ABERIN, JOHN WINSTON P.

LIT BSN 2-6

1. Re-read the narrative Fray Botod. friar-botod-graciano-lopez-jaena (1).pdf

2. Research for the biography of Graciano Lopez Jaena.

Graciano López Jaena, born on December 18, 1856, in Jaro, Iloilo, Philippines, was a prominent Filipino
journalist, writer, and revolutionary. He is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of the Philippine
Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. López Jaena's fervent advocacy for Filipino nationalism and his
scathing critiques of Spanish oppression were prominently featured in his newspaper articles, essays,
and speeches. He played a significant role in shaping the consciousness of the Filipino people during the
late 19th century. His most famous work, "La Solidaridad," which he co-founded, served as a platform
for promoting Filipino interests and exposing the injustices of colonial rule. Despite facing exile and
persecution, López Jaena's unwavering commitment to the Filipino cause earned him a revered place in
Philippine history as a champion of freedom and independence. He passed away on January 20, 1896,
leaving behind a legacy of courage, intellect, and patriotism that continues to inspire generations of
Filipinos.

3. Answer the following questions:

A.

a. What aspects of the author’s personal life are relevant to this story?

Some parts of Graciano López Jaena's personal life are woven into the story "Friar Botod," showing how
his own experiences and thoughts about Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines shaped the story. López
Jaena was a strong opponent of the friars and the colonial government's wrongdoings. He got ideas
from his own experiences with being mistreated and abused. Since López Jaena was born and raised in
the Philippines and saw how his people were mistreated by Spanish colonial authorities, he gave his
story a sense of urgency and anger that reflected his own efforts against the harsh effects of Spanish
rule. López Jaena not only wrote an interesting story about resistance in "Friar Botod," but he also made
a powerful point about the lasting effects of colonialism and the strength of the Filipino spirit. His
personal dedication to the fight for social justice and national freedom gives the story a depth and
sincerity that readers can relate to.

b. Which of the author’s stated beliefs are reflected in the work?

"Friar Botod" by Graciano López Jaena is a story that shows how strongly the author believes in the
natural dignity and strength of the Filipino people. López Jaena was a strong supporter of Filipino
nationalism and social justice. He felt that his fellow Filipinos should be given the tools they needed to
fight back against oppression. This belief is clear in how the main character, Simoun, is portrayed. He
stands for the unbreakable spirit of the Filipino underclass that wants to be free from the cruel rule of
colonial powers and dishonest friars. By showing Simoun's trip and his final act of rebellion, López Jaena
ABERIN, JOHN WINSTON P. LIT BSN 2-6

shows how ordinary Filipinos can fight against long-standing systems of injustice and take control of
their own lives. López Jaena adds to the rich tapestry of Philippine literature by weaving themes of
resistance, resiliency, and hope into his stories. These themes offer a powerful look at the ongoing fight
for freedom and self-determination in the face of hardship.

c. Does the writer challenge or reflect the values of her contemporaries?

Graciano López Jaena's "Friar Botod" goes against the values of his time by criticizing the strong religious
leaders and power structures that existed in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. Through
Friar Botod, López Jaena makes fun of the friars, who had a lot of power in Filipino society, for their
mistakes and excesses. By making Friar Botod out to be a selfish and dishonest person who takes
advantage of the locals for his own gain, López Jaena shows that the colonial government and those
who worked with it had no morals. Also, the main character, Pedro, stands for the average Filipino who
is fighting against unfairness; he is a symbol of how strong and determined the Filipino people are to
stand up to injustice. López Jaena's story not only goes against the prevailing values of his time, but it
also shows the spirit of fight and strength that runs through Filipino literature.

d. What seem to be the author’s major concerns? Do they reflect any of the writer’s personal
experiences?

the author's major concerns revolve around the themes of oppression, abuse of power, and the struggle
for justice in the context of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. Through the character of Friar Botod,
López Jaena critiques the corruption and hypocrisy inherent in the colonial system, particularly the
exploitative practices of the friars who wielded immense influence over Filipino society. The narrative
underscores López Jaena's personal experiences as a witness to the injustices inflicted upon his fellow
Filipinos by the colonial authorities, drawing from his own encounters with oppression and resistance.
As a Filipino nationalist and advocate for social reform, López Jaena channels his frustrations and
aspirations into the story, using it as a platform to shed light on the systemic inequalities and abuses
perpetuated by colonial institutions. By intertwining his own experiences with broader historical and
socio-political themes, López Jaena's "Friar Botod" emerges as a poignant reflection of the enduring
struggles faced by the Filipino people under colonial domination.

e. Do any of the events in the story correspond to events experienced by the author?

there are similarities between what happens in the story and what the author went through in the
Philippines when it was a Spanish colony. López Jaena, like the main character in the story, may have
been abused and taken advantage of by the friars and colonial officials. Friar Botod is a symbol of how
corrupt and harsh the Spanish clergy were, which is similar to how López Jaena felt about Philippine
religious institutions. The story also shows resistance and rebellion against colonial oppression, which is
likely similar to López Jaena's own support for Filipino nationalism and freedom. In "Friar Botod," López
ABERIN, JOHN WINSTON P. LIT BSN 2-6

Jaena not only wrote an interesting story, but he also made a powerful comment on the social and
political issues of his time. He added to the rich tapestry of Philippine literature by showing the struggles
and hopes of the Filipino people who lived under colonial rule.

f. Do any of the characters in the story correspond to real people?

the characters may not be based on real people, but they do represent stereotypes and ideas that were
common in the Philippines during the colonial era. There is a character named Friar Botod who
represents how the Spanish friars, who had a lot of power and control over the local people, were cruel
and exploitative. Through Friar Botod, López Jaena criticizes the clergy for their wrongdoings and draws
attention to the systemic injustices in the colonial order. Other characters, like the villagers who were
mistreated and the main character who refused to give up, show how strong the Filipino people were
and how they fought back against British oppression. By combining these people and their stories, López
Jaena creates a story that is both entertaining and educational about what it was like for Filipinos to live
under Spanish rule. This way of showing characters is similar to the main ideas in Philippine writing,
which are resistance, identity, and empowerment. It emphasizes the ongoing fight for freedom and
dignity against colonial oppression.

B.

a. Maturity, sincerity, honesty, sensitivity, and/or courage become important criteria in determining the
worth of literature and art. Is the author and his/her treatment of the subject (both character and
theme) mature, sincere, honest, sensitive, or courageous? How so, and how does knowing this help us
approach the text in a meaningful way?

How Graciano López Jaena writes about the subject in "Friar Botod" shows maturity, sincerity, honesty,
sensitivity, and courage, all of which are important things to look for when judging the value of art and
writing. The fact that López Jaena dealt with colonial control and resistance in a mature way shows how
well he understood the social and political situations of his time. His true and honest portrayal of the
characters, especially Friar Botod, shows that he has a deep understanding of how people work and how
power works in colonial society. López Jaena clearly cared about the plight of the abused Filipino masses
because he wrote about their battles with the friars in a way that showed empathy. Also, the fact that
he spoke out against the unfairness of Spanish colonial rule even though it put him in danger shows how
dedicated he was to truth and justice. When readers understand López Jaena's honesty and bravery in
writing about these difficult topics, they will have a better understanding of how important "Friar
Botod" is to Filipino literature because it is a moving story about the ongoing fight for freedom and
respect against colonial rule.

b. Does the text seek to corrupt or negatively influence the reader? How so and/or why?
ABERIN, JOHN WINSTON P. LIT BSN 2-6

In Graciano López Jaena's story "Friar Botod," the author doesn't want to corrupt or hurt the reader.
Instead, he wants to show how the friars abused their power and were dishonest when the Philippines
was a Spanish colony. Through vivid storytelling and biting humor, López Jaena uses Friar Botod as a
metaphor for the colonial clergy's greed, hypocrisy, and lack of morals. By showing how the friar was
greedy for money and didn't care about the Filipino people's pain, López Jaena forces the reader to face
the harsh truths of colonial oppression. By creating the figure of Friar Botod, López Jaena asks readers to
think deeply about the unfair parts of the colonial system and the rightness of those in charge. This
makes the text a strong condemnation of colonialism and a call to action for social justice. It is an
important addition to Philippine literature, which often deals with themes of resistance, identity, and
national freedom.

c. What moral lesson or ethical teaching is the author presenting in the text/or through character, plot,
or theme?

the author shows how power can be abused and how strong people can be when they are
downtrodden. Friar Botod is a figure of the cruel and dishonest Spanish friars who lived in the
Philippines. López Jaena uses him to show how unfair and cruel colonial rule was. What happens in the
story shows how the Filipino people were mistreated and hurt by colonial authorities, as well as how
bravely they fought against tyranny. López Jaena shows how important it is to keep going, stand
together, and fight back against unfairness by showing how hard it is for the main character, Sisa, and
how she eventually wins. Through its themes of colonial oppression and Filipino strength, López Jaena's
story is an important addition to the literature of the Philippines because it reminds us of the ongoing
fight for freedom and respect.

d. How do characters, settings, and plot events represent or allegorize moral or ethical principles?

the characters, settings, and plot events all represent moral and ethical ideas that were strongly rooted
in the Philippines' society and politics while it was a Spanish colony. Friar Botod, the main character,
represents the oppressive and exploitative nature of the Spanish friars who had a lot of power over the
native people. He is a sign of the corruption and moral decay that were common in the colonial system.
López Jaena makes fun of religious leaders who talk about being good and holy but do bad things like
stealing and being mean to others through Botod. The settings, which often show poor and abused
communities, represent the harsh realities that the Filipino people faced during colonial rule,
emphasizing how important it is to fight injustice. The story's events, such as the oppressed masses' acts
of defiance and rebellion, show how important it is to fight for freedom and honor against tyranny.
When López Jaena puts these things together, he creates a story that is both entertaining and a
powerful metaphor for the Philippines' ongoing fight for freedom and justice.

e. Does the work in question poses a pragmatic or moral lesson or philosophical idea?
ABERIN, JOHN WINSTON P. LIT BSN 2-6

There is both a practical lesson and a moral undertone to "Friar Botod" by Graciano López Jaena, which
is typical of Philippine writing. López Jaena criticizes the abuse of colonial power and the use of faith for
personal gain through the character of Friar Botod, who stands for the cruel and dishonest Spanish
friars. The story is meant to teach us about the risks of unchecked power and how important it is to
speak out against unfairness. It also shows how strong and creative the Filipino people are in fighting
back against oppression and reclaiming their honor. The story includes a philosophical idea about the
never-ending fight for freedom and self-determination, which is similar to the ongoing search for
national identity and authority in the face of colonial rule. So, "Friar Botod" not only keeps readers
interested with its interesting story, but it also makes them think about morality, resistance, and the
search for social justice, which are timeless themes.

C.

a. What view of life does the story present? Which character best articulates this viewpoint?

the story criticizes the cruel colonial government and the wrongs done by the Spanish friars to the
Filipino people. Through the story's characters and events, López Jaena shows how the colonial system
was corrupt, exploitative, and full of lies. Friar Botod is the most vivid example of this point of view
because he is the Spanish friars' worst example of greed, pride, and power abuse. Friar Botod's actions,
which show his never-ending desire for money and lack of concern for the native people's well-being,
are a harsh criticism of how the colonial establishment ignored human rights and respect. Through Friar
Botod, López Jaena shows how colonialism makes both the rulers and the oppressed less human. He
does this by showing how hard life was for the Filipino people when they were ruled by Spain. This
picture has a lot of meaning in Filipino writing because it shows how people have always fought for
justice, freedom, and national identity while being ruled by colonizers.

b. According to this work’s view of life, what is mankind’s relationship to God? To the universe?

Friar Botod shows how people's relationship with God and the universe is complicated. It shows how
colonial oppression, religion teaching, and native beliefs all worked together in the Philippines while it
was under Spanish rule. López Jaena criticizes the Catholic Church's hypocrisy and corruption through
the character of Friar Botod. He also questions the traditional idea of heavenly authority that was put in
place by colonial powers. The story shows how religious dogma is used as a way to control and
subjugate people. It also shows how the lessons of Christianity don't match up with what Filipinos
actually go through. López Jaena also makes subtle references to native cosmologies and spiritual
practices, implying a better connection between people and the universe based on native customs and
cultural heritage. By doing this, the story gives a complex look at faith and identity in the Philippines. It
questions the main stories that were created by colonial powers and shows that native belief systems
can stand up to outside pressures.
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c. What moral statement, if any, does this story make? Is it explicit or implicit?

There is a lot of anger in this story about how the Spanish friars abused their power and lied to the
people of the Philippines when they were colonized. López Jaena criticizes the moral decline and abuse
that come with the colonial system through the character of Friar Botod, who stands for the clergy's
dishonesty and abuse. The story shows how unfair it is for some people to take advantage of and hurt
the weak mass for their own gain in a society where some people are privileged. Also, López Jaena's
portrayal of the main character, Tano, and his final defiance against Friar Botod's oppression show how
strong and honorable the Filipino people are even when they are being mistreated. The story suggests
that people should stand up for their rights and seek justice, even when the odds seem too high to be
overcome. "Friar Botod" is an important piece of Filipino literature because it has strong morals and
timeless themes of resistance and freedom. It has inspired generations of people to fight against
injustice and make the world a better place.

d. What is the author’s attitude toward his world? Toward fate? Toward God?

When it comes to his world, the author defies and fights against the harsh forces of Spanish colonial
rule. Through Friar Botod, López Jaena gives a harsh review of the dishonesty and corruption in the
friarocracy, bringing to light the unfair conditions the Filipino people had to live in during colonial rule.
The story shows López Jaena's steadfast dedication to telling the truth and fighting for social justice,
which is similar to how he fought against the wrongs of his time. The colonial forces may make fate
seem like it's already set, but López Jaena's writing of characters like Sisa and Crispin gives them a sense
of control and the chance to fight back against oppression. López Jaena has a complicated view of God.
He criticizes religious groups that were involved in exploiting Filipinos during colonial times, but he also
recognizes the strength and faith of the Filipino people in the face of hardship. López Jaena's story
shows a strong connection to those who are oppressed and a belief in the strength of defiance. It is an
important part of Filipino literature that continues to speak to people who are thinking about justice and
freedom.

e. What is the author’s conception of good and evil?

Good and evil are strongly rooted in the social and political climate of the colonized Philippines. López
Jaena says that the friars, especially Friar Botod, are evil and stand for the oppressive forces of Spanish
empire and the Catholic Church. The friars represent the societal injustices that the Filipino people have
to deal with because they take advantage of them, lie, and abuse their power. The main character,
Mang Sixto, on the other hand, represents the fight for goodness and justice. López Jaena believed that
Filipinos were naturally good and strong, which is shown by his rejection of the friars and his dedication
to his fellow Filipinos. The plot of the story emphasizes how important it is to stand up to tyranny and
fight for freedom, putting the battle between good and evil in the bigger picture of national liberation
from colonialism. The way López Jaena shows good and evil in "Friar Botod" is a powerful attack on
colonialism and a rallying cry for Filipinos to take back their honor and independence.
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f. What does the work say about the nature of good or evil?

Friar Botod's character shows how complicated the relationship between good and evil was when the
Philippines were a Spanish colony. López Jaena uses Friar Botod as a metaphor for the moral decay and
exploitation that come with the colonial system to show how power and advantage can make people do
bad things. Friar Botod's actions, which were motivated by greed, oppression, and hypocrisy, are a clear
example of how colonial officials routinely did wrong. On the other hand, the Filipino farmers' fight
against Friar Botod's oppression shows how good and strong the oppressed are, and it shows how
committed they are to justice and freedom. So, López Jaena's story shows how good and evil have
always been at odds with colonial oppression. It also gives a strong critique of the moral bankruptcy of
the colonial government and supports the Filipino people's unwavering determination in their fight for
freedom and dignity. In the literature of the Philippines, this look at good and evil in the setting of
colonialism strikes a deep chord, bringing out the themes of resistance, resilience, and moral integrity
that define the Filipino story.

g. Is good rewarded? Is evil punished?

As a reflection of the Philippines' social and political situation while it was a Spanish colony, the idea of
justice is deep and nuanced. The story shows times when good deeds are noticed and awarded, like
when the main character helps the villagers who are being mistreated. But it also shows how
widespread corruption and impunity are, especially through the main character, Friar Botod. Friar Botod
takes advantage of the villagers and does bad things, but he doesn't have to deal with any real
consequences. This shows how powerful people in the colonial order got away with their crimes. This
story's lack of clarity is a reflection of the harsh facts Filipinos lived through during colonial rule, where
justice is hard to find and evil forces are not stopped.

h. Is the world ordered or random?

World depiction shows a complicated mix of order and chaos, similar to the Philippines' social and
political situation when it was a Spanish colony. The colonial authorities set up a hierarchical structure
that gives the impression of some order, but it is constantly uprooted by the arbitrary use of power and
the whims of those in charge, like the dishonest monk in the story. Through the main character and
other characters' experiences, López Jaena shows how unfair and unpredictable life can be in a society
where abuse and exploitation are common. There are, however, times of resistance and resilience
amidst the chaos and uncertainty, which shows that people can take action and question the status quo
even when the odds seem impossible to overcome. This picture of the world as both organized and
random shows how complicated things were in the Philippines during the colonial era, where oppressive
systems coexist with pockets of resistance.
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i. What does the work say about human nature?

The story goes into great detail about how complicated people are, especially when it comes to colonial
abuse in the Philippines. By creating Friar Botod, a character who stands for the dishonest and cruel
leaders of Spain's colonies, López Jaena shows the worse sides of people, like their greed, pride, and
cruelty. The story shows how people with power can become evil, taking advantage of and hurting those
they see as less important. López Jaena also shows how strong and honorable the Filipino people are in
the face of hardship, showing how people naturally have the ability to fight back and seek justice. In the
end, "Friar Botod" is a powerful commentary on the fight for freedom and dignity that everyone goes
through.