The poem describes Padre Faura witnessing the execution of Jose Rizal from the roof of the Ateneo Municipal on a cold December morning. It recalls Rizal asking Faura about purgatory months earlier in the observatory, as well as the metaphor of a star being visible for millions of miles away even after it is already dead, likening it to Rizal after his execution. The document provides discussion questions about key details and themes in the poem relating to Rizal's execution and legacy.
The poem describes Padre Faura witnessing the execution of Jose Rizal from the roof of the Ateneo Municipal on a cold December morning. It recalls Rizal asking Faura about purgatory months earlier in the observatory, as well as the metaphor of a star being visible for millions of miles away even after it is already dead, likening it to Rizal after his execution. The document provides discussion questions about key details and themes in the poem relating to Rizal's execution and legacy.
The poem describes Padre Faura witnessing the execution of Jose Rizal from the roof of the Ateneo Municipal on a cold December morning. It recalls Rizal asking Faura about purgatory months earlier in the observatory, as well as the metaphor of a star being visible for millions of miles away even after it is already dead, likening it to Rizal after his execution. The document provides discussion questions about key details and themes in the poem relating to Rizal's execution and legacy.
2 Of the Ateneo Municipal 3 Shivering 4 On this December morning; 5 Months ago, 6 Pepe came to me 7 In the observatory. 8 I thought we would talk 9 About the stars 10 That don not collide 11 In the sky; 12 Instead, he asked me about purgatory. 13 (His cheeks still ruddy 14 From the sudden sun 15 After the bitter winters 16 In Europe.) 17 An on this day 18 With the year beginning to turn, 19 Salt stings my eyes. 20 I see Pepe, 21 A blur 22 Between the soldiers 23 With their Mausers raised 24 And the early mornings 25 Star: 26 Still shimmering 27 Even if millions of miles away, 28 The star itself 29 I already dead. Exercise 2. After reading the poem, answer the Guide Questions below. Write your answers on a 1 whole yellow paper. 1. Who is Pepe? Explain. 2. Why does Pepe ask the persona about purgatory? 3. The poem talks about the nature of stars. Can you explain what he means, in terms of science? 4. This discussion of a star is also a metaphor. What is it a metaphor for? Explain. 5. Why was Rizal executed? How is this similar to the idea of a star? Relate this to Philippine history. 6. What do you think the persona felt for Rizal? 7. Do you feel the same way? Why or why not? 8. What would you say was Rizals greatest contribution to Philippine society? 9. If you were in Rizals place, would you have supported the Katipunan? Why or why not? 10. Who do you consider as our national hero? Jose Rizal or Andres Bonifacio?