Rizal's Literary Works Overview

A Franciscan friar and Maria Clara's biological father. He is a main antagonist and represents the negative aspects of the Catholic friars' actions in the Philippines.

The mother of Basilio and Crispin, who tragically loses her sons and descends into madness. Her suffering symbolizes the plight of Filipino mothers facing hardship.

Don Santiago de los Santos, Maria Clara's adoptive father. He's a wealthy businessman involved in the illegal opium trade, representing a more practical and business-oriented approach to religion.

Don Anastacio, a philosopher who holds critical views of the Catholic Church and societal norms. He is misunderstood and regarded as 'mad' by his neighbors.

A woman who tries to pass herself off as a Spaniard despite being Filipino. She represents an exaggerated yearning for Spanish culture and superiority.

Crisostomo Ibarra's father, a man labeled as a heretic and rebel due to his liberal views. He represents the struggle for social change against the oppressive regime.

A teacher in San Diego, representing the poor quality of education in the Philippines under Spanish rule.

The leader of the rebels, his family was destroyed by the Spanish. He represents the fight against Spanish oppression and the desire for freedom.

Noli Me Tangere was printed in Berlin, Germany, as it was the cheapest place to live at the time and Rizal was short of funds.

Maximo Viola, a friend of Rizal, offered to pay the P300.00 cost for printing 2,000 copies of Noli Me Tangere, allowing the book to be released.

'Noli Me Tangere' is a Latin phrase meaning 'Touch me not,' which Rizal took from the Bible.

A seacoast town in southern Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), described by Rizal as picturesque but lonely, quiet, and sad.

The alternative English title for Noli Me Tangere is 'The Social Cancer.'

The capital of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), considered by Rizal to be more beautiful, smart, and elegant than Singapore, Point Galle, and Manila.

Crisostomo Ibarra, also known as Juan Crisostomo Ibarra y Magsalin, is a Filipino who studied in Europe and is the main character in Noli Me Tangere. He represents Filipinos who embraced European ideas through education.

A barren coast of Africa, perceived by Rizal as inhospitable but famous.

Elias is a mysterious friend of Ibarra, a master boater and a fugitive. He represents the Filipino masses who suffered under Spanish oppression.

A city where Rizal first stepped on African soil and observed real camels.

Maria Clara de los Santos is Ibarra's sweetheart and the illegitimate daughter of Father Damaso. She symbolizes the Filipina women of religious upbringing and tradition.

A city in Egypt, located at the Red Sea Terminal of the Suez Canal, where Rizal was fascinated by the multilingual inhabitants.

The novel Noli Me Tangere caused controversy as it criticized and exposed various elements of Spanish colonial society. It was seen as subversive and Governor General Emilio Terrero summoned Rizal to discuss charges of subversive ideas.

An Italian city where Rizal explored European territory for the first time, admiring its business activities, lively people, and panoramic beauty.

A French harbor city where Rizal visited the Chateau d'If, the prison from the novel "The Count of Monte Cristo."

The second largest city in Spain and the largest in Catalonia, where Rizal initially had a negative impression due to a dirty inn but later found it to be a great city.

This poem, written in 1874, was dedicated to Rizal's mother on her birthday. It reflects his joy at her release from prison and highlights his early talent for poetry.

This 1876 poem emphasizes the importance of education in uplifting a nation. It showcases Rizal's strong belief in education as a tool for national progress.

Written in 1876, this poem tells the tragic story of Saint Eustace. It showcases Rizal's interest in religious themes and his ability to narrate compelling stories.

This 1876 poem is a tender tribute to Calamba, Rizal's hometown. It reflects his love for his birthplace and its people.

This 1876 poem, also known as 'The Captivity and the Triumph,' describes the defeat and capture of Boadbil, the last Moorish sultan of Granada. It showcases Rizal's interest in historical events and his skill in portraying conflict.

This poem from 1876 recounts the victorious entry of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel into Granada, the last Moorish stronghold in Spain. It highlights Rizal's understanding of historical events and his ability to describe triumphant events.

This 1877 poem extols Christopher Columbus, the explorer who discovered the New World. It reveals Rizal's admiration for daring individuals and his recognition of historical figures' impact.

This 1877 poem explores how King John II of Portugal missed out on the fame and riches associated with Columbus's expedition to the New World. It shows Rizal's ability to analyze historical scenarios and their consequences.

A Filipina woman, married to the Ensign, known for her abusive and aggressive behavior towards him. They are often seen in violent arguments that echo through the town.

The most powerful official in the Philippines, holding substantial authority. They are known for their dislike of corrupt officials and secular priests, but are also known to be friendly with Ibarra.

After five years of studying abroad, Rizal returned to the Philippines with the intention of helping his family and fellow Filipinos, assessing the impact of his writings, and searching for his love interest, Leonora Rivera.

Upon returning to Calamba, Rizal opened a medical clinic and treated his mother as his first patient, gaining the nickname 'Doctor Uliman'.

In Calamba, Rizal established a gymnasium to promote European sports with the aim of discouraging gambling amongst youth.

Despite the Spanish Lieutenant finding no issue with Rizal's novel, 'Noli Me Tangere' was banned based on reports from the Commission of Censorship, showcasing the significant influence held by the powerful friars.

Concerned about potential danger to Rizal from the friars, the Spanish Lieutenant, Terrero, assigned Don Jose Taviel as Rizal's bodyguard.

A cultured Spanish Lieutenant, assigned as Rizal's bodyguard after the Lieutenant found no issues with 'Noli Me Tangere,' but felt Rizal was at risk from the friars.

Rizal's Masonic name was "DIMASALANG." He adopted this name when he joined the Acacia Masonic lodge in Madrid.

Rizal joined Freemasonry for two main reasons: to gain support against the friars in the Philippines and to use it as protection against problems he faced.

In Madrid, Rizal observed the French way of life, visiting museums like the Louvre, botanical gardens, and hospitals, where he witnessed Dr. Nicaise's treatment.

After joining the Freemasons, Rizal stopped attending church mass and distanced himself from Catholicism. However, he still held faith in Divine Providence.

Juan Luna's painting 'Spolarium' won first prize in the National Exposition of Fine Arts, boosting Filipino pride and inspiring Rizal to give a speech.

Rizal graduated from the Universidad Central de Madrid on June 21, 1884, receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree.

By joining Freemasonry, Rizal became a member of a secret society known for political and social activism. This influenced his views and actions, particularly against the friars.

Rizal's studies in Europe exposed him to different cultures, ideas, and perspectives. It ignited his passion for reform and inspired him to write novels like Noli Me Tangere.