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fh et i und I iy di i, \ he, veal and Nall Kan PROLOGUE Rizal and His Times ‘To appreciate and understand the Wie of Dr Jose Rizal, t ow the Natori background ofthe wor and ofthe uring hs times ‘The 19th century when be lived was a entry of ferment caused by the bowing winds of In Asia, Europe andthe Ameria, event sped inexor- sty ke ta es, geal alfectig ihe sand fares © {in the United States over the isue of Negro slavery. This titane ‘conflict, which enspied on Apri 12, 1861, compeled President ‘Lino to ise his famous Emancipation Proclamation Oa Sep- ‘tember 22, 1863 freeing the Negro slaves. of Queceiao (May 15, 1867) and executed Emperor Maximitian (on June 19,1867 (Riza sith birthday anniversary), Thus filed ‘ou Emperor Napoleos IT ambition to colonize Latin Ameria In Rizal's times two European nations (Ialians and Ger ‘mans suceeeded in unifying their own countries. The Italians under the leadership of Count Cavour and of Garibali and his Army of “Red Shirts” drove out the Austrians and Freach armies {com Ttaly and proclaimed the Kingdom of Ualy ander King Vitor Emmanee. with Rome as captal city. The Prasians led by Ono you Bismarck, the "Iron Chancellor”, detested France in the Franco-Prussian War and established the German Empite fon Jansary 18,1871, with King Wilheln of Prssia a rst Keser ‘of the German Empire. With his defeat inthe France Prosian War, Emperor Napoleon II's Second French Empire collaped, sd ver is ruins the Thind French Republic arose, with Adolph ‘Thiers as fat President. ‘he tines Rizal saw the owen of Wester imperi England emerged athe wos leading imperai povet, On ‘count of et ininable navy ond magicen army he es fle to conquer many countries thcughout the word and to ‘siblnha gal clos empire Ths the Dish pope dering the slonoas reign of Quen Vazorin (18771901) provuly tested “Britense ele the waves" By, wining heist pam Wer 84-182) agai he totenng Chinese Emre tinder the Manchy dyanty she toque estan’ of Kong ("rare Harpo) nth Second Opin War (1856183 she Wow sain and forced the Balle Manchu dynasty to cee th Kewin Reese He Ke. 19, et ‘onoeesing the Indian Rebelion snd damanting the Mop! Emote sb impose her ra ale) swe the sabeomtnet a Indi (oom contoing of Inia, Paisan, and Bangle), By inming the Thee Anglo Betmee, Wars (5243, 182, aed ist), he conquered Burn Other lands Asn fh Deane Bnwsh colonics were Ceylon (St Lanka). Male, Ate Malay, Singapore. and Eeypt. Attain and New Zeal th the South Paci so Became Bish clots. Other impels, folowing Britain's example, grabbed the wreak countries st Southeast Aste and colonized them, Un 1858 X63, France, ith the help of Fiipiaa ttoops under Spenish officers? conquered Vietnam; annexed Cambodia (1863) and {Laos (1893); and. merged all these countries into a federated colony under the mame of French tndecins. The Dutch alter ‘driving aay the Portuguese and Spaniard fom the Fast Ladies inthe 17th century, colonized this vast and ich arehiputago an ‘named it the Nethetlands Bast Irdies (now Innes) Ceatist Rusia, unable to expand westwand Ear jpe turned eastward to Asis, congucting Siberia and later ceo jpied Ki chatka, Kurs, and Alasks (which she sold in 1867 10 the U S {or $7,200,000) From INSS 10 L884, she congueress the Musi Khsnstes of Bokhara, Khiva, and Kokand in "Central Asia Expanding towards China, Caarst. Russia jojned England France, end Germany a the despoliation of the crumbling ‘Chinese Empire. acqusing Manchuria as "sph fe of illucave "| ‘nas enabling bet to bulld the 5 300 mile Trasuberian Rew) reputed to be the world's longest railroad” linking Viacintok fand Moscow (On July 8, 1853, an American squadron under the command ‘of Commodore Matthew C. Perry re-opened Japon o the word “After this event, which coded Japan's 214-ye9¢ isolation (183% 1853), Emperor Meili (Mutsuhito) mosernigla the eount'y ty freely accepting Western influences. incivdiig nyperlim No sooner had Japan strengthened her navy and) army akg Western lines, when she, joining the Western impenaist powers, began her imperialist earoct by fighting weak Chuan the Si War (1894-95) and grabbed Formosa ( ‘And later in 1910 she annexed Korea Germany, it should be recalled beams 4 sovercign state January 1871, and was tate inthe scramble for colonies in Avia ‘and Alia, fn search for colonial sakes, she turned to the land Aarchipelagoos of the mid- Pacific world. On August 25, 18. a Gorman warship, the Ihies, entered the harbor of Yap (an sland in the Carolines), landing the German marines who seid the faland, boisted the German flag and proclaimed the Carolines land Palau archipelagoes 25 colonies of Germany. Sieangely. the Spanish governor of the Cavolines (Dion Enngue Capes) as present in the sland, wath wo Spanih chips moved a! ts hat but due to cowardice or other reasons, he id offer resistance te the German agzression. ‘The German seinure of Yap island enraged Spain, who laimed sovereignty over the Carolines and Palaus By right of| lscovery. 18 should be noted thatthe island of Yap was disco- ered by the Manila galleon pilot, Francisco Lezcano, who oe in violent rots, demanding war against Germany. To avert ‘cual iesh of arms, Spain and Germany submited tne Carolina Question to Pope Leo XII for arbitration. “The Woly Father, aftr caret stady ofthe petnen doce ‘em abated bth pris, eds ecto on October 22,185 favoring Spin” recopicg Spa's svecint oer the Carl a Pann, bt ants feo eosons ce ‘rang — (1) the ight to wade fa the dpa acrpeapoes and (2) he sight cab» coating sation in ap forthe Geman tary Both Spam and Germany accepted the Papal decion 30 ‘tat the Hipone-Gemman War was toried. I intreng o ‘cal hat de the ral ys of the Han German mio. io ever te Corolns, Rial wes Becton ving his fe Maximo Viola, Atte sme tine he srone an aude On he Carolina Question which was pulsed ir La Publica” 3 newspaper oon by Don Migte! Moryta, Wile the peri power wee exon the tuts of thio vente andthe il pe pose non sti te a ote Se os ageing ee “espe ‘Gon ws ome a he ao ihc mper govy ober ae Stree Ove ann nt her tah Gla Latin Asie Bargany t ti (10), Cae 1) Cola sod Peace 1, the Cental Amora soutines (Cnn Rens teaser snl El Suc, a Nop) Hai, Vereeea 23) Peu (142) 484 oly al Urgay VES) Tse Asner Sancta had cn nara apn oun yay an chive ta ndpennce Ey, Sp see me ‘eon tm hel of ss coin she Senet dest rea he temo evenens aos, rcsesog Cae, Fda it, aa te Pune ‘The Phiippions of Rizal's Toes ‘During the times of Rizal the sinister shadows of Spain's decadence carkened Philippine skies. The Plipioo people ‘agonized beneath the yoke Of Spanish slsrue, for they were Unfortunate victims of the evils of an unjust, bigoted, and ‘deteriorating colonial power. Armong these evils were as follow: {@) stability of colonia! administration, 2) corrupt ofcaisom. {@).0 Philippine representation inthe Spanish Cortes, (4) harean fights deaied to Filipinos, (5) n0 equality before the law. (0) tmaladmivstation of jai, (7) rail ierimination. (8) feiloe racy, () foreed labor, (1) hasiendas owned by the friars, and (1) the Guardia Civil Insabily of Colonial Administration. The instability of Spanish politics since the turbulent reign of King Ferdinand VII (1a08-1833) marked the beginning of politcal chios in Spain, ‘The Spanish government underwent frequent changes owing to biter Struggles between the forces of despotism and iderlse ad the explosions of the Crist Wars. From 1834 to 1862, Spain had adopted four corstittions, elected 28 parliament nstalled no less than 529 ministers with portfolios; followed in subwequent year by party stifes, revcutions, and other political ephesvale* "This political instability in Spain adversely affected Philip pine alfsts because # brought about frequent periodic shits! Colonial policies and a periodic rigodon of colonial officals. For instance, from 1835 10 1897, the Philippines was ruled by 50 governors general, each serving an average term of only onc Year ad three months,” At one time — from December 1853 {to November 18S4 — a period of lest than s year, there wer four governors general To illusteate the confusing instability of Spanish politics ans its inimical effect, an anecdote was told as fellows: In the year 1850 a Spanish jerst, who was appointed oidor (magistrate) of the Royal Audiensia of Manila, lett Madsid with his whole araly and took the longer route via Cape of Good Hope, arriving ia Manis afer letutely trip of about sie months Much this surprise and discomfure, he found out that ater jurist was already occupying his position, During the six months when he ‘vas letsutely crasing at sea, the ministry which appointed him Madrid, and the succeeding ministry named his sucesso ‘And this new jurist traveled faster, taking the shorter route via the Lsthnus of Suez and reached Mania eatier ‘De Araqunt chang of colonial officials hampered the political and economic development ofthe Philippines, Hardy ‘had one governor-general begun his administration when he wae soon replaced by his successor. Naturally, no chict exccutve, 0 matter how able and energetic he was, could sceomplish much for the colony. Corrupt Colonial Ofiials. With few exceptions, the colonial ‘officials (governor- general judges, provincial executives, etc.) ‘ent by Spain to the Philippines inthe 19th century were a fa 1 om ther able and dedicated predecessors ofthe eth, 17th and 1Bth centuries. They were ether highly coer, incompetent ‘uel, or venal. Apparently, they symbolized the decadent Spain of the 19th century — not Spain of the Siglo de Oro: which Produced Miguel Cervantes, Lope de Veg, Calderon de in Bares, El Greco (Domenico, Theotocopali), Velesques, St ‘Theresa de Avila, and other glories of the Hispanic nation General Rafe! de lequirdo (1871-73), a boastful and rath les governor gcocral, aroused the anger’ of the Filipinos by ‘xcouting the innocent Fathers Mariano Gomer, Jose Burson tnd Jacinto Zamora, the “Martyrs of 1872", His successor ‘Admiral Jose Malcampo (1874-77), vas a good Moro lighter, ‘but was an inept and weak administrator. General Fernando Primo de Rivera, governor general for two terme (188083 and 1897-98), cariched himse by accepting bribes from gambling czsinos in Manila which he scandalousy permitted to operate ‘General Valeriano Weyler (188891), a erel and corrupt gover. or general of Hispanic-German ancestry, arrived io Maia oe man and returned to Spain a milionsire. He received huge ‘bribes and gifts of diamoads for his wite fom wealthy Chinese who evaded the ant-Chinese law. The Filipinos scornelly called him “tyrant” because of his brutal persecution of the Celambs {eaants, partcalary the family of Dr. Rizal, The Cubans cow. ‘erent in The Bole” ese fi aien reconcentraton policy ‘brief governorthip in Cuba in ‘1895, causing the death of thousands of Cubans. General Camilo ‘te Polavieja (189697), an able milarat but heartless governor Py scncral was widely detested by he Flin peopl fr exciting Br Rie : Oth Spanish colonia fas ere ofthe sme evi eed of ren th eorrp an degenerate Eovernos general mentioned Tove: After tlw of Meno, Guatemala, Chile, Ageia, 22 Sacr coomes a Latin Ameren, numerowjobacehe and fenales Sper syeophunte cae he Pps, whet they Ketime fees poincalexcouver, ary fees, and anactdon goncnmentcmploye Thy wee he eas rote ofchletion srs Most gor andprotiga fy conduc themes wih atopic and vpersones Declat of tat shen white te anda none. They bea ich ‘iio eau ot by marrying the ees fh Fano fants “Ascary sin 100, Tomas Comyn Spanish wie ermen cl beveled svt fi tat at a wr ad lackeys wer opponted provincial gover, nT Son and wien ere vomed Giet magotees nd arin coumenden "tyne Regret Sah Cor, Tow eh sort of ar ovenets colons dig the Napleonc nvsion, roproeninia ee Coes (Spm pre Bpais ante them prevention he : carding, te Papin exetence ber fs pro Mpracntaion fe the Cone tron 1810 19 181. Hy Ape wok wv pra thera oh Co Splatt Sonecccnsitaion tnd vasonculis tare SR" concen en seoad ithe Fiappes. Ate Tabet of Deeper Rayeswarne ston he oust oe The ped of Pippin epreentaon nthe Spas Conant 13) nent ata ou benctcent res re Sine tthe coloy Hower, he con perio epsen on lnm and he rd ys (16437) were te scar Pliplodcgusvere no xenrpicand eet ISpuamenty ont sr on Reyes Untranny,te repre of te ovens clncs den te Pipe) te Spans Ce won slate {G51 Sots teePlppneconin wcreneabcietere ‘50 means by which the Flipino people could expose the anomalics ‘erpetrated by the colonial ofcal. Many Filpino patriots elt {antl pleaded forthe restoration of Philippine representation in the Contes. One of thea, the slver-tongued Graciano sens, imploredia sonorous Castian on Oce 1, 188, dag. the 391stanniverary ofthe cscovery of America by Columbus i Madi: "We want representation tthe legislative chamitcr so that our aspirations may be know tothe mother country and fs government.”” Lamentably Spain ignored the fervent plea of Lopes Jnena and his compatriot, Ther grievance nas embitered bythe fact tha Cuba and Pucrio Rico were pratted representation inthe Cortes by the Spanish Constitution of 189 Uni the ead ot Spanish rule in 1898, Pilippine representation ia the Cones mag ever restored No wonder, Jose Rial, M.H. del Pilar, Gracano, Jaen, and other youthful pattiots leached the Propigands ‘Movement, which paved the way forthe Philippine Revolution of 196, Human Rights Dened 1 Filipinos. Since the adoptice of the Spacith Constitution of 1812 and other contittions in uereoding Year, the people of Spain enjoyed freedom of speech, eedom at the pres, freedom of association, and other man Rights (enspt {eedom of religion). The Spaniards ardently guscded these right otha no Spanish monateh dared abolish then, Suangly ough, the Spanih authorities who cherihea these human rights or contonal iberesin Span oie tes 10 the Filipings ie As Ste was lamented by Sinaio dc Ns, Spunsh ccnom sd dpm who eee 1843 “Why do we fll it) an anomaly, ach combine oe lst fr tert for oanlve, nd on ah tinge emote peoples? Why do we deny t others the benefit which we esie or our fatherland=™= ‘No Equality Before the Law. The Spanish misionares, who inirocuced Christianity into the Philippines as ent asin the 15h entury, taught that all men, irrespective of eoloy and race, are chikren of God and as such they ate brothers, equal before God Fascinated by this noble concept of human relations andcouvineed by the truths ofthe Christian fit, most Flipinos (excep those ntl Ye ms nt niet a ar ete rt w= tte Seats transac poate ater beens Sai raeeat arora pear aoe paces eee ceee im eeeaicae ier coeaeenrey cameras sh micerestaesatemton ee Bee ie ee Supa te teae eed Seana cee nee Sane ieee Seen Sabena ae Searhces eee Seueeeteeane eer See aap asa inc re Rte re tr seine eae oeeeaerere Ronen ome eee pee fore co ieednmencee eres cone eae eee Seuss mee ceegeioee Soe area cece eae eee Ma Jt alae as Se ar tract ene ence eee nets lee aera eee cota ln oe cant the awa ‘they ‘pot ‘the heavy ee cen, Neath i rei, ad nro sin were case in court. Leespective ‘ofthe weight of evidence, a rich man ora Spaniard, whose shin was ‘white, casly achieved victory in any ideation ‘To the Fipino masses, a tigation in court was a calamity. ‘The expenses incurred evenin a simple lawsuit often exceeded the value ofthe property atissue,sothatin many instances the igants found themselves impoverished a the endo the long tussle. Crim Jnl cases raggedon for many years uring which period either the ORE VEAL ire motes AO wRITNO stuns wr paying orgs. He sid he pre rhe fatra Spanish lessons, but it ows money wel pet Inthe cond hl hist year othe Nano, oti bad enough retain hs academe wpe} eh ng ih during th fehl o he se nn Be secede remarks of hs pfs. He ced ss the end of the year, although al his grades were all marked Sommer Vaction (1973). At teen of 0 is Marc, 193, eal setarned to Clans for summer aeaton He id not parca eojoy be varauon bette his mene vain pron. To cher hp, bs aster Neneng (Satara) iroosht him wTaanean wth be. Th id ot age hs ne holy, Without ting hic ate, ne tem to Sena Cres el ‘ea ic moter in pron, Held ero his order tbe Ateneo, She gly embrace eto tom en the summer vacation ended, Rizal raed 0 Ma fo his cum yar ter in te Aten Tha tie he branded Ss acts No Magne See Hany at ‘i win ued Dota Pee, who bad iw dag Secon Yur Aten (187374) Noth thing unas! happened to Risa drig his secod term Inthe. Ateneo, encotfet e Some of hisammates were new. Among them ‘boys from Bifan, who had been his classms i rape hy bo fo ia is classmates te cho! of ‘A the en of he choo nr, Rial recived excelent in il subjects and gold medal, With such schol heoae, fe trump reed Caan Marsh 18 for We _Provhecy of Mother's Release, Rial lost no time in going to Santa Crain order to vist he mother in the provincial jal ‘cheered up Dosa Teodora's lonely heart with news of his 2» ‘scholastic triumphs in Ateneo and with funny tales abost his ‘and fellow students. The mother was very Bappy 10 Know that her favorite child was making such splendid progress in college. In the course of theie conversation, Dota Teodora told her son of her cream the previous night Rizal, interpreting the ream, told ber that she would be released from prison in three ‘month's time, Dota Teodora smiled, thinking that her son's prophecy was a mere boyish atiemp to coasole her. ‘But Rizal's prophecy became true. Barely three months passed, and suddenly Dota Teodora was set free. By that time, Rizal was already in Manila attending his classes a the Ateneo, Dosa Teodors, happily back in Calamba, was even more ff her son Jose whom she likened to the youthful Joseph {mn the Bible in his ability 10 interpret dreams. ‘Teenage Interest tn Reading. It vas using the surnmer vacation-in 1874 jn Calamba when Rizal began t take interest {a reading romantic novels. As a normal teenager, he became interested in love stores and romantic tales. “The first favorite novel of Rizal was The Count of Monte Crise by Alexander Dumas, This thrilling, novel made a deep son on him. His boyish imagisation was sired by the sufferings of Edmond Dantes (ihe hero) in prison, bis spectacular ‘ecape from the dungeon of Chateau ¢',his finding & buried treasure on the rocky island of Monte Cristo, and his dramatic revenge on his enemies who had wronged him Rizal read mumerous other romantic novels with deep interest. The reading habit helped to enrich his fecund mind ‘As a voracious reader, he read aot only fiction, but also non-fiction, He persinded his father to buy him a costly set of Cesar Canta's historical work ented Universal History, Accor ‘dios Later Rizal read Travels in the Philippines by Dr. Feodor JIngor, a German sciantist traveler who vised the Philippines in 1889-1860. What impressed him in this book were (1) Jagor's keen observations ofthe defects of Spanish colonization and 2) (28 MALS LFE. WoREE AMO WNTWOR, is prophecy that someday Spin would lee the Philipines and sha Ameria nou ome to med her selon ‘Third Year ia Ateneo (1874-78). In June 1874, Rizal returned. {o the Ateneo for his junior year. Shortly after the opening of lasses, his mother arrived and joyously told him that she was ‘eleased from prison, jut as he had predicted during his lst visit t0 her prion cell in Santa Cruz, Laguna. He was happy, of course, to see his mother once more a fice woman, However, despite the family happiness, Rizal did not make an excellent showing in his studies in the previous year, His ‘fades remained excellent in all subjects, but he won aly one ‘medal — in Latin. He failed vo win the medal in Spanish because his spoken Spanish was not Macnily sonorous. He was beaten by # Spaniard who, naturally could’ speak Spanish with Oucncy and with right acoentuation, ‘At the end ofthe school year (Mareh 1875), Rizal returned ‘0 Calambsa fo the summer vacation. He himself was not impre- sed by his scholastic work, Fourth Year im Ateneo (1875-76). After « refreshing and ‘nappy summer vacation, Rizal went back to Manila for his fourth Year course, On June 16, 1875, he became an interno in the ‘Ateneo. One of his profesors this time wat Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez a great educator and scholar, He inspired the ‘young Rizal to study harder and 10 write postry. He became en ‘admirer and friend of the slender Calamba Ind, mboxe Goxtgiven _Fenivs he Saw and recognized. On his part, Rizal had the highest fection and respect for Father Sanches, whom he considered his best professor im the Ateneo, 1m his student memoirs, Rizal wrote of Father Sanehe in lowing terms, showing his affection and gratitude. He deseribed {his Jesuit professor as “model of uprighines, earnestness, and love forthe advancement of hs pupils * Inspired by Father Sanchez, Rizal resumed his studies with vigor and zest. He topped all his classmates in all subjects and won five medals at the end of the school term, He returned to Calambs for nis summer vacation (March 1876) and ‘offered his five medals and excellent ratings to his parents; He ‘ett Thame te ea (9872 82) was extremely happy, for he wat able to repay his “father somewhat for his sacrices" fear ln Ateneo (1896-77. fic the summer vacation, Ral retrnedf0 Mana June 0 orb ear he ‘Ateneo. Hic ates continued to (are well, Asa mater-offac, te enceled in all subjects. The most brillant Atenean Of AS time, he wa truly “the pride of the Jesuits finished Wis lst year atthe Ateneo ina Blane of oy. He dane the thst ads tu naj vl. Physics, biology, chemistry, languages, mineralogy, Gradeation with Highest Honors. Rizal graduated at the head of hin ass. His scholastic records athe Ateneo frm 3872 {0 1877 were as fllows w9r2.1873 Acme excellent aie T Greek ws. meg SON are Excelent Spanish 2 Greek 2 Unversl Geoprapty wneans Latin 3 aoa Spanish 3a : * Great 3 x Univers History History of Spain end the Philipines ‘Anite & Alacra insine JOE REAL: Le, WomER AO WTI eum Palo B. nerlogy & £ Genin Pays : Botany & Zoology vs yO Commencement Day March 23,1877, Riza, ho wes 1 ea ld raced fom Ms Ala ale, Aiees Ne the Segre of Bachelor of Ars, with hes hoot It oud ty for his fay: Bato Raa, Me al eden, Com ‘eteoment Day wat sine of iter sec pry mee ih touche nigh tere peasant pt lege dormitory, he could mr see. Ey the felony ‘omin i y oarton be payed ene ihe see {tera nd “commend my leat he ad." he Wigs eI hoa sep int that word, which mpeed ng ih %0 much terror, she would protect me” a Ext Carrclr Attest Aces, c Rial, womupased a scacemic triumphs, was not mere Bookworm. He war nene igentr-curculatsnien An emperor nde hs dass be was compa lender onde He wm in nee een secretary, of a religious society, the Marian Congregation. eee eae oagultcrp tote ete Stewie way comer yoann tural sciences. Rizal did not heed his advice. He continued ‘0 solicit Father Sanchez’ help in improving hs poctsy Aside ftom writing poe tr, he devoted bis spare time 10 ‘ts, He studied painting under the famous Spanish pete Dae erste Tes At Aa (872 8) ‘Agustin Secz, and seulpture under Romualdo de Jens, noted Flipino sculptor. Both art masters honored him with their aee- tion, for he was a talented pupil. Furthermore, Rizal, 10 develop his weak body, engaged in gymnastics and fensing. He thereby continued the physical train- {ng be began under his sporteminded Tio Manuel. ‘Scaiptoral Works in Ateneo, Rizal impressed his Jesuit prom fessors in the Alenco with his artistic sill. One day he carved fan image of The Virgin Mary on a piece of batkuling (Philippine hhardwood) with his pocket knife. The Jesuit fathers were amazed ft the Beauty and grace of the image Father Lleonart, impressed by Rizal’s sculptural talent, requested him to carve for him an image of the Sacred Heart ‘of Jesus, Young Rizal complicd, and within a few days be presented it to Father Liconar.® The old Jesuit was highly pleased and profusely thanked the teenage sculptor. He tended {o take the image with him to Spain, but, Deing an absent-minded professor, be forgot 10 do 0. The Ateneo boarding students laced icon the Joor of their dormitory, and there it remained {or many years, rominding all Atencans of Dr. Rizal, the greatest ‘lumaus of their Alma Mater. This image played 2 significant part in Riza’ lst hours at Fort Santiago, Anecdotes om Rizal the Afenean. One of Rizal's conten pporaries in the Ateneo war Feit M. Roxas. He related an rcident of Rizal's achooidays in the Atcaco which reveals the hero's resignation 10 pain nod forgiveness, One day many Ate- preans including Rizal, were studying thei lessons atthe stuly- hall. Two Ateneans, Manzano and Lesaca, quarreled and vio lently hurled books at each other. Rizal, who was sy st hi desk poring over his lessons, was hit in the face by one of he thrown books. He did not rae a cxy of protest. although his ‘wounded face was bleeding. His classmates brought im to the infirmary where he had to undergo medial treatment for several days, After the incident, be continued 10 atlend his classes feeling neither bitterness nor rancor towards the guilty party? ‘Another anecdote ow Rizal the Ateneun was related Dy Manucl Xeres Burgos, in whose house Rizal boarded shortly before he decame an interno in the Ateneo, This anecdote as itesscs Ras predict 0 hel th eps hei a sown One Tous aren ea ata a boy tw the er fom te rte, Yoty Ral coos uy a Span book ofits at he wis Ae ste fe hd he Motes omy oe ae teat Doar cing bee Ee ee cp ee goin om the ety tte Mana cated whch eat ‘Kn ome. get Sy rene al ae ol ii moran. Ral doe he oak ew a siento ey, fr be meld wy tones nee lh ponte be cupolas nc ughemesd es ted ently soe eee oums Weite t Ateneo, I vas Davia Teodora who fine tecovered the pci pent O her kom; end Was te he fintcacourpe hin to wnt poms However, es Fees Scher wo ingued Rial Yo make fll we of hs Ogee Bit in ety and improved the laters poeta at by ee ‘his mind to the enriching influence of the world's literature. - ‘The first poca Rizal probably wiote during his days in the Atenco was Mi Primera Insiracion (My First Inpiration) whieh vess dedicated to his mother on her birthday, I saad that be imrowe it before he was 14 years old, that iy in the year (474 Before this year he did not write poetry because there was ploom ‘ns heart owing t0 his mother’s imprisonment. Upon the felease of his mother in 1874. is poctc Near Began to sing th estasy and joy mn 1395, inspite by Father 8 uk chez, he wove more poems, 1. Feletadon (Flat). 1 Rrhorge: Hino « le Plots de Magatnes, (The Depamare! Hymn 0 Magellan's Fee) 3 ks Espatol: Eleano, of Primero en tar la Vue of Mant Aod te Sant: ae Fs Cream. rugate the Wer) 1 Combat Urbicrmdo, Teror de Solo (The Batt Unistoado, Terr of Sto) eae i eA ea (7) In 1875, Rizal wrote poems on various topics — religion, ‘duction, childhood memories, and war. They were as follows: eee urnaoa ra Sierra + Hh gg em be eens © ee ae cate peers ee eee 4 Boab he Cty ed the Tramp: Bae fetes ote oe eee eee Coe i Reanim eee aes enone ec ae ‘A year Inter, in 1877, he wrote more poems. I wat his last yesrinthe Ateneo, Among the poems written that year were: 1. £1 Heroumo de Colon (The Heroam of Columbus) ‘Tis poem pases Columbus, he cacovererof Amores 2. Colon y Fan It (Columbus and John I). Tie poem ‘elutes how King fob It of Porta! mised tom ad Fiches by fit fale fo finance the prose expedition ‘Of Columba (9 the New Wer 3 Gran Consuelo en ls Mayor Desich (Great Solace (Great Mistrune), This is legend in yee ofthe tape le of Colrbun) 4. Un Didlogo Aluivoa i Despedi de or Coleitr ( Forewell Dialogue ofthe Stodcoti). Ths wat tbe lst ‘oem written by Rizal in Atco ti polgaat poe farewell oh classes, Fe inlaie” os on Sig tht 'the ft oon wey Real sex Atsoven ocd ba Geos hs tored ” be arg ht As ea (972 Riral’s Poems on Education. Although Rizal was merely a ‘tecaager, he had a very high regard for education, He believed fn the significant role which education plays inthe progress and ME PUEAL: LE. womas sno WRITING othe. In hit poem, he elites hs mother ox ber bry {exe Ws al iteson in sonorous vanes Wr a MY HRS INSPIRATION ‘Why do the sented bowers In frag fay Rival each ccher's dowert ‘Ths festive day? ‘Why is eet melody bred In he yivan dale, Harmony sweet sod fated Like the eightingale? Way do he bid ng 50 Ta the tender gan, Fiting fom Dough bough Wah the wind ha as” fos nn de yan Soon eer re Libr Ei eal shower 1 ee the daw inthe East With Beauty endowed Wy goes the 104 fest In camine toad? Sweet mother, they celebrate ‘Your sata ay “The roe with her sen innate, “The bird with i oy. ‘The murmurous sprig thi eg thi ‘Witnoat lay ! Murmaing i you alva Toure in joy. While the conutine murmur gliten, Heat you the accent strong Srvc fom my Ise, To my loves st ing welfare of a nation. Thus he stated in is poem" ‘THROUGH EDUCATION OUR MOTHERLAND RECEIVES LIGHT ‘The wal breath of prodent EGueation Ins 4 vie of enchanting owe She ite the motherland to highest sation And endless dazling glories on Ber shower, [And a the zephyr gente exaltion Revives the mat of the agra fewer, ‘So education multiplies her pts of grace: With prodent hand inspars them tote human race For her a moctl man wi gad part ‘Wath alt he at; wave Bis at tepae: For her are torn all lences nd all a ‘That Brew of re with laurel aif eno As trom the towering mountains ity het ‘The purest caren of the seeamiet ows ‘Soreducation without stint or weatute gives ‘Secerty and pence t lance in which she Bes Where eaucstion reigns on loty sea ‘Youth blomams forthwith vigor and apy: His error sbjagtes with so Feet ‘And i eae by conceptions of nobility. ‘She breaks the neck of vice 29d ie deco Black sxime turn ple a! Her Bost: “The Dabarons tons She tows how to inne, From savages sate here fame ‘And asthe aping doth sustenance bestow ‘On all she plans, on bashes in the mend lie pac plenty goes to overflow ‘And enceuly sth lavish lone to feed ‘The bunks by which it wandats, ling to, Supping benueous nature's ery need Selhe who pradent Education ith procure ‘The towering height of honor Wl sure i f i F F i tf iu # i Ly i i EB? ate i : a 5 2 i ‘center of the stormy. ‘soc, oF feree Sov'westr' power ‘the wives that raping seeps | ratte ‘sine Tmch At Ane Se Mat (1872S) In another poem, The Insimate Alliance Between Religion and Good Education, Rizal showed the importance of religion ‘in education. To him, education without God is not true educa- ton. Thus, he said in his poem" ‘THE INTIMATE ALLIANCE BETWEEN RELIGION AND GOOD EDUCATION ‘As the climbing ivy over lefty etn espe tortaouly, together the adornment OF the verdant plan. embellishing Esch other and together growing. Bart should the kinaly elm refuse i aid ‘The ivy would impotent and frndles wither So i Education to Religion By spina alliance bound, ‘Through Religion, Education gals renown, and Woe fo the impious miu thet binly sperning ‘The sapien teaching of Religion, thie [Unpotsted fotair head frstes [As the sprout growing from the pumipous vine, Proaaly flr attr oayed clster ‘Whi the generous and loving exment Feed it aot, 50 the festang waters (Of celestial vie pine mew Me "To Edecation tre, sessing ‘On it warmth and lights Because of them "The vine uel west and ives elu fait ‘Without Religion, Human Education {s ihe unto» ese struck by wince ‘Which, sore beset, of elon depenes By the roaring blows and bets of the dead “Tempestaous Boreas, who Herel welds His power unt he proudly sends her down fhno'the deep abyss ofthe angered sa, AAs te henvens dew the meadow feeds and strengthens Se that blooming Bowers all the earth Embroider in the ays of peng: Ho ano ICReligion Moly nourishes Education with doctrines, the {JOE MEAL: LIFE, Wonk Ao MNTINOS Stall wae i joy and generonty ‘Toward the Goo od everoherebeatew ‘The fg ond arian tof Vir Rizal's Retiious Poems. During his student days Rizal expresed his deotion to his Cathoi faith in melosousposty, One ofthe religious pooms he wrote was 2 bref ode euiled ‘AU Nita Jesus (To the Chi erat). Ie a allows TO THE CHILD JESUS Whee Thou set sarcely hom? An wo! Coll King, ‘ho oral fom det hep Wout rater than be Soterign Be Septet Thy Sheep This poem was writen in 1875 when he was 14 years old Another teipous poem which he wrote mas entitled A Le igen Maria (To the Viein Mary). Ts poem it undned, so hate do not Know eexely when it war wntien, Probab Riel wrote after his ede to the Cd Jens rans ns fons sing como and eoet pace as the the ne Whee ts arent t,t eng Our erty tt doe ot ie pon ty ion. where ts Sgn om hgh, ‘Ob, tis” with pity a6 I weet grieve ene «Ar ready Tan ate recive 1 ve wth ret ry te Pid Nay thu ty ote er, My tern my te mat be, Ani th sue ty ay et tee, 1Tdepreaton ert Dt Ant pes dein agony dros wer Of elor me, ou abe oe eine Thame hy oa ami 872 Dramatic Work in Ateneo. While Rizal was still » student the Ateneo, hit favorite teacher, Father Sanchez, requested ‘write a drama based on the prose story of St. Eustace fatyt. During the summer vacation of 1876, he wiose the religious drama in poetic verses at is home in Calamta ished it on June 2, 1876. the opening of clases atthe Ateneo in June 1476 ‘ecademie year at the Jesuit college — he submitted 10 Sanchez the finished manuscript of the drama entitled ‘Eustacio, Marts (St. Eustace, the Martyr) The good pr read it and felicitated the young Atencan for work ell ae Ee i His it First Romance of Rizal. Shorly alicr his padunton ‘Ateneo, Rizal, who was then sitteen yeurs ld, eaperte vce bis first romance — “that painful experience which sores ‘early all adolescents”. The itl wa Segura Kanab. po fourteen-year old Batanguen from Lips. In Ri2y!s own ir “She was rather short, with eyes that were cloguent sos! ren Aa times and languid at others, rosycecke, with a provocative smile that revesled very hewutiul ‘alrota sph; her cate sell diffsed a mysicrious shorn ‘One Sunday Rizal visited his maternal grandnaccr lived in Troao, Manila. He was accompanied by his tein Mariano Katigbak. His old. grondmother'was 2 fi! of Katighsk family of Lipa. When he reached his grandmother Ihouse, he saw other guess. One of whom was an atiactive pt) who mysteriously caused his heart 10 palptate with strange ecstasy. She was the sister of his friend Mariano, and ner om was Segunda Hie grandmother's guests, who were mostly college students knew of his skill in painting, $0 thot they ueged hin 0 dtaw ‘Segunda's portrait. He complied relustanily and made «pens ‘ketch of her. “From time to time,” he reminisced later. “she Tooked at me, and I bhshed."" Rizal came to Know Segunda more intimately during his ‘weekly visits to La Concordia College, where hic ster Ompia ‘was a boarding student. Olimpia was « close fiend of Seyunda Twas appatent that Rizal and Segunda loved each ether Theis

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