1. Masterful Use of Language: Baltazar was a master of the Tagalog language. His works showcased the language's beauty, richness, and expressiveness. He elevated Tagalog to a level comparable to Spanish, which was the language of the elite at the time. This inspired later writers to use Tagalog with confidence and artistry.
2. Evocative Storytelling: Both "Florante at Laura" and "Urbana at Felisa" tell compelling stories with themes that resonate with Filipinos even today. "Florante at Laura" explores themes of love, betrayal, heroism, and political intrigue, while "Urbana at Felisa" provides moral and social lessons on good behavior, family life, and societal values. These stories, combined with Baltazar's masterful use of language, have captivated readers for generations.
3. Nationalistic Spirit: "Florante at Laura" subtly criticizes the Spanish colonial regime and celebrates Filipino values. This nationalistic spirit, though veiled in allegory, has inspired generations of writers to use their work as a platform for social commentary and national pride.
4. Literary Form and Structure: Baltazar's works provided models for later writers. "Florante at Laura" is a *dulaan* (drama) written in the *awit* style, which is characterized by its poetic verses and flowing narrative. "Urbana at Felisa" is a *tula* (poem) written in the *korido* style, which is known for its rhyming verses and dramatic storytelling. His use of these traditional literary forms has had a lasting impact on Filipino literature.
5. Influence on Later Works: Many Filipino writers have acknowledged Baltazar's influence. For example, Jose Rizal, considered the national hero of the Philippines, was deeply influenced by Baltazar's works. Rizal's novels, "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," show how Baltazar's legacy helped shape the development of Filipino literature.
In Conclusion: Baltazar's mastery of language, his ability to tell compelling stories, his subtle nationalistic spirit, and his contribution to the development of Filipino literary forms have all inspired generations of Filipino writers. His legacy continues to live on in the works of contemporary Filipino writers.