Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo PDF

CHAPTER 4: NOLI ME TANGERE Rizal began writing the novel in Spain in 1884 and completed it in Germany in 1887. The novel reflects Rizal's experiences and the conventions of 19th-century literature, showcasing the ideals of European liberalism. It serves as a critique of the societal conditions und...

CHAPTER 4: NOLI ME TANGERE Rizal began writing the novel in Spain in 1884 and completed it in Germany in 1887. The novel reflects Rizal's experiences and the conventions of 19th-century literature, showcasing the ideals of European liberalism. It serves as a critique of the societal conditions under Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. Uncle Tom's Cabin": This novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe, which addresses slavery, inspired Rizal's treatment of social issues. Juan Luna's "Spoliarium": This artwork influenced Rizal in critiquing colonial oppression and the exploitation of the Filipino people. Noli Me Tangere" translates to "touch me not." In the dedication, Rizal describes a metaphorical cancer afflicting his homeland, suggesting that discussing social issues is painful and avoided. Rizal aimed to reveal the social injustices and problems faced by the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule. The novel consists of 63 chapters, with an additional chapter titled “Elias and Salome” that was ultimately omitted to reduce printing costs. Rizal believed the story could still stand without this chapter. The story centers on Crisostomo Ibarra, a mixed-race heir who returns to the Philippines after seven years in Europe, eager to implement reforms. Upon his return, Ibarra faces an oppressive religious hierarchy and the corrupt Spanish civil administration. His father's death and the refusal of a Catholic burial by Padre Damaso lead to Ibarra's excommunication. The governor general initially intervenes to rescind Damaso's decree, but personal conflicts arise between Damaso, Padre Salvi, and Ibarra, complicating his reform efforts and his relationship with Maria Clara, the daughter of Capitan Tiago. The novel grapples with how to achieve social reforms. Crisostomo Ibarra represents the privileged class, advocating for peaceful means, like building a school. In contrast, Elias believes that violence may be necessary, given the injustices they face. Ibarra's enemies, particularly Padre Salvi, conspire against him, leading to his wrongful implication in a fake insurrection. Maria Clara's Fate: Believing Ibarra is dead, Maria Clara enters a convent, rejecting a marriage arranged by Padre Damaso. This reflects her despair and highlights the broader societal issues faced by women. Sisa's Tragedy: The character Sisa symbolizes the suffering of the Filipino people, driven to madness by the loss of her children, illustrating the novel's themes of exploitation and misery under colonial rule. El Filibusterismo: The novel's title translates to "The Reign of Greed" in English. It was completed in Biarritz, France, in 1891. unlike his first novel, "Noli Me Tangere," which is more romantic and sorrowful, "El Filibusterismo" has a darker and more tragic tone. It addresses social injustices and reflects Rizal's profound disillusionment with corrupt officials and the oppressive Spanish colonial regime. The novel goes beyond merely depicting the conditions in the Philippines; it justifies dissent and underscores the struggle for freedom. It portrays a society on the brink of revolution. The narrative illustrates the abuses faced by the Filipino people under colonial rule, with characters representing various societal issues and resistance against the prevailing social order Dedication: Rizal dedicated "El Filibusterismo" to three martyr-priests—Frs. Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora—who were unjustly accused and executed in 1872. They symbolize the injustices faced by Filipinos under Spanish rule. While Maximo Viola helped finance the publication of "Noli Me Tangere," Valentin Ventura played a crucial role in saving the manuscript of "El Filibusterismo." Despite its completion, the novel was not published until September 1891, six months after writing. "El Filibusterismo" consists of 39 chapters, making it significantly shorter than "Noli Me Tangere," which has 63 chapters. Crisóstomo Ibarra, now thirteen years older, is disillusioned and has abandoned his youthful ideals. He returns disguised as Simoun, a wealthy and enigmatic jeweler. Simoun seeks revenge against Padre Salvi and the Spanish colonial government. Unlike Ibarra, who advocated for peaceful reforms, Simoun is eager to provoke violence and incite rebellion among the oppressed. His ultimate aim is to liberate Maria Clara and the Philippines from Spanish tyranny. To achieve this, he manipulates the governor-general, hoping that by making the government more oppressive, he can spur the masses to revolt. Basilio, who has risen from poverty and is nearing the completion of his medical degree, is in love with Julí, the daughter of Cabesang Tales. Tales is a once-prosperous farmer whose land was taken by the friars. As a result of his oppression, he ultimately commits murder, becomes a vigilante, and wreaks havoc in the countryside. : In contrast to Simoun's quest for violent revolution, university students—Isagani, Peláez, and Makarig—advocate for the teaching of Castilian, motivated by a decree from Madrid. However, these students are wrongfully accused of inciting rebellion through flyers, leading to their incarceration, which also affects Basilio despite his non-involvement. Juli approaches Father Camorra to seek Basilio’s release from prison. However, Camorra exploits the situation with his lascivious intentions. Rather than submit to his advances, Juli commits suicide, highlighting the severe consequences of oppression Following Juli's death, Basilio reluctantly joins Simoun in his radical plans for revenge against the corrupt authorities. Simoun orchestrates a wedding between Juanito and Paulita Gomez, inviting high-ranking officials. He has rigged the event with explosives disguised as a wedding gift, intending to detonate a fancy lamp packed with nitroglycerin. This assassination of the social and political elite during the celebration is meant to ignite an armed revolution.  Isagani learns from Basilio about a planned uprising at an event. He acts quickly to prevent disaster by throwing a lamp into the river, which disrupts Simoun’s plan. The incident leads to the revelation of Simoun’s true identity. He leaves a note for Padre Salvi, which provides insight into his motivations and further complicates the narrative. After being wounded and evading capture, Simoun finds refuge at Father Florentino’s residence. Ultimately, he chooses to commit suicide, leaving behind his jewels with a message about their value being realized only for a “holy, sublime reason,” underscoring themes of sacrifice and the quest for justice. SOCIAL CANCERS OF THE PHILIPPINES decadent and stagnating society The town of San Diego is depicted as a rural area filled with petty conflicts. Rizal emphasizes the inhabitants' squabbles for authority, reflecting a lack of unity and progress. he Tabo, a steamer on the Pasig River, represents the stagnant nature of society. It is described as ineffective and content with superficial appearances, symbolizing the flaws and inertia within the social structure. The characters Sisa, Maria Clara, and Julí embody the stereotypical ideal of Filipino women—religious, obedient, and submissive. They also represent the broader exploitation and misery of the Filipino populace, once vibrant but now diminished under colonial rule. Abuse of Religious Authorities The characters Sisa, Maria Clara, and Julí embody the stereotypical ideal of Filipino women—religious, obedient, and submissive. They also represent the broader exploitation and misery of the Filipino populace, once vibrant but now diminished under colonial rule. A sermon delivered in San Diego illustrates the subjugation of the native people. It emphasizes that priests expect absolute obedience from the indigenous population, perpetuating a hierarchy that dehumanizes them. The friars express disdain for the Filipino people, labeling them as lazy and ungrateful. This attitude reinforces social inequality and highlights the clergy's role in maintaining colonial oppression. Corruption of civil government Rizal depicts a civil government that is heavily reliant on the authority of the friars, leading to systemic corruption and inefficiency. The government is characterized as blind and unresponsive, acting primarily under the influence of religious leaders. The character Pilosopo Tasio emphasizes that the government is passive, only responding to the directives of religious figures. He argues that the government lacks independence and fails to address the needs of the people, rendering it ineffective. It is noted that the government often ignores the basic needs of its citizens and suppresses freedom of speech. This results in poor governance and a mismanagement that benefits the Spanish authorities while neglecting the Filipino populace. Simoun’s observations highlight the suffering of Filipinos under colonial rule, describing a range of atrocities committed against them. He underscores the inhumane treatment and injustices faced by the natives, which are often overlooked by those in power. Defectiveness of Educational system Rizal argues that education is unattainable for many due to poverty and lack of encouragement, which creates significant barriers for the youth in their pursuit of knowledge. The character Ibarra expresses his desire for progress through education, indicating that a well-informed populace is crucial for national development. Education under colonial rule is described as unempowering, where students are discouraged from critical thinking. The system focuses on rote learning and obedience rather than fostering genuine understanding or creativity. Tasio’s commentary reveals the fear of colonial authorities regarding an educated populace. He suggests that past efforts to enlighten the people have been thwarted because colonizers believe that knowledge could lead to rebellion against oppression. Urgent need for social reforms Elias responds to Ibarra's inquiry about reforms, highlighting the need for greater respect for human dignity and individual security. He critiques the abuse of power by the armed forces, stressing the need for significant changes. Elias advocates for comprehensive reforms in several key areas: the military, religious institutions, and the administration of justice. He argues that these reforms are essential for the protection of individual rights and freedoms. The proposed reforms seek to address the rampant corruption within the judicial system, where officials show favoritism and partiality. Elias argues that power concentrated in the hands of a few leads to abuse and injustice. He emphasizes that the government should select leaders carefully, ensuring that those chosen do not eventually misuse their authority, as untrained individuals in positions of power can pose significant dangers to society. The public does not advocate for the complete removal of friars but urges reforms in their practices. There is a call for friars to focus on their mission to teach the true faith rather than perpetuating superstition and profiting at the people's expense. The current educational system is characterized as faulty, with a need for government intervention. Assigning education to friars is seen as a mistake. Characters like Isagani argue for government control over education, suggesting that it should focus on training qualified professionals (like lawyers and physicians) instead of merely sustaining the existing system Tasio expresses a belief that the Filipino people will eventually overcome their lethargy and seek reform. He emphasizes that years of repression will lead to an inevitable release of pent-up frustrations, suggesting a coming uprising against injustices. Simoun, frustrated by Basilio's passive attitude, argues that complacency in the face of tyranny is detrimental. He emphasizes that man’s nature tends to abuse power when unchallenged and criticizes the ineffectiveness of a life that lacks purpose or engagement in meaningful change. Simoun conveys the idea that prolonged periods of oppression and humiliation create a mindset akin to slavery, stunting personal development and critical thought. He laments how children inherit their parents' subjugated state, resulting in a cycle of passivity and helplessness.