filipinos to
what we are and what we have possessed today, independence.