Noli Me Tangere Character and Context Matching Quiz

A novel written by José Rizal, published in 1887 in Berlin. Originally titled "Noli Me Tangere" in Latin, it critiques Spanish colonization in the Philippines, exploring themes like social injustice, corruption, and the abuse of power.

The protagonist of Noli Me Tangere. A Filipino who studied in Europe for seven years, he represents hope and enlightenment. He is intelligent, compassionate, and driven to improve the lives of his people.

The fiancée of Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra, María Clara embodies the idealized Filipina. Delicate, beautiful, and virtuous, she represents traditional values and family influences.

A wealthy Filipino businessman and cabeza de barangay (head of the village) of San Diego. He is believed to be María Clara's father, but this is later revealed to be incorrect.

A Franciscan friar and former parish curate of San Diego. He represents the abuse of power and corruption within the Spanish clergy. He is a key antagonist in the story and causes significant hardship for Ibarra and his family.

A friend of José Rizal who provided financial support to help publish "Noli Me Tangere." He played a crucial role in the novel's initial distribution.

Padre Salví is the Franciscan curate of San Diego. He harbors hidden desires for María Clara and is known for being thin and sickly. His name, 'Salví,' might be a shortened form of 'Salvación' (salvation) or 'Salvaje' (savage), adding a layer of complexity to his character.

El Alférez is the head of the Guardia Civil in San Diego. He's described as the enemy of the priests and is married to Doña Consolacion.

Doña Consolacion is El Alférez's wife, known as 'la musa de los guardias civiles' (the muse of the civil guards) or 'la Alféreza.' She was formerly a laundrywoman who pretends to be a Peninsular and is infamous for mistreating Sisa.

Don Tiburcio de Espadaña is a Spanish quack doctor who is submissive to his wife, Doña Victorina. He's described as being physically frail.

Teniente Guevara is a close friend of Don Rafael Ibarra. He reveals to Crisóstomo how Don Rafael Ibarra died.

Alfonso Linares is a distant nephew of Tiburcio de Espadaña and a potential suitor for María Clara. He claims to be a lawyer but is later revealed to be a fraud, just like Don Tiburcio. He eventually dies from the medications prescribed by Don Tiburcio.

Tía Isabel is the cousin of Capitán Tiago who raised Maria Clara. She serves as a maternal figure in Maria Clara's life.

The Governor General is the highest authority in the Philippines. He is powerful and holds disdain for corrupt officials and friars. He shows sympathy for Ibarra.

Don Filipo is the vice mayor of San Diego and the leader of the liberal faction in the town. He represents the opposing view to the conservative forces led by the friars.

The friars, through manipulation and control of large estates, convinced people that their prosperity was a result of religious supervision. This perpetuated a false sense of security and dependence on the friars.

The lack of support from both the government and the moral sphere contributed to the stagnant condition of Filipinos at the time.

The constant repetition of negative messages that Filipinos were inferior and incapable, instilled a deep sense of inferiority and suppressed their aspirations.

A constant state of being pulled down, like a soul being withdrawn, saps energy and blocks any progress.

The combination of verbal abuse and manipulation, along with the suppression of knowledge and ambition, was a powerful tool for shaping Filipinos' self-perception.

The lack of a strong, industrious worker ideal and the prevalence of an aristocratic mindset led to the Filipinos conforming to a lifestyle focused on paperwork, religion, and luxury, despite their limited resources.

Instead of developing a strong national sentiment, the Filipinos became passive and lacked any resistance to policies detrimental to their well-being.

The Filipinos adopted a culture of imitation, embracing clerical work, religion, and ostentatious living, while neglecting practical skills and means of subsistence.

The Filipinos' lack of unified opposition and initiative contributed to their inertness and their inability to improve their situation.

The lack of a strong work ethic and the adoption of a culture of imitation both served to hinder the Filipinos' development and contributed to their overall passivity.

A Spanish friar who uses his position of power to manipulate and control others, aiming to prevent Ibarra and Maria Clara from marrying.

An act of accusing someone falsely, often with the intention of harming their reputation or causing them to suffer.

The act of intentionally fabricating or altering evidence to support a false claim, done to manipulate legal proceedings or secure a desired outcome.

A complex web of relationships and loyalties, often involving family, social standing, and power dynamics.

The release from a binding religious penalty, particularly the removal of excommunication.

A secret or sensitive information that is kept hidden, often with the potential to cause significant harm if revealed.

The act of fleeing from danger or persecution, often for personal safety or to avoid being caught.

Tragic events that lead to the death of a character, emphasizing the impact on other characters and the larger narrative.

The belief that it was easier for a poor person to enter heaven, leading to Filipinos avoiding work and preferring poverty.

Excessive taxes levied by the Spanish government and friars, leaving Filipinos with little income after paying their dues.

The Spanish government's use of Filipinos as forced labor and their exploitation, resulting in a decline in their economic productivity.

The friars' advice for Filipinos to abandon their industries and work, claiming heaven as their sole hope, further hindering economic progress.

The disruption of trade relations with neighboring countries, leading to the decline of coastal trade and economic opportunities in the Philippines.

The exploitation of Filipinos by Encomenderos through forced labor, unfair pricing, and enslavement, undermining their economic well-being.

The introduction of gambling by the Spanish, contributing to the decline of economic activities and diverting resources.

Frequent fiestas, lengthy religious ceremonies, and excessive celebrations, diverting time and resources from productive activities.

The suppression of Filipinos' freedom and independence, leading to fear, lack of confidence in the future, and reduced motivation to work.

The lack of government support for commerce and agriculture, resulting in economic stagnation and limited growth.