My Compendium in EL 106

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Kuya Mark's Literary Universe:

 "Exploring the Mind Behind the Masterpieces"

Delving into the world of literature often means embarking on a journey through the thoughts, emotions, and creativity of the authors who bring stories to life. In this blog, I will share the enigmatic mind of one such luminary figure, Dr. Justo Juliano. Known for for his remarkable poem, Sursum Corda. He has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Join us as we traverse through his life, influences, and the profound impact they've had on readers. Get ready to embark on a fascinating voyage into the captivating world of literature.

WHAT IS LITERATURE?

in a broad sense, encompasses written or spoken works that     express ideas, emotions, and stories. It serves as a medium for human expression, allowing individuals to convey their thoughts, experiences, and imaginative worlds to others. Literature can take many forms, including novels, poems, essays, plays, and more. It serves various purposes, such as entertainment, education, cultural preservation, and the exploration of complex themes and ideas.

Moreover, literature often reflects the social, historical, and cultural contexts in which it was created, providing insights into different time periods and societies. It can evoke powerful emotions, challenge societal norms, and spark intellectual and emotional engagement with the world.

Lastly, the significance of literature is subjective and can vary from person to person. For some, it's a source of escapism and entertainment; for others, it's a means of introspection and intellectual stimulation. Literature has a rich and diverse legacy, and its impact on individuals and societies continues to be profound and far-reaching.

FAVORITE POEM

Sursum Corda by Dr. Justo Juliano

an excerpt

Seek not the spirit, if it hide

Inexorable to thy zeal:

Baby, do not whine or chide:

Art thou not also real?

Why shouldst thou stoop to poor excuses?

Turn on the accuser roundly; say,

' Here am I, here will I remain

Forever to myself soothfast;

Go thou, sweet Heaven, or at thy pleasure stay!' 

Already Heaven with thee its lot has cast,

For only it can absolutely deal."

Dr. Juliano Sursum Corda is a poem by Dr. Justo N. Juliano, who was also the first Filipino to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. He was born in Manila in 1932 and he died in2004. He studied at the University of Santo Tomas, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Literature. He then went on to earn a Master’s degree from Harvard University, where he studied under Carl Becker and Thomas Sowell. Dr. Juliano worked as an English professor at the University of the Philippines (UP) for over 40 years before retiring as an associate professor in 1992. He also served as a member of the UP Board of Regents and chairman of UP's Academic Council.

In lieu, the poem was written in response to a very emotional piece that convey show Juliano felt about the situation at the time and how he wanted his fellow Filipinos to feel at that moment in history. Needless to say, sursum corda is the power of prayer and faith. The poem is composed in an iambic pentameter structure with an ABAB rhyme scheme and written in the first-person plural. (e.g, ‘seek the spirit if they hide; inexorable to thy zeal; trembler, do not whine and chide: art thou not also real? ‘)The poem begins with a general summary of what has happened so far, followed by an explanation of what it means for him to be writing this piece. Moreover, it comes with a series of stanzas that describe how those feelings have turned into anger and sadness. Finally, he tells us how he hopes we can all move forward from this tragedy together with hope in our hearts. The poem is divided into two sections. The first section is about how we need to lift our hearts during difficult times in our lives so that we can continue with our lives and make the best choices possible. The second section is about how God will always be there for us if we just believe in Him and trust Him to help us in any way possible. It is one of the most famous poems ever written by Dr. Justo N. Juliano because it inspires people to keep fighting through whatever life throws at them, even when things don't seem right or fair anymore. After all, God has a plan and we need to trust His plan more than anything else right now.

From what I have comprehended, the idea of Sursum Corda taught us that people should always be looking for ways to improve themselves and their lives. Dr. Justo Juliano wants us to know that there is no need to be afraid of change and that it can be a good thing, even if it feels scary. In the first stanza, we are introduced to the subject of the poem. This is a call for all people to strive for something better in their lives, whether it's changing their behavior or improving society at large. On the other hand, the second stanza continues this theme by suggesting that we should not fear change because it will bring us closer to our goals. We can't wait until everything is perfect before we try something new; instead, we need to take risks now so that when things get harder, later on, we're prepared for them. Followed by the final stanza seems like a warning against complacency: if you stay where you are now forever, then maybe you'll never achieve anything at all! If you want something better than what's already out there right now and whom we should be certain.