Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Soures

Main Topic II:
Content and Contextual

Analysis of Selected
Primary Soures
Objectives
1. To properly interpret primary sources through examining the
content and context of the documents
2.To familiarize oneself with the primary documents in different
historical periods of the Philippines
3. To determine the contribution of different kinds of primary
sources in understanding Philippine history
4. To learn history through primary sources
A.Background of the Author/Creator
First the researcher must provide brief biographical

sketch of the author or creator of the primary source.
Family background, educational attainment, religion and
many others shall be given priority in presenting the
biography of the author. Special attention must also be
given to the first four steps of the test of credibility
discussed in the previous module.
EXAMPLE
Background of the Author -Juan Luna (1857-1899)
He was born on October 24, 1857 in Badoc Ilocos
Norte. He is the third among seven children of a well to
do couple Joaquin Luna ad Laureana Novicio. He took the
Bachelor of Arts in Ateneo de Municipal and Marine
Transportation (sailor) from Escuela Nautica de Manila. He
took drawing lesson from Lorenzo Guererro and Agustin
Saez. He went to Europe in 1877 and took painting
lessons in Escuela de Bellas de San Fernando but dropped
out to work with the painter Alejo Vera.
EXAMPLE
With the opening of Exposicion National de Ballas Artes
1878, his artistic talent was established. Luna became
engrossed in painting and produced a collection of painting
that he exhibited from several expositions from 1881. He won
a gold medal from Madrid Exposition for his Spoliarium while
after his death in 1904. The Parisian Life won the silver medal
at the St. Louis Exposition. In 1883 Luna started the painting
Blood Compact to fulfill his pensionado obligation from the
Ayuntamiento . He also developed a friendship with the king of
Spain so that the Spanish Senate commissioned the painting La
Batalla de Lepanto.
EXAMPLE
During this period he became part of propaganda movement and befriended
several members of the organization like Jose Rizal. He married Maria de la
Paz Pardo de Tavera. They had one son Andres and a daughter Maria de la
Paz who died when she was three year old. After the death of his daughter
the couple had marriage difficulties. It culminated in the killing of his wife,
mother in law and wounding of Felix, one of his brothers in law.
On September 16, 1896, he and his brother Antonio were arrested by
Spanish authorities for being involved with the KKK. He was pardoned by the
Spanish court on May 27, 1897 and he travelled back to Spain in July. In 1899
he was appointed by the Malolos Republic as a member of Paris delegation
which was working for the diplomatic recognition of the Republic. He
travelled back to the Philippines upon hearing the death of his brother,
Antonio. He travelled to Hongkong but died there aged 42 on December 7,
1899 from a heart attack.
B.Background of the Document/Primary Source
Basic background of the source like the type of
primary source, how many parts or chapter, how long is
the document shall be given attention.
Next is to locate where the primary source can be found.
The repository of primary sources may be found in the
library, archive, museum, historical society or special
collection of private individuals.
EXAMPLE
Historical Background of the Primary Source
The Parisian Life is also known as Inside a Café. It is 1892 oil on

canvas painting that measures 22”x31” which was made in Paris,
France. Considered to be one of the last major works Luna has done
during his post academic and life in Paris.
The painting is housed in the National Museum. Provenance of

Dr. Ariston Bautista Lin, one of the three audience to the woman
pictured in the painting. It is now owned by the GSIS (brought from
Christie’s Hong Kong in 2002 for Php 46,000,000)
To check the authenticity of the source,
check the provenance or origin of the said document.
What to do? A researcher must find out who are the
creator and the time of creation.
Next task is to look for the purpose or motive of the
source. First understand the historical context. Next is
to do a background research. Then look at important
historical event at the time the source was made. Finally
ascertain intended audience.
EXAMPLE
Historical Background of the Primary Source
Apparently the painting is for European audience. The woman in the painting
is a Caucasian and this work of art belong to the impressionistic movement
originated with the group of Paris-based artist whose exhibition brought them
to prominence during the 1870’s and 1880’s. But some interpretation points
that the painting is really for Filipinos. The first owner of this primary source
was a Filipino and the woman symbolizes the Philippines.
What is the motive of the painter? If we look at the historical context, the year
1892 was the year when Rizal went back to the Philippines to established La Liga
Filipino because he was disappointed with the Propaganda movement. Juan Luna
also experience personal difficulties at that time with his insulares wife Paz. Soon
after the La Liga foundation, Rizal was arrested and deported to Dapitan.
Thereafter Juan Luna must be affected by what happened to his friend and his
disappointment with his wife so that the subject matter of this masterpiece must
C.Content Analysis of the Important Historical Information
Found in the Document
First look for corroboration between the research you gather and the
primary source . Look also if your source agrees with information from
another source. Next, analyze the primary source, look for bias. There is a
bias when a source’s information is unbalance.
There are two kinds of bias: either it is strongly positive
(strongly in favor of) or strongly negative (strongly against).
from other sources. If you’re looking for a bias in written source you’ll
need to find word choices that are extreme in their description. If it is a
visual source you’re looking for a depiction that is clearly exaggeration.
C.Content Analysis of the Important Historical
Information Found in the Document
Next is to analyze the historical perspective or a point of view a creator
describe the event. Do a background check of the author with regards to his
nationality, social status, political persuasion, cultural background, religion
or education.
Last analyze the historical context of the document. Context is the
awareness that sources were created at times which were very different to
our own. Historical empathy understands the past without judging it by
modern standards. To determine historical context, we must look when the
source is made (preferably the exact date). Next is where was it created.
Third, what event occurred at the time and then read the source to identify
specific language
D.Contribution and Relevance of the Document in
Understanding the Grand Narrative of Philippine
History
In this activity look for the cause and consequences of the
primary sources. A cause is a person or thing that makes something
happens while a consequences is a direct result of the cause.
Example is the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan. That event is the cause
while being converted to Catholicism is the effect or the
consequence.
In this part of the analysis look also for the turning point or
dramatic moment of change that was cause by the event or primary
source.
EXAMPLE
Contribution and Relevance of the Document in Understanding

the Grand Narrative of Philippine History
(Juan Luna) was able to convey multitude of message in a very limited

space in an otherwise simple subject.
(https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317329012_Parisian_
Life_Luna's_Call_for_Temperance) Although his character was not heroic
for he has many character flaws. But then he used his great talent to
advance the Filipino cause. This painting and other visual arts can be use as
a primary source to motivate our students to do move for our nation. The
message of this painting can be a cause while a simple compliance of the
new normal can be the consequence.
E.Relevance of the documents to the present
time.
Look for the historical significance or what modern people

consider to be important from the past. There are many events
in our history we have to choose but few people, events or
ideas to focus on. Since significant is a decision we make, it
means different people can decide different thing are
particularly the most important. They can disagree also the
reason why particular event is important.
E.Relevance of the documents to the present time.
To determine significance of the event? We have to follow the
acronym NAME or Novelty, Applicability, Memory and Effect.
• Novelty or when something is new or never been seen

before. Example is when Cory Aquino became President; it is
significant because she is the first female president of the
Philippines.
• Applicability or when it is similar to the present. The
Spanish Flu of 1918 suddenly became important topic
because of Covid-19.
• Memory or how it has been remembered over time. The
typhoon Yolanda is remembered because it is the
strongest weather disturbance that hit the country.
• Lastly the Effect or how people have been affected. Taal
Volcanic Eruption is significant particularly in Batangas
area because many were affected.
EXAMPLE
Relevance of the Document to the Present Time
The significant of this work of art is that it is one of

the products of the genius of Juan Luna. He was one
of the first international celebrities that highlight
Filipino talent. He was the Manny Pacquiao and
Hidelyn Diaz of the 19th century.
THANK YOU!
GROUP 2
Antioquia, Joan Paula
Mendoza, Kyla Denise C.
Seromines, Eloisa
Vivas, Charizze H.

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Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Soures

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Main Topic II:

Content and Contextual

First the researcher must provide brief biographical

Historical Background of the Primary Source

The Parisian Life is also known as Inside a Café. It is 1892 oil on

The painting is housed in the National Museum. Provenance of

Contribution and Relevance of the Document in Understanding

(Juan Luna) was able to convey multitude of message in a very limited

Look for the historical significance or what modern people

• Novelty or when something is new or never been seen

Relevance of the Document to the Present Time

The significant of this work of art is that it is one of

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