Copy of Rizal Week 5

Rizal's Life Abroad

Rizal’s Departure

• Departed secretly aboard the SS Salvadora to Singapore.

• Only a few knew about his trip: brother Paciano, two sisters, and close friends.

• Aimed to observe European life, culture, languages, customs, industries, business, government, and laws.

• Intended to prepare for the task of liberating his people from Spanish tyranny.

Arrival in Barcelona

• Initial impressions were unfavorable but changed as he realized the atmosphere of freedom and liberalism.

• Welcomed by the locals and held a party at Plaza de Cataluna.

• Made significant writings including AMOR PATRIA and LOS VIAJES REVISITA DE MADRID.

• Received distressing news about cholera in Manila and illness of Leonor.

Studies in Madrid

• Enrolled in:

  • Medicine at Universidad Central de Madrid

  • Philosophy of Letters

  • Painting and sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando

  • Language lessons (French, German, English) with private tutors

  • Practiced fencing and shooting.

• Developed interest in Consuelo but faced obstacles:

  1. Engagement to Leonor Rivera

  2. Friend Eduardo de Lete's affection for Consuelo.

• Joined Circulo Hispano Filipino and wrote the poem "They Ask Me for Verses" in 1882.

Rizal Joins Freemasonry

• Impressed by Spanish Masons’ criticism of the government and friars.

• Joined the lodge "Acacia" in Madrid, became a Master Mason after 3 months.

• Authored Masonic writing “Science, Virtue and Labor” published in 1889.

• Adopted the Masonic name “Dimasalang” when joining Gran Oriente de Espaniol.

Completion of Rizal’s Studies

• Earned a Licentiate degree in Medicine in 1884.

• Did not receive diploma for Licentiate in Philosophy of Letters.

• Transitioned to Paris and Germany for specialization in ophthalmology.

Rizal's Life in Other Countries

In Paris

• Became a fully qualified surgeon specializing in ophthalmology.

• Worked as an assistant for Dr. Weckert for 4 months.

• Assisted Dr. Otto Becker at the University Eye Hospital.

• Composed the poem "To the Flowers of Heidelberg".

In Germany

• Spent 3 months in a mountain village with pastor Dr. Ulmer.

• Wrote "Aritmetica" for Dr. Blumentritt.

• Translated "William Tell" from German to Tagalog.

• Authored “Tagalog Metrical Art” scholarly paper.

Reasons for Staying in Germany

1. To deepen knowledge in ophthalmology.

2. To study science and languages.

3. To observe political/economic conditions in Germany.

4. To network with renowned German scientists and scholars.

5. To publish his novel "Noli Me Tangere".

Return to Calamba

• Faced rumors of being a spy, mason, and threats to his life upon return.

• Established a medical clinic to stay busy.

• Invited by Terrero to present findings about local conditions.

Findings Presented to Terrero

1. Dominican hacienda ownership issues in Calamba.

2. Increased rental profits due to arbitrary hikes.

3. Lack of contributions to local celebrations and education from hacienda owners.

4. Dispossession of tenants for flimsy reasons.

5. High interest rates on delayed rentals.

6. Confiscation of tenants' work animals and tools.

Trip to Hong Kong

• Visit reunited the Rizal family.

• Studied Chinese language, culture, theater, and values.

Trip to Japan

• Explored the Japanese language (Nippongo) and culture.

• Noted Japanese cleanliness, politeness, and industriousness.

• Developed a romantic relationship with O-Sei-San at the Spanish legation.

• Considered the prospect of settling in Japan.

Trip to the United States

• Impressed by American cities for natural beauty and opportunities for immigrants.

• Negative impressions included racial inequality and prejudice.

• Observed that Americans prioritized money over human life.

Trip in London

• Chose London to study English, research Philippine history, and write for La Solidaridad.

• Spent holidays with the Beckett family and developed a fondness for Gertrude Beckett.

• Despite attraction, Rizal controlled his feelings upon realizing her affection.

La Solidaridad: The Propaganda Movement

• Aimed for reforms:

  1. Recognition of the Philippines as a province of Spain for equal rights.

  2. Representation in the Spanish Cortes.

  3. Secularization of parishes.

Brussels, Belgium

• Struggled to focus on writing "El Filibusterismo" due to social distractions.

• Produced articles for La Solidaridad:

  1. “A La Defensa”

  2. “La Verdad Para Todos”

  3. “Vicente Barrantes’ Teatro Tagalo” and more.

• Continued medical practice to sustain living expenses.

• Received troubling news about family dislocation in Calamba due to management rent hikes.

Life in Hong Kong

• After publishing "El Fili", planned to distance from political life.

• Practiced medicine in Hong Kong.

• Translated "The Rights of Man" into Tagalog.

• Wrote articles like "A La Nacion Española" and developed the constitution of La Liga Filipina.