Kartilya Essay Answers
Kartilya Essay Answers
1. What was the socio-political context when the Kartilya was written? How
crucial was this document in the 19th century Philippines?
The Kartilya ng Katipunan was written during the late 19th century, a time when the
Philippines was still under Spanish rule. During this period, Filipinos were suffering from
oppression, abuse, and discrimination from the Spanish government and the friars. There
was a lot of inequality, and ordinary Filipinos had very little freedom. The Kartilya was
written by Emilio Jacinto to guide the members of the Katipunan, a secret revolutionary
society that wanted to fight for Philippine independence.
This document was crucial because it gave clear moral and ethical rules for the Katipuneros
to follow. It wasn’t just about fighting physically against the Spanish, but also about building
good character and unity among Filipinos. It helped shape the mindset of those who wanted
to be part of the revolution, teaching them that true freedom isn’t just about removing the
colonizers, but also about being a good and honorable person. It showed that the fight was
not only political but also moral.
2. How would you describe the Kartilya in terms of its form/writing style and
content? What are its main teachings and how are they presented?
The Kartilya is simple and straightforward in its writing style. It uses short teachings or
rules that are easy to understand but very meaningful. It’s written almost like a manual or a
guidebook, with clear points on how a good Katipunero should behave. The teachings are
not too formal or complicated, which made it easier for ordinary Filipinos at that time to
relate to it and understand it.
Its main teachings focus on values like respect for others, love for the country, the
importance of equality, humility, and being true to one’s word. It teaches that the worth of a
person is not based on wealth, power, or appearance, but on their actions and moral
character. These teachings are presented in a way that encourages reflection, making the
reader think about how they live their life and how they treat others.