1. What could be the underlying reasons why the novel (Noli Me Tangere) is considered as
a product of heroism? Justify.
The underlying reasons why the novel (Noli Me Tangere) is considered as a product of
heroism are emphasized into three (3) aspects. First, it is because this was considered as the overall
view of the main goal of Rizal in terms of exposing the happenings most especially the cruelty of the
Spanish colonizers that occurred during his time. Second, it served as an awakening call towards the
Filipino citizens at that time to fight for their rights as human beings which is to be freed from violence
and be treated equally. Third, this was one of the reasons as to the Spaniards felt triggered even
though
it
was
done
in
a
form
of
writing.
To be more specific, first, as we all know, the characters which are being portrayed by Jose
Rizal in his novel (Noli Me Tangere) depicts the situation of the Filipino citizens before pertaining on
how they were being treated by the Spaniards with such cruelty, slavery and severe discrimination
just like the existence of the different classes in the society wherein there is indeed a huge disparity
between the Filipinos and the Spaniards as to their status in the community. In short, it cannot be
denied that this is an outcome of Rizal’s sacrifice for our country since even if it was very risky for him
to expose the truth behind the colonization of the Spaniards, he did not hesitate but instead, he still
opted
to
fight
them
using
his
intelligence.
Second, it served as an awakening call towards the Filipinos because through this novel, the
citizens were able to have the full courage to fight for the rights as human beings. In addition, it made
them realize the importance of nationalism and patriotism in achieving the independence of the
Philippines against the Spain. In short, it is one of the proofs that Rizal is truly a hero because he was
the
one
who
inspired
the
Filipinos
to
do
what
must
be
done.
Third, as we can observe, Rizal’s own way of fighting the abuse of the Spaniards to the
Filipinos is through writing wherein because of his novel even though it was silent yet deadly, this
completely provoked the Spanish colonizers which furthermore led them to execute Rizal. Thus, even
if our national hero is already dead, his great efforts for our country will still be etched in our hearts
and minds because of his novel that gave us the idea as to the history of our country and how terrible
did
our
Fellow
Filipinos
suffered
during
his
time.
A) Observing the societal signification of the novel’s characters, can you assess if the
modern society has changed in some way?
In my own personal perspective, as I observe the societal signification of the
novel’s characters, the modern society has actually changed in some way. In which, it can be
apparently be seen since unlike before, the Filipinos right now already have this democracy to live
their lives according to their own preference as long as they are not violating the law. In addition,
there is no already such thing as slavery just like before since the citizens in this present time are
knowledgeable of their rights as human beings. Furthermore, during the colonization of the
Spaniards, the most powerful and authoritative individuals in the society are the friars that is why the
Philippines was engaged in frailocracy. Moreover, the Filipinos can now choose their desired leader
for the country through elections.
However, it is still evident that there are some practices which are being influenced by the
Spanish colonizers before that still remained today. In which, to dig deeper, there is still a great barrier
between the rich, middle and the poor people just like before wherein as we can glance around us,
the poor are getting poorer, the middle stays in their place and the richer becomes richer day by day
in which this is due to the corruption that is still existing in the government that can be done in various
ways. In short, the hunger for power coming from the dominant people. Therefore, it is undeniable
that some of the negative influences of the Spaniards are still occurring in today ’s modern society.
2.
B) Determine the root cause/s which correspond/s to your answer.
In my own personal point of view, the root causes pertaining as to why there are certain
changes in the modern society that we have today unlike before is because of the heroism, national
and patriotism of our beloved national heroes who really fought for the full freedom of our country
even if it means that they have to sacrifice themselves. However, based on my own observation, I
also believe that there are still some practices that are being influenced by the Spanish colonizers
which are still present today. This is mainly due to the fact that we have been colonized for too long
wherein it has already become a part of the lives of the Filipinos since they are already used to it.
Thus, that is why, it is difficult for the citizens to just easily erase and forget these aforementioned
practices, customs and traditions that been already cultivated towards the everyday lives of the
Filipinos.
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