Life and Works of Rizal (GENED 09) sisters Trinidad, Maria, Narcissa, and nephews

Lesson 1: Rizal’s Exile, Trial and Death Teodisio, Estanislao, Muaricio, and Prudencuio
Reasons of Rizal’s Arrest
 Rizal was already declared as an enemy of the Letter to Blumentrit
state when he returned to Manila on June 26,  Describe his life in Dapitan with his letter to
1892 due to his novels. Blumentrit (December 19, 1893)
 Upon arrival in Manila, he was greeted by a
group of patriots including: Apolinario Mabini,
Deodato Arellano & Andres Bonifacio.

La Liga Filipina
 also means as “The Filipino League”
 a social reformist group advocating social
reforms through legal means, was considered
a threat by the Spanish authorities.
 it also led to Rizal’s arrest on July 6, 1892. Life in Dapitan
 Upon arrival, they were greeted by Carabbiers  On the purchased land of Rizal, he built a
and their luggage were inspected. Then they house, established a farm, set up a school and
found a seditious paper in Lucia’s pillowcase. he even opened a clinic.
 The paper was said to contain satire targeting  Rizal seemingly used all his talents and skills
wealthy Dominican friars. for the welfare of Dapitan.
 Gov. General Eulogio Despujol ordered the
arrest as a political move to appease the friars. Farmer
He published in Graceta de Manila that the  He bought farmland in Dapitan growing rice
grounds for Rizal’s arrest were his anti - and corn.
Catholic and anti - friar stance which  He also partnered with his brother in law,
manifested in his writings. manuel Hidalgo to sell abaca, a profitable crop
in Manila.
Rizal’s Exile in Dapitan (1892 - 1896)  He helps local's to used modern agricultural
 He live in Exile in Dapitan, a remote town in methods of farming.
Mindanao.
 Even though they denies his political rights, the Educator
Spanish authorities still allowed him to move  He established school for boys in 1983 which
freely and participate in civic activities. existed until July 1896.
 Far and unknown place to Rizal  Instead od charging school fees, students were
 under the jurisdiction of Jesuits required to render services or work in the
 Their goal was to “tame” him so that he would garden.
be less likely to entertain ideas of “subversion”  He followed the stylebat Ateneo where best
 During his stay in Dapitan, he turned his exile students was called an "emperor".
into a period of meaningful contribution.  During outside class hours, Rizal encouraged
Among his contribution is when he became a students to do exercises and exploration.
farmer, a teacher and a physician.
Water System
Lottery  One of the problem besetting in the
 On September 21, 1892, Rizal won 60,000 Municipality of Dapitan was its water system.
pesos which is the second prize in a lottery  Rizal used the knowledge he gained as an
together with Ricardo Carnicero and another expert surveyor (perito agrimensor) in the
Spaniard. improvement of the water system .
 His shared amounted to 6,200 pesos which is
3 million in today’s value. Linguistic Studies
 According to the spaniard biographer  During his exile in Dapitan, Rizal increased his
Wenceslao E. Retana, “This was his only vice” knowledge of languages. He studied three
 Rizal spend his portion in buying agricultural more languages- Malay, Bisayan and Subanun.
lands along the coast of Talisay, a barrio near  On April 5, 1896, he wrote to his Austrian
Dapitan. It cost him around 4,000 pesos friend, Professor Blumentritt: "I know Bisayan
already, and I speak it quite well. It is
Life in Dapitan necessary, however, to know other dialects."
 Since August 1893, members of his family took  By the end of his exile in Dapitan on July 31,
turns in visiting him in order to assuage his 1896, Rizal had become one of the world’s
loneliness. Among them were his mother, great linguists. He knew 22 languages, namely,
 Tagalog, Ilokano, Spanish, Portuguese, Latin,  Josephine, an 18 year old Irish woman was
Greek, Sanskrit, English, French, German, captivated with Rizal's intellect, charm and wit.
Arabic, Hebrew, Catalan, Dutch, Italian,  Many disapproves about their relationship .
Chinese, Japanese, Swedish, Russian, Malay,  In early 1896, they were re expecting a baby
Bisayan, and Subanun. but unfortunately she prematurely gave birth to
a boy who died after 3 hours.
Rizal’s Invention
 Wooden Machinery for making bricks Rizal and Katipunan
 Cigarette lighter called Sulpakan  Andres Bonifacio was showing the seeds of an
armed uprising. The secret revolutionary
Physician society called KKK (Kataas-taasang,
 Knowledgeable in the field of medicine, Rizal Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak
practiced his degree in Dapitan. He had many ng Bayan) which founded on July 7, 1892, and
patients but most of them were so poor that he was gaining more and more adherents.
even gave them free medicine.  Jose Rizal never became involved in the
 Rizal’s fame as a physician particularly as as organization and activities of the Katipunan;
an eye specailist pave way to patients from but the Katipuneros still looked up to him as a
different parts of the Philippines from Luzon, leader. In fact, Rizal’s name was used as a
Bohol, Cebu, Panay, negros and Mindanao, password among the society’s highest- ranking
and even Hong Kong. members, who were called bayani.

Community Project MEMBERSHIP OF KATIPUNAN

 He spent many months in draining the  1ST GRADE: KATIPUN (ANAK NG BAYAN)
marshes in order to get rid of malaria infested  2ND GRADE: KAWAL (GOM-BUR-ZA)
in Dapitan  3RD GRADE: BAYANI (RIZAL)
 He also helped the people in putting up lamp
post at every corner of the town with its lighting RIZAL - REFORMIST
system which consist coconut oil lamps BONIFACIO - REVOLUTINARIST
 He made a big relief map of Mindanao in the
plaza and used it to teach geography.  Andres Bonifacio had already known Rizal
during his La Liga Filipina days, although Rizal
Contribution to Science did not know Bonifacio personally nevertheless,
 During his fourth year exile in Dapitan, he built Bonifacio so respected Rizal’s intelligence and
up a rich collection of conchology which talent that in June 1896, he sent Dr. Pio
consisted of 346 shells representing 203 Valenzuela to Dapitan to seek Rizal’s advice
species. on the planned revolution.
 Rare specimens were discovered and were  Rizal DID NOT give his support for the
named after him revolution.
 Rizal outrightly oppossed the idea of revolution.
Contribution to Science For him, the Filipinos need not a bloody
 Draco Rizali revolution to gain independence. He believed
 Rhacophorus Rizali that Filipinos were not yet united and fully
 Apogonia Rizali educated. He also said that the Katipunan
were lacking of machineries to fight the
Artistic Works Spaniards. At this point Rizal was hoping for
 He contributed his painting skills to the Sisters concession and reform from Spain.
of Charity who were preparing the sanctuary of  Valenzuela returned to Manila and relayed
the Holy Virgin in their private chapel. Rizal’s advice to Bonifacio, who admitted that it
SCULPTURAL WORKS OF RIZAL would indeed be fatal for the Filipinos to fight
 The Mothers Revenge without enough weapons. However, there was
 The Dapitan Girl no stopping the Revolution. Bonifacio ordered
 Woodcarving of Josephine Bracken his men to prepare for battle. He directed them
 Bust of St. Paul which he gave to Father to store enough food and other supplies.
Pastells,
Rizal’s Trial
Rizal and Josephine Bracken  Rizal and Blumentritt were still in touch even in
 George Taufer journeyed from Hong kong to his exile. Bluementritt suggested to Rizal that
Dapitan with adopted daughter Josephine he volunteer as a military doctor in Cuba in
Bracken exchange for the end of his exile.
 Meanwhile, Rizal had been sending letters to 8. A letter of Dimasalang to an identified
the Governor-General Ramon Blanco. Twice committee
he sent letters, one in 1985 and one in 1985. 9. An anonymous and undated letter to the Editor
On July 30, 1896, Rizal’s request to go to of the Hongkong Telegram
Cuba was approved. The next day he left for 10. A letter of Ildefonso Laurel to Rizal
Manila on board the streamer Espana. Rizal’s 11. A letter of Rizal Segundo
joy in the receiving the news from Malacanang 12. A letter of Marcelo H. Del Pilar to Don Juan A.
that at last, he was free. Tenluz
 On August 06, 1896, he missed the boat to 13. Transcript of a speech of Pingkian
Spain. 14. Transcript of Speech of Tik-Tik
 On September 03, 1896 he depaterted for 15. A poem by Loong Laan (Himno A Talisay)
Barcelona on board the streamer Islade Panay.
 Fifteen days before his departure the Testimonies
Katipunan was betrayal on August 19, 1896. Testimonies given by the following:
 The Katipunan was discovered by Fr. Mariano 1. Martin Constantino
Gil, members and supposed members were 2. Aguedo del Rosario
arrested and tortured until they revealed the 3. Jose Reyes
names of other supposed members. 4. Moises Salvador
 At least 4,377 people were arrested. Bonifacio 5. Jose Dizon
himslef and most of the leader s escaped to 6. Domingo Franco
safe hiding places. 7. Deodato Arellano
 The special military court summoned Rizal to 8. Pio Valenzuela
appear before them. 9. Antonio Salazar
 He was alleged as the man behind the 10. Francisco Quizon
revolution. 11. Timoteo Salazar
 When the Isla de Panay reach Suez, a cable
awaited it, oredering the immediate arrest of Preliminary Investigation
Rizal and his return to Manila for trial.  These evidences were endorsed by Colonel
 On November 03, 1869, Rizal was heavy Olive to Governor Ramon Blanco who
guarded. Reached Manila and locked at Fort designated Captain Rafael Dominguez as the
Santiago. Judge Advocate.
 His brother Paciano was tortured with a screw  Rizal was immediately sent to trial and held in
whuch was twisted into his left hand, while a prison.
pen thrust into his hand to make him sign a  Alongside his incarceration, his properties
statement that his brother Rizal had been were seized as indemnity and he had to pay
connected with the Katipunan, Paciano would one million pesos.
not sign.
TRIAL
Preliminary Investigation  Lt. Luis Taviel De Andrade, represented Rizal
 Began on November 20, 1896 in the court.
 Rizal was said to have been informed of the  December 13, the case was forwarded to
charges against him before a judge advocate Governor General Camilo de Polavieja-
Francisco Olive replacement of Governor Blanco.
 Accused of being the main organizer of the  Rizal's actual trial began on December
revolution by having proliferated the ideas of 26,1896 and it was held at the Hall of Banners
rebellion and of founding illegal organizations. of the Cuartel de España in Fort Santiago
 He wrote a manifesto appealing to the  During trial,he defended himself ,Rizal
revolutionaries to discontinue the uprising. presented twelve arguments
 Rizal was presented with two kinds of evidence:  Rizal was charge with three crimes:
documentary evidence and testimonials rebellion,sedition, and formation of illegal
associations
Documentary Evidences  Rizal's lawyer, Lt. Luis Taviel de Andrade, tried
The documentary evidence includes the following: his best to save Rizal
1. A letter of Antonio Luna to Mariano Ponce  December 26 ,1896 - the trial ended and the
2. A letter of Rizal to his family sentence was read.
3. A letter from Marcelo H. Del Pilar to Deodato
4. A poem entitled Kundiman VERDICT
5. A letter of Carlos Oliver to unidentified person  Jose Rizal was found guilty and sentenced to
6. A Masonic Document death by firing squad
7. A letter signed Dimasalang
 December 28, 1896-Governor General Camilo Effect of Rizal’s death in the Philippines
de Polavieja signed the court decision.He  Rizal died offering his life for his country and its
decreed that Rizal be executed by firing squad freedom
at 7:00 a.m of December 30 at Bagumbayan.  his death sparked the revolution in the country
 Rizal signed it saying that he was innocent against the Spanish government
 After his death, The Philippine independence
Rizal’s Final Days turned more violent, led by Andres Bonifacio
 Rizal favor was to have his family for the last and later by Emilio Aguinaldo.
time
 Rizal was transferred to the prison chapel Group 2: Annotation of Antonio Morga’s
 Fr.Miguel Saderra Mata,Rector of the Munipal “Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas”
and Fr.Luis Viza bought the image of the About the Author
Sacred Hearth of Jesus Antonio de Morga Sánchez Garay
 He handed his gas lamp or alcohol stove to  A Spanish Soldier, Lawyer and a high rank
Trinidad which was a gift from Pardo de colonial official for 43 years in the Philippines
Tavera and whispered to her in English "There from 1594 to 1636.
is something inside"  born in Seville of a Biscayan father and a
 On his last remaining days,composed his Sevillian mother, Agustina Sanchez
longest poem, "Mi último adiós" ("My Last  At the age of 10, he was sent to Salamanca
Farewell")when his mother and sisters visited University where he graduated in 1574.
him on December 29,1896-Rizal gave away  Morga, was granted a Doctorate in Canon Law
his remaining possessions by a unanimous decision with the presence of
Chancellor.
Rizal’s Death (DECEMBER 30, 1896)  In August 1593, he was selected as Lieutenant
Rizal’s Death to the Governor-General of the Philippines,
 at 5 am Rizal ate his last breakfast and starting what would become 43 years of
autographed his remaining books which colonial service.
became his last souvenirs  In 1609, he published the work for which he is
 Fr. Balaguer performed the marriage rites of now remembered - Sucesos de las Islas
Rizal and Josephine Filipinas (Events in the Philippine Isles). This
 Afterwards, he wrote farewell letters to his work, perhaps the best account of Spanish
parents, Blumentritt, and to Paciano colonialism in the Philippines written during
 up until today we do not have evidenced that that period, is based partly on documentary
Rizal signed his retraction, because by singing research, partly on keen observation, and
his retraction that is the only way he can get partly on Morga's personal involvement and
the blessing of a father in his marriage with knowledge.
josephine.  The work greatly impressed Philippine
 at 6:30 in the morning, from Fort Santiago independence hero José Rizal (1861–96),
Rizal walked to Bagumbayan himself a man of letters and of action. He
 Dr. Felipe Ruiz Castillo took Rizal's pulse and decided to annotate it and publish a new
found out it was normal edition.
 He died on July 21, 1636
How did Rizal die?
 Rizal was shot at his back by a filipino soldier. Unlocking of Difficulties
and to make sure he dies he was shot again at Annotation
his head. his last words were "consummatum  (n) a note of explanation or comment added to
est" meaning, "it is finished". a text or diagram.
Encomienda
Rizal’s Death  a Spanish system by which they have the right
 The Spanish Spectators shouted "Viva to demand tribute and forced labor.
Espanaña" ENCOMENDEROS
 Rizal's body was secretly buried at Paco  those who were under the encomienda system.
Cemetery where later it was traced by his They were granted the right to compel
sister, Narcisa. indigenous people to work their land and to
 The remains of Rizal's were cleaned in Higino pay tribute.
Mercado's house in Binondo and were given to INDOLENCE
Doña Teodora  means laziness
 His remains were laid to rest inside the Rizal TYRANNY
monument in Luneta.  a cruel and oppressive government or rule
About the book -Filipinos were slaves traditions,
Sucesos de Las Islas Filipinas already even before mythology and
 Las Islas Filipinas means “The Philippine Spaniards came. genealogy of the
Island" in English and was named in honor of country.
King Philip II of Spain - Filipinos are not well-
 Sucesos means the work of an honest compensated,
observer, a versatile bureaucrat who knew the maltreated and abused.
workings of the administration from the inside. -Spanish domination
 One of the important works of the Philippines found little
about the colonization of Spain, published by resistance.
Antonio De Morga in Mexico 1609. -Catholicism failed to
 Explains the political, social and economical liberate the poor
aspects of a colonizer and the colonized from oppression, but
country. prolongs and worsens it.
 The book is based on the experience and
observation of Antonio De Morga.
 The work consists of eight chapters: - Rizal wants the people to shake off the idea of
1. Of the first discoveries of the Eastern their inferiority, to acquire sense of dignity and, by
islands means of education and culture, to prepare
2. Of the government of Dr. Francisco de themselves for assimilation and later, for
Sande emancipation.
3. Of the government of don Gonzalo
Ronquillo de Peñalosa Group 3: Noli Me Tangere
4. Of the government of Dr. Santiago de Vera.  Rizal borrows the novel’s Latin title from Jesus
5. Of the government of Gomes Perez telling Mary Magdalene “Touch me not; for I
Dasmariñas. am not yet ascended to my Father” (the Latin
6. Of the government of don Francisco Tello. phrase for “touch me not” is “noli me tangere”).
7. Of the government of don Pedro de Acuña.  The title could also refer to an antiquated name
8. An account of the Philippine Islands. for a type of cancer that is excruciatingly
painful and sensitive to touch. In this sense,
Comparison of Rizal and Morga’s view about the the novel’s title alludes to its political nature.
Philippines  Touch Me Not (1870s, Spain)
Antonio Morga Jose Rizal  Year published: 1887
“The Filipinos were full "The Filipinos had a  Literary Period: Victorian Era
of tyrannical blindness moral civilization  Genre: Political Fiction and Political
and barbaric cruelty.” advanced for that age."  Satire Setting: San Diego, Spanish Philippines
“The discovery, “And of Filipinos, too, for
conquest and there were more Main Characters
conversion have not Filipinos who fought Crisostomo Ibarra
been without much cost, with, and for Spain, in  The protagonist
labor and blood on the her wars, as we shall  Kind but impulsive when provoked
part of the Spaniards” see later...”  Brilliant and patient / Ibarra as Rizal’s reflection
“The land was entrusted Distributed, that is. This of himself
or granted to those who word ‘encomendar’ (to  Counterpart in society - Someone who
had cleaned and entrust) and the word advocates for social justice, equality, education
cultivated it and settled ‘pacifar’ (to pacify) later and cultural awareness .
on it...” took on an ironic
meaning." Elias
During the “A native who already  He is a revolutionary man
administration of Dr. knew how to smelt iron  Elias preferred God’s way of justice instead of
Santiago De Vera, into cannons before the human’s way justice
“They ordered an old arrival of the Spaniards.”  His personality is same with Andres Bonifacio
native to produce  Counterpart in society - A symbol of oppressed
artillery by hand.” and the marginalized in Philippine society
-Filipinos are uncivilized. -Filipinos are civilized during the Spanish colonial period
-Filipino virtues are even before the arrival
questionable. of Spaniards. Kapitan Tiago
-Filipinos are indolent. -Friars corrupt and  Cabeza de barangay or head of the barangay
-Filipinos have three should be blamed of the town San Diego
social classes. for losing all the national  Husband of Pia Alba
 Friend of the Spanish government and then  A beautiful mother of Basilio and Crispin
later considered as Spanish by colonialist  She has no enough strength or power to
protect her sons to her husband Pedro
Pia Alba  Named after Rizal’s older sister Narcisa
 Wife of Kapitan Tiago and the mother of Maria  Counterpart in society - A tragic figure
Clara representing the suffering and victimization of
 She is simple, beautiful women and became mothers.
melancholy / sad when she gets pregnant
 Counterpart in society - She represents as Crispin
someone who tries to pursue aspirations and  Seven years old, Sisa’s favorite son
embodies the spirit of empowerment  An altar boy that Padre Damaso wanted to kill
 Counterpart in society - His story reflects the
Maria Clara struggles and injustices faced by many
 A lover of Crisostomo Ibarra, obedient, faithful Filipinos.
and a good friend –
 Her character is related to Leonor Rivera, Jose Basilio
Rizal’s childhood sweetheart  Ten years old and his tasked is to ring the
 Counterpart in society - She represents purity, church bells for the angelus
innocence, and virtue. She represents the  Counterpart in society - He represents as the
complexities and challenges faced by women. innocent who were wrongly accused of crimes
he did not make or commit, the aspiration for
Alfonso Linares education and a better future despite the
 shy, smart Spanish lawyer challenges and injustices of the society.
 Padre Damaso wanted Maria Clara to marry
him SUMMARY
 He presented himself as a practitioner of law  Crisostomo Ibarra is a mestizo Filipino who
but later knew like Don Tiburcio is a fraud, returns to the Philippines after studying in
false profession Europe for seven years. Hosted at a reunion
 Counterpart in society - The clergy or religious dinner by family friend Captain Tiago. Treated
authorities who abused their positions for badly by Father Dámaso, surprising Ibarra.
personal gain  Señor Guevara informs Ibarra that his father
died in prison due to slander, with Father
Pilosopo Tasyo Dámaso's involvement but Ibarra's father was
 “Filosopo Tasyo”, a realistic person falsely accused of not confessing and of
 Relate to Rizal’s brother Paciano subversion and heresy.
 Spend his time and money for books  Ibarra’s former lover, now engaged to another
 Counterpart in society - The intellectuals, man due to her father's decision. Discovers her
scholars, or activists who critique and biological father is Father Dámaso.
advocates change and social justice  Crisostomo decides to build a public school to
honor his father's legacy. Faces opposition
Padre Bernardo Salvi from Father Dámaso who meddles in the
 Manipulative to get what he wants educational system.
 Salvi - salvation or salvaje - bad hinting  Two young sacristans supporting their mother,
 Franciscan curate of Santiago Sisa but Crispín is falsely accused of theft and
 Interested for Maria Clara beaten to death; Basilio escapes. Sisa loses
 He killed Crispin her mind searching for her missing sons.
 Counterpart in History - Corrupt, manipulate  Crisostomo discovers his father's body was
religious influence for political purposes moved to a Chinese cemetery by Father
Dámaso's order.
Padre Damaso  During town celebrations, Ibarra learns of a
 Cruel Priest, brash and arrogant individual plot to kill him from Elías. Elías had previously
 Acted superior and opposed the natives saved Ibarra and is a wanted fugitive.
receiving education abroad and against to the  At a dinner hosted by Ibarra, Father Dámaso
love story of Ibarra and his daughter Maria insults Filipinos and Ibarra’s father. Ibarra
Clara punches Father Dámaso but is stopped by
 Biological Father of Maria Clara Maria Clara.
 Counterpart in society - Someone who  Crisostomo discovers his father's body was
influence to control and manipulate people moved to a Chinese cemetery by Father
Dámaso's order.
Sisa
 During town celebrations, Ibarra learns of a  Noli teaches us the: values of wisdom, fighting
plot to kill him from Elías. Elías had previously what is right, and loving our country.
saved Ibarra and is a wanted fugitive.  The novel is being taught in school in order to
 At a dinner hosted by Ibarra, Father Dámaso not repeat the history itself by learning how to
insults Filipinos and Ibarra’s father. Ibarra love our country and to empower the youth as
punches Father Dámaso but is stopped by the catalyst of change for our country.
Maria Clara.  The characters and the events in the story
 Ibarra is excommunicated but later reinstated resemble our life, culture, and beliefs of Filipino
by the Captain General. people.
 Maria Clara falls ill and is reengaged to  Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo are
another man. important in shaping and preserving the
 Father Salvi plots to frame Ibarra for a rebellion national identity and consciousness of Filipinos.
using a letter Ibarra wrote years ago.  These novels provide an understanding of the
 Ibarra is imprisoned based on the forged Philippines' colonial past and the importance of
rebellion charges. preserving the Filipino language and culture.
 Elías rescues Ibarra, and they visit Maria Clara.
 Maria Clara reveals she was blackmailed by Group 4: El Filibusterismo
Father Salvi. Facts
 Elías distracts pursuers, allowing Ibarra to “The Reign of Greed”
escape, and is shot.  It is the second novel written by José Rizal as
 Maria Clara insists on entering a convent and the sequel to Noli Me Tangere.
threatens suicide.  It consist of 38 chapters
 Father Dámaso agrees due to Ibarra’s  Rizal dedicated El Filibusterismo to the three
presumed death. martyred priests of Cavite mutiny. The
 On Christmas Eve, Basilio finds his mother, execution of the three priests was significant to
Sisa, who dies upon recognizing him. the title of the novel.
 Elías, mortally wounded, asks Basilio to burn  Rizal began writing El Filibusterismo in
his and Sisa's bodies together. October 1887 while he was in Calamba and
 Elías expresses his hope for a better future for completed the book on March 29, 1891 in
the Philippines before dying. Biarritz.
 It was published on September 18, 1891 with
Analysis the help of Valentin Ventura.
 promote social justice and national identity by  Rizal immediately sent on this date two printed
criticizing the corruption within the church and copies to Hong Kong.
the complicity of the colonial government.
 Maria Clara and Ibarra’s love story symbolizes CHARACTERS
Philippine’s struggle for independence. MAJOR CHARACTERS
EXAMPLES Simoun
 Symbol of National Identity  Simoun, the alter ego of Crisostomo Ibarra
 Sacrifice and Suffering from Noli Me Tangere, is a wealthy jeweler
 Catalyst for Change who disguises himself after being presumed
 Emotional Engagement dead.
 Cultural Reflection  With his tanned skin, sparse beard, long white
hair, and blue-tinted glasses, he’s a mysterious
CONNECTION "History is not only a gateway to and sometimes confrontational figure
the past, it's also suggestive of our present and the
future" Basilio
 The novel Noli Me Tangere is still relevant in  Basilio, the son of Sisa from Noli Me Tangere,
the present time as the issues it presents are is a hardworking student on the verge of
still prevalent in modern-day Philippines. The earning his medical degree.
themes of corruption, injustice , social  As Captain Tiago’s protege, he dreams of a
inequality, poverty, and religious oppression better future through education.
still resonate with many Filipinos.
Isagani
Was Jose Rizal smart or not?  Basilio’s friend and aspiring poet, is the
passionate and idealistic nephew of Father
What important lessons in the novel Noli Mi Florentino.
Tangere that are still noticeable in today's  He values his principles above all else, even
generation? when it costs him his relationship with his
girlfriend, Paulita Gomez.
Father Florentino Quiroga
 Isagani’s uncle and a retired priest, is a  A Chinese businessman aspiring to become a
respected figure despite his past romantic consul for China in the Philippines.
entanglements.  Simoun coerces him into hiding weapons in his
warehouses for the planned revolution.
Ben-Zayb
 A patriotic and jingoistic journalist, Ben-Zayb Kabesang Tales
writes for the Manila Spanish newspaper El  Telesforo Juan de Dios, a former cabeza de
Grito de la Integridad under the pen name barangay (barangay head) who resurfaced as
Ybañez. the feared Luzón bandit Matanglawin.
 He is unscrupulous in his storytelling, often
distorting facts to make stories more appealing. Paulita Gomez
 Isagani’s girlfriend and Doña Victorina’s niece,
Placido Penitente Paulita eventually breaks up with Isagani to
 A University of Santo Tomas student, Placido marry Juanito Pelaez, believing she has no
Penitente reluctantly continues his studies at future with Isagani.
his mother’s request.
 After clashing with his physics professor and Captain Heneral
meeting Simoun, he becomes a devoted  The highest-ranking official in the Philippines
follower of Simoun’s revolutionary cause. during the Spanish colonial period, the
Captain-General is Simoun’s friend and
Father Irene confidant.
 As Capitan Tiago’s spiritual adviser, Father
Irene is criticized for his alliance with temporal Juanito Pelaez
authority for power and monetary gain.  The son of a metalworks trader, Juanito is a
 He secretly supplies Capitan Tiago with opium, prankster and a favorite among professors. He
and upon Basilio’s imprisonment, ensures competes with Isagani for Paulita Gomez’s
Basilio inherits nothing from Tiago’s estate. affection and eventually marries her after
Isagani’s arrest.
Capitan Tiago
 Don Santiago de los Santos, Maria Clara’s Juli
father, is a wealthy landowner with properties  Basilio rescues Juli and provides a home for
in Pampanga, Binondo, and Laguna. her family. When Juli seeks help from Padre
 Falls into depression after Maria enters the Camorra during Basilio’s imprisonment, she
convent, leading him to develop an opium chooses death over dishonor by jumping from
addiction, fueled by his association with Padre the church tower to avoid being assaulted.
Irene.
Father Camorra
Father Bernardo Salvi  Known for his insatiable lust, Father Camorra’s
 The former parish priest of San Diego, Father actions ultimately lead Juli to take her own life
Salvi is now the director and chaplain of the after he tries to rape her.
Santa Clara convent.
 Implied to have assaulted Maria Clara, he Maria Clara
remains fearful of Ibarra’s potential revenge.  Dies in the Santa Clara convent, believed to
have been repeatedly raped by Padre Salvi.
Father Hernando de la Sibyla
 He is Fray Hernando Sibyla also known as REPRESENTATIONS
Father Sibyla. Simoun
 Ibarra was his former student. - He is doesn't  Simoun symbolizes revolutionaries who
care about the grievance that happening to the advocated for a bloody revolt against the
natives and he just does nothing to change it. Spanish government, but his death in El
Filibusterismo shows Rizal’s disapproval of
Don Custodio armed rebellion.
 Custodio de Salazar y Sanchez de
Monteredondo is a contractor tasked with Basilio
developing a proposal for a Spanish language  Basilio represents the youth striving for
academy. personal advancement but lacking social
 An opportunist and social climber, he is awareness.
portrayed as incompetent and laughably
ineffective. Isagani
 He represents the young educated Filipinos  He represents politician in the society that
who are apathetic to the needs of the society. thrive to wealth and personal interest.

Father Florentino Juli

 Having chosen priesthood over love, he  A symbol of purity and innocence among
represents the secular Filipino priests of Rizal’s lower-class women during Rizal’s time.
time. His character also emphasizes Rizal’s
opposition to a bloody revolt. Father Camorra
 He represents old men who lust over young
Ben-Zayb women, women abuse, or sexual harassment.
 Ben-Zayb represents the corrupted media of
his time. SUMMARY
1. When Crisostomo Ibarra returns as Simoun, a
Placido Penitente rich jeweler sporting a beard and blue-tinted
 His name, which translates to “silent suffering,” glasses, and a confidant of the Captain-General.
reflects his temperament and struggle. 2. He decided that he does not attempt to fight the
authorities through legal means, but through violent
Father Irene revolution using the masses. He also have a
 Father Irene represents the few Spaniards who reason in instigating a revolution.
show sympathy towards Filipinos. 3. Simoun spares Basilio's life and asks him to join
in his planned revolution against the government,
Capitan Tiago egging him on by bringing up the tragic misfortunes
 He symbolizes the rich Filipinos who oppress of the latter's family. But Basilio declines the offer
their fellow Filipinos in exchange for the as he still hopes that the country's condition will
influence and the riches that they might gain improve.
from their powerful associations. 4. The son of Kabesang Tales which is, Tano, who
became a civil guard was captured by bandits; his
Father Bernardo Salvi daughter Huli had to work as a maid to get enough
 He represents the abusive and oppressive ransom money for his freedom; and his father,
nature of the Spanish friars, exploiting the local Tandang Selo, suffered a stroke and became mute.
population for personal gain and maintaining That's why Kabesang Tales started to think some
control over the people through fear and solutions.
manipulation. 5. Captain Tiago dies after learning of the incident
and as stated in his will- forged by Irene, all his
Father Hernando de la Sibyla possessions are given to the Church, leaving
 He represents loyalty to congregation and nothing for Basilio.
ignorance to the Filipinos. 6. Juli, the daughter of Kabesang Tales tries to ask
a help to Father Carmona's, which is the elder
Don Custodio woman give as an advice to her. Instead of helping
 He represents the current government's Juli, however, the priest tries to rape her as he has
injustice system, in which self-serving long-hidden desires for Juli. Juli, rather than submit
government personnel who aspire to be to the will of the friar, jumps over the balcony to her
politicians can freely hold positions even if they death.
are unqualified for them. 7. Basilio tries to change himself after hearing
about the death of Juli. And he decided to finally
Quiroga join at Simouns Revolution.
 He represents what they called "Chinoy" or Fil- 8. Simoun, now unmasked as the perpetrator of the
Chinese in modern society. attempted arson and failed revolution, becomes a
fugitive. He has wounded and exhausted after he
Kabesang Tales was shot by the one of Guardia Civil.
 Symbolizes the natives and farmers whose 9. Simoun takes poison in order for him not to be
lands were seized by friars. captured alive. But before it happened, he decided
to reveal his real identity to Florentino, the Isagani's
Paulita Gomez uncle.
 Her character serves as a symbol of the 10. Florentino, then takes Simoun's remaining
corruption and greed of the ruling class, who jewels and throws them into the Pacific Ocean for
are indifferent to the plight of the poor. the sake of all with the corals hoping that they
would not be used by the greedy, and hoping that it
Captain Heneral is a start of a new society for themselves and also
the sea will become their treasures because of
those jewelry of Simouns.

COMPARE AND CONTRAST of Noli Me Tangere

and El Filibusterismo
NOLI ME TANGERE EL FILIBUSTERISMO

An experiment in an An experiment in
LIBERAL REFORMISM REVOLUTION

depicts the difficulties

faced by adherents of
scientific thought in the
Philippines during the
late nineteenth century

explores conflicts
between knowledge
borne of materialist
investigation and
knowledge from the
earthly emissaries of the
divine .

Does not contain anti- introduces the concept

Chinese racism and of the filibustero, a
does not address the disruptive presence that
Philippines' breaks and enters into
ethnolinguistic variety. the social order

Theme
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo
 both novels written by Jose Rizal, depicting the
Philippine society during the Spanish
colonization.
 both share themes of oppression, injustice,
and nationalism

Noli Me Tangere
 tends to have a more hopeful and idealistic
mood, focusing on the awakening of Filipino
consciousness and the desire for reform.

Tone
often passionate and more somber and
emotional, depicting the vengeful, as it portrays
struggles of the the protagonist, Simoun,
characters against the seeking revenge and
abuses of the Spanish justice through
friars and colonial revolutionary means.
administration.