Noli Me Tangere: Summary, Characters & Analysis | PDF

Noli M e T a n g e r e |1 NOLI ME TANGERE 1. Appraise important characters in the novel and what they represent. 2. Examine the present Philippine situation through the examples mentioned in the Noli Me Tangere. Noli Me Tangere is Latin phrase th...

Noli M e T a n g e r e |1 NOLI ME TANGERE 1. Appraise important characters in the novel and what they represent. 2. Examine the present Philippine situation through the examples mentioned in the Noli Me Tangere. Noli Me Tangere is Latin phrase that means “Touch me not.” Interestingly, it was lifted from the Bible, in fact, he wrote a letter to Felix Hidalgo on March 5, 1887 where he informed Hidalgo that it was from the Gospel of Luke. Rizal made a mistake in citing the Bible as this phrase was from the Gospel of John, particularly the chapter 20 verse 17. This was when Mary Magdalene tried to touch the newly risen Jesus and the latter said, “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father.” Additionally, he dedicated his novel to his country – the Philippines. http://www.artchive.com/artchive/c/correggio/correggio_tangere.jpg JOURNEY TO PUBLICATION Rizal’s inspiration in writing his first novel was Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel entitled Uncle Tom’s Cabin, a novel that portrayed the pathetic and inhumane conditions of Negro slaves brought by the brutalities of American slave-owners. This led to Rizal’s idea of creating a novel that would depict the oppression of the Spaniards to the Filipinos. He was then a student at Universidad Central de Madrid. On January 2, 1884, during the reunion of Filipinos at the Paterno’s residence in Madrid, Rizal proposed to his compatriots to write a novel about the Philippines. This proposal was unanimously approved by the present Filipinos in the gathering, among were the Paterno brothers, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Evaristo Aguirre, Eduardo de Lete, Julio Llorente, Melecio Figueroa, and Valentin Ventura. The novel will be written by a group of Filipinos in Madrid and initially planned to cover all phases of Philippine life. Unfortunately, none of the compatriots contributed to the content of the novel as they were more interested writing about women. Instead of collaborating thoughts for the novel, his compatriots invested more time on gambling and flirting with Spanish women. This made Rizal disappointed on his compatriots’ behavior and forced him to write the novel alone. Toward the end of 1884, Rizal began writing the novel in Madrid and finished about one-half of the novel. After completing his studies in the Universidad Central de Madrid in 1885, he went to Paris and continued writing until the third quarter. The last quarter of the novel was finished in Germany and the last few chapters were written in Wilhelmsfeld between April to June, 1886. One of the darkest periods in Rizal’s life occurred during the winter days of February 1886 in Berlin, it was the same time he made the final revisions of the manuscript of Noli. He was penniless, sick, and being hopelessness in the publication of his novel, he almost threw the manuscript of Noli into the flames. Rizal was living his life in misery when his friend Maximo Viola of San Miguel, Bulacan sent him a telegram  Noli M e T a n g e r e |2 about his coming to Berlin. It was before the Christmas of 1886 when Viola arrived in Berlin and was shocked upon seeing the condition of Rizal. He was living in poverty and malnourished. Believing on Rizal’s natural talent and determination in the publication of his novel, Viola lend him some money for his living expenses and the publication of Noli Me Tangere. After the Christmas season, Rizal busied himself into the finishing touch of Noli Me Tangere. Rizal removed the original chapter twenty-five “Elias at Salome” due to the expensive cost of publication. It was on February 21, 1887 when the Noli was finally finished and ready for printing. Together with Viola, Rizal spent days of surveying different printing shops in Berlin that would offer the cheapest printing service to his novel. It was Berliner Buchdruckrei-Action-Gesselschaft that gave the lowest charge of 300 pesos for 2000 copies of the novel. During the printing of Noli, Rizal was suspected as a French spy resulting to a visit of a German chief police to his boarding house. The latter asked for Rizal’s passport but he failed to show any since he had none. He was then given four days to secure a passport to avoid deportation. With the help of Viola, he went to the Spanish embassy to seek help from the Spanish ambassador, the Count of Benomar, who promised to help him. However, the ambassador failed to help him as the latter had no power to issue the required passport. After the ultimatum, Rizal went to the office of the German chief police and apologized for failing to present a passport. He also asked the officer why he would be deported when he was not committing any crime. The chief police informed him that he received intelligent reports about Rizal’s frequent visits to the little towns and villages in the rural areas of Berlin and this aroused the suspicion of the German government of him being a French spy. With fluency in German language, Rizal explained politely that he was a Filipino physician and scientist, particularly an ethnologist, who at that time were observing the customs and lifestyles of the simple inhabitants in Berlin. Surprisingly, due to Rizal’s personal charisma and language fluency in German, the chief police was impressed and allowed him to stay freely in Germany. After the settlement of the issue he encountered, he spent his days at the printing shop proof-reading the printed pages of the novel with Viola. On March 21, 1887, the Noli Me Tangere came off the press. Rizal immediately sent the first copies of the novel to his intimate friends, including Ferdinand Blumentritt, Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Mariano Ponce, and Felix Hidalgo. As a token of gratitude and appreciation, he gave Viola the galley proofs of the Noli carefully rolled around the pen he used in writing the novel and a complimentary copy on March 29, 1887. He put an inscription to it: “To my dear friend, Maximo Viola, the first to read and appreciate my work --- Jose Rizal.” SYMBOLISM The original cover of the novel was divided into two triangles separated by the title “Noli Me Tangere”. The upper triangle represents the life situation in Rizal’s time while the lower triangle represents the oppression of his countrymen at the hands of the Spanish tyranny. The partly covered text is secret message of Rizal to his parents: The Filipino Expert.com  Noli M e T a n g e r e |3 A mis P(adres,) Al escribir e(sta obra he estado p)ensando continuamente e(n vosotros que me h)abeis in- fundido los p(rimeros pensamientos) y las prime-ras ideas; a v(osotros os dedi)co este manus- crito de mi( joventud com pr)ueba de amor. Berlin( 21 de Febrero de 1)887 To my parents, In writing this work I have been continually thinking of you who have instilled in me the first thoughts and the first ideas; I dedicate this manuscript of my youth to you as a proof of love. Berlin February 21, 1887 Lower Triangle (It represents the oppression of his countrymen at the hands of Spanish tyranny.)  A man in a cassock with hairy feet – represents the priests that use religion as a façade to their dirty doings and to oppress the Indios.  Chains – it represents slavery.  Flogs and Whips – it symbolizes the cruelties of the Spaniards.  Bamboo stalk – depiction of the resilience of the Filipinos.  Helmet of Guardia Civil – the arrogance of those in authority. Upper Triangle (It represents the life situation in Rizal’s time.)  Silhouette of a Woman – some claimed that it represents Maria Clara, the epitome of a Filipina on the Spanish times, but it could also represent the motherland – “Philippines” to which Rizal dedicated his novel.  Cross/Crucifix – it is situated above the silhouette of a woman which symbolizes the dominance of the church during the Spanish regime; sufferings.  Pomelo Blossoms & Laurel Leaves – both of these elements symbolized Rizal’s aspiration for the Filipinos, in specific, honor and fidelity. As a common practice during his times, pomelo blossoms were utilized as a scent to the air commonly used during ceremonies and rituals, whereas laurel leaves were used as crowns during the Ancient Greek Olympics to signify the best of all the bests.  Burning Torch – it symbolizes rage and passion.  Sunflower – this represents a new beginning; enlightenment.  Noli M e T a n g e r e |4 FACTS ABOUT THE NOVEL Originally, Noli Me Tangere was written in Spanish, however, the English version of the novel is commonly known as The Social Cancer. This translation came from the novel's dedication where Rizal explained that there was a type of cancer so terrible that the sufferer could not bear to be touched and this disease afflicted his homeland. Thus, the novel was dedicated to "To My Fatherland" - the Philippines. The novel has 63 chapters since the twenty-fifth chapter entitled "Elias and Salome" had been removed due to financial constraints in the publication. CHARACTERS Main Characters Juan Crisostomo Ibarra y Magsalin Crisostomo Ibarra is depicted as one of the Filipinos who managed to finish their studies abroad. He had been living abroad for seven years. Unlike his countrymen, he was outspoken, idealistic, and has a liberal mind. He was the son of Don Rafael, one of the wealthiest businessmen in San Diego. As such, he was also a childhood friend of Maria Clara. He is a very patient and serious man but when he was provoked, he becomes very violent and impulsive. Crisostomo Ibarra exemplified the vision that Jose Rizal had aimed for the youth of the Philippines during his time. Other historians attribute Ibarra as Rizal’s reflection of himself. Maria Clara de los Santos y Alba Maria Clara is the daughter of Capitan Tiago. She often wore dainty dresses and religious artifacts (such as rosaries and a locket that contained a religious relic (agnos) from St Peter's boat believed to where Jesus rode in thousand years ago). She also carries a silk pouch that holds Ibarra's farewell letter. She sometimes carries a fan which she uses to hide her face when embarrassed. Her character is related to Rizal's childhood sweetheart, Leonor Rivera. Like the real-life Leonor, she plays the piano and the harp and has a sweet voice. She was portrayed as a faithful sweetheart, a good friend, and an obedient daughter. She is portrayed as the ideal woman during her time. She does not impose her will except when she refused to be married off to Linares. Maria Clara symbolizes the purity and innocence of a sheltered native woman during the time of Spanish occupation. She does not value material things that were abundantly bestowed upon her by admirers and family alike but holds in high esteem her parents’ honor and the promise she had given to her sweetheart. Elias Elias is a former boatman who became one of the most wanted criminals in San Diego. Due to several painful life events in his life, he distrusts human judgment and prefers God's justice instead. He is acquainted with the tulisanes and other crooks, which he uses to his advantage in discerning the troubles of the town. He was saved by Ibarra from a vicious crocodile and swears to protect Ibarra after the incident. He discovered a plot against Ibarra and thwarted it on his best ability. He used to have an affluent life with his twin sister and was educated in a Jesuit College. He prefers a revolution over the reforms, he even tried to convince Ibarra to join his cause but Ibarra has been inclined to believe in a more conservative way in fighting the Spaniards. Elias represents the common Filipino who is not only aware of the injustices done to their countrymen but would also like to deliver them from their oppressors. He is said to be the personification of Andres Bonifacio.  Noli M e T a n g e r e |5 Padre Damaso Verdolagas Padre Dámaso is a Franciscan friar and the former parish curate of San Diego. He is best known as a notorious character who speaks with harsh words and has been a cruel priest during his stay in the town. He is the real father of María Clara and an enemy of Crisóstomo's father, Rafael Ibarra. Later, he and María Clara had bitter arguments about whether she would marry Alfonso Linares or go to a convent. He symbolizes the Spanish friars of Rizal's time and his actions to the novel speak for the oppression and belittling of the Indios at the hand of the Spaniards. Pilosopo Tasio Patterned after his oldest brother, Paciano Rizal, his full name is only known as Don Anastasio. The educated inhabitants of San Diego labeled him as Filosofo Tacio (Tacio the Sage) while others called him Tacio el Loco (Tacio the Insane) due to his exceptional talent for reasoning. He comes from a rich family. He is often the pessimist and is untrusting of human altruism. He also does not believe in the religious fanaticism that was in vogue during his time. He symbolizes the learned Filipinos who had once embraced the culture of the Spanish regime. They eventually became disenchanted when they return to the Philippines and observe the stark contrast their countrymen receive from their colonizers. The more they turn to learn, the more they become eccentric to the masses they seek to enlighten. Other Supporting Characters Characters in Noli Me Tangere who are depicted to be victims of poverty and ignorance Sisa The mother of Basilio and Crispin, Sisa, or Narcisa is the typical native wife. She lived a miserable life which includes an abusive husband named Pedro who is also into cockfighting. Sisa is thought to have represented the motherland who was suffering as her character has suffered from the loss of her children. The tragic events that ruined her life represented the abuse that the motherland received from her colonizers. Basilio An acolyte tasked to ring the church bells for the Angelus, he faced the dread of losing his younger brother and the descent of his mother into insanity. At the end of the novel, Elías wished Basilio to bury him by burning in exchange for a chest that he uses for his education as revealed in the following novel. Crispin He is a sacristan who had been accused of stealing two gold pieces by the senior sacristan. Crispin represents the innocents who have been wrongly accused of the crime they did not commit. The injustice they suffered under the hands of the authorities during their time were silenced by their deaths and the cover-ups that follow it. Cabesang Tales A former farmer who was industrious and patient. He experienced struggles in obtaining ownership of the land he worked hard on. Became driven to irrationality by circumstances that reveal the roots of agrarian malaise in the country.  Noli M e T a n g e r e |6 Tano He is the son of Cabesang Tales. Conscripted into military service in the Carolinas where he is so alienated and confused by physical and moral distress that he comes home in a state of shock. The Undesirables These are characters that portray the pervading social cancer in the novels of Rizal. Capitan Tiago Capitan Tiago was a typical character during the time of Jose Rizal. He is a rich native-born Filipino who rubbed elbows with the powers that be during that time. He wanted to make sure that Maria Clara will be married to an affluent man with ample social capital and quickly abandoned his support to Ibarra when the friars disgraced the latter’s name. He symbolizes the rich Filipinos who oppress their fellow countrymen in exchange for the influence and the riches that they might gain from their powerful associations. Perhaps he always tried to maintain his respectability to compensate for the dishonored self-brought about by his wife's connection to Damaso. Doña Victorina de los Reyes de Espadaña Doña Victorina is a character that focuses on her image to look beautiful and socialite yet, in reality, have a distorted view of her identity and a social climber. She is the classic depiction of “colonial mentality” which believed that foreign-related things are superior and everything that connects with indigenous are inferior. Don Tiburcio de Espadaña The husband of Doña Victorina, who pretended as a doctor but has no training related to medicine. Due to his wife’s advice, he targeted well-respected patients and get exorbitant amounts of money. He is the depiction of the ignorant Spaniard who blindly follows his superior despite the harm it might cause his victims. Doña Consolacion She is an older Filipina woman married to the ensign. Known for her brutality and made many of the ensign’s decisions. She even encouraged his husband to take action against Father Salvi to assert his dominance. She oftentimes pretends to forget her native language despite having a very bad Spanish language capability. Her character portrayed the Filipinos who rejected their own nationality to make herself more worthy of respect than she actually is. Father Salvi He is a cunning man who uses his religious stature for political influence, benefitting both the church and himself. He often asserts his influence by attacking his enemies’ back. He is the depiction of the lustful and power-driven people who hide under their religious identity. ANALYSIS Noli Me Tangere is one of the greatest works of Rizal. This novel paved way to expose the oppression and brutalities of the Spaniards during his times. The novel became an exposé of the corrupt people who have made religion as an instrument for gaining power and take control of the ignorant and innocent Filipinos. Although the novel focuses on the discrimination and the indifference of the Spaniards to the Filipinos, Rizal became transparent on the flaws of some fellow countrymen. He included a depiction of the hypocrisy of some Filipinos who called themselves religious; the  Noli M e T a n g e r e |7 ignorant servility to wealthy and powerful Spanish officials to maintain their high status; and the indignity of dissociating themselves from their origin – being a Filipino. Rizal as an objective man as he is, he balanced the national portrait by highlighting the values of his unspoiled fellow countrymen. This includes the modesty and devotion of Filipino women; the hospitality of the Filipino families; a deep sense of gratitude; and the devotion of their children to their parents and vice versa. More importantly, the novel’s deepest insight is to call on the Filipinos revive their status as superior to the Spaniards in our own land; appreciate our own heritage; find our self- worth. It also emphasized the need for education among our fellowmen; awakens our dedication for the country; and absorbs some aspects of foreign cultures that would only enhance our native traditions. Noli Me Tangere is considered to be a romantic and societal novel. Despite the societal problems and conflicts presented in the novel, it possesses humor, freshness, and lightness. Thus, it is a work of the heart or a book of feeling. In contrast with El Filibusterismo that is a book of thought or work of the head. Unlike to Noli, it possesses hatred, bitterness, sorrow, and violence. IMPLICATIONS After the publication of the Noli Me Tangere, it brought enlightenment to many Filipinos about the oppression experienced by their fellow countrymen. It served as one of the instruments that awakened the Filipino nationalism leading to the 1896 Philippine Revolution. This novel also tickled the aspirations of the Filipinos for independence and encouraged valuing of our identity - as Filipinos. SUMMARY OF NOLI ME TANGERE The story begins at a party to welcome Crisóstomo Ibarra back to the Philippines after seven years of studying in Europe. His father, Don Rafael, passed away shortly before his return, and Crisóstomo soon learns that he died in prison after accidentally killing a tax collector and being falsely accused of other crimes by Father Dámaso, the longtime curate of the church in Crisóstomo’s hometown of San Diego. Crisóstomo returns to San Diego, and his fiancée, María Clara, joins him there. After the schoolmaster tells him that Father Dámaso and the new curate, Father Salví, interfere with his teaching, Crisóstomo decides to build a new modern school in San Diego. On a picnic with María Clara, Crisóstomo goes on a fishing boat and helps the pilot, Elías, kill a crocodile. Elías later warns Crisóstomo that there is a plot to murder him at the ceremony for the laying of the school’s cornerstone, and indeed, as Crisóstomo is placing mortar for the cornerstone, the derrick holding the stone collapses. Although Crisóstomo escapes injury, the derrick operator is killed. At a dinner later, Father Dámaso insults the new school, Filipinos in general, Crisóstomo, and Don Rafael. An enraged Crisóstomo attacks him, but María Clara stops him from killing the priest. Later her father breaks off her engagement to Crisóstomo and arranges for her betrothal to a young Spanish man, Linares. Father Salví plots with Lucas, the brother of the deceased derrick operator, to organize a strike on the barracks of the Civil Guard and to convince the attackers that Crisóstomo is their ringleader. Father Salví then warns the head of the Civil Guard of the impending assault. When the attack fails, the rebels say that Crisóstomo was their leader, and he is arrested. Elías helps Crisóstomo escape from prison, and they flee by boat on the Pasig River with members of the Civil Guard in pursuit. Elías dives into the river to distract the pursuers and is mortally wounded. It is reported that Crisóstomo was killed,  Noli M e T a n g e r e |8 and a distraught María Clara insists on entering a convent. (directly lifted from britannica.com) Let us determine how much you have learned from the lesson. FILL IN THE BLANKS Directions: Read each statement or question below carefully and fill in the blank(s) with the correct answer. 1. The Noli Me Tangere is a novel written by José Rizal which served as an eye opener and wake up call to the ____. 2. The _____________ cover conveys a fresh start for the Philippines and Filipinos with many trace of symbols from the events and situations. 3. The Noli me Tangere is the first novel written by Dr. José P. Rizal in 1887 and published in _____________. 4. Jose Rizal inspiration to write the Noli Me Tangere novel was the book of “_____________”. 5. The missing chapter of the novel entitled _____________. 6. The character ________represents the common Filipino who is not only aware of the injustices done to their countrymen but would also like to deliver them from their oppressors. 7. There are about ____ chapters in the novel. 8. He is the main character in Noli Me Tangere _______________. 9. The English version of the Noli Me Tangere is __________________ 10. In the cover of Noli Me Tangeree novel the symbol for the Sihouette of a Filipina belived to be _________ or as the “Inang Bayan”. 1. Present a skit show casing a theme presented in the Noli (Example: comparison of women in the nineteenth century and in the present social change; colonization; church ministers; social hierarchy; patriotism; social reform). 2. Divide the class into groups and have each group draw the family tree of Crisostomo Ibarra. Have each group present in class and discuss: What were the changes from one generation to the next? What do these changes suggest about the creoles in the Philippines? 3. Write an essay with the aim of addressing the questions: a. What are the anti-modem aspects of colonial society portrayed in Noli Me Tangere? b. Why can modernity be considered as the central problem of Rizal’s novel? References: Almario, Virgilio. Si Rizal Nobelista. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press, 2008 Anderson, Benedict. Why Counting Counts: A Study of Forms of Consciousness and Problems of Language in Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Quezon City; Ateneo de Manila University Press, 2008 Constantino, Renato. “Our task: to make Rizal obsolete” in This Week, Manila Chronicle (14 June 1959) Daroy, Petrolino. Rizal contrary essays. Quezon City Books: Guro Books, 1968 Hau, Caroline S. “Introduction” in Necessary Fictions: Philippine Literature and the Nation, 1946- 1980. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press, 2000 Rizal, Jose. Noli Me Tangere. Trans. Virgilio Almario or Soledad Maximo Locsin  Noli M e T a n g e r e |9 NAME:___________________________________ DATE:__________________ COURESE/ YEAR/SECTION:________________ EXPLORE IT OUT 5 COOKING IT UP WITH NOLI Ambeth Ocampo, in his bestselling book, Rizal Without the Overcoat, wondered if José Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere could have been a cookbook. Jose Rizal used food as a tool for social commentary. He used it to emphasize the disparity between rich and poor, the powerful and the powerless. Below are some of the recipes of mentioned in particular chapters. Make a short video clip demonstrating how to cook it while discussing something about Noli Me Tangere. Don’t forget to include your analysis regarding what dish really wants to project or symbolize. Upload this on your social media. Sisa’s Salad Sinigang ni Andeng Ingredients: Ingredients: o 20 pieces of pako (fiddlehead fern) o 1 medium hito or catfish o 1 ampalaya o Hugas bigas or rice water o 1 eggplant o 3 tomatoes, sliced o 1 patola o 1 onion, sliced o 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar o 10 kamias, mashed (may use miso as an o 1 tablespoon olive oil alternative souring flavor) o 1 tomato, sliced o 1/4 kilo of squash tops and flowers 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced o 1 long green pepper o 50 grams of snow peas o 50 grams of paayap or black-eyed peas Tinola de Damaso Ingredients: o 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped o 2 whole chickens, cut (include one neck for o 4 to 5 cups water Padre Damaso) o 1/2 cup squash, sliced (may use green papaya o oil for frying as alternative) o 100 grams chicken liver o 2 cups squash tops and flowers o 100 grams chicken gizzard o 1 tablespoon patis or fish sauce o 2 tablespoons ginger, julienned o salt, to taste o