Noli Me Tangere Timeline
Noli Me Tangere Timeline
1884: José Rizal, while studying medicine in Madrid, Spain, begins contemplating the
idea of writing a novel to expose the social injustices in the Philippines under Spanish
rule. His early thoughts are shaped by his desire to inspire reform.
1885: Rizal immerses himself in research, reading European works on social reforms,
and gathering information about the Philippines and its history. During this time, he
also interacts with Filipino intellectuals like Marcelo H. del Pilar and Graciano López
Jaena, who are advocating for reforms in the Philippines.
1885: Rizal begins writing the first chapters of Noli Me Tangere while also busy with
his medical studies in Europe. This year marks the start of his effort to turn his vision
for the novel into reality.
1886: Rizal moves to Berlin, Germany, to continue his medical studies and focuses on
completing his novel. In Berlin, he is able to write more intensively in a peaceful
environment, away from the pressures of the Spanish authorities.
February 21, 1887: Rizal finishes writing the manuscript of Noli Me Tangere. After
more than a year of intense research and writing, he completes the novel in Berlin,
Germany.
Late 1886–February 1887: During this period, Rizal revises the manuscript, seeks
feedback from trusted friends, and finalizes the text. He prepares for its publication.
March 29, 1887: The first edition of Noli Me Tangere is published in Berlin,
Germany, by the German publisher Ferdinand Baesch. The novel is printed in a
limited run of 2,000 copies. Rizal carefully chose the title Noli Me Tangere, meaning
"Touch Me Not," to convey the idea of a society resistant to change due to entrenched
social problems.
April 1887: The first copies of Noli Me Tangere are sent to the Philippines, and to
Filipino reformers living abroad, including those in Europe. Rizal hopes to spread his
message and ignite discussion on the reforms needed for Philippine society.
1887: The novel is immediately met with controversy. The Spanish authorities in the
Philippines ban it, and any Filipino caught possessing a copy faces severe
punishment. Despite this, many copies of the novel reach Filipino reformists and
intellectuals.
1887: The book is met with mixed reactions. Filipino reformists, intellectuals, and
students praise it for its bold criticism of the colonial government, particularly the
abuses of the Spanish clergy. Meanwhile, the Spanish colonial authorities and the
Catholic Church condemn it for its portrayal of their power and corruption.
1887–1888: Rizal faces increasing scrutiny from the Spanish authorities. He is warned
about the implications of his work, and it becomes clear that the colonial government
sees him as a threat to their control. Rizal’s work and ideas begin to resonate more
strongly with Filipino reformers and the nationalist movement.
1888: Rizal briefly returns to the Philippines but is closely watched by the Spanish
authorities. He realizes that his influence has grown, and his novel is now at the center
of the debate about reforms in the Philippines.
1888: Rizal leaves the Philippines and goes to England, then Belgium, continuing his
work. Despite his physical distance, the impact of Noli Me Tangere continues to
resonate with Filipino intellectuals, who see the novel as a powerful critique of
Spanish colonialism.
1892: Rizal is exiled to Dapitan in Mindanao due to his influence and writings.
Although in exile, his works, including Noli Me Tangere, continue to inspire the
Philippine nationalist movement, playing a key role in the lead-up to the revolution.
December 30, 1896: José Rizal is executed by firing squad at Luneta, Manila,
becoming a martyr for the cause of Philippine independence. His works, particularly
Noli Me Tangere, continue to inspire future generations of Filipinos in their struggle
for freedom.