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The Unter den Linden boulevard as seen during Rizals time. Rizal had frequented the Unter den Linden because there were several coffee houses in this wide avenue where he could read newspapers.
The renovated house at Jägerstraße 71, where Dr. Rizal resided in Berlin. A bronze memorial plaque has been placed in front of the building in honor of Dr. Rizal.
What happened to Rizal in Berlin?
What happened to Rizal in Berlin?
Rizal lived in Berlin for almost six months from November 1886 to May 1887.
While Rizal was putting the finishing touches to his first novel, he was struck by financial problem in Berlin as Paciano could not send him his monthly allowance from Calamba. As a result, he ate nothing but bread for days. Rizal also devoted his time to his medical studies as well as his literary writings despite undergoing privations while he was there.
Life in Berlin was not that easy for Rizal. According to a report, Rizal worked in the morning as an assistant of Dr. Schweigger’s Clinic and in the evening he attended lectures in the University of Berlin.
At the boarding house, he continued his physical trimming exercises and practice in speaking German, French and Italian languages. Before resting in the evening he took time writing and completing his first novel.
His association with numerous German intellectuals and noted German ophthalmologists led to his membership in prestigious societies, such as the Anthropological Society and Geographical Society of Berlin. During his leisure moments, he toured the country sides and observed the culture and life of the people. All these he captured in his various sketches.
“If I am going to die, I prefer to die for freedom, the welfare and the happiness of my country and my people”
Rizal's First Novel
Rizal's First Novel
It was in Berlin where Rizal wrote the last fourth of his first novel during the winter days of Feb 21, 1887, the earlier chapters of which he had already finished in Spain and Paris , including the preface, which was deadline 1886.
In idyllic Wilhelmsfeld, Rizal made crucial revisions of the draft in April-June, 1886, while on a three-month vacation with pastor Karl Ullmer’s family.
Over 2,000 copies of his novel printed at Berlin Buchdruckrei-Action-Gesselschaft, came off the press on March 21, 1887, nearly five months after Rizal’s first visit to the German capital. It brought him great joy after enduring so much sufferings.
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