Poem review of Mi Ultimo Adios by Jose Rizal

Here is a Poem review of Mi Ultimo Adios by Jose Rizal

§  What is the poem about? OR What is the theme of the poem?

  It is about the last message of Rizal for the Philippines, his family and friends, to prayerful men, and to next generation Filipinos.

§  Who is the speaker?

  Jose Rizal

§  Who is the poem addressed to?

  To Philippines, family and relatives, and future people who’ll visit the grave

§  What is the tone of speaking?

  First person

§  Does the poem belong to any particular category? (Ode, sonnet, ballad, dramatic monologue, lyric, confessional, modern, post-modern, etc.)

§  What is the mood of the poem? (Happy, sad)

  sad

§  How does the poem begin? (Most poems begin either with a description of something or a statement)

  The poem begins in a farewell statement and Rizal’s assurance of a willful death

§  How does the poem proceed? (When writing, include a short summary of the poem.)

  The poem shows Philippines as the most beautiful place then proceeds to battle fields and honorary death. At the 3^rd stanza, the author recognizes his death and encourages the Philippines to pour out his blood if it needed be. The fourth and fifth stanzas emphasize Rizal’s youthful play and soaring dreams that concludes a cry of pre-execution sentiments. The 6^th, 7^th and 8^th stanzas portray a message for future grave visitors to remember him and offer a prayer. The 9^th stanza begs for universal prayer to honor those who sacrificed their lives before Rizal. And the 10^th stanza became a reminder of Rizal that his song for the Philippines will be heard after all else is gone. The 10^th and 11^th stanzas are Rizal’s sentiments that if his grave is eventually forgotten, at least his ashes are poured in the mother land. Stanzas 12 and 13 are adoration to the country. The 14^th stanza is a conclusive goodbye for all.

§  Does the initial mood change? Why?

  No, it remained dreamy and sad.

§  How does the poem end?

   With a goodbye.

§  What is the philosophy of life expressed in the poem? (Optimistic, pessimistic, religious, pantheistic, mystical, cynical, etc.)

  nationalistic

§  Are there any autobiographical elements in the poem?

  The inclusion of childhood vivid memories and the farewell to family members.

§  Has the poet used any figures of speech? Are they apt and suitable to the situation? How do they enhance the meaning? (One great quality of good poets is to find similarity in quite dissimilar things.)

  Yes. He uses personification, simile, and analogy.

§  Are there things like a rhyme scheme, alliteration, assonance, etc.? Do they add to the charm of the poem?

  yes

§  Has the poem got any contemporary significance? Is the theme universal?

  yes

§  Does the poem remind you of any other poem? What are the similarities and differences?

  Robert Frost -  A Road not Taken

§  What feeling has the poem created in you? Is it touching, for example?

  It is nationalistic and self-sacrificial