Authors
Treacia Raynn O. Canoy*
La Consolacion College
Cebu, Philippines
Email: raynncanoy@gmail.com
Hazel Mae P. Imperial
La Consolacion College
Cebu, Philippines
Jaymuel C. Lucion
La Consolacion College
Cebu, Philippines
Abstract
This study analyzes José P. Rizal’s selected poems, Mi Último Adiós, Sa Aking mga Kabatà, A La Juventud Filipina, Himno al Trabajo, and To the Flowers of Heidelberg, as prophetic texts whose themes overflow into contemporary Filipino life. Using a qualitative, discourse-based approach and thematic coding, the research identifies five dominant motifs: sacrifice and patriotism, language and identity, youth empowerment, dignity of labor, and migration and diaspora identity. Findings reveal that Rizal’s vision of sacrifice in Mi Último Adiós mirrors the heroism of activists, frontliners, and overseas workers who endure hardships for family and nation. Rizal’s call to treasure the nation’s native language in the poem Sa Aking mga Kabatà resonates with current debates on globalization, language preservation, and national identity. A La Juventud Filipina affirms the role of youth as the “hope of the nation” and looks forward to today’s youth activism, climate advocacy, and digital leadership. Himno al Trabajo elevates the dignity of labor, echoing the struggles of Filipino workers and labor movements seeking fair conditions and recognition. Lastly, To the Flowers of Heidelberg strikes a balance between enduring ties to the homeland and global opportunities, reflecting the loyalty and nostalgia of the Filipino diaspora. By situating Rizal’s poetic visions within contemporary issues, the research highlights his enduring significance as a national hero and a writer whose works continue to inspire civic duty, cultural pride, and social transformation. These poems inspire the current generation to uphold Rizal’s values in the pursuit of a freer, just, and united nation, as they are both living texts and historical relics.
Keywords: Rizal’s poems, contemporary Filipino issues, thematic resonance, qualitative discourse analysis, Philippine society
*Corresponding author
DOI: http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0404572
Recommended citation:
Canoy, T. R. O., Imperial, H. M. P., & Lucion, J. C. (2025). Prophetic visions in poetry: A thematic analysis of José Rizal’s selected poems and their contemporary resonance. Pantao (The International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 4 (4), 6194-6199. http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0404572
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