El Filibusterismo: Chapters 1 & 2

• El Filibusterismo is the second novel written by Jose Rizal, serving as a sequel to Noli Me Tangere.

Chapter 1: On the Upper Deck

• The story begins on the steamer Tabo, navigating the Pasig River.
• The passengers represent a cross-section of Philippine society: friars, government officials, merchants, and Filipinos.
• The differing opinions and social dynamics are immediately apparent.
• Simoun, a wealthy jeweler, is introduced as a mysterious and influential figure.
• The steamer's slow and inefficient journey symbolizes the slow pace of progress in the Philippines.

Chapter 2: Under the Deck

• The narrative shifts to the lower deck, where Filipinos and Chinese passengers are located.
• Basilio is among those traveling in the less comfortable conditions.
• Isagani, a young poet, joins Basilio.
• They discuss educational reforms and the construction of an academy for learning Spanish.
• The discrimination is highlighted through the separation of passengers based on race and social class.

Chapter 3: Legends

• Simoun engages in conversation with the passengers on the upper deck.
• He shares a story about a legendary Chinese man named Quiroga who supposedly dreamt of riches in the Philippines.
• Another story involves Doña Geronima, a woman who had a large feast in her honor.
• Simoun's stories often carry hidden meanings, subtly criticizing the Spanish colonial rule.

Chapter 4: Cabesang Tales

• Tales, a former cabeza de barangay, has experienced hardship due to the greed of the friars and government officials.
• He was forced to give up his land after being subjected to exorbitant taxes and legal battles.
• Tales's experiences reflect the injustices suffered by many Filipinos.
• He becomes an outlaw after losing everything.

Chapter 5: A Cochero's Christmas Eve

• Basilio walks to San Diego, reflecting on the past.
• He recalls the tragic events from Noli Me Tangere, including the death of Sisa and Elias.
• Basilio witnesses mistreatment towards Filipinos, as he observes a cochero being beaten by guardia civil.

Chapter 6: Basilio

• Basilio visits the grave of Sisa in the forest owned by the Ibarra family.
• He meets Simoun, who reveals his true identity as Crisostomo Ibarra.
• Simoun tries to recruit Basilio into his revolutionary cause, urging him to seek revenge.
• Basilio initially refuses, as he remains focused on his studies and becoming a doctor.

Chapter 7: Simoun

• Simoun explains his plan to incite a revolution and overthrow the Spanish government.
• He intends to exploit the corruption and abuses of the authorities to ignite widespread rebellion.
• Simoun is driven by vengeance for the suffering he and his loved ones have endured.
• His methods are ruthless and involve destruction and violence.

Chapter 8: Merry Making

• The chapter depicts a fiesta in the town of San Diego.
• The festivities are superficial, masking the underlying social problems and tensions.
• Padre Salvi is present, still haunted by his past actions.
• A theatrical performance is staged, but it is heavily censored by the authorities.

Chapter 19: The Fuse

• Quiroga hosts a dinner party to solicit support for his business ventures, while secretly Simoun uses his warehouse to store weapons for the planned revolution.
• Simoun pressures Quiroga to settle his debts and forces him to participate in his plans for revolution.
• This illustrates Simoun's manipulative nature.
• A watch with explosives is central to Simoun's plan, set to detonate at a signal.

Chapter 20: The Tatakut

• The chapter describes the activities of the students and their plans for academic reforms.
• A group of students advocating for educational reform are labeled as subversives or "Tatakut" by the authorities.
• Placido Penitente reluctantly agrees to help spread the word.
• The chapter exposes the suppression of free thought and expression under colonial rule.