Action-Gesselschaft that gave the lowest charge of 300 pesos for

NOLI ME TANGERE
2000 copies of the novel.
is Latin phrase that means “Touch me not.” Interestingly,
During the printing of Noli, Rizal was suspected as a
it was lifted from the Bible, in fact, he wrote a letter to Felix Hidalgo
French spy resulting to a visit of a German chief police to his
on March 5, 1887 where he informed Hidalgo that it was from the
boarding house. The latter asked for Rizal’s passport but he failed to
Gospel of Luke. Rizal made a mistake in citing the Bible as this
show any since he had none. He was then given four days to secure
phrase was from the Gospel of John, particularly the chapter 20
a passport to avoid deportation. With the help of Viola, he went to
verse 17. This was when Mary Magdalene tried to touch the newly
the Spanish embassy to seek help from the Spanish ambassador, the
risen Jesus and the latter said, “Touch me not; for I am not yet
Count of Benomar, who promised to help him. However, the
ascended to my Father.” Additionally, he dedicated his novel to his
ambassador failed to help him as the latter had no power to issue
country – the Philippines.
the required passport. After the ultimatum, Rizal went to the office
of the German chief police and apologized for failing to present a
passport. He also asked the officer why he would be deported when
Journey to Publication he was not committing any crime. The chief police informed him
that he received intelligent reports about Rizal’s frequent visits to
Rizal’s inspiration in writing his first novel was Harriet the little towns and villages in the rural areas of Berlin and this
Beecher Stowe’s novel entitled Uncle Tom’s Cabin, a novel that aroused the suspicion of the German government of him being a
portrayed the pathetic and inhumane conditions of Negro slaves French spy. With fluency in German language, Rizal explained
brought by the brutalities of American slave-owners. This led to politely that he was a Filipino physician and scientist, particularly an
Rizal’s idea of creating a novel that would depict the oppression of ethnologist, who at that time were observing the customs and
the Spaniards to the Filipinos. He was then a student at Universidad lifestyles of the simple inhabitants in Berlin. Surprisingly, due to
Central de Madrid. Rizal’s personal charisma and language fluency in German, the chief
police was impressed and allowed him to stay freely in Germany.
On January 2, 1884, during the reunion of Filipinos at the After the settlement of the issue he encountered, he spent his days
Paterno’s residence in Madrid, Rizal proposed to his compatriots to at the printing shop proof-reading the printed pages of the novel
write a novel about the Philippines. This proposal was unanimously with Viola.
approved by the present Filipinos in the gathering, among were the
Paterno brothers, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Evaristo Aguirre, Eduardo On March 21, 1887, the Noli Me Tangere came off the
de Lete, Julio Llorente, Melecio Figueroa, and Valentin Ventura. The press. Rizal immediately sent the first copies of the novel to his
novel will be written by a group of Filipinos in Madrid and initially intimate friends, including Ferdinand Blumentritt, Dr. Antonio Ma.
planned to cover all phases of Philippine life. Unfortunately, none Regidor, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Mariano Ponce, and Felix Hidalgo.
of the compatriots contributed to the content of the novel as they As a token of gratitude and appreciation, he gave Viola the galley
were more interested writing about women. Instead of proofs of the Noli carefully rolled around the pen he used in writing
collaborating thoughts for the novel, his compatriots invested more the novel and a complimentary copy on March 29, 1887. He put an
time on gambling and flirting with Spanish women. This made Rizal inscription to it: “To my dear friend, Maximo Viola, the first to read
disappointed on his compatriots’ behavior and forced him to write and appreciate my work --- Jose Rizal.”
the novel alone.

Toward the end of 1884, Rizal began writing the novel in

Madrid and finished about one-half of the novel. After completing Symbolism
his studies in the Universidad Central de Madrid in 1885, he went
The original cover of the novel was divided into two
to Paris and continued writing until the third quarter. The last
triangles separated by the title “Noli Me Tangere”. The upper
quarter of the novel was finished in Germany and the last few
triangle represents the life situation in Rizal’s time while the lower
chapters were written in Wilhelmsfeld between April to June, 1886.
triangle represents the oppression of his countrymen at the hands
One of the darkest periods in Rizal’s life occurred during the winter
of the Spanish tyranny. The partly covered text is secret message of
days of February 1886 in Berlin, it was the same time he made the
Rizal to his parents:
final revisions of the manuscript of Noli. He was penniless, sick, and
being hopelessness in the publication of his novel, he almost threw To my parents,
the manuscript of Noli into the flames. Rizal was living his life in
misery when his friend Maximo Viola of San Miguel, Bulacan sent In writing this work I have been continually thinking of you who
him a telegram about his coming to Berlin. It was before the have instilled in me the first thoughts and the first ideas; I dedicate
Christmas of 1886 when Viola arrived in Berlin and was shocked this manuscript of my youth to you as a proof of love. Berlin
upon seeing the condition of Rizal. He was living in poverty and February 21, 1887
malnourished. Believing on Rizal’s natural talent and determination
Lower Triangle- It represents the oppression of his countrymen at
in the publication of his novel, Viola lend him some money for his
the hands of Spanish tyranny.
living expenses and the publication of Noli Me Tangere.

After the Christmas season, Rizal busied himself into the ➢ A man in a cassock with hairy feet – represents the priests that
finishing touch of Noli Me Tangere. Rizal removed the original use religion as a façade to their dirty doings and to oppress the
chapter twenty-five “Elias at Salome” due to the expensive cost of Indios.
publication. It was on February 21, 1887 when the Noli was finally
➢ Chains – it represents slavery.
finished and ready for printing. Together with Viola, Rizal spent days
of surveying different printing shops in Berlin that would offer the ➢ Flogs and Whips – it symbolizes the cruelties of the Spaniards.
cheapest printing service to his novel. It was Berliner Buchdruckrei-
➢ Bamboo stalk – depiction of the resilience of the Filipinos.
➢ Helmet of Guardia Civil – the arrogance of those in authority was portrayed as a faithful sweetheart, a good friend, and an
obedient daughter. She is portrayed as the ideal woman during her
Upper Triangle - It represents the life situation in Rizal’s time. time. She does not impose her will except when she refused to be
married off to Linares. Maria Clara symbolizes the purity and
➢ Silhouette of a Woman – some claimed that it represents Maria
innocence of a sheltered native woman during the time of Spanish
Clara, the epitome of a Filipina on the Spanish times, but it could
occupation. She does not value material things that were
also represent the motherland – “Philippines” to which Rizal
abundantly bestowed upon her by admirers and family alike but
dedicated his novel.
holds in high esteem her parents’ honor and the promise she had
➢ Cross/Crucifix – it is situated above the silhouette of a woman given to her sweetheart.
which symbolizes the dominance of the church during the Spanish Elias
regime; sufferings.
- is a former boatman who became one of the most wanted
➢ Pomelo Blossoms & Laurel Leaves – both of these elements criminals in San Diego. Due to several painful life events in his life,
symbolized Rizal’s aspiration for the Filipinos, in specific, honor and he distrusts human judgment and prefers God's justice instead. He
fidelity. As a common practice during his times, pomelo blossoms is acquainted with the tulisanes and other crooks, which he uses to
were utilized as a scent to the air commonly used during his advantage in discerning the troubles of the town. He was saved
ceremonies and rituals, whereas laurel leaves were used as crowns by Ibarra from a vicious crocodile and swears to protect Ibarra after
during the Ancient Greek Olympics to signify the best of all the the incident. He discovered a plot against Ibarra and thwarted it on
bests. his best ability. He used to have an affluent life with his twin sister
and was educated in a Jesuit College. He prefers a revolution over
➢ Burning Torch – it symbolizes rage and passion.
the reforms, he even tried to convince Ibarra to join his cause but
➢ Sunflower – this represents a new beginning; enlightenment Ibarra has been inclined to believe in a more conservative way in
fighting the Spaniards. Elias represents the common Filipino who is
not only aware of the injustices done to their countrymen but
would also like to deliver them from their oppressors. He is said to
Facts About The Novel be the personification of Andres Bonifacio.

Originally, Noli Me Tangere was written in Spanish, Padre Damaso Verdolagas

however, the English version of the novel is commonly known as
The Social Cancer. This translation came from the novel's dedication - is a Franciscan friar and the former parish curate of San Diego. He
where Rizal explained that there was a type of cancer so terrible is best known as a notorious character who speaks with harsh
that the sufferer could not bear to be touched and this disease words and has been a cruel priest during his stay in the town. He is
afflicted his homeland. Thus, the novel was dedicated to "To My the real father of María Clara and an enemy of Crisóstomo's father,
Fatherland" - the Philippines. The novel has 63 chapters since the Rafael Ibarra. Later, he and María Clara had bitter arguments about
twenty-fifth chapter entitled "Elias and Salome" had been removed whether she would marry Alfonso Linares or go to a convent. He
due to financial constraints in the publication. symbolizes the Spanish friars of Rizal's time and his actions to the
novel speak for the oppression and belittling of the Indios at the
hand of the Spaniards.

Characters Pilosopo Tasio

- Patterned after his oldest brother, Paciano Rizal, his full name is
Main Characters
only known as Don Anastasio. The educated inhabitants of San
Juan Crisostomo Ibarra y Magsalin Diego labeled him as Filosofo Tacio (Tacio the Sage) while others
called him Tacio el Loco (Tacio the Insane) due to his exceptional
- is depicted as one of the Filipinos who managed to finish their talent for reasoning. He comes from a rich family. He is often the
studies abroad. He had been living abroad for seven years. Unlike pessimist and is untrusting of human altruism. He also does not
his countrymen, he was outspoken, idealistic, and has a liberal believe in the religious fanaticism that was in vogue during his time.
mind. He was the son of Don Rafael, one of the wealthiest He symbolizes the learned Filipinos who had once embraced the
businessmen in San Diego. As such, he was also a childhood friend culture of the Spanish regime. They eventually became
of Maria Clara. He is a very patient and serious man but when he disenchanted when they return to the Philippines and observe the
was provoked, he becomes very violent and impulsive. Crisostomo stark contrast their countrymen receive from their colonizers. The
Ibarra exemplified the vision that Jose Rizal had aimed for the youth more they turn to learn, the more they become eccentric to the
of the Philippines during his time. Other historians attribute Ibarra masses they seek to enlighten
as Rizal’s reflection of himself.
Supporting Characters
Maria Clara de los Santos y Alba
Sisa
- is the daughter of Capitan Tiago. She often wore dainty dresses
and religious artifacts (such as rosaries and a locket that contained - The mother of Basilio and Crispin, Sisa, or Narcisa is the typical
a religious relic (agnos) from St Peter's boat believed to where Jesus native wife. She lived a miserable life which includes an abusive
rode in thousand years ago). She also carries a silk pouch that holds husband named Pedro who is also into cockfighting. Sisa is thought
Ibarra's farewell letter. She sometimes carries a fan which she uses to have represented the motherland who was suffering as her
to hide her face when embarrassed. Her character is related to character has suffered from the loss of her children. The tragic
Rizal's childhood sweetheart, Leonor Rivera. Like the real-life events that ruined her life represented the abuse that the
Leonor, she plays the piano and the harp and has a sweet voice. She motherland received from her colonizers.
Basilio character portrayed the Filipinos who rejected their own nationality
to make herself more worthy of respect than she actually is.
- An acolyte tasked to ring the church bells for the Angelus, he faced
the dread of losing his younger brother and the descent of his Father Salvi
mother into insanity. At the end of the novel, Elías wished Basilio to
bury him by burning in exchange for a chest that he uses for his - He is a cunning man who uses his religious stature for political
education as revealed in the following novel. influence, benefitting both the church and himself. He often asserts
his influence by attacking his enemies’ back. He is the depiction of
Crispin the lustful and power-driven people who hide under their religious
identity.
- He is a sacristan who had been accused of stealing two gold pieces
by the senior sacristan. Crispin represents the innocents who have
been wrongly accused of the crime they did not commit. The
Analysis
injustice they suffered under the hands of the authorities during
their time were silenced by their deaths and the cover-ups that Noli Me Tangere is one of the greatest works of Rizal. This
follow it. novel paved way to expose the oppression and brutalities of the
Spaniards during his times. The novel became an exposé of the
Cabesang Tales
corrupt people who have made religion as an instrument for gaining
- A former farmer who was industrious and patient. He experienced power and take control of the ignorant and innocent Filipinos.
struggles in obtaining ownership of the land he worked hard on. Although the novel focuses on the discrimination and the
Became driven to irrationality by circumstances that reveal the indifference of the Spaniards to the Filipinos, Rizal became
roots of agrarian malaise in the country. transparent on the flaws of some fellow countrymen. He included a
depiction of the hypocrisy of some Filipinos who called themselves
Tano religious; the ignorant servility to wealthy and powerful Spanish
officials to maintain their high status; and the indignity of
- He is the son of Cabesang Tales. Conscripted into military service
dissociating themselves from their origin – being a Filipino.
in the Carolinas where he is so alienated and confused by physical
and moral distress that he comes home in a state of shock. Rizal as an objective man as he is, he balanced the
national portrait by highlighting the values of his unspoiled fellow
The Undesirables countrymen. This includes the modesty and devotion of Filipino
Capitan Tiago women; the hospitality of the Filipino families; a deep sense of
gratitude; and the devotion of their children to their parents and
- was a typical character during the time of Jose Rizal. He is a rich vice versa. More importantly, the novel’s deepest insight is to call
native-born Filipino who rubbed elbows with the powers that be on the Filipinos revive their status as superior to the Spaniards in
during that time. He wanted to make sure that Maria Clara will be our own land; appreciate our own heritage; find our self-worth. It
married to an affluent man with ample social capital and quickly also emphasized the need for education among our fellowmen;
abandoned his support to Ibarra when the friars disgraced the awakens our dedication for the country; and absorbs some aspects
latter’s name. He symbolizes the rich Filipinos who oppress their of foreign cultures that would only enhance our native traditions.
fellow countrymen in exchange for the influence and the riches that
they might gain from their powerful associations. Perhaps he always Noli Me Tangere is considered to be a romantic and
tried to maintain his respectability to compensate for the societal novel. Despite the societal problems and conflicts
dishonored self-brought about by his wife's connection to Damaso. presented in the novel, it possesses humor, freshness, and
lightness. Thus, it is a work of the heart or a book of feeling. In
Doña Victorina de los Reyes de Espadaña contrast with El Filibusterismo that is a book of thought or work of
the head. Unlike to Noli, it possesses hatred, bitterness, sorrow, and
- is a character that focuses on her image to look beautiful and violence.
socialite yet, in reality, have a distorted view of her identity and a
social climber. She is the classic depiction of “colonial mentality”
which believed that foreign-related things are superior and
everything that connects with indigenous are inferior. Implications
Don Tiburcio de Espadaña After the publication of the Noli Me Tangere, it brought
enlightenment to many Filipinos about the oppression experienced
- The husband of Doña Victorina, who pretended as a doctor but by their fellow countrymen. It served as one of the instruments that
has no training related to medicine. Due to his wife’s advice, he awakened the Filipino nationalism leading to the 1896 Philippine
targeted well-respected patients and get exorbitant amounts of Revolution. This novel also tickled the aspirations of the Filipinos for
money. He is the depiction of the ignorant Spaniard who blindly independence and encouraged valuing of our identity - as Filipinos.
follows his superior despite the harm it might cause his victims.

Doña Consolacion
Summary of Noli Me Tangere
- She is an older Filipina woman married to the ensign. Known for
her brutality and made many of the ensign’s decisions. She even The story begins at a party to welcome Crisóstomo Ibarra
encouraged his husband to take action against Father Salvi to assert back to the Philippines after seven years of studying in Europe. His
his dominance. She oftentimes pretends to forget her native father, Don Rafael, passed away shortly before his return, and
language despite having a very bad Spanish language capability. Her Crisóstomo soon learns that he died in prison after accidentally
killing a tax collector and being falsely accused of other crimes by
Father Dámaso, the longtime curate of the church in Crisóstomo’s
hometown of San Diego. Crisóstomo returns to San Diego, and his
fiancée, María Clara, joins him there. After the schoolmaster tells
him that Father Dámaso and the new curate, Father Salví, interfere
with his teaching, Crisóstomo decides to build a new modern school
in San Diego.

On a picnic with María Clara, Crisóstomo goes on a fishing

boat and helps the pilot, Elías, kill a crocodile. Elías later warns
Crisóstomo that there is a plot to murder him at the ceremony for
the laying of the school’s cornerstone, and indeed, as Crisóstomo is
placing mortar for the cornerstone, the derrick holding the stone
collapses. Although Crisóstomo escapes injury, the derrick operator
is killed. At a dinner later, Father Dámaso insults the new school,
Filipinos in general, Crisóstomo, and Don Rafael. An enraged
Crisóstomo attacks him, but María Clara stops him from killing the
priest. Later her father breaks off her engagement to Crisóstomo
and arranges for her betrothal to a young Spanish man, Linares.

Father Salví plots with Lucas, the brother of the deceased

derrick operator, to organize a strike on the barracks of the Civil
Guard and to convince the attackers that Crisóstomo is their
ringleader. Father Salví then warns the head of the Civil Guard of
the impending assault. When the attack fails, the rebels say that
Crisóstomo was their leader, and he is arrested. Elías helps
Crisóstomo escape from prison, and they flee by boat on the Pasig
River with members of the Civil Guard in pursuit. Elías dives into the
river to distract the pursuers and is mortally wounded. It is reported
that Crisóstomo was killed, and a distraught María Clara insists on
entering a convent.
September 1891, turned out comprising only 38 chapters compared
EL FILIBUSTERISMO
with the 64 of the Noli contrary to his original plan to made a longer
El Filibusterismo is the second and last novel by Dr. Jose sequel.
Rizal (1861-1896). It was his sequel to the Noli Me Tangere known
For Ventura’s salvific act, Rizal gave him the novel’s
by its alternative English title The Reign of Greed. It is a novel about
original manuscript, a pen and an autographed printed copy in
revolution that failed which was orchestrated by Simoun. He
1925, the Philippine government bought the El Fili manuscript from
described the government in a very cynical way by lambasting the
Ventura fo a large sum of 10,000 pesos G. Zaide. (G. Zaide & S. Zaide,
friars and the Spanish officials for their greed, corruption,
194) It is now being kept in the National Library.
exploitation and injustice to satisfy their evil desires and to seek
their own interest. Noli and Fili illustrated the actual conditions in
the Philippines during the time of Rizal which became instrumental
in awakening the spirit of Filipino nationalism. Filibustero and Gomburza
The Filibusterismo in the novel’s title is derived from the
simple term filibuster. Rizal defined the word (filibustero) to his
Writing and Printing of Fili friend Ferdinand Blumentritt who encountered but did not fully
comprehend the word in the Noli. Rizal, thus explained in a letter
Rizal started writing El FIlibusterismo in October 1887 in
(“El Filibusterismo” 2011).
Calmaba during his first homecoming. The novel was thus written
against the background of threats and oppressions he and his family The word filibuster is little known in the Philippines, I
suffered because of the Noli and the so called Calamba agrarian heard it for the first time in 1872 when the tragic executions (of
trouble. Gomburza) took place. I still remember the panic that this word
created. Our father forbade us to utter it, as well as the words
He continued working on it making some revisions in
Cavite, Burgos (one of the executed priests) etc. The Manila
London in 1888. Rizal then went on to write the novel in Paris and
newspaper and the Spaniards apply this word to one whom they
then in Brussels where distractions were less, and the cost of living
want to make a revolutionary suspect. the Filipinos belonging to the
was cheaper. Being able to focus on finishing the book, Rizal had
educated class fear the reach of the word. It means a dangerous
finally completed it by March 29, 1891 in Biarritz.
patriot who will soon be hanged or well a presumptuous man”
Jose Alejandrino, Rizal’s roommate in Belgium related Amazon.com
that he was the one who looked for a printing press for El
The word filibustero thus, contextually means subversive,
Filibusterismo. He delivered proofs and revisions of F. Meyer Van
dissident, revolutionary, seditious, insurrectionary and treasonous.
Loo in Ghent. For his assistance, Rizal gave him the El Fili ‘s corrected
Fittingly Rizal dedicated the book to the memory of the Gomburza,
proofs and the pen used in doing the corrections. Unluckily, these
the three Filipino, patriotic priest who were accused of being
historical souvenirs were either lost or destroyed during the
filibuster and thus, executed. In his dedication, Rizal fearlessly
revolution (Ocampo,2012. P. 111) (For Rizal’s collaboration and
declared his conviction that the Spanish officials’ treatment of the
relation with Jose Alejandrino, read Appendix O of “Rizal’s Relations
priest’ case was unjust as [their] complicity in the Cavite Mutiny is
with other Filipino Patriots and Heroes.”)
not clearly proved.
Alejandrino, who later became a general in the Philippine
The dedication partly reads “To the memory of the priest,
revolution, might have possibly been the first person to read the
Don Mariano Gomez (85 years old). Don Jose Burgos (30 years old)
novel aside from the author. However, the honor of being called
and Don Jacinto Zamora (35 years old). Executed in the
“the savior of the “Fili” had gone to Valentin Ventura, Rizal’s friend
Bagumbayan Field on the 28th of February 1872, I have the right to
who partially financed the novel’s publication. (Ventura’s steal of
dedicate my work to you as victims of the evil which I undertake to
the title, one may argue, in another classic elucidation of the
combat. “(“El Filibusterismo,” n.d.)
expression” That’s what money can do”)
Rizal however made mistakes in indicating the ages of the
Initially, Rizal financed El Fili’s printing by pawning his
priest and the date of their execution. During their martyrdom on
properties. In a letter to Jose Basa dated July 9,1891, he related: For
the 17th (not 28th) of February, 1872. Gomez was then 73 (not 85)
the past three months I have not received a single centavo, so I have
Burgos was 35 (not 30) and Zamora was 37 (not 35). Like many other
pawned all that I have in order to publish this book. I will continue
students today (especially men), Rizal was perhaps not that good in
publishing it as long as I can, and when there is nothing pawnable I
memorizing historical details like dates and ages.
will stop” (El Filibusterismo” n.d.)
The foreword of the Fili was nonetheless addressed “To
Rizal’s next letter to Basa carried the sad news that the
the Filipino People and Government. “The original manuscript also
printing had to be suspended for lack of funds, and it was at this
included a “warning “and an “inscription” on the title page written
point where Valentin Ventura came into the picture. Having known
by the author’s friend, Ferdinand Blumentritt.
Rizal’s predicament, Ventura offered him financial help in hindsight,
we can assume that Ventura was bothered by his conscience, hence
his generous monetary assistance for Rizal’s novel. Remember that
Ventura was one of the Filipinos who promised to co- author Rizal’s Themes of Fili
proposed first book but ended up contributing nothing.
Indeed, a continuation of the Noli, the El Filibusterismo
But even with Ventura’s help, Rizal found it necessary to exposes the real picture of Filipino society at the hands of the
fundamentally shorten the novel, erasing 47 whole pages from the Spanish authorities. Socio- political issues mentioned in the Noli are
279 page manuscript to save expenses (Ocampo, 2012.p111.) Thus, also dealt with in its sequel: abuses and hypocrisy of the members
the printed El Fili, which came off the press by the middle of of the Spanish Catholic clergy ,superstitions disguising as religious
faith ,the need for reform in educational system, the exploitation Del Pilar, he said: I appreciate what you say about my work, and I
and corruption of government officials, and the pretenses of some value your opinion highly that considered my Filibusterismo inferior
social –climbing Filipinos and Spaniards. to the Noli I, too frankly, without irony or words with a double
meaning share your opinion. For me, the Filibuserismo as a novel is
What makes El Fili essentially different from its prequel is inferior to the Noli. You are the firsy one to tell me the truth and I
that it offers various means of attaining social reform and somewhat agree with you. This flatters me as it proves that I still know how to
hinted what the author believed was ideal. Some dialogues and judge myself (“Rizal and Other Reformers,” n.d)
incidents seem to suggest the apparent improbability of any radical
socio-political change. The main character’s persistence to push As regards his friends who told him that Fili was better,
through with the rebellion, on the other hand, seems to suggest Rizal explained in the same letter “Blumentritt, all those in Paris and
that independence is attainable through revolution. However, the Barcelona, for their benevolence towards me say the Fili is superior,
closing chapters rather insinuate that freedom must be attained I attribute it only to their benevolence”
without bloodshed as the story ends with the failure of Simoun’s
planned uprising.

The novel’s ending some scholars explain, however,

should not be interpreted as Rizal’s categorical stand against
revolution. At best, Rizal can be said to be against unprepared and
disorganized rebellion of uneducated people, which could have a
slim chance of victory. It is important to note that Rizal once
commented that an upright, patriotic and selfless individual like
Noli’s Elias would be a viable revolutionary leader. In fact, Rizal was
said to have confessed that he seriously regretted having killed Elias
insted of Ibarra. These seem to prove that Rizal, though practically
promoting the attainment of reforms peacefully, also advocated the
idea of armed revolution under some conditions. Intelligent as he
was, what Rizal would never subscribe to is the “useless spilling of
blood “but not the uprising per se.

Synopsis
Noli vs. Fili The story in in El Filibusterismo revolves around its main
character Simoun who is an affluent jeweler. Simoun is actually
Rizal wrote the El Filibusterismo about four years after the Crisostomo Ibarra of the Noli whom everyone thought had been
Noli. The experiences he had in those four years spelled a lot of killed by the Guardia Civil at Laguna de bay. He has in fact escaped,
differences in the way he treated his two novels. In depicting the fled to Cuba, became wealthy, and made connections with
social conditions in the country both novels employ satire and influential Spanish officials. Upon his return to the Philippines after
caricatures. El Fili however is more serious as there is less humor many years, he becomes very influential as the governor –general,
and more bitterness in the treatment of situations. who owes so much to him, consults him in making decisions.
In the Noli, the author reveals the cruelty and exploitation In reality, however, everything Simoun does is just part of
suffered by the natives at the hands of the colonizers. In El Fili, Rizal his grand plan to take revenge against the Spanish officials and
depicts a society at the brink of rebellion as the native’s minds have rescue Maria Clara from the convent. Planning to stage a revolution,
been awakened and revolutionary forces have been found formed. he smuggles arms and looks for followers, mainly from the
Generally, El Fili presents a gloomier depiction of the country under exploited and abused natives. One of his recruits is Basilio, the son
the Spanish regime. More radical and revolutionary, the novel has of Sisa, who with Capitan Tiago’s help was to study in Manila.
less idealism and romance than the Noli. The El Fili manifest Rizal’s Simoun also makes an alliance with the revolutionary group of
more mature and less hopeful attitude toward the sociopolitical Kabesang Tales, a former cabeza de barangay who suffered
situation in the country. The grimmer outlook and more tragic maltreatments from the hands of the friars, using his influence,
mood can be attributed to the persecutions and sufferings the Simoun encourages corruption, decadence, and more oppressive
author and his family experienced from the Spanish friars and government policies so that the citizens may become more
officials in the years he was writing the novel. infuriated.
Notwithstanding the sufferings caused by the Spaniards However, the planned revolt one night is not carried out
to the Rizal family, the Fili its author claimed, is not a matter or because Simoun, upon hearing that Maria Clara has died in the
revenge. Jose wrote to Blumentritt: “I have not written in it [ Fili] nunnery, decides not to give the signal for the outbreak of the
any idea of vengeance against my enemies, but only for the good of uprising. Another plan is made some months later. At the venue of
those who suffer for the rights of Tagalogs. Some of Rizal’s friends the wedding reception of Juanito Pelaez, Simoun plants many
like Blumentritt and Graciano Lopez Jaena, expressed that Fili was explosives –enough to kill the invited guest, primarily the friars and
superior o Noli. Rizal himself apparently once believed in the government officials. According to the plot the big explosion shall
superiority of the Fili.When its printing had to be stopped for lack be started by the gift he will give to the newlyweds at the reception
of funds, he wrote to Basa: “It is a pity because it seems to me that –a Kerosene lamp with an explosive. When the lamp flickers and
this second part [the Fili] is more important than the [Noli]” (“The someone turns the wick, it will result into a big explosion that will
El Filibusterismo,”2013) become a signal to the revolutionary troops to simultaneously
attack all the government buildings in Manila.
After the Fili was published, nonetheless, Rizal appeared
to have a change of heart. In his October 13, 1891 letter to Marcelo
During the reception, Simoun gives his gift to the and then to 10,000 pesos (Ocampo, 2012, p.148) But recognizing
newlyweds. Before he hurriedly leaving the venue, he leaves a piece perhaps that they would get nothing from the government, the
of mysterious paper. Bearing the message “You will die tonight” robbers ultimately settled on returning the expensive documents,
signed by Juan Crisostomo Ibarra. Meanwhile Isagani, the rejected free of charge.
lover of Paulita, is standing outside the reception. His friend Bailio
tells hm to leave the place because the lamp will soon blow up. Many still find this “charge –free return of the
When father Salvi identifies the writing in the note and confirms manuscripts strange and mind blowing. But the following additional
that it is indeed Ibarra’s the guest begin to panic. When the lamp details about the story could perhaps shed light on the account.
flickers, Father Irene tries to turn the wick up. But Isagani wanted to During the negotiations, one of the burglars related to
save the Paulita’s life rushes in to the house, grabs the lamp and Roces that on the night of the robbery,” the Rizal manuscripts
throws it into the river where it explodes. suddenly became heavy as a cavan of rice. The thief, thus exclaimed,
Simuon’s revolutionary plot is thus known, and he is the manuscript must be holy or haunted! (Ocampo, 2012.p.148).
hunted by the law enforcers. He manages to escape but is seriously One robber even claimed that he read Rizal’s handwritten novels
wounded. Carrying his jewelry chest, he finds shelter in the home and described the feeling,” Ang sarap basahin, kinikilabutan ako!”
of Padre Florentino by the sea. Learning of his presence in the house (Ocampo, 2012, p.148) It is remarkably funny to note however that
of the priest, the lieutenant of the Guardia Civil informs Padre the thief did not understand Spanish! Nonetheless, these indicate
Florentino that will come in the evening to arrest Simoun. that the stealers were probably bothered by their conscience,
hence the consent to just send back the national hero’s works
Simoun then takes poison so that he will not be caught
alive. As poisons effects start to take toll on his body, he confessed, Anding promised not to identify the robbers or to be a
to Florentino his true identify and his plan of revenge through body witness against them in court. Thus, the hilariously controversial
revolution. After the emotional and agonizing confession of the thieves were never known.
dying man the priest absolves the dying man from his sins, saying
“God will forgive you Senor Simoun. He knows that we are fallible.
He has seen that you have suffered – He has frustrated your plans The Novel’s Legacy
one by one – first by the death of Maria Clara, then by lack of
For fearlessly depicting the corruptions and abuses by the
preparation, then in some mysterious way. Let us know bow to His
Spanish clergy and the colonial government during the Spanish
and render Him thanks! The story ends with the priest throwing
regime in the Philippines, the two novels are historically very
treasures in the sea so that they will not be used by the greedy. The
significant. Basically, a social sketch of the country then, the Noli
priest hopes that when the right time comes, they will be recovered
and Fili reveal the true setting and condition of the Filipino society
and used only for good.
in the era.

As essential sources of sociological and anthropological

Noli and El Fili Stolen studies, the books provide rich insights into the culture of the 19th
and 20th century Philippines. Their realistic depiction exposed a
In Rizal’s time, the Permanent of Commission of conflicted colonial society seriously split between the oppressors
Censorship recommended the absolute prohibition on the and the suffering local slaves. The novels’ character mimicked the
importance, reproduction, and circulation of the Noli. The copies of various elements and types of individuals in that society.
the Fili, on the other hand, were destroyed by customs in Manila Furthermore, they show favorable positive traits of the natives
upon shipment to the Philippines. The rare surviving copies of were then, like the sense of gratitude, the fidelity of women to their loved
secretly purchased and according to one friend of the family. It had ones, and the yearning for freedom and equality.
to be read in the smallest, most private room in the house – the
toilet “ For their explicit portrayal of what the locals really wished
for their country, the books were instrument in forming the
This was the fate of the first editions of Rizal’s novels. But Filipino’s (Indios) sense of national identity. Indirectly but
that is nothing compared to what happened to their original significantly, the novels influenced the revolution led by the
manuscript about 70 years of publication. The original manuscripts Katipunan as they inspired Andres Bonifacio and the other
of the of the Noli and Fili (along with that of the poem “Mi Ulimo revolutionaries in their cause.
Adios.”) were stolen from the national library on the evening of
December 8, 1961. After some days, the thieves who outsmarted Rizal was arrested, exiled to Dapitan, and ultimately
the buildings sleepy guards sent a ransom note “made of executed in 1896 based principally on his writings. In 1956, the
newspaper cutouts” to the Jose Rizal National Centennial Philippine Congress passed the Rizal Law (Republic Act 1425)
Commission (JRNCC) Ocampo 2012. p. 2012. P148) The robbers requiring all levels of Philippine schools to teach as part of the
demanded 1.4 million pesos for the return of the original texts, else curriculum the hero’s two novels.
for the return of the original texts, else Rizal’s, else Rizal hard works
Originally written in Spanish, the Noli and the Fili had
would be burned.
been translated into various languages like Filipino, English.
To summarize the “historic robbery” the then Education German, French, Chinese, and some other Philippine languages. In
Secretary Alejandro “Anding Roces personally met with the burglars 2007, an English version of Noli Me Tangere was released to major
and after some various negotiations had retrieved the documents Australian bookstores. It was published by Penguin Books Classics
without paying any single centavo. The manuscript were returned as part of the publication’s commitment to publish the major
on instalment basis- ‘Ultimo Adios” were returned on instalment literary classics of the world.
basis- Ultimo Adios during the first meeting the El Fili on the next
negotiation on the next negotiation and lastly the Noli . There was
a time when the demanded ransom was reduced to 100,000 pesos