Author:
Francisco Balagtas
Author’s Background
Francisco Balagtas,also known as Francisco Baltazar,was a Filipino poet and play wright who is
considered as one of the greatest literary figures in Philippine history. He was born on Balagtas,Bulacan
Philippines. His Father was a blacksmith and his mother died when he was young. Balagtas received his
Education from a private tutor and later attended a school run by the Dominician friars in Manila. He
Was a gifted writer and began writing poetry at a young age. He was influenced by the works of Spanish
writers, such as Miguel de Cervantes and Lope de Vega.
Definition or introduction about the literature
For Balagtas, literature should be able to inspire and empower its readers to enact positive change in
society. He believed that literature could be a powerful tool for social commentary and political
criticism, and that it should be used to challenge the prevailing norms and attitudes of a particular time
period. Overall, Balagtas saw literature not just as a form of entertainment, but as a transformative
force that could shape society and drive progress. His works continue to be celebrated in modern times
for their timeless messages and enduring relevance, making him a true icon of Philippine literature.
Main theme or objective of the text
Francisco Balagtas's main theme in his works is human experience and its relationship with society. His
objective was to express the Filipino experience through literature and to bring attention to important
societal and political issues of his time period.Balagtas's works often address themes such as love,
justice, quest for freedom, and political oppression. He uses these themes to reflect the struggles and
aspirations of the Filipino people during the Spanish colonial period. Overall, Balagtas's objective was to
use his literary talent to voice the Filipino experience and, in doing so, provide a means for his readers to
explore their own emotions and experiences while also fostering a sense of national identity and cultural
pride.
Summary of the story
Francisco Balagtas was a Filipino poet and writer who is best known for his work "Florante at Laura". The
story is about the love between Florante, a nobleman, and Laura, a princess, amidst the political turmoil
in the kingdom of Albania. Florante is falsely accused of a crime and imprisoned, while Laura is forced to
marry the cruel duke of Crotona.
Throughout the story, Balagtas weaves in themes of love, social injustice, and the importance of
standing up for one's beliefs. He also includes elements of Filipino culture and traditions in the story.
Despite its tragic ending, "Florante at Laura" has become a beloved classic in Filipino literature and is
often studied in schools and universities. It remains a testament to Balagtas' skill as a writer and his
contributions to Filipino literature.
Characters and their roles
1. Florante – The protagonist of "Florante at Laura," Florante is a prince who has been imprisoned by his
enemy, Duke Briseo. He is known for his bravery and poetic skills. His character represents hope and
resilience.
2. Laura – Laura is Florante's love interest in the story. She is a princess and is held captive by Count
Adolfo. Her character represents purity and innocence.
3. Adolfo – The story's main antagonist, Adolfo is a treacherous nobleman who wants to take the throne
and marry Laura. He represents the corrupt and power-hungry ruling class.
4. Aladin – A close friend of Florante, Aladin helps him escape from prison. He represents loyalty and
friendship.
5. Flerida – Flerida is the daughter of Sultan Ali-Adab and becomes Florante's ally in the story. She
represents justice and honesty.
6. Duke Briseo – Florante's father and a respected king, Duke Briseo is forced to imprison his own son to
protect him from his enemies. He represents selflessness and sacrifice.
7. Menandro – A philosopher and teacher to Florante, Menandro provides guidance and wisdom to the
protagonist. He represents knowledge and enlightenment.
These characters and their roles play a significant role in the plot and themes of Balagtas' works, making
them timeless classics in Philippine literature.
Purpose and conflict resolution
Florante at Laura" is a tale of conflict resolution, where the main characters, Florante and Laura, struggle
to overcome the obstacles and challenges that they face in life. The conflict in the story is rooted in the
societal norms and cultural differences that exist between the protagonists and their respective
families.Florante, a prince from Albania, is exiled from his country and finds himself in the Philippines.
He falls in love with Laura, a princess of the kingdom where he seeks refuge. However, their love is
challenged by the disagreement and rivalry between their families.Through poetic language and vivid
storytelling, Balagtas portrays the power of love, forgiveness, and courage in overcoming even the most
challenging of circumstances. Florante and Laura's love for each other was stronger than the animosity
between their families, and their actions ultimately led to the resolution of the conflict between their
two kingdoms.In conclusion, Francisco Balagtas' purpose in writing "Florante at Laura" was to showcase
Filipino culture and tradition while also demonstrating the power of love and courage in resolving
conflicts. The epic poem continues to be a beloved piece of Filipino literature that inspires readers to
pursue unity and harmony in their relationships and communities.
Main message of the author
His main legacy as an author is his contribution to the Philippine literature. Through his works,
particularly in Florante at Laura, Balagtas introduced the Tagalog language into the literary world,
elevating it as a medium for serious literary expression. He also tackled social issues prevalent during his
time, such as inequality, injustice, and oppression by the ruling class. Balagtas's works continue to
inspire and educate Filipinos and people around the world about the country's cultural heritage and
struggles. Overall, Balagtas's main message as an author is the importance of the Filipino language and
the significance of using literature as a means to convey social issues and ideas.
Final assessment
Francisco Balagtas was a prolific Filipino writer who made significant contributions to Philippine
literature. His epic poem "Florante at Laura" is considered a masterpiece and is widely regarded as one
of the greatest literary works in the Philippines. Despite being written during the Spanish colonial
period, his stories and characters often challenged societal norms and power structures.
Balagtas was able to capture the essence of Filipino culture, language, and identity and express it
through his works. He was able to use his writing to inspire and unite the Filipino people, as well as to
shed light on their struggles and hardships. Over all, Francisco Balagtas was a visionary writer who used
His talents to help shape the history and culture of the Philippines. His legacy continues to be celebrated
by Filipinos and scholars around the world.
