WORKS OF RIZAL

Sa Aking Mga Kabata

◦ is a poem about the love of one's native language written in Tagalog.
◦ It is widely attributed to the Filipino national hero José Rizal, who supposedly wrote it in
1869 at the age of eight.
◦ There is no evidence, however, to support authorship by Rizal and several historians
now believe it to be a hoax.
◦ is a message primarily to tell the importance of one's love and appreciation to his
dialect or language, for it is the bridge and intermediary connecting people's country
to each other.
◦ The actual author of the poem is suspected to have been the poets Gabriel Beato
Francisco or Herminigildo Cruz.
To the Filipino Youth
◦ A La Juventud Filipina
◦ Rizal was only eighteen years old when he wrote the poem To the Filipino Youth.
◦ “the youth is the fair hope the country”. (famous line in the poem)
◦ The poem was presented in 1879 in Manila at a literary contest held in the Liceo
Artistico Literario de Manila (Manila Lyceum of Art and Literature), a society of literary
men and artists, where he won the first prize, composed of a feather-shaped silver pen
Hymn to Labor
◦ is a call to labor that focuses on four different groups of Filipino society: the men, wives,
maidens and children.
◦ Himno Al Trabajo( Dalit sa Paggawa)
◦ The said poem was requested by his friends from Lipa, Batangas in January 1888
because of the existing Becerra Law, and to rejoice the hardships of Lipenos.
To The Flower of Heilderberg
◦ Jose Rizal wrote “To the Flowers of Heidelberg” on April 24th 1886 while he was in
Germany and studying opthalmology.
◦ His verses had a single symbol which is the flowers of heidelberg.
◦ It symbolizes two realities.
◦ First, the flowers' beauty symbolizes rizal's love for his country,
◦ second, the flowers' reduced quality refers to rizal's useless presence in another country.
Through Education Motherland
Receives Light
◦ he indicates here how he values education.
◦ posits that a well-rounded education is the key to fixing problems in the Philippines and
affecting positive social and political change.
◦ “education is portrayed as a torch lighting the darkness or the morning sun casting out
the shadows over a land. This is to suggest that those who seek a well-rounded
education, who seek the light of education, are illuminated and empowered,
illuminating and empowering all those who seek her light. In a time where many felt
oppressed, Rival offered that the power or light of education is endless, that it cannot
be taken away.”
The Intimate Alliance Religion and
Good Education
◦ Rizal shared his thought about the importance of education to enlighten the nation
which was useful to gain societal freedom for every nation.
◦ was written when he was only 15-years-old and was studying at the Ateneo De
Municipal.
◦ Rizal explains here that Education without God is NOT a good education.
The Song of the Traveller
◦ El Canto del Viajero
◦ Rizal wrote a letter to Gov. Gen. Ramon Blanco December 17, 1895, offering his
services as a military doctor in Cuba.
◦ is a beautiful poem because it captures so well the loneliness of an immigrant.
◦ poem speaks of Rizal's homesickness despite his enjoyment of freedom in abroad.
Me Retiro
◦ Rizal wrote this poem while he was exiled in Dapitan.
◦ This poem tells a story about someone who leaves the chaos of the modern world to
be alone and reflect with the nature.
◦ Translated by Nick Joaquin in English.
Last Farewell
◦ Mi último adiós
◦ is a poem about his impending death as he wanted to honor his homeland, the pre-
Hispanic Philippines, for which he was giving his life.
◦ Mariano Ponce his friend and fellow reformist, titled it Mi Último Pensamiento ("My Last
Thought")
◦ Fr. Mariano Dacanay, who received a copy of the poem while a prisoner in Bilibid (jail).
(Mi Ultimo Adios)
◦ This was believed as Rizal's last will because he wrote it on the night before he was
executed.
To the Young Women of Malolos
◦ February 22, 1889, Dr. Jose Rizal wrote to a group of young women of Malolos.
◦ Jose Rizal was greatly impressed by the fighting spirit that the young women of Malolos
had shown. His letter is his own way of recognition for them as brave Filipinas
who are no longer blinded by the fraud religious beliefs brought by the friars.
◦ Young women of Malolos wanted to put night school.
◦ Rizal where addresses all kinds of women – mothers, wives, the unmarried, etc. and
expresses everything that he wishes them to keep in mind.
NOLI ME TANGERE
Behind the Smuggling of Noli Me
Tangere to the Philippines
◦ Perfecto Rufino Riego- a former cabin boy of the Don Juan shipping vessel.
◦ It was then Riego who took the task of smuggling copies of the Noli and Fili into the
Philippines from Hong Kong, where copies of the books were shipped on the boat “Don
Juan” from Germany where they were published. Riego also had a hand in the
distribution of the books in Manila's old towns using a caleza.
CHAPTER 1
Setting
Captain Tiago’s house
Characters
Captain Tiago, Friar Damaso, Lieutenant Guevarra, Dona Victorina.
Summary
On the last of October near All Soul’s Day, Captain Tiago arranged a grand dinner in his home.
Many guests came and most of them are uninvited because everyone wants to join since Captain
Tiago is rich and known as one of the most hospitable men in San Diego.
Before the evening meal, people talk among themselves and discuss different issues of interest. One
of the visitors is Friar Damaso who just came back in Philippines and
talks so harsh about Indios and had no regard for the rights and feelings of others whenever he
opened his mouth. Other visitors include Lieutenant Guevarra, Friar Sibyla, Dr. Tiburcio and
Dona Victorina.
CHAPTER 2
Setting
Captain Tiago’s house
Characters
Captain Tiago, Crisostomo Ibarra, Friar Damaso, Lt.Guevarra, Captain Tinong
Summary
Captain Tiago greeted all the visitors and introduces Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, whose clothes clearly
depicted that he is in grief.
Friar Damaso was surprised to know that Ibarra is the son of Don Rafael. Crisostomo, who has just
returned from Europe for his
seven years study, warmly greets Friar Damaso who became a good friend of his father; however the
friar denies the existence of this
close relationship. Lt. Guevarra approaches Ibarra greets him and wishes Crisostomo’s fate will be
better than his father’s. Captain Tinong
invited Crisostomo for a meal tomorrow but he rejected since he’ll be going to the town of San Diego.
Chapter 3
Setting
Captain Tiago’s house
Characters
Captain Tiago, Crisostomo Ibarra, Friar Damaso, Lt.Guevarra
◦ The meal is ready and the guests gather at the dining table. Friar Damaso and Friar
Sibyla both rush for the seat at the head of the table. Everyone is talking and praising
the delicious foods served. The rest of the seats are occupied, and only Crisostomo
Ibarra notices Captain Tiago is not seated in any of them. Ibarra offers the Captain his
seat, but he refused. Friar Damaso is jealous and mad when Ibarra is served the meaty
part of the chicken at dinner, while his was the skinny neck. While eating, Ibarra talked
with some of the guests and they learned that Ibarra went to different countries and
knows different languages. Soon after, Ibarra leaves the scene without waiting for the
arrival of his love interest, Maria Clara. Friar Damaso laughed when Ibarra left and said
Indios don’t have the right to study abroad since it will be useless.
Chapter 4
◦ On the streets
◦ Crisostomo Ibarra, Lt.Guevarra
◦ Crisostomo Ibarra walked to his destination and realized the town has never changed.
Lt. Guevarra followed and warned him to be careful so he’ll not be the same to his
father’s unlucky fate. Crisotomo then insisted Lt. Guevarra to tell his father’s story.
According to him, Crisostomo’s father was the richest man in their town. He was
respected but envied by some. Not longer Crisostomo left the country; Don Rafael
made enemies and was falsely accused of killing someone. He was sent to jail and
named as heretic and subversive. Lt. Guevarra tried his best to help Don Rafael. They
won the case but later on after his freedom, Don Rafael died inside his jail cell.
Lt.Guevarra stopped and told him that Captain Tiago will tell him more about his
father.
Chapter 5
◦ Fonda de Lala; Captain Tiago’s house
◦ Crisostomo Ibarra, Maria Clara, Friar Damaso, Friar Salvi
◦ Crisostomo Ibarra arrives in Fonda de Lala where he will stay and appreciates from a
distance the lively singing and noise around Captain Tiago's house, which could be
seen from the hotel window. He was confused and thinks about his poor father's death,
and how life must have been extremely terrible for him in prison. Meanwhile, at the
Captain's house, Maria Clara arrives. Friar Damaso shows great appreciation for the
lady. Everyone stares at her most especially Friar Salvi who was late and was not able
to join the supper.
Chapter 6:
◦ San Diego
◦ Captain Tiago, Pia Alba, Friar Damaso, Maria Clara, Aunt Isabel
◦ Captain Tiago is one of the richest man in the town, he have a lot of business and one
of the most influential man. He is most likely powerful to the government and a friend to
friars. He sees himself as a full Spanish and not a Filipino but he is short, has kayumanggi
skin and rounded eyes. He and his wife, Dona Pia Alba, have been childless for
years. After consulting Friar Damaso, the priest advised them to attend holy mass at
the town of Ubando. Shortly after, Pia was with child. But, she becomes sickly and
troubled for the entire duration of her pregnancy. She died after giving birth to a
daughter, Maria Clara. Friar Damaso became her godfather when she was christened
and was taken cared by Aunt Isabel, the cousin of Captain Tiago. Maria Clara and
Crisostomo Ibarra became childhood friends. Captain Tiago and Don Rafael were
good friends as well and they agreed that their children will get married.
Chapter 7:
◦ Azotea in Captain Tiago’s house
◦ Crisostomo Ibarra, Maria Clara, Captain Tiago, Aunt Isabel

◦ Early in the morning Aunt Isabel and Maria Clara attended the mass. After the mass, Maria Clara went
home and sewed while impatiently waiting for Crisostomo Ibarra. Finally he came and had time to have
a private talk with Maria Clara at the azotea of Captain Tiago's house. This is their first time to meet
personally in seven years. They exchange thoughts, reminisced their childhood and prove that neither of
them had forgotten their love to each other. Suddenly Maria Clara open the letter Ibarra gave her
before he left for Europe; she read it in front of him to see his reaction. In the letter stating why Don Rafael
sent Ibarra to Europe, Crisostomo suddenly stood and blushed. Maria stopped reading and asked Ibarra
why. Ibarra simply answered because of Maria Clara, he forgot his task and needs to go now because
tomorrow is All Soul’s Day. Captain Tiago told Ibarra to tell Anding to fix their house in San Diego since
Aunt Isabel and Maria Clara will have vacation there. Ibarra nodded and left. Maria Clara felt sad and
cried going to her room. His father followed her and told her to light two candles to San Roque and San
Rafael, two Saints whom they usually pray for safe trip.
Chapter 8
◦ From Captain Tiago's house, after a heartwarming conversation with Maria Clara,
Ibarra continues on his way to the town of San Diego. In all of the places he passes
through he notices no change in them since he left seven years ago. He noticed that
the Mariveles tree didn’t change in San Gabriel. In Escolta, he observed that it’s even
worse. Along his way, he saw Friar Damaso inside the carriage. He also saw Captain
Tinong with his two daughters in another carriage and greeted Ibarra.
◦ He passed by Arroceros where tobacco are manufactured. He remembers that he was
fainted once because of the unpleasant smell of tobacco. When he passed by the
botanical garden, he forgot about the happy memories and remembers the garden in
Europe that is very eye-catching and welcoming. He sighs and viewed the old Manila
surrounded by thick and mossy walls. Suddenly, he remembers the advice of a friar
before he leaves for Europe: (1) Knowledge is only reached by people who have the
heart (2) Knowledge must be nurtured so it will be passed by next and (3) Foreigners
come to our lands searching for gold, and you go must go to their lands to look for the
gold as well.
CHAPTER IX: Some Country Matters
◦ While Aunt Isabel waits for Maria Clara inside the carriage that were headed to the
nunnery to fetch the maiden's things , Friar Damaso came whispering something and
urgently entered the house .Aunt Isabel thought he was just memorizing his sermon for
the mass. Friar Damaso meets Captain Tiago and tells him that he needs to talk with
him privately for a very important matter. Meanwhile, in Intramuros, Friar Sibyla is deep
in conversation with an old Dominican priest inflicted with a serious illness. Friar Sibyla
tells him about the conflict between Friar Damaso and Ibarra, they exchange thoughts
about Ibarra.
◦ Friar Damaso blames Captain Tiago for not being honest with him and threatens him
that he should tell him everything because he is the godfather of Maria Clara. After he
left, Captain Tiago puts off the candles Maria Clara lighted for the two saints for Ibarra’s
trip to San Diego.
CHAPTER X: The Town
◦ Town of San Diego
◦ Old Spaniard, Don Rafael, Don Saturnino, Friar Damaso
◦ San Diego is a town at the margin of the lake and within the meadows and paddy-fields. Harvested
sugar, rice, coffee and fruits were then sold to the Chinese at a very cheap price. At the dome of the
church, you can almost see the whole town and one particular distinction is the forest within the fields,
which holds many different fictions. Just like any town, San Diego also has its own legend. Once, an old
Spaniard arrived at the wood and inquired about its owner. The old man then acquired the land in
exchange for clothes, jewelry, and cash. Suddenly, the old man disappeared. The people thought that
he was taken by the spirits but then, it was discovered by a shepherd of carabaos discovered a foul odor
and was actually the old man’s corpse decaying hanging in the Ballete tree.
◦ Sometime later, a young man claiming that he’s the son of the deceased Spaniard. He was Don
Saturnino. He devoted his time into cultivating the land. Not long, he married a young woman from
Manila. She gave birth to Don Rafael Ibarra, the father of Crisostomo. Unlike Don Saturnino, Don Rafael
was love by the country people. He was able to prosper his land, which brought in new settlers. The
village eventually became a town and Father Damaso became its priest after the previous priest died.
CHAPTER XI: The Sovereigns: Divide
and Rule
◦ San Diego
◦ Don Rafael Ibarra, Captain Tiago, The town captain, Friar Salvi, The sacristan mayor, the
alferez, Dona Consolacion
◦ This chapter describes the powerful people in the town of San Diego. Don Rafael is the
father of Crisostomo. He is known as the most powerful man since he is the richest, he is
highly respected but in the end, townspeople are against him. Captain Tiago is a rich
businessman, welcomed by musical band and offered with delightful foods if he visits the
town but at his back, people call him Sacristan Tiago. The town’s captain is like a puppet
and not considered as powerful since he bought his position for 5000 pesos and frequently
yelled by the Mayor. San Diego is similar to Rome and Italy for the competition for the
position in the town. They are Friar Salvi, a thin and youthful Franciscan and the Alferez who’s
always surrounded by civil guards. Dona Consolacion is the wife of Alferez, a Filipina who
likes to wear make-up and in his husband’s absence she controls the civil guards. Friar Salvi
and Alferez are the real powerful people in the town of San Diego, they are called Casique.
CHAPTER XII: All Saint’s Day
◦ At the cemetery
◦ Two grave diggers, Don Rafael, old man
◦ The cemetery of San Diego is at the west side of the town, in the midst of the paddy-fields. In
the center rises a large wooden cross with the inscription INRI. At the foot of the cross is a pile
of bones and skulls thrown by grave-diggers. The cemetery looks spooky and uninhabited.
On the further side of the grave, two grave diggers were digging up a recently buried
corpse. One was old and indifferent about what they were doing and the other was
dreadful. The other exposed that a fat curate had ordered the corpse to be dug up and
buried in the Chinese cemetery but was rejected.
◦ An old man then entered the cemetery and went straight to the pile of skulls and bones at
the foot of the cross. It was hard for him to find his wife’s skull so he asked for the grave
diggers help in return for a coin but the grave digger was uninterested and gave him a
different skull. Due to the heavy rain and the corpse was heavy; they just decided to throw
the body in the lake.
CHAPTER XIII: A Gathering Storm
◦ At the cemetery
◦ Crisostomo Ibarra, old gravedigger, Friar Salvi
◦ Crisostomo Ibarra went to the cemetery to visit his father’s grave. The old gravedigger
admitted that his father’s remains is no longer there and the curate was the one who
ordered them to dig up the corpse of Don Rafael and then thrown into the lake. Ibarra
left and was furious about what he knew. In his way, he met Friar Salvi who is now the
curate and attacked him with harsh words and forcing him to kneel before him for
belittling his father’s grave. Friar Salvi talks back and said it wasn’t him then confessed
that it was Friar Damaso who’s the curate during that time and is responsible for that ill
act.
CHAPTER XIV: Philosopher Tacio
◦ San Diego: cemetery, church, town
◦ Philosopher Anastacio, Basilio, Crispin, Don Felipo, Doray
◦ Philosopher Tacio was called Don Anastacio before. He always wanders around and looks
like no sense of direction. He visited the cemetery to find the destroyed grave of his wife. He
is known as lunatic by the poor. He is a son of rich but because of his high intelligence, his
mother stopped him from going to school because she was worried he might get too much
knowledge and might forget that there is God. His mother also wants him to become a
priest but he didn’t followed and later on married but after a year his wife died. There, he
focused himself to books and never mind the riches he inherited.
◦ Tacio went to the church and saw Basilio and Crispin. He informed the two sacristans that
their mother is preparing them a festive dinner. He went out the church and headed to the
house of the couple Don Felipo and Doray. In their conversation Doray mentioned about
purgatory since it’s already All Soul’s Day. Tacio defends that he don’t believe in purgatory
but it’s good because it’s holy and there’s a lot good results to the people since it’s like a
connection of the living and dead.
◦ He then left because the rain is getting heavier with lightning and thunders. But despite the
weather, Tacio raised his two hands and shouts while walking in the rain leaving the couple
behind.
CHAPTER XV: The Altar Boys
◦ Church
◦ Crispin, Basilio, Sacristan Mayor
◦ In spite of the storm, the two altar brothers Basilio and Crispin had to go up the bell
tower of the church to ring the bells at eight in the evening. They only get two pesos
salary for a month for working in the church. Both boys talked about the parish priest's
lost silver. All they want is to go home to take their supper. Crispin, the younger one,
was blamed for having allegedly stolen the money since their father is a drunkard and
gambler. The mayor won’t let them go if they didn’t return the stolen money, he was so
angry then even penalized Basilio for 3 pesos for not ringing the bell pleasantly. Crispin
was tortured by the priest and the sacristan mayor. Basilio luckily escaped.
ch