RIZAL AND HIS CHILDHOOD (A LECTURE ON THE LIFE AND WORKS OF JOSE RIZAL)

Summary

The video script explores the early life of Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, highlighting his prodigious abilities, such as reading and writing at an early age and his advanced Spanish skills. It delves into anecdotes like his interaction with his dog Oz, his precocious poetry, and his schooling under a native maestro. The script also raises questions about the authenticity of a poem attributed to Rizal, considering the advanced vocabulary used. Additionally, it touches on Rizal's inspiration from Napoleon Bonaparte and the premonition of his own legacy, as evidenced by the numerous statues made in his honor.

Takeaways

• 📚 Dr. Jose Rizal was known for his exceptional intellect and was able to read and write before the age of five, with his mother being his first teacher.
• 🐶 Rizal had a pet black dog named Oz and would walk it to the lakeshore, discussing social issues with it.
• 📝 He began writing poems at a young age, with one poem, 'The Other Clue', allegedly written when he was eight, though its authorship is disputed.
• 🏫 Rizal was sent to his mother's hometown of Binan to study under a native maestro, Hostiniano Aquino Cruz, during the Spanish era.
• 🗣️ He became a proficient Spanish writer and speaker, which was unusual for someone of his age at the time.
• 🤔 The authenticity of 'The Other Clue' is questioned due to the advanced vocabulary and concepts it contains, which were unlikely known to Rizal at such a young age.
• 🔤 The use of the word 'kalya' in the poem, which was spelled with a 'k' instead of 'c', suggests it was written after Rizal's exposure to the Spanish word 'libertad' in his twenties.
• 🗿 Rizal was known to mold clay into statues, including one of Napoleon Bonaparte, who inspired him and whom he saw as a kindred spirit due to his short stature.
• 🗽 Rizal's sisters, who initially laughed at his aspirations, later became guests of honor at the inauguration of his statues, reflecting his posthumous recognition as a national hero.
• 🏛️ The American period saw the unveiling of several Rizal statues, highlighting his contributions to the Philippines and his status as a national icon.

Q & A

What was Dr. Jose Rizal's physical appearance during his childhood?

Dr. Rizal was short for his age and had a big head that was not proportional to his body.

At what age was Dr. Rizal able to learn how to read and write?

Dr. Rizal was able to learn how to read and write before the age of five.

Who was Dr. Rizal's first teacher?

Dr. Rizal's first teacher was his mother.

What was the significance of the story of the moth in Dr. Rizal's life?

The story of the moth was a revelation of what would happen to Dr. Rizal in his life.

What was the name of Dr. Rizal's dog and what did he do with it?

Dr. Rizal had a male black dog named Oz. He would walk his dog every afternoon up to the lakeshore and talk to his dog about social issues.

What was the name of the poem allegedly written by Dr. Rizal at the age of eight?

The poem allegedly written by Dr. Rizal when he was eight is titled 'The Other Clue'.

Why is there controversy surrounding the authorship of 'The Other Clue'?

There is controversy because the word 'kalyan' (independence) was not in the Tagalog vocabulary at the time, and Dr. Rizal's sisters did not agree that he wrote it.

What was the significance of the statue of Napoleon that Dr. Rizal made as a child?

The statue of Napoleon that Dr. Rizal made as a child was significant because Napoleon was an inspiration to him, and it was a premonition of what would happen to Dr. Rizal's legacy.

How did Dr. Rizal's sisters feel during the inauguration of his statues?

Dr. Rizal's sisters were guests of honor during the inauguration of his statues, and they felt a sense of pride and recognition for his contributions to the Philippines.

What was the educational system like during the Spanish era in the Philippines?

During the Spanish era, elementary schools were similar to public and private schools, and education was often provided by private tutors who taught in their backyards.

What language were most of Dr. Rizal's writings in?

Most of Dr. Rizal's writings, including his novels and essays, were written in Spanish.