Rizal, The Social Portraitist

Sesquicentennial Conference “Rizal in the 21st Century: Local and Global Perspectives” University of the Philippines, Diliman June 22-24, 2011., 2011

The aim of this paper is to achieve a literary appreciation to the Noli and the Fili, in view of their literary context. Rizal’s two novels have been primarily studied through the looking glass of history, often neglecting them as literary works in their own right. This paper attempts to remedy this lacunae by two means: pointing to their narrative tradition and context; and the literary background of Rizal himself. It will provide the basis for a literary approach and evaluation of Rizal’s principal literary works. It focusses on the 17th century and the French Classicism, and will show how Rizal reads the Moralist writers of the French Classicism to find in them inspiration, materials, and influences for the style and structure of his novels. This appreciation will be guided by their intertextuality with the work of La Bruyère, Characters.

2024

Juan Ma. Guerrero's "The First Filipino" delves into the life, struggles, and enduring legacy of Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. This comprehensive critical paper, exceeding 2500 words, meticulously unravels Rizal's journey from an elite reformist to a fervent nationalist. Guerrero's narrative navigates through Rizal's formative years, education, and experiences abroad, offering a nuanced exploration of the complexities surrounding his identity, privilege, and commitment to justice. The paper examines Rizal's pivotal role in challenging Spanish colonialism through his literary masterpieces, "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo." Guerrero's work extends beyond a conventional biography, becoming a reflective mirror that prompts contemporary Filipinos to question inherited narratives and actively participate in shaping a society founded on principles of equality, justice, and authentic freedom.

Kritike: An Online Journal of Philosophy, 2020

This paper aims to show how Jose Rizal, in the Noli Me Tangere, portrayed the Filipina's struggle for an identity and role in nation building at the height of the resistance against the Spanish colonizers and the global clamor for enlightenment. Through character analysis, three iconic women characters in Noli Me Tangere-Maria Clara, Doña Victorina de Espadaña, and Sisa-I critically expose images of female subjugation and/or voluntary passivity, which must explain Rizal's persuasions as he described how a Filipina should see herself as stated in his "Letter to the Women of Malolos." In this historical and critical hermeneutic, we shall see Rizal's discourse as product of his dialogue with the Western Enlightenment thinkers but is still deeply embedded in the Filipino value-system.

2016

This project analyzes the literary works and role of Filipino nationalist Jose Rizal before, during, and after the Spanish American War of 1898. Rizal’s social activism and writing sparked a revolution against the Friarocracy in the Philippines. He has also influenced Filipino American writers who reference Rizal’s construction of the Filipino woman in Christianity and Filipinos’ fighting against oppression. Thus, the primary focus of this project is to look at Rizal’s works through an interstitial lens showing how Filipino Spanish identity was created then and how it has informed contemporary ideas about intersecting social identities. The project does this by analyzing how historical figures such as Spaniards Unamuno and W.E. Retana have constructed Rizal as the quintessential Filipino Spaniard of the Philippines. The project also analyzes Rizal’s writing such as his two novels: Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo . This analysis is supported through a synthesis of reading and w...

Jose Rizal, a pivotal figure in Philippine history, emerges as a symbol of enlightenment, resilience, and national identity. Born in 1861 during Spanish colonial rule, Rizal became a versatile nationalist and reformist, advocating for Philippine independence through his writings. "The First Filipino" by Leon Ma. Guerrero, a 1963 biography, offers a comprehensive exploration of Rizal's life, highlighting his influence on Philippine history and the ongoing struggle for freedom. This abstract delves into Rizal's childhood and education, revealing the significant impact of his family and the colonial environment on his intellectual growth. It explores his conflicts within the oppressive educational system in the Philippines and his decision to pursue foreign education in Spain, where he developed a profound understanding of colonialism's destructive nature. The abstract further examines Rizal's role in fostering nationalist expression through his novels, acting as powerful tools for social change and inspiring a generation of reformists and revolutionaries. Rizal's strategic opposition to Spanish colonialism, emphasizing nonviolent tactics and intellectual resistance, is explored, highlighting his role in founding the Liga Filipina and his subsequent exile to Dapitan. Jose Rizal's lasting legacy and significance in Philippine history are discussed, emphasizing his influence on succeeding generations and the global resonance of his views on justice and human rights. His life, works, and sacrifices continue to inspire the fight for justice, liberty, and patriotism, making him a revered national hero in the Philippines. The abstract concludes by acknowledging Rizal's enduring impact and his place in the rich tapestry of Philippine history.