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A Love to Fight For
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Plot The main portion of the piece of in the gubat of quezonaria(dark glommy forest) is told in the point of view of the main protagonist, Florante. He narrates his experiences and hardships to a Muslim, Alibaba. It is important to note that the story is based on the author's own life. He was imprisoned unfairly and his sweetheart (her name was Maria Asuncion Rivera or MAR) was married to his 'rival' of sorts. He wrote the story in his jail cell. The story begins deep within a dark, (gloomy forest). Florante, of the Kingdom of Albania is tied to an (mahogany) tree, lamenting the loss of his father, Duke Briseo. He is driven mad by the thought that his beloved Laura has fallen into the arms of his archenemy, Konde Adolfo. Nearby, a Muslim soldier, strolling through the forest, overhears Florante’s plaintive cries. The Muslim is moved by the stranger’s words. the muslims name is aladin All of a sudden, two famished lions attacked the helpless Florante. He is saved, just in time, by the Muslim knights. Weak and bewildered, Florante fainted. The merciful soldier nurses Florante to health. Upon recovery, Florante is initially taken aback by the Muslim. He is confused to be in the care of an enemy (Christians and Muslims are usually depicted as enemies). After a few explanations are made, however, Florante is grateful & begins to tell his story. The son of a princess and a royal adviser, Florante grew up in happiness, showered with love.He liked to play games when he was six,and was almost killed by a Vulture that tried to snatch the gem on his chest.He was saved by his cousin Menalipo, an archer from Epirus. At the early age of 11, his parents sent him to Athens, Greece to study under Antenor, a renowned teacher. There, he met Adolfo, of his own homeland, the brightest student in their school. After 6 years of study, Florante surpassed Adolf's capabilities, talents and intelligence, gaining popularity and recognition. Adolfo took this very personally. While acting during a school play, Adolf attempted to kill Florante. Fortunately, Florante’s friend, Menandro menaldino in 1887, was quick enough to intervene. Plan foiled, Adolfo headed home to Albania. One year later, Florante received a letter from his father, announcing the death of his mother. Though filled with grief, Florante waited two months before he could return home. Menandro, unwilling to be separated from him, accompanied him on his journey. Upon his arrival to Albania, an emissary of the kingdom of Croton requested his assistance in the incoming war against the Persians. Florante had not the will to refuse, for the King of Croton was his grandfather. During his stay in Albania, Florante was invited to the king's palace. There, he is stunned by the sight of Laura, the daughter of King Linceus, King of Albania. Coming to the aid of Croton, Florante fought with the Persian general, Osmalik for 5 hours, finally slaying him in the end. He stayed in Croton for 5 months before returning to Albania, to see Laura. He was surprised by the to the people of the krotona sight of a Persian flag waving atop the kingdom. He recaptured the palace and saved Duke Briseus, Adolfo, Laura, and King Linceus. He was declared “Defender of Albania” for his bravery, deepening Adolfo’s envy and hatred. Florante protected the kingdom, once more, from the Turkish forces, under general Mimilomin, an acclaimed conqueror. This took place in Aetolia, where he later received a letter from his father. The letter summoned him back to Albania. Leaving his troops in the care of his friend, Menandro, Florante returned home. Once there, he was ambushed by 30,000 soldiers and under Adolf’s orders, he was imprisoned for 28 days. There, he learned of the tragic fate of his father and his king. Under Adolfo’s hands, they were beheaded. Florante was then exiled into the forest and tied to an acacia tree. Florante detailed his relationship with Laura, his one and only true love. he also narrates about Adolfo's jealousy of him and his wish to claim the throne, so he arranged him to be killed. After months of wandering in the forest, the Persian, Aladdin shares that he is also in a similar circumstance. Sultan Ali-Adab accused his own son, Aladdin, of leaving his troops and allowing his conquered enemy to be recaptured. He arranged for his son to be beheaded. Flerida, very much in love with Aladdin begged the Sultan not to kill, but merely exile his son. In return, Flerida agreed to marry the Sultan, who was very taken with her. Aladdin’s speech is interrupted when they hear voices. A woman narrates her escape from a kingdom and a marriage. She speaks of her search for her beloved, a search which lasted 6 years. She shares that while deep in the forest, she heard cries for help. Finding a lady harassed by a man, trying to rape her, she uses her bow and arrow to kill him. The woman introduces herself as Flerida. The lady saved by Flerida, revealed to be Laura, begins to tell her story. While her love was away at war, Count Adolfo gained the popularity of the people, having lied to them and turned them against the king. Count Adolfo then rose to the throne, forcing Laura to be his queen.An army under Menandro, Florante's childhood friend, was able to overthrow Adolf from power. Adolfo, seeing all was lost, fled into the woods, taking Laura as hostage. After hearing all this, Florante and Aladdin reunite with their loved ones. Florante and Laura returned to Albania, and became king and queen. Aladdin and Flerida returned to Persia, where Aladdin became the new sultan because his father is dead. The two kingdoms lived in harmony and peace. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florante_at_Laura |
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| by: Emily Mandac, Freya Patron & Maita Nonato | ||