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## **Ang Noli Me Tangere** The following text describes the events that take place in the novel *Noli Me Tangere*. It is important to understand the characters involved in order to better understand the story. ### **Summary** On the night of his wedding, Basilio is worried and pacing outside the...

## **Ang Noli Me Tangere** The following text describes the events that take place in the novel *Noli Me Tangere*. It is important to understand the characters involved in order to better understand the story. ### **Summary** On the night of his wedding, Basilio is worried and pacing outside the house when he sees Simoun. Simoun tries to leave but Basilio stops him. Simoun asks about Isagani, who is his friend, and Basilio says he has to leave but Isagani refuses to listen. Isagani doesn't believe Basilio when Basilio tells him that the lamp is about to explode. Isagani grabs the lamp and throws it into the river, thereby saving everyone's lives. This plan was supposed to be the start of a larger rebellion against the Spanish government of the time, but due to Isagani's efforts, the rebellion is thwarted. Later, in an investigation, it is discovered that Simoun caused the explosion and was planning to overthrow the Spanish government. Simoun escapes to Padre Florentino's house on the coast. He is pursued by soldiers, but before they can catch him, Simoun drinks poison. He confesses his crimes and his past to Padre Florentino, all the while expressing regret over his actions and explaining his motivation for his desire for revenge. Simoun dies in Padre Florentino's arms and is buried at sea. Padre Florentino then throws Simoun's treasure into the sea to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. ### **Characters** * **Basilio:** A student and a friend of Simoun. He is in love with a woman named **Juli**. He is a revolutionary and wants to see the end of the Spanish government in the Philippines. * **Simoun:** A mysterious character who has been in exile for a long time, and who is seeking revenge for his own suffering. * **Isagani:** A young revolutionary who is sympathetic to Simoun's cause. * **Padre Florentino:** A priest who sympathizes with the Filipino cause, but who is opposed to violence. He is the one person who truly understands the reasons for Simoun's actions. * **Maria Clara:** A young woman who is loved by a man named Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra, but who is forced to marry a Spanish man due to the actions of an enemy. * **The Kapitan Heneral:** The Spanish governor of the Philippines, who represents the oppression of the Filipino people. ## **Understanding the Story** To fully understand the story, it is important to know the history of the Philippines and the role of the Spanish government during this period. It is also important to consider the different perspectives of the characters, especially Simoun and Padre Florentino. The novel *Noli Me Tangere* was written by Jose Rizal, a Filipino doctor and writer who is considered one of the Philippines' national heroes. Rizal is known for writing stories that critiqued the injustices of the Spanish government in the Philippines. Writing about his experiences as a Filipino, he highlighted how the Spanish government treated Filipinos unjustly, through violence, oppression, and corruption. Although Rizal was executed by the Spanish government, his work helped to inspire a revolution that ultimately led to the Philippines' independence. The text from the book *Noli Me Tangere* shown is part of a complete study guide that looks further into the book's themes and characters.