SATURNIO, DANTE JR. L.

BSCRIM2 BLOCK 15
P409

THE LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL

CHAPTER 7: EMERGING NATIONALISM

1. Rizal's main message in this letter is his commitment to seeking justice

for the victims of injustices and cruelties inflicted upon the Filipino
people, as well as his belief in the eventual downfall of the oppressive
Spanish colonial government.
2. Two things in the letter that support Rizal's main message are: a. His
acknowledgment that witnessing injustices and cruelties during his
childhood awakened his imagination and led him to swear to avenge
the victims. b. His declaration that despite the abuses and oppressions
faced by Filipinos, he remains steadfast in his resolve to carry out his
promise and believes that eventually, the oppressive regime will come
to an end.
3. The letter tells us that nineteenth-century Philippines was characterized
by injustices, cruelties, and oppression inflicted upon the Filipino people
by the Spanish colonial government and the friars. It also reflects the
spirit of resistance and determination among Filipino intellectuals like
Rizal, who were committed to seeking justice and eventual
independence for their country.
4. Question left unanswered by the letter: How did Rizal plan to carry out
his promise to avenge the victims of injustices and cruelties?
5. The possible answer to this question could be found by examining
Rizal's subsequent actions, writings, and involvement in various
reformist and revolutionary movements during his lifetime. Additionally,
historical records and analyses of Rizal's life and works may shed light
on his strategies and approaches to addressing the injustices he
witnessed
SATURNIO, DANTE JR. L.
BSCRIM2 BLOCK 15
P409
THE LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL
CHAPTER 8: IMAGINING A NATION
1.
The aims of the newspaper La Solidaridad are: a. To fight all reaction and
hinder steps backward. b. To applaud and accept all liberal ideas and
defend progress. c. To propagate ideals of democracy so they may prevail
over all nations. d. To gather and collect liberal ideas from various fields
such as politics, science, arts, letters, commerce, agriculture, and industry. e.
To discuss problems concerning the general interest of the nation and seek
national and democratic solutions. f. To pay special attention to the
Philippines and defend democracy in the islands.
2. The ill effects of "theocracy" and "conservatism" are not explicitly stated in
the excerpt. However, it can be inferred that these ideologies are seen as
hindrances to progress and democracy. Theocracy refers to a government
ruled by religious authority, which may suppress freedom and hinder
liberal ideas. Conservatism, on the other hand, often opposes radical
change and may resist progressive reforms, thus impeding the
advancement of society.
3. The article suggests that nineteenth-century Philippines was undergoing a
period of political awakening and advocacy for democratic ideals. It reflects
the desire among Filipino intellectuals to seek progress and national
representation, particularly in the face of colonial oppression and lack of
representation in the Spanish Cortes.
4. A propagandist is someone who spreads ideas, information, or doctrines,
especially of a political or social nature, with the intention of influencing
public opinion or behavior towards a particular cause or ideology.
5. Based on the article, the propagandists view progress as essential for the
betterment of society. They believe in advocating for liberal ideas,
defending democracy, and seeking national solutions to problems in order
to achieve progress and improve the lives of the people, particularly in the
Philippines.
SATURNIO, DANTE JR. L.
BSCRIM2 BLOCK 15
P409
THE LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL
CHAPTER 9: NOLI ME TANGERE, CONTEXT AND CONTENT
1. Yes, the novel "Noli Me Tangere" is set in a particular time period. It is set during
the late 19th century, specifically in the 1880s, during the Spanish colonial period
in the Philippines.
2. The events in the novel primarily take place in the Philippines, specifically in the
fictional town of San Diego. However, there are also references to other locations
within the country, such as Manila and Binondo.

II.

Aspect Description Chapters

San Diego is depicted as a typical provincial town in the
1. The town of Philippines under Spanish colonial rule. It is characterized by its
San Diego hierarchy of power, social stratification, and injustices. Chapters 1, 2, 5, 10, etc.
Capitan Tiago's house serves as a symbol of wealth and influence
2. The house of in the town. It is described as lavish and grand, reflecting the social
Capitan Tiago status of its owner. Chapters 2, 4, 8, etc.
Manila is portrayed as the bustling capital city of the Philippines,
where political intrigue, corruption, and oppression are rampant. It
3. Manila serves as the backdrop for various events in the novel. Chapters 3, 7, 9, 12, etc.
The Pasig River is a significant geographical feature that runs
through Manila and the surrounding areas. It symbolizes the divide
between the wealthy and the impoverished, as well as the
4. Pasig River corruption and pollution plaguing society. Chapters 6, 13, 15, etc.
The townspeople of San Diego represent a diverse spectrum of Throughout the novel, various
society, including the wealthy elite, the oppressed peasants, and the chapters depict interactions and
5. The corrupt officials. They play various roles in the narrative, reflecting conversations with different
townspeople the social dynamics of the time. townspeople.
The Church and its clergy hold significant influence over the lives
of the townspeople, often exploiting their faith for personal gain.
6. The Church The clergy are depicted as corrupt and oppressive, contributing to
and the clergy the suffering of the people. Chapters 4, 11, 14, etc.

SATURNIO, DANTE JR. L.

BSCRIM2 BLOCK 15
P409
THE LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL
CHAPTER 10: NOLI ME TANGERE, CONTINUING RELEVANCE

ASPECT OF RIZAL’S OBSERVATIONS (Noli Me

SOCIETY Tangere) YOUR OBSERVATIONS (Present Context)
In the present context, government corruption and
Rizal depicted a government rife with inefficiency remain prevalent issues. There are still
corruption, oppression, and abuse of cases of abuse of power, lack of transparency, and
power. Officials were portrayed as self- scandals involving public officials. However, there
1. Government and serving and indifferent to the plight of are also efforts towards reform and accountability,
officials the common people. albeit with varying degrees of success.
Today, the influence of religion varies across
different societies. While some communities still
Rizal portrayed the Church as complicit maintain strong ties to religious institutions, others
in the oppression of the Filipino people, have become more secularized. Issues such as
exploiting religion for its own gain and clerical abuse and scandals continue to challenge
2. Church and suppressing dissent. The clergy were the credibility and moral authority of religious
religion depicted as hypocritical and abusive. institutions.
In contemporary society, access to education has
Rizal highlighted the lack of access to improved in many parts of the world, but
quality education for the masses, with disparities persist. Issues such as unequal funding,
the privileged few monopolizing inadequate resources, and disparities in quality still
knowledge and opportunities for affect educational outcomes. There is also a
advancement. Education was controlled growing emphasis on the importance of critical
by the colonial authorities and used as a thinking and digital literacy in the age of
3. Education tool for indoctrination. information.
In modern times, attitudes towards romantic
relationships have become more liberal and
In Noli Me Tangere, romantic diverse. Traditional notions of courtship and
relationships were often constrained by marriage are evolving, with greater emphasis on
societal norms and expectations, with individual choice, equality, and consent. However,
marriages arranged for political or societal pressures and expectations still influence
4. Romantic economic reasons. Courtship was formal relationship dynamics, and issues such as gender
relationships and governed by strict social codes. equality and LGBTQ+ rights remain contentious.
Today, leisure activities and hobbies have
diversified, fueled by technological advancements
Rizal depicted a society where leisure and globalization. People engage in a wide range
activities were limited, and social of activities, from gaming and social media to
gatherings were often centered around outdoor sports and cultural events. However,
religious or cultural events. Pastimes access to recreational opportunities still varies
5. were constrained by social class and based on socioeconomic factors, and digital
Pastimes/hobbies economic status. addiction has emerged as a concern.
 ASPECT OF RIZAL’S OBSERVATIONS (Noli Me
SOCIETY Tangere)
Rizal portrayed stark socioeconomic
inequalities, with the wealthy elite
exploiting the labor of the poor and
maintaining their status through
privilege and exploitation. Poverty was
6. The rich and the widespread, and social mobility was
poor limited.
Rizal depicted life in the city as bustling However, urbanization also brings challenges such
yet oppressive, with overcrowded
streets, unsanitary conditions, and social fragmentation. Issues of gentrification,
unrest. The urban poor struggled to
survive amidst poverty, crime, and
7. Life in the city exploitation.
SATURNIO, DANTE JR. L.
BSCRIM2 BLOCK 15
YOUR OBSERVATIONS (Present Context)
Contemporary society continues to grapple with
income inequality, with the gap between the rich
and the poor widening in many parts of the world.
Economic disparities manifest in access to
healthcare, education, housing, and employment
opportunities. Efforts to address inequality
through policies and social programs face
challenges such as political resistance and
economic interests.
Present-day cities are hubs of activity, innovation,
and diversity, offering opportunities for
employment, education, and cultural exchange.
as pollution, traffic congestion, and social
homelessness, and urban poverty persist,
highlighting the need for inclusive urban
development and social policies.
P409
THE LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL
CHAPTER 11: LOOKING AT THE FILIPINO PAST

1. From Morga's description of Filipino food preferences, the impression

one gets is that the Filipinos have a diverse diet, consisting mainly of
rice, fish, pork, venison, and wild buffalo or carabao meat. The particular
phrase that gives this impression is "together with boiled fish of which
there is an abundance, and pork or venison, likewise meat of wild
buffalo or carabao." This phrase indicates a variety of protein sources in
their diet.
2. Rizal's purpose in writing an annotation about the food preferences of
the English, Spaniards, and Chinese is to highlight cultural differences
and challenge ethnocentrism. He aims to show that each culture has its
own culinary preferences and finds certain foods repugnant that may be
enjoyed by others. By pointing out these cultural biases, Rizal seeks to
promote understanding and tolerance among different peoples.
3. In general, Rizal's motive in writing his annotations of Morga's work is to
debunk misconceptions and prejudices about the Philippines and its
people perpetuated by colonial powers. He aims to provide a more
accurate and balanced portrayal of Filipino culture, history, and society.
This fits the aims of other propagandists working for reforms during this
time by advocating for a more enlightened and progressive
understanding of Filipino identity and promoting national pride and
self-determination.