The modern spanish essay alfred rodriguez

Written during the Spanish colonization and reign over the Philippine islands, the article aimed to establish nationalism and patriotism among the natives. Rizal extended his call for the love of country to his fellow compatriots in Spain, for he believed that nationalism should be exercised anywhere a person is.

It was published in La Solidaridad in five consecutive issues on July (15 and 31), August (1 and 31) and September 1, 1890. Rizal argued that Filipinos are innately hardworking prior to the rule of the Spaniards.

This was in response to the anti-Filipino writing by Patricio de la Escosura published by La Defensa on March 30, 1889 issue. Written on April 30, 1889, Rizal’s article refuted the views of Escosura, calling the readers’ attention to the insidious influences of the friars to the country.