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Wonhamay Cabigas

BS Architecture 3-G

Analysis Paper: El Filibusterismo by Dr. Jose Rizal

Analysis of Social and Political Commentary in Jose Rizal’s El Filibusterismo

A sequel to the novel Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed) takes a
different, broader, and more objective perspective toward the colonial society in the Philippines
during Spanish control. In order to reflect on the issues of moral deterioration, injustice, the
ominous nature of reforms, and the hopeful nature of revolutions, Jose Rizal justified writing this
paper.

In an oppressive society, how far may one go to resist oppression? The sequel to Dr. Jose
Rizal's first novel, Noli me Tangere, "El Filibusterismo," addresses this issue by providing a
narrative primarily focused on the anti-colonial battle against Spanish rule. This scene takes place
in the Philippines during a political crisis near the final years of the 1800s. The book reflects Rizal's
perspective on societal transformation and the development of his revolutionary beliefs. Rather
than advocating for steady, incremental reform, the characters in El Filibusterismo are on the edge
of instigating bloodshed in their society.

Rizal highlights the corrupt nature of the Spanish colonial authorities and friars by exposing
the decay that has crept into them through his portrayals of leaders like Padre Salvi and Padre
Camorra. Their actions demonstrate the abuse of power in all its manifestations, whether it be
quasi-religious or not, and show how the Filipino people were controlled and taken advantage of
rather than protected. The first chapter, which takes place on a steamer, effectively illustrates the
existence of inequality both practically and conceptually. Rich socialites at the top and the destitute
at the bottom represent the permitted class connections, which is in line with the colonial society's
upside-down social structure.

Education's theme is always one of progress rather than restriction. Basilio and the pupils
believe that the only way to free Filipinos from the grip of ignorance is through education.
However, the colonial government's and the friars' unrelenting efforts to put down a student's
request for a Spanish school show how education was used as a weapon of imperialist oppression.
This dissatisfaction is consistent with the overall circumstances that prevented such enlightenment
because it was strongly discouraged to incite opposition among Filipinos.

The protagonist of the book, Simoun, is the personification of the transition from reformist
to revolutionary. He promotes a violent revolution in the guise of a wealthy jeweler because he
believes that nonviolent reforms as Ibarra argues in Noli Me Tangere are ineffectual. Through
Simoun, Rizal examines the moral conflict between using violence and passive opposition,
questioning whether this noble purpose of claiming injustice might be accomplished without
resulting in any fatalities. The growing discontent among Filipinos, who started to think about
more extreme tactics after years of nonviolent resistance, is reflected in this theme.

Characters like wealthy individuals Capitan Tiago and the impoverished Basilio serve as
symbols for the novel's emphasis on the significant difference between the rich and the poor. Rizal
criticizes the ways in which the native elites and Spanish colonists both exploited the working
class for their own benefit and maintained inequality. This inequality is best illustrated by the
scenario in Los Baños, where officials take pleasure in an opulent hideaway while disregarding
the necessities of the nation. It is a microcosm of Philippine society during colonial control.

The Catholic Church's contribution to Filipinos' inclination toward fatalism was included
in Rizal's criticism. Through Padre Florentino's persona, the narrative illustrates how certain
priests, rather than serving as a source of strength for the populace, exploited their religious
convictions to dissuade them from opposing oppression in any form. This criticism highlights the
conflicting nature of religion as a source of comfort and a warm ally of colonialism.

In El Filibusterismo, Rizal offers an honest assessment of the era's social and political
problems. The book addresses both bloody and non-bloody revolutions, promotes peace, and
criticizes the colonial overlords for their corruption and double standards. It also urges Filipinos
to have a sense of national identity. Rizal's message transcends the historical setting of the 19th
century and serves as a constant reminder of the importance of justice, loyalty, education, and
fighting for it together.

Not only is El Filibusterismo important because it denounces the wrongs of colonialism,


but it is also pertinent to the current movement for social change. How can Rizal's writing inspire
readers to fight for change in this era of modernity, where social injustice and governance are major
concerns, while keeping in mind the need to strike a balance between resistance and change? In
the pursuit of oppression, how do we defend our conscience? When Rizal urges us all to strive for
the establishment of a loving and just society, he poses this persistent question to us. The novel
serves as a powerful commentary on the failure of both reformist efforts and oppressive
governance, ultimately questioning whether real change can emerge without revolution. Rizal’s
themes remain relevant today, resonating with contemporary struggles for social justice and the
fight against corruption and inequality.

References
Rizal, J. (1861-1896). The Reign of Greed by José Rizal. Project Gutenberg.

Rizal, J. (1891). El Filibusterismo. SuperSummary.

Rizal, J. (2020). El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed). Internet Archive.

Rizal, J. (n.d.). The Reign of Greed: A Complete English Version of El Filibusterismo. Project
Gutenberg Presents.

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