MY LAST FAREWELL - By Dr. Jose Rizal

A. Examine and Analyze character motivations in the story/novel.

"My Last Farewell" is a poem written by Dr. Jose Rizal, a Filipino nationalist, during his imprisonment before his execution in 1896. In the poem, Rizal expresses his deep patriotism and love for his country, the Philippines. The character motivation in this poem is rooted in Rizal's desire for his fellow Filipinos to continue the fight for freedom and independence even after his death. His imminent execution serves as a catalyst for him to convey a powerful message of hope, resilience, and sacrifice. The poem reflects Rizal's unwavering commitment to his homeland, motivating others to stand up against oppression. Rizal's words are not only a farewell but a call to action, urging his compatriots to remember the sacrifices made and to persevere in the struggle for national sovereignty. The motivation behind Rizal's poignant verses lies in his fervent hope that his death will inspire a renewed sense of purpose and determination among his fellow Filipinos to pursue the quest for liberty.

B. Identify the genre or sub-genre of the texts from different periods.

"My Last Farewell" by Dr. José Rizal is a poignant piece of literature, written just before his execution in 1896. The genre of this work can be classified as a patriotic poem, characterized by its deep expression of love for his country, the Philippines. The poem is an embodiment of Rizal's undying devotion to the cause of freedom and his willingness to sacrifice his life for his beloved homeland.

As for the sub-genre, it can be viewed as an elegy, a form of poetry that expresses sorrow or lamentation, usually for someone who has died. In this case, Rizal himself is the subject, as he bids farewell to his life and his country. The poem is filled with vivid and emotional imagery, such as "dark night," "the cries," and "the cemetery," reflecting the somber tone of an elegy.

In terms of the period, Rizal's "My Last Farewell" was written during the late 19th century, a time of significant political unrest and revolution in the Philippines. This was the period of Spanish colonial rule, and Rizal was a key figure in the Philippine nationalist movement. His writings, including this poem, played a crucial role in inspiring the fight for independence.

C. Situate the literacy and cultural texts in their period and the situation from the reader's point of view.

The Historical context, during Rizal's time, the Philippines were under Spanish colonial rule, and the Filipino people faced tyranny, prejudice, and little prospects for social and political growth. Rizal, a strong advocate for Filipino rights, utilized his writings to articulate the feelings of his fellow citizens and demand for reform.

The cultural context in My Last Farewell is greatly influenced by the Philippines' cultural history and traditions. Rizal was inspired by his country's rich past, and he incorporated aspects of Filipino folklore symbolism and language into his poem. This cultural background provides depth and resonance to the literary work, making it more relatable and meaningful to Filipino readers at the time. The significance of My Last Farewell is a tribute to Rizal's undying love for his nation and people. It depicts the collective agony and suffering undergone by the Filipino people during Spanish tyranny, as well as their dreams for liberation and a better future. The poem depicts the spirit of nationalism and resilience, inspiring generations of Filipinos to struggle for their rights and achieve independence.

In conclusion, Jose Rizal's My Last Farewell is a literary classic that represents the difficulties and aspirations of Filipinos in the late nineteenth century. By setting this poem within its historical context and investigating its reader's perspective, we gain a better understanding of its enormous impact on molding Filipino national identity and inspiring a campaign for independence.