Rizal and El Filibusterismo Overview

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Questions and Answers

What prompted Rizal to leave Paris for Brussels?

High cost of living and social distractions (correct)

Desire to connect with other writers

Expectations from his family

Political unrest in Paris

What was one of the major concerns that Rizal had while in Brussels related to his family?

His father's illness

Loss of family wealth

Rizal's declining health

The agricultural crisis in Calamba (correct)

How did Rizal respond to the deteriorating situation of his family?

He ignored warnings and wanted to return to the Philippines. (correct)

He sought assistance from Belgian authorities.

He focused solely on completing El Filibusterismo.

He decided to cut all ties with his family.

What activities did Rizal engage in for physical recreation while in Brussels?

Gymnastics, fencing, and shooting Signup and view all the answers

What event caused Rizal significant personal distress while in Madrid?

Eviction of his parents from their home Signup and view all the answers

What was the subject of the letter Rizal received from Leonor Rivera in December 1890?

Her coming marriage to Henry Kipping Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the steam ship mentioned in the beginning of El Filibusterismo?

Tabu Signup and view all the answers

Which notable figure's legal advice did Rizal seek while in Spain?

Marcelo H. Del Pilar Signup and view all the answers

What method did Simoun use to carry out his plan at the wedding of Paulita Gomez and Juanito Pelaez?

He gave a lamp as a gift that was rigged to explode. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key theme expressed in El Filibusterismo?

Philippine nationalism and the desire for freedom. Signup and view all the answers

Who was responsible for the publication of El Filibusterismo?

Valentin Ventura, Rizal's friend. Signup and view all the answers

Which characters play a significant role in Simoun's plot for revenge?

Basilio and Juanito Pelaez. Signup and view all the answers

In which year did Rizal finish writing El Filibusterismo?

1891 Signup and view all the answers

What did Simoun confess before his death?

His identity and his revenge plan. Signup and view all the answers

How does El Filibusterismo depict social stratification in the Philippines?

Through the arrangement of passengers in a boat. Signup and view all the answers

What inspired Rizal to write El Filibusterismo?

The martyrdom of three executed priests. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rizal and El Filibusterismo

The 2000 National Book Award for "Pinakamahusay na Pagsasalin" was given to a translation of El Filibusterismo, by Jose Rizal.
Objectives for studying El Filibusterismo include recalling Rizal's experiences, familiarizing oneself with characters, settings, and plot; describing the context of writing; appraising the novel's contribution to national consciousness; and comparing/contrasting it with Noli Me Tangere.

Belgium

In January 1890, Rizal left Paris for Brussels, Belgium, due to high living costs and many social gatherings.
Rizal wrote El Filibusterismo in a Brussels boarding house located at 38 Rue Philippe Champagne.
The boarding house was owned by two Jacoby sisters, Suzanne and Marie.
While in Belgium, Rizal contributed articles to La Solidaridad, in addition to writing his novel.
Leisure activity during this time included gymnastics, fencing, and shooting.

Rizal's Experiences and Worries

Letters from home conveyed worry about legal issues with his father, worsening agrarian problems in Calamba, and the deportation of family members.
These personal struggles were in addition to the turmoil and difficulties in writing.

Madrid Days

Rizal's compatriots, Jose Ma. Panganiban and Feliciano Gonzales Timbang, passed away.
Rizal's parents faced eviction.
In December 1890, Rizal received a letter from Leonor Rivera concerning her upcoming marriage to Henry Kipping.

El Filibusterismo Context

The novel began with a steam ship called Tabu navigating the Pasig River, approaching Laguna.
Social stratification within the passengers, divided between upper and lower decks, is a key theme.

Themes of El Filibusterismo

Simoun, a character with wealth and political influence, encouraged Spanish government and the governor-general to oppress the masses to cause revolt.
Maria Clara's revenge plot involves medical students and a wedding, ultimately leading to a house explosion.
Near the end, Simoun confesses his plan to destroy those who caused pain, and dies peacefully.
The events were set in Hong Kong, followed by Rizal's trip to the Netherlands/Belgium, with his friend Valentin Ventura's help to publish the novel in 1891.

Additional Details

Rizal began writing El Filibusterismo in October of 1887 and finished the novel in March of 1891 in Biarritz.
The novel was dedicated to the memory of the three priests executed in 1872 on February 17th.
El Filibusterismo presented themes of Philippine Nationalism in a complex and dramatic manner, designed to motivate frustrated people due to the issues of anti-clericalism and greed.
The original copy of El Filibusterismo is preserved in the Bureau of Public Libraries in Manila, acquired by the Philippine government.
Before sailing to Hong Kong, Rizal stopped writing for La Solidaridad to help maintain unity and improve Philippine politics from Europe.
In Hong Kong, Rizal's family joined him and resumed his medical practice. This also helped him continue his novel writing without fear of persecution.
In 1891, after a brief stay in Paris, Ghent and Marseilles, Rizal boarded the S.S. Melbourne to Hong Kong. His trip to the destination was deemed pleasurable.
The family of Rizal arrived before Christmas in 1891 and his mother had suffered greatly from brutality and injustice. He had also successfully operated her eye a second time.

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Description

Explore the life and experiences of Jose Rizal while he wrote El Filibusterismo. This quiz covers key themes, characters, and historical context, as well as Rizal's contributions during his time in Belgium. Test your understanding of this pivotal work in Philippine literature and its impact on national consciousness.