21st Century Literature

From the Philippines

and the World
MODULE 2
Padre Faura Witnesses
the Execution of Rizal
by Danton Remoto
I stand on the roof And on this day
Of the Ateneo Municipal, With the year beginning to turn
Shivering Salt stings my eyes.
On this December morning. I see pepe,
Months ago, A blur
Pepe came to me
Between the soldiers
In the observatory.
I thought we could talk With their Mausers raised
And the early morning’s
About the stars
That do not collide A blur
In the sky. Between the soldiers
Instead, he asked me about With their Mausers raised
purgatory. And the early morning’s

(His cheeks still ruddy Star:

From the sudden sun Still shimmering
After the bitter winters Even if millions of miles away,
In Europe.) The star itself
Is already dead.
 Guide Questions:
1. Who is Pepe?Explain.
2. Why does Pepe ask the persona about
the purgatory?
3. The poem talks about the nature of
stars. Can you explain what he means, in
terms of science?
4. This discussion of a star is also a
metaphor. What is it a metaphor for?
Explain.
5. Why was Rizal executed? How is
this similar to the idea of a star?
Relate this to Philippine history.
6. What do you think the persona
felt for Rizal? Give textual
evidence.
7. Do you feel the same way? Why
or why not?
8. What would you say was Rizal’s
greatest contribution to
Philippine society?
9. If you were in Rizal’s place,
would you have supported the
Katipunan? Why or why not?
10.Who do you consider as our
national hero? Jose Rizal or
Andres Bonifacio?