MODULE 2.

THE DEATH OF A HERO

Padre Faura Witnesses the Execution of Rizal

By Danton Remoto

1 I stand on the roof

2 Of the Ateneo Municipal
3 Shivering
4 On this December morning;
5 Months ago,
6 Pepe came to me
7 In the observatory.
8 I thought we would talk
9 About the stars
10 That don not collide
11 In the sky;
12 Instead, he asked me about purgatory.
13 (His cheeks still ruddy
14 From the sudden sun
15 After the bitter winters
16 In Europe.)
17 An on this day
18 With the year beginning to turn,
19 Salt stings my eyes.
20 I see Pepe,
21 A blur
22 Between the soldiers
23 With their Mausers raised
24 And the early mornings
25 Star:
26 Still shimmering
27 Even if millions of miles away,
28 The star itself
29 I already dead.
Exercise 2.
After reading the poem, answer the Guide Questions below. Write your answers on a 1 whole
yellow paper.
1. Who is Pepe? Explain.
2. Why does Pepe ask the persona about purgatory?
3. The poem talks about the nature of stars. Can you explain what he means, in terms of
science?
4. This discussion of a star is also a metaphor. What is it a metaphor for? Explain.
5. Why was Rizal executed? How is this similar to the idea of a star? Relate this to
Philippine history.
6. What do you think the persona felt for Rizal?
7. Do you feel the same way? Why or why not?
8. What would you say was Rizals greatest contribution to Philippine society?
9. If you were in Rizals place, would you have supported the Katipunan? Why or why not?
10. Who do you consider as our national hero? Jose Rizal or Andres Bonifacio?