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Cover Pages of Noli and El Fili

The cover of Noli Me Tangere symbolically represents aspects of Philippine society that Rizal critiques in his novel. The upper triangle depicts symbols of Catholic dominance over Filipinos like the crucifix above a woman. The lower triangle features symbols of abuse of power by Spanish authorities, including a guard's helmet, whip and the wolf-shaped hairy legs of friars. El Filibusterismo's plain cover conveys a fresh start without these symbols, and is dedicated to priests executed in 1872.

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100% found this document useful (2 votes)
20K views2 pages

Cover Pages of Noli and El Fili

The cover of Noli Me Tangere symbolically represents aspects of Philippine society that Rizal critiques in his novel. The upper triangle depicts symbols of Catholic dominance over Filipinos like the crucifix above a woman. The lower triangle features symbols of abuse of power by Spanish authorities, including a guard's helmet, whip and the wolf-shaped hairy legs of friars. El Filibusterismo's plain cover conveys a fresh start without these symbols, and is dedicated to priests executed in 1872.

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Ody
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NOLI ME TANGERE COVER

Noli Me Tangere (translated as Touch Me


Not) is a novel written by José Rizal which
served as an eye opener and wake up call to
the Filipinos during his time. It was published Just one look at the cover, it already tells us every
on the year 1887. bit of what's in the novel. Rizal also purposely
designed the title to be placed diagonally so that it
can divide an upper and lower triangle that will be
discussed further through this page.

Upper Triangle Lower Triangle


This represents Rizal's past life. This represents Rizal's currents situations.

Silhouette of a Filipina Feet


- believed to be Maria Clara or as the "Inang Bayan" to whom Rizal dictates - it symbolizes the power of the friars
the novel - it is placed on the base of the triangle (foundation) because without friars,
the Filipinos cannot stand on their own
Cross/Crucifix
- represents the Catholic faith as it rises above Inang Bayan and Filipinos Shoes
(shows dominance) - it represents wealth
- it also symbolizes sufferings and death - it is also the footprints left by friars in teaching Catholicism

Pomelo Blossoms & Laurel Leaves Hairy Legs


- they represent faith, honor and fidelity, which are the values Rizal aspires - it symbolizes the Legend of the Wolf
to be embodied by Filipinos - the wolf shape shifts just like how friars hide their true nature and character
- pomelos are used to scent their air commonly during prayers and cleansing
rituals Helmet of a Guardia Civil
- laurel leaves are used as crowns during Greek Olympics for honoring the - it represents the arrogance of those in authority
best
Whip
Burning Torch - it represents the abuses and cruelties done by the Spaniards and friars as
- refers to the Olympic torch depicted in the novel
- pertains to the awakening of Filipino consciousness
- it also sheds light to the text of the manuscript Flogs (Suplina)
- it is used for self-flagellation
Sunflower - just like the whip, this also symbolizes the cruelties of the Guardia Civil
- it symbolizes a new beginning
- it is compared to the happiness of which appears to be always bowing Chain
down - it symbolizes slavery and imprisonment

Rizal's Signature
- it shows that Rizal experienced and witnessed the ills and abuses that
happened during his time

Bamboo Stalks
- it represents Filipino resiliency
- despite the sufferings, Filipinos can still stand tall and firm

EL FILIBUSTERISMO COVER

Translating the book's title in English language, it means The Reign of Greed. Compared to the book cover or Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo's cover
is plain, as designed by Jose Rizal. The plain cover conveys a fresh start for the Philippines and Filipinos without the trace of symbols from the events
and situations in Noli Me Tangere.

"To the memory of the priests, Don Mariano Gomez (85 years old), Don Jose Burgos (30 years old), and Don Jacinto Zamora (35 years old). Executed in
the Bagumbayan Field on the 28th of February, 1872." Rizal’s memory seemed to have failed him, though, for Father Gomez was then 73 not 85, Father
Burgos 35 not 30 Father Zamora 37 not 35; and the date of execution 17th not 28th.

The original title has an inscription of Ferdinand Blumentritt, which is not found in the English translations.

http://unveilingrizal.weebly.com/mystery-of-the-cover.html

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