Florante at Laura Historical Background

The Florante at Laura, a masterpiece by Francisco Balagtas, is not only an important part of Philippine literature but also a powerful reflection of society during his time.

In this article, we will examine the Florante at Laura historical background, from Balagtas’ life to his deeply moving writing of the piece, as well as its lessons and legacy in the present time. From his complicated life and love to his unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice, this article will provide an in-depth look at the themes Balagtas explores in Florante at Laura.

Related: Florante at Laura Summary of the Entire Story (Short Summary) »

Florante at Laura Historical Background

Biography of Francisco Baltazar

Francisco Baltazar, better known as Francisco Balagtas, the author of Florante at Laura, was born on April 2, 1788, in Panginay, Bigaa, Bulacan. His parents were Juana dela Cruz and Juan Baltazar, and he had three siblings: Felipe, Concha, and Nicolasa. He studied in parochial schools in Bigaa and continued his education at Colegio de San Jose and Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila, where he was taught by Mariano Pilapil.

Balagtas honed his skills in poetry with the help of Jose dela Cruz, also known as Huseng Sisiw, a renowned poet from Tondo who became his mentor. In 1835, he lived in Pandacan, Manila, where he met Maria Asuncion Rivera, whom he called “Selya” or “MAR,” the woman he deeply loved and who became his inspiration for writing his works, particularly Florante at Laura.

Despite his talent, Balagtas was imprisoned due to a scheme by his romantic rival, Mariano Capule, a wealthy man with connections to powerful figures. While Balagtas was in prison, Capule and Selya married, even though Selya did not love him.

Balagtas later married Juana Tiambeng, and they had eleven children. He passed away on February 20, 1862, at the age of 73.

The Writing of Florante at Laura

Florante at Laura was written by Balagtas between 1835 and 1836 while he was imprisoned during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines.

During this time, the Spanish tightly controlled publications and performances that criticized their rule. As a result, most books published were about religion or the battles between Moors and Christians, known as komedya or moro-moro.

Balagtas successfully concealed his work by using the theme of conflict between Moors and Christians and love as the main subject, but beneath it, he hid his criticism of the cruelties of the Spanish colonizers.

He used allegory and symbolism to highlight the social issues faced by the Philippines under colonial rule.

See also: Florante at Laura Characters and Their Roles »

Revolts in Florante at Laura

Balagtas’ work reflects the four revolts identified by Lope K. Santos:

• Revolt against a cruel government.
• Revolt against religious conflict.
• Revolt against harmful traditions.
• Revolt against low-quality literature.

Through allegory, Balagtas criticized the state of society and the abuses of power. The characters and events in Florante at Laura reflect the realities of that time.

Lessons from Florante at Laura

Florante at Laura provided many important lessons for Filipinos, including:

• Proper upbringing of children.
• Love and care for one’s country.
• Being good parents.
• Guarding against pretentious and selfish individuals.
• Choosing leaders who care for the nation.

The work also emphasized the strength of women through the character of Flerida, a Muslim woman, who defied the traditional image of women at that time as weak and submissive.

The Publication of Florante at Laura

The first edition of Florante at Laura was printed in 1838. Due to the destruction of many copies during World War II, the Newberry Library in Chicago, USA, preserved copies from 1870 and 1875. The work was written on inexpensive papel de arroz or rice paper, showing the value and care Filipinos had for this masterpiece.

The Legacy of Florante at Laura

Florante at Laura inspired notable heroes like Dr. Jose Rizal in writing Noli Me Tangere and Apolinario Mabini, who quoted it while in Guam in 1901.

It served as a guide for their works and ideologies, proving that the lessons and messages of Balagtas’ poem remain relevant and timely even today.

It continues to inspire every Filipino to care for their country and fight against any form of oppression and injustice.

Conclusion

As we conclude our journey through the Florante at Laura historical background, we are once again reminded of the significance of this work in the cultural and social context of the Philippines. The artistry of Francisco Balagtas serves as a guide and inspiration throughout our history, continuously imparting important lessons that strengthen our sense of patriotism and our fight against oppression. The legacy of Balagtas lives on in every page of “Florante at Laura,” and his messages will continue to hold great importance for future generations. With every reading, we are challenged to become more discerning and to advocate for true justice in our society.

See also: Florante at Laura Summary of Each Chapter (1-30) »

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