Florante at Laura: A Classic Filipino Epic in English Translation

If you are interested in Philippine literature, you might have heard of Florante at Laura, one of the most famous and celebrated works of Filipino poetry. Written by Francisco Balagtas in the 19th century, Florante at Laura is an epic poem that tells the story of two lovers, Florante and Laura, who face various trials and tribulations in the kingdom of Albania. The poem is written in Tagalog, the national language of the Philippines, and uses a poetic form called awit, which consists of four-line stanzas with twelve syllables each and a rhyme scheme of aabb.

Florante at Laura is not only a romantic tale, but also a political and social commentary on the issues and events that shaped Philippine history and culture. The poem reflects the influences of Spanish colonialism, Islamic invasions, Christian faith, and Filipino nationalism on the Filipino identity and consciousness. The poem also showcases the literary genius and creativity of Balagtas, who used various figures of speech, allegories, symbols, and references to create a rich and complex masterpiece.

What is Florante at Laura Full English Version?

Florante at Laura Full English Version is an English translation of the original Tagalog poem by Balagtas. There are several English translations of Florante at Laura available online and in print, but one of the most recent and comprehensive ones is by Tarrosa Subido, published in 1964. Subido’s translation aims to capture the essence and beauty of Balagtas’ language and style, while also making it accessible and understandable to modern English readers.

Subido’s translation follows the same structure and format as the original poem, with 399 stanzas divided into 12 cantos. Each stanza has four lines with twelve syllables each and a rhyme scheme of aabb. Subido also provides an introduction that gives some background information on Balagtas’ life and works, as well as a summary of each canto. Subido’s translation can be found online at https://www.kapitbisig.com/philippines/florante-at-laura-by-francisco-baltazar-a-complete-english-version_1041.html.

Why Should You Read Florante at Laura Full English Version?

There are many reasons why you should read Florante at Laura Full English Version, whether you are a Filipino or not. Here are some of them:

You will learn more about Philippine literature, history, and culture. Florante at Laura is not only a literary masterpiece, but also a historical document that reflects the social and political realities of the Philippines during Balagtas’ time. You will gain insights into the struggles and aspirations of the Filipino people under colonial rule, as well as their values and beliefs.
You will appreciate the beauty and artistry of Balagtas’ poetry. Florante at Laura is a testament to Balagtas’ skill and talent as a poet. He used various literary devices, such as metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, irony, allusion, etc., to create vivid images and expressions that convey his emotions and messages. He also used classical references to Greek mythology, Roman history, and Biblical stories to enrich his poem.
You will enjoy the story and characters of Florante at Laura. Florante at Laura is not only a poem, but also a story that has drama, romance, action, suspense, and humor. You will be captivated by the adventures and misfortunes of Florante and Laura, as well as their friends and foes. You will also relate to their feelings and dilemmas as human beings who face love, betrayal, jealousy, revenge, forgiveness, etc.

What is the Plot of Florante at Laura Full English Version?

Florante at Laura Full English Version follows the plot of the original Tagalog poem by Balagtas. The plot consists of 12 cantos or chapters that narrate the life and adventures of Florante and Laura, as well as their love and faith. Here is a brief summary of each canto:

Canto 1: Florante is tied to a tree in the forest, lamenting his fate and recalling his past. He was born to Duke Briseo and Princess Floresca of Albanya, a prosperous and peaceful kingdom. He was a bright and brave child who learned various skills and arts.
Canto 2: Florante is rescued by Aladin, a Persian prince who was exiled by his father for converting to Christianity. Aladin was also betrayed by his beloved Flerida, who married his father. The two men become friends and share their stories.
Canto 3: Florante tells Aladin how he went to Athens to study under Antenor, a famous philosopher and teacher. He met Adolfo, a fellow student who envied him for his talents and popularity. Adolfo tried to kill Florante during a school play, but he was saved by Menandro, his cousin and best friend.
Canto 4: Florante tells Aladin how he returned to Albanya after hearing the news of his mother’s death. He also met Laura, the daughter of King Linceo, and fell in love with her at first sight. He stayed at the palace for three days, but he did not have the chance to talk to her.
Canto 5: Florante tells Aladin how he joined the war against General Osmalik, a Persian invader who conquered Krotana, a neighboring kingdom. He fought bravely and defeated Osmalik’s army. He also saved King Linceo from being captured by Osmalik himself.
Canto 6: Florante tells Aladin how he was rewarded by King Linceo with honors and praises. He also received Laura’s hand in marriage. He was overjoyed and thanked God for his blessings.
Canto 7: Florante tells Aladin how he received a letter from Antenor, asking him to return to Athens to help him against the tyranny of Emperor Constantine. He decided to leave Albanya with Menandro and his troops, leaving Laura behind. He entrusted her to his father, Duke Briseo.
Canto 8: Florante tells Aladin how he arrived in Athens and fought against Constantine’s army. He was wounded and captured by Miramolin, a Moorish general who served Constantine. He was tortured and imprisoned for two years.
Canto 9: Florante tells Aladin how he escaped from prison with the help of an old Christian woman who nursed him back to health. He learned that Antenor had died and that Athens had been liberated by Menandro and his allies. He also learned that Albanya had been invaded by the Turks and that his father had been killed by Adolfo.
Canto 10: Florante tells Aladin how he rushed back to Albanya to save Laura and his kingdom. He arrived at the forest where he saw Adolfo holding Laura captive. He tried to fight Adolfo, but he was outnumbered and overpowered by his enemies. He was then tied to a tree and left to die.
Canto 11: Aladin tells Florante how he sympathized with his sufferings and admired his virtues. He also tells him that Flerida had followed him to the forest and had killed Adolfo and his men. She then freed Laura and brought her to Florante’s side.
Canto 12: Florante and Laura are reunited and express their love and gratitude for each other. They also thank Aladin and Flerida for their help and friendship. They then go back to Albanya with Menandro and his troops, who had arrived in time to defeat the Turks. They restore peace and order in their kingdom and live happily ever after.

What are the Themes and Symbols of Florante at Laura Full English Version?

Florante at Laura Full English Version has many themes and symbols that convey the messages and lessons of Balagtas. Here are some of them:

Love: The main theme of the poem is love, which is shown by the characters of Florante and Laura, Aladin and Flerida, and Menandro and Antenor. Love is the source of happiness and strength, but also of pain and sacrifice. Love can overcome obstacles and enemies, but also cause jealousy and betrayal. Love can inspire loyalty and courage, but also test faith and patience.
Patriotism: Another theme of the poem is patriotism, which is shown by the characters of Florante, Menandro, Antenor, and King Linceo. Patriotism is the love for one’s country and people, which motivates them to defend their land and freedom from foreign invaders. Patriotism can also unite different races and religions, such as Christians and Muslims, against a common enemy.
Justice: Another theme of the poem is justice, which is shown by the characters of Florante, Aladin, Flerida, and Duke Briseo. Justice is the respect for the rights and dignity of others, which guides them to act with fairness and honesty. Justice can also bring peace and order to society, but also require punishment and revenge for the wicked.
Forest: A symbol of the poem is the forest, which represents the dark and dangerous world where Florante and Aladin find themselves. The forest is full of wild animals and enemies that threaten their lives. The forest also symbolizes their isolation and despair, as they have no one to help them or comfort them.
Garden: Another symbol of the poem is the garden, which represents the bright and beautiful world where Florante and Laura meet. The garden is full of flowers and birds that delight their senses. The garden also symbolizes their love and happiness, as they have each other to share their feelings and dreams.

What are the Literary Devices and Techniques of Florante at Laura Full English Version?

Florante at Laura Full English Version uses various literary devices and techniques that enhance the style and meaning of Balagtas’ poetry. Here are some of them:

Awit: The poem is written in awit, a poetic form that consists of four-line stanzas with twelve syllables each and a rhyme scheme of aabb. Awit is derived from the Spanish word for song, and it is often used for epic poems and romances.
Metaphor: The poem uses metaphor, a figure of speech that compares two things that are not alike but have something in common. For example, Florante compares Laura to a star that guides his way, and Aladin compares Flerida to a rose that he cherishes.
Simile: The poem uses simile, a figure of speech that compares two things that are not alike but have something in common using the words like or as. For example, Florante says that his enemies are like lions that devour him, and Aladin says that his father is as cruel as a snake.
Personification: The poem uses personification, a figure of speech that gives human qualities to non-human things. For example, Florante says that the forest cries with him, and Aladin says that the sun smiles at him.
Hyperbole: The poem uses hyperbole, a figure of speech that exaggerates something for emphasis or effect. For example, Florante says that he would rather die than live without Laura, and Aladin says that he would give up his kingdom for Flerida.
Irony: The poem uses irony, a figure of speech that expresses something different or opposite from what is expected or intended. For example, Florante is saved by Aladin, a Muslim prince whom he was supposed to fight against, and Adolfo is killed by Flerida, a Muslim princess whom he was supposed to marry.
Allusion: The poem uses allusion, a reference to another work of literature, history, or culture that adds meaning or context to the poem. For example, Florante mentions Hercules, Alexander the Great, and Julius Caesar as examples of great heroes and leaders.

Conclusion

Florante at Laura Full English Version is an English translation of the original Tagalog poem by Francisco Balagtas. It is a classic Filipino epic that tells the story of two lovers, Florante and Laura, who face various challenges and enemies in the kingdom of Albania. The poem also reflects the historical and cultural influences of Spanish colonialism, Islamic invasions, Christian faith, and Filipino nationalism on the Filipino identity and consciousness. The poem also showcases the literary genius and creativity of Balagtas, who used various literary devices and techniques to create a rich and complex masterpiece. Florante at Laura Full English Version is a valuable and enjoyable work of Philippine literature that can be appreciated by readers of all ages and backgrounds.