Republic of the Philippines

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

Course Title: The Life and Works of Rizal

Number of Units: 3 Units

Course Description: As mandated by Republic Act 1425, this course covers the life and works of the
national hero, Jose Rizal. Among the topics covered are Rizal’s biography and
his writings, particularly the novels Noli Metangere and El Filibusterismo, some
of his essays, and various correspondence.

Course Outcome:

At the end of the course, the students should be able to:

1. Discuss Jose Rizal’s life the context of 19th century Philippines

2. Analyze Rizal’s various works, particularly the novel Noli Metangere and El
Filibusterismo
3. Organize Rizal’s ideas into various themes
4. Demonstrate a critical reading of primary sources
5. Interpret the values that can be derived from studying Rizal’s life and works
6. Display an appreciation for education and love for the country

Course Outline:

Module 1. The Republic Act 1425

Module 2. The Philippines in the 19th Century as Rizal’s Context
Module 3. Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood, and Early Education
Module 4. Higher Education of Rizal and Life Abroad
Module 5. Rizal’s Life: Exile, Trial, and Death
Module 6. Annotation of Antonio Morga’s Sucesos de Las Islas Filipinas
Module 7. Noli Me Tangere
Module 8. El Filibustetismo
Module 9. The Philippines: A Century Hence (Letter to the Women of Malolos/ The
Indolence of the Filipinos)
Module 10. Jose Rizal and the Philippine Nationalism (Bayani and Kabayanihan)
Module 11. Jose Rizal and the Philippine Nationalism-National Symbol

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

Module 7: Noli Me Tangere

Learning Outcome:
1. Appraise important characters in the novel and what they represent
2. Examine the Philippine present situation through the examples mentioned in the Noli

Content Discussion:

Notable Purposes
1. To picture the past and the realities in the Philippines
2. To reply to insults heaped on the Filipinos and their country
3. To unmask the hypocrisy that have impoverished and brutalized the Filipino people
4. To stir the patriotism of the Filipino people

Noli Me Tangere Introduction

When Dr. Jose Rizal was 26, he published his first novel “Noli Me Tangere” in Belgium in the year
1887. It was the Book that gave a spark in the Philippine Revolutions. It talked about the Spaniard’s
arrogance and despicable use of religion to achieve their own desires and rise to power. It mostly
talked about the life of Crisostomo Ibarra, a member of the Insulares (Creoles) social class, and a
series of unfortunate events that he encountered through the works of a Franciscan friar, namely Padre
Damaso Verdolagas, and by the Spanish conquistadors.

Noli Me Tangere, a Latin phrase used by Jose Rizal as a title for his first novel, was actually the words
used by Jesus Christ to Mary Magdalene when she saw him resurrected from the dead. It roughly
translated as “Touch Me Not” in English. These words were said because Jesus, although risen in body

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

and in spirit, was not the same for as he was before. Being glorified, waiting for the right time to
ascend to Heaven and such, he did not allow himself yet to be known until the Great Commission.

The Cover Symbols

Silhouette of A Filipina- It was popular belief that the silhouette of the woman in the cover of Noli
Me Tangere is the unfortunate Maria Clara, Crisostomo Ibarra’s lover. "'Padre Cura! Padre Cura!'
[Padre Salvi] the Spaniards cried to him; but he did not mind them. He ran in the direction of the
Capitan Tiago's house. There he breathed a sigh of relief. He saw through the transparent gallery an
adorable silhouette full of grace and the lovely contours of Maria Clara and that of her aunt bearing
glasses and cups." (366)
Helmet of The Guardia Civil/Constabulary Helmet- An obvious take on the arrogance of those in
authority. • A MAN IN A CASSOCK WITH HAIRY FEET- This symbolism at the lower part of the
cover is to be a representation for priests using religion in a dirty way, specifically Padre Damaso.
Flogs- another symbolism for cruelties. It is a representation of Jesus Christ’s scourging before his
imminent crucifixion.
Whip/Cord- The cruelties present in the novel best explains the symbol Rizal used in the cover.
Bamboo Stalks – One thing comes to mind when bamboo stalks are talked about: Resilience. • A
Length of Chain- Rizal’s representation of slavery and imprisonment.
Cross- The one that killed the Christ Jesus. It was a representation of suffering and death. It also
represents a grave. Magnifies the discrimination towards Filipinos, Chinese Mestizos and Spaniards
during this time towards a proper burial.
Burning Torch- A reference to the Olympic torch, it tells everyone the beginning of the defense of
honors and the start of proving themselves worthy of victory. Rage and passion are most abundant in
this phase. Represents a phrase that could possibly mean everything to every single suffering Filipinos:
“The rise of the revolution is now at hand.”
Pomelo Blossoms and Laurel Leaves- They roughly represent faith, honor and fidelity. P0melo
blossoms are utilized as loose potpourri or a mixture of dried flower petals and spices used to scent the
air. It is commonly used in prayers and cleansing. The laurel leaves, also known as bay leaves, are
used as crowns during the Ancient Greek Olympics wherein the best of the best are treated as heroes.
Filipinos in this time wants to embody these three virtues that Rizal represented as two plants.
Sunflowers- A unique behavior in sunflowers, known as phototropism, is a motif that has appeared in
many ancient myths and is viewed as a symbol of loyalty and constancy. The sunflower's petals have
been likened to bright yellow rays of sunshine, which evoke feelings of warmth and happiness. In
addition, the sunflower is often associated with adoration and longevity. Rizal’s observation towards
the happiness of the Filipinos are, in the Spanish times, are only fulfilled through their giving in and
bowing down to the more powerful entity: Spain.

Storm over the Noli Me Tangere

• As Rizal was peacefully living in Calamba, his enemies plotted his doom.
• Governor General Emilio Terrero
– wrote to Rizal requesting to come to Malacañang Palace.
– Somebody had whispered to his ear that the Noli contains subversive ideas.
– Rizal explained to him that he merely exposed the truth, but did not advocate subversive ideas.

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

– He was pleased by Rizal’s explanation and curious about the book, he asked for a copy of the
novel.
– Rizal had no copy that time but promised to send one for him.

Characters of Noli Metangere

The Noli Me Tangere was a true story of the Philippine conditions during the last decades of Spanish
rule
 Maria Clara-was Leonor Rivera, although in real life she became unfaithful and married an
Englishman
 Ibarra and Elias- represented Rizal himself
 Tasio-the philosopher was Rizal’s elder brother Paciano
 Padre Salvi-was identified by Rizalists as Padre Antonio Piernavieja, the hated Augustinian
friar in Cavite who was killed by the patriots during the Revolution
 Capitan Tiago-was Captain Hilario Sunico of San Nicolas
 Doña Victorina- was Doña Agustina Medel
 Basilio and Crispin- were the Crisostomo brothers of Hagonoy
 Padre Damaso- typical of a domineering friar during the days of Rizal, who was arrogant,
immoral and anti-Filipino

Attackers of the Noli

• Archbishop Pedro Payo – a Dominican Archbishop of Manila
- Hesent a copy of the Noli to Fr. Gregorio Echevarria, Rector of the University of Santo Tomas
to examine the novel.

Jose Taviel de Andrade

• A young Spanish lieutenant who came from a noble family
• He was cultured and knew painting
• He could speak French, English and Spanish.
• They became good friends.

UST and Rizal

• The committee that examined the Noli Me Tangere were composed of Dominican professors.
• The report of the faculty members from UST about the Noli states that the novel was:
– Heretical, impious and scandalous in the religious orders, and anti-patriotic, subversive of
public order, injurious to the government of Spain and its function in the Philippine Islands in the
political order.
• Governor-General Terrero – was not satisfied with the report so he sent the novel to the Permanent
Commission of Censorship which was composed of priests and lawyers.
• Fr. Salvador Font – Augustinian friar curate of Tondo was the head of the commission.

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

– The group found that the novel contains subversive ideas against the Church and Spain and
recommended that the importation, reproduction and circulation of the pernicious book in the islands
be absolutely prohibited.
• The newspaper published Font’s written report
• The banning of the Noli Me Tangere served to make it popular
• The masses supported the book.

• Fr. Jose Rodriguez – Augustinian Prior of Guadalupe

– Published a series of eight pamphlets under the heading Questions of Supreme Interest to blast
the Noli and other anti-Spanish writing.
– Copies of anti-Rizal pamphlets were sold after mass
– Many Filipinos were forced to buy them in order not to displease the friars.

Noli Me Tangere in Spain

 The novel was fiercely attacked in the session hall of the Senate of the Spanish Cortes.
 Senators:
- General Jose de Salamanca
- General Luis de Pando
- Sr. Fernando Vida
 Vicente Barantes – Spanish academician of Madrid who formerly occupied high government
position in the Philippines bitterly criticized the novel in an article published in the Madrid
newspaper, La España Moderna.

Defenders of the Noli Me Tangere

 Propagandists such as Marcelo H. del Pilar, Graciano Lopez-Jaena, Antonio Ma. Regidor,
Mariano Ponce rushed to uphold the truths of the Noli.
 Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez – Rizal’s favorite teacher in Ateneo defended and praised
the novel in public.
 Don Segismundo Moret – former Minister of the Crown.
 Prof. Miguel Morayta- historian and stateman
 Prof. Ferdinand Blumentritt – Rizal’s best friend
 Rev. Fr. Vicente Garcia – a Filipino Catholic priest-scholar, a theologian of the Manila
Cathedral and a Tagalog translator of the famous Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis.
– Under the pen name Justo Desiderio Magalang he wrote a defense of the novel published in
Singapore.
 Rizal cried because of his gratitude to his defenders especially to Fr. Garcia who defended
him unexpectedly.
 He attacked Barantes by exposing his ignorance of Philippine affairs and mental dishonesty
which is unworthy of an academician.
 Because of the interest of both enemies and protectors of the Noli the price of the book
increased from five pesetas per copy to 50 pesetas per copy.

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

Assessment 7:

1. Name important characters in the novel and what do you think they represent. Expound
your answer.
2. Give instances/ occurrences in the Philippine present situation through the examples that
was mentioned in the Noli Metangere and how they are related.

Module 8: El Filibusterismo

Learning Outcome:
1. Compare and contrast the characters, plot, and the theme of Noli Metangere and El
Filibusterismo
2. Value the role of the youth in the development and future of the society

Content Discussion:

EL FILIBUSTERISMO COVER Tagalog Translation:

Madaling ipagpalagay na ang isang rebelde

(pilibustero) ay lihim na umaakit sa liga ng
mga panatiko ng mga prayle at mga paurong
nang sa gayon, wala man sa loob na
sumunod sa mga panunulsol, ay dapat nilang
panigan at paigtingin ang patakarang
sumusunod lamang sa iisang layunun; ang
maipalaganap ang mga kaisipan ng rebelyon
sa kabuuang haba at lawak ng lupain, at
mahikayat ang bawat Pilipino sa
paniniwalang walang katubusan liban sa
seperasyon mula sa inang bayan. Ferdinand
Blumentritt

-Rizal was busy revising and polishing the manuscript of El Filibusterismo so that it could be ready for
the press
-Rizal had begun writing it in October, 1887, while practicing medicine in Calamba, the following
year (1888), in London; he made some changes in the plot and corrected some chapters already
written. He wrote more chapters in Paris and Madrid, and finished the manuscript in Biarritz on March
29, 1891. It took him, therefore, three years to write his second novel.

 July 5, 1891- Rizal left Brussels for Ghent, a famous university city in Belgium

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

 Rizal reasons for moving to Ghent were (1) the cost of printing in Ghent was cheaper
than in Brussels (2) to escape from the enticing attraction of Petite Suzanne 23
 Rizal met two compatriots while in Ghent, Jose Alejandro (from Pampanga) and
Edilberto Evangelista (from Manila), both studying engineering in the world-famed
University of Ghent
 F. Meyer-Van Loo Press (No. 66 Viaanderen Street)-a printing shop that give Rizal
the lowest quotation for the publication of his novel, who was willing to print his book
on installment basis
 August 6, 1891-the printing of his book had to be suspended because Rizal could no
longer give the necessary funds to the printer
 Valentin Ventura- the savior of the Fili
-When Ventura learned of Rizal’s predicament and immediately sent him the necessary funds

 September 18, 1891- El Filibusterismo came off the press

-Rizal immediately sent on this date two printed copies to Hong Kong—one for Basa and other for
Sixto Lopez
 Rizal gratefully donated the original manuscript and an autographed printed copy to
Valentin Ventura
 La Publicidad- a Barcelona newspaper, wherein it published a tribute eulogizing the
novel’s original style which “is comparable only to the sublime Alexander Dumas” and
may well be offered as “a model and a precious jewel in the now decadent literature of
Spain”
 El Nuevo Regimen- the liberal Madrid newspaper that serialized the novel in its issues
of October, 1891
 Rizal dedicated El Filibusterismo to Gom-Bur-Za (Don Mariano Gomez, 73 years old;
Don Jose Burgos, 35 years old; Jacinto Zamora, 37 years old)
 The original manuscript of El Filibusterismo in Rizal’s own handwriting in now
preserved in the Filipiana Division of the Bureau of Public Libraries, Manila. It consists
of 270 pages of long sheets of paper
 Two features in the manuscript do not appear in the printed book, namely: the
FOREWORD and the WARNING. These were not put into print to save printing cost
 The title page of El Filibusterismo contains an inscription written by Ferdinand
Blumentritt
 El Filibusterismo is a sequel to the Noli. It has little humor, less idealism and less
romance than the Noli Me Tangere. It is more revolutionary, more tragic than the first
novel
 The characters in El Filibusterismo were drawn by Rizal from real life. Padre
Florentino was Father Leoncio Lopez, Rizal’s friend and priest of Calamba; Isagani,
the poet was Vicente Ilustre, Batangueño friend of Rizal in Madrid and Paulita Gomez,
the girl who loved Isagani but married Juanito Pelaez, was Leonor Rivera

COMPARISON BETWEEN NOLI and FILI

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

The original intention of Rizal was to make the Fili longer than the Noli
 The friends of Rizal and our Rizalistas today differ in opinion as to which is the
superior novel—the Noli or the Fili. Rizal himself considered the Noli as superior to the
Fili as a novel, thereby agreeing with M.H. del Pilar who had the same opinion
 September 22, 1891-four days after the Fili came off the press, Rizal wrote to
Blumentritt: “I am thinking of writing a third novel, a novel in the modern sense of the
word, but this time politics will not find much space in it, but ethics will play the
principal role.”
 October 18, 1891- Rizal boarded the steamer Melbourne in Marseilles bound for Hong
Kong
-during the voyage, Rizal began writing the third novel in Tagalog, which he intended for Tagalog
readers
 The unfinished novel has no title. It consists of 44 pages (33cm x 21 cm) in Rizal’s
handwriting, still in manuscript form, it is preserved in the National Library, Manila
-The story of this unfinished novel begins with the solemn burial of Prince Tagulima. The hero of the
novel was Kamandagan, a descendant of Lakan-Dula, last king of Tondo
-It is said that Rizal was fortunate not to have finsihed this novel, because it would have caused greater
scandal and more Spanish vengeance on him

 Makamisa- other unfinished novel of Rizal in Tagalog written in a light sarcastic style
and is incomplete for only two chapters are finished. The manuscript consists of 20
pages, 34.2cm x 22cm
 Dapitan-another novel which Rizal started to write but it is unfinished, written in ironic
Spanish. He wrote it during his exile in Dapitan to depict the town life and customs.
The manuscript consists of 8 pages, 23cm x 16cm

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

 A novel in Spanish about the life in Pili, a town in Laguna, is also unfinished. The
manuscript consists of 147 pages, 8” x 6.5”, without title
 Another unfinished novel of Rizal, also without title is about Cristobal, a youthful
Filipino student who has returned from Europe. The manuscript consist of 34 pages, 8
1⁄2” x 6 1⁄4”
 The beginnings of another novel are contained in two notebooks—the first notebook
contains 31 written pages, 35.5 cm x 22 cm and second 12 written pages, 22cm x 17cm.
this unfinished novel is written in Spanish and style is ironic

Assessment 8:

1. Name some characters in Noli Metangere and El Filibusterismo, compare and contrast the
novels in terms of characters, plot, and the theme.
2. What can you say about the roles of the youth in the development and future of the society
as compared to Dr. Jose Rizal.

Module 9: The Philippines: A Century Hence (Letter to the Women of Malolos/ The Indolence of
the Filipinos)

Learning Outcome:
1. Assess Rizal’s writings
2. Upraise the value of understanding the past
3. Frame arguments based on evidence

Content Discussion:

Jose Rizal’s legacy to Filipino women is embodied in his famous essay entitled, “To the Young
Women of Malolos,” where he addresses all kinds of women – mothers, wives, the unmarried, etc. and
expresses everything that he wishes them to keep in mind. 
Background
“To the Young Women of Malolos” is an essay written by Jose Rizal while he was in London upon the
request of Marcelo H. Del Pilar December 12, 1888, a group of 20 young women of Malolos
petitioned Governor-General Weyler for permission to open a night school so that they might study
Spanish under Teodoro Sandiko
The Women of Malolos
1. Elisea T. Reyes (1873-1969)
2. Anastacia M. Tiongson (1874-1940)

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

3. Juana T. Reyes (1874-1900)

4. Basilia R. Tiongson (ca. 1860-ca. 1900)
5. Leoncia S. Reyes (1864-1948)
6. Paz R. Tiongson (ca. 1862-1889)
7. Olympia S.A. Reyes (1876-1910)
8. Aleja R. Tiongson (ca.1865-ca.1900)
9. Rufina T. Reyes (1869-1909)
10. Mercedes R. Tiongson (1869-1928)
11. Eugenia M. Tanchangco (1871-1969)
12. Agapita R. Tiongson (1870-1937)
13. Aurea M. Tanchangco (1872-1958)
14. Filomena O. Tiongson (ca. 1865-1930)
15. Basilia V. Tantoco (1865-1925)
16. Cecilia O. Tiongson (ca. 1867-1934)
17. Teresa T. Tantoco (1867-1942)
18. Feliciana O. Tiongson (1869-1938)
19. Maria T. Tantoco (1869-1912)
20. Alberta S. Uitangcoy (1865-1953)

 Fr. Felipe Garcia objected their plan so, the governor general turned down the petition.
 However, the women still continued their petition of the school and they succeeded in
obtaining government approval in a condition that Señorita Guadalupe Reyes should be their
teacher.
 Del Pilar (who was in Barcelona) wrote to Rizal (who was in London) on February 17, 1889,
requesting to send a letter in Tagalog to the brave women of Malolos.
 Rizal sent the letter to Del Pilar on February 22, 1889 for transmittal to Malolos

Excerpts from the letter to the Women of Malolos

I do not expect to be believed simply because it is I who am saying this; there are
many people who do not listen to reason, but will listen only to those who wear the
cassock or have gray hair or no teeth; but while it is true that the aged should be
venerated, because of their travails and experience, yet the life I have lived,
consecrated to the happiness of the people, adds some years, though not many of my
age.  I do not pretend to be looked upon as an idol or fetish and to be believed and
listened to with the eyes closed, the head bowed, and the arms crossed over the
breast; what I ask of all is to reflect on what I tell him, think it over and shift it
carefully through the sieve of reasons.

First of all.  That the tyranny of some is possible only through cowardice and
negligence on the part of others.

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

Second.  What makes one contemptible is lack of dignity and abject fear of him who
holds one in contempt.

Third.  Ignorance is servitude, because as a man thinks, so he is; a man who does not
think for himself and allowed himself to be guided by the thought of another is like
the beast led by a halter.

Fourth.  He who loves his independence must first aid his fellowman, because he who
refuses protection to others will find himself without it; the isolated rib in the buri is
easily broken, but not so the broom made of the ribs of the palm bound together.

Fifth.  If the Filipina will not change her mode of being, let her rear no more
children, let her merely give birth to them.  She must cease to be the mistress of the
home, otherwise she will unconsciously betray husband, child, native land, and all.

Sixth.  All men are born equal, naked, without bonds.  God did not create man to be
a slave; nor did he endow him with intelligence to have him hoodwinked, or adorn
him with reason to have him deceived by others.  It is not fatuous to refuse to worship
one's equal, to cultivate one's intellect, and to make use of reason in all things. 
Fatuous is he who makes a god of him, who makes brutes of others, and who strives
to submit to his whims all that is reasonable and just.

Seventh.  Consider well what kind of religion they are teaching you.  See whether it
is the will of God or according to the teachings of Christ that the poor be succored
and those who suffer alleviated.  Consider what they preaching to you, the object of
the sermon, what is behind the masses, novenas, rosaries, scapularies, images,
miracles, candles, belts, etc. etc; which they daily keep before your minds; ears and
eyes; jostling, shouting, and coaxing; investigate whence they came and whiter they
go and then compare that religion with the pure religion of Christ and see whether
the pretended observance of the life of Christ does not remind you of the fat milch
cow or the fattened pig, which is encouraged to grow fat nor through love of the
animal, but for grossly mercenary motives.

Let us, therefore, reflect; let us consider our situation and see how we stand.  May
these poorly written lines aid you in your good purpose and help you to pursue the
plan you have initiated.  "May your profit be greater than the capital invested;" and I
shall gladly accept the usual reward of all who dare tell your people the truth.  May
your desire to educate yourself be crowned with success; may you in the garden of
learning gather not bitter, but choice fruit, looking well before you eat because on the
surface of the globe all is deceit, and the enemy sows weeds in your seedling plot.

All this is the ardent desire of your compatriot.

JOSÉ RIZAL

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

SUMMARY
“To the Women of Malolos” was originally written in Tagalog.  Rizal penned this writing when he
was in London, in response to the request of Marcelo H. del Pilar.  The salient points contained in this
letter are as follows:

1. The rejection of the spiritual authority of the friars – not all of the priests in the country that
time embodied the true spirit of Christ and His Church.  Most of them were corrupted by
worldly desires and used worldly methods to effect change and force discipline among the
people.
2. The defense of private judgment
3. Qualities Filipino mothers need to possess – as evidenced by this portion of his letter, Rizal is
greatly concerned of the welfare of the Filipino children and the homes they grow up in.
4. Duties and responsibilities of Filipino mothers to their children
5. Duties and responsibilities of a wife to her husband – Filipino women are known to be
submissive, tender, and loving.  Rizal states in this portion of his letter how Filipino women
ought to be as wives, in order to preserve the identity of the race.
6. Counsel to young women on their choice of a lifetime partner

Rizal’s Message to Filipino Women

Jose Rizal was greatly impressed by the fighting spirit that the young women of Malolos had shown. 
In his letter, he expresses great joy and satisfaction over the battle they had fought.  In this portion of
Rizal’s letter, it is obvious that his ultimate desire was for women to be offered the same opportunities
as those received by men in terms of education.  During those days young girls were not sent to school
because of the universal notion that they would soon only be taken as wives and stay at home with the
children.  Rizal, however, emphasizes on freedom of thought and the right to education, which must be
granted to both boys and girls alike.

The Responsibilities of Filipino Mothers to Their Children

Rizal stipulates a number of important points in this portion of his letter to the young women of
Malolos.  The central idea here, however, is that whatever a mother shows to her children is what the
children will become also.  If the mother is always kissing the hand of the friars in submission, then
her children will grow up to be sycophants and mindless fools who do nothing but do as they are told,
even if the very nature of the task would violate their rights as individuals.

Qualities Mothers have to Possess

Rizal enumerates the qualities Filipino mothers have to possess:

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

1. Be a noble wife.
2. Rear her children in the service of the state – here Rizal gives reference to the women of Sparta
who embody this quality
3. Set standards of behavior for men around her.

Rizal’s Advice to Unmarried Men and Women

Jose Rizal points out to unmarried women that they should not be easily taken by appearances and
looks, because these can be very deceiving.  Instead, they should take heed of men’s firmness of
character and lofty ideas.  Rizal further adds that there are three things that a young woman must look
for a man she intends to be her husband:

1. A noble and honored name

2. A manly heart
3. A high spirit incapable of being satisfied with engendering slaves.

ANALYSIS
“To the Women of Malolos” centers around five salient points (Zaide &Zaide, 1999):

1. Filipino mothers should teach their children love of God, country and fellowmen.
2. Filipino mothers should be glad and honored, like Spartan mothers, to offer their sons in
defense of their country.
3. Filipino women should know how to protect their dignity and honor.
4. Filipino women should educate themselves aside from retaining their good racial values.
5. Faith is not merely reciting prayers and wearing religious pictures. It is living the real Christian
way with good morals and manners.

In recent times, it seems that these qualities are gradually lost in the way Filipino women conduct
themselves.  There are oftentimes moments where mothers forget their roles in rearing their children
because of the overriding idea of having to earn for the family to supplement their husband’s income. 
Although there is nothing negative about working hard for the welfare of the family, there must always
be balance in the way people go through life.  Failure in the home cannot be compensated for by any
amount of wealth or fame.

Assessment 9:
1. Choose one idea of Rizal in his writings to the women of Malolos and show some evidence
that strikes you most. Explain your answer.
2. How do you think by understanding the past will help you upraise your values in present
situation?

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

References:

1. http://joserizal.nhcp.gov.ph/Writings/Other/malolos_english.htm
2. Summary and Analysis: http://thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com/2011/08/to-young-women-
of-malolos-summary-and.html
3. http://www.slideshare.net/ferdzxtoots/a-letter-to-the-women-on-malolos
4. http://kwentongebabuhayrizal.blogspot.com/2013/07/to-young-women-of-malolos-full-
copy.html
5. https://filipiknow.net/life-in-pre-colonial-philippines
6. / 2. https://www.coursehero.com/file/p3ol5 23/o-RIZALS-ANNOTATION-OF-MOR GAS-
SUCESOS-DE-LAS-ISLAS-FILI PINAS-Three-purposes-for/
7. 3. https://www.slideshare.net/abbieelaine kuhonta/sucesos-39902918 4.
https://prezi.com/qawe8nczviaq/rizals- annotation-of-sucesos-de-las-islas-filip inas/ Team 1
RIZAL103
8. https://www.slideshare.net/anandawisely/dr-antonio-de-morgas-sucesos-de-las-islas-filipinas
9. https://docs.google.com/viewer?
a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxzcHVwb2NwfGd4OjcwMWNkOTZjMjI0
NTAzY2M
10. https://www.slideshare.net/mylenealmario/rizals-life-works-and-writing
11. https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/The-Life-and-Works-of-Jose-Rizal.pdf
12. http://www.gutenberg.org/files/48438/48438-h/48438-h.htm

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD