Bongcawel, Mooneyca Lolyn M.

Gaynor, Janica Teresa P.

HISTO -104 A
August 10, 2017

QUESTION: What are some of the most important writings of Rizal that remains to be classic in terms of
showing social inequalities?

The pen is mightier than the sword, this quote can be strongly affiliated to one of the
greatest hero of our country, Dr. Jose Rizal. Rizal fought the Spaniards not with bolos and guns or with
bloody revolution but with a pen. His writings were strong and powerful enough to awaken not only the
Filipinos patriotism but also making them aware of what was happening in the society. He devoted his
time, his energies and the resources of his brilliant mind to dispelling the ignorance and apathy of his
people, and combating the injustices and inequalities under which they labored. His bravery in exposing
the injustices and wrong deeds of the Spaniards through writings must be the reason as to why he
became our National Hero and his masterpieces to remain timeless and valuable.

Noli me Tangere is the first novel written by Dr. Jos P. Rizal in 1887 and published in
Germany. The story line goes detailed with the society of the Philippines during Spanish colonial period
and features aristocracy behind poverty and abuse of colonialists. It also contain themes on how the
cancer of our countrys socio-cultural life had grown rapidly and uncontrolled that it would be best not to
dwell on it. The novel caused a disturbance and a sense of awareness among Filipino people that also
felt Spanish abuse. Many years had passed and Noli me Tangere still remains relevant in our society. It is
probably because the issues like social injustice and inequality are still prevalent as to this day. Noli me
Tangere was followed by its sequel, El Filibusterismo (1889) before common Filipinos crossed the
borderline and started the infamous Philippine Revolution in 1896, some months before Dr. Rizal's
execution. Compared to its predecessor, the El Filibusterismo contained its significance and value in the
dialogues and debates which raise the problems of colonialism which is still in existence as of today:
choosing between autonomy or independence? assimilation or national consciousness? Liberalization
and granting of freedom by the colonial power or a decisive bloody battle? Ignorance or education for
self-administration?