Noli Me Tangere &

Elfelibusterismo”

resenter; Bryan A. Oram

CONTENT
1.Background of Noli Me Tangere
and Elfelibusterismo
2.Plot summary of Noli Me Tangere
3.Plot summary of Elfelibusterismo
“Noli Me Tangere”

Author: Dr. José Rizal

Published: 1887
Language: Spanish
Title Meaning: “Touch Me Not” in
Latin
Background:
“Noli Me Tangere” is a novel written by
Filipino nationalist and reformist José
Rizal during the Spanish colonial era in
the Philippines. The novel serves as a
scathing critique of the Spanish friars
and the corrupt administration in the
country.
 -
The book follows the story of Crisóstomo
Ibarra, a young and idealistic Filipino who
returns to the Philippines after studying in
Europe. Ibarra faces the oppressive structures
of Spanish colonial rule and religious hypocrisy,
which ultimately leads to tragic consequences.
 - Rizal’s aim was to expose the injustices
and social cancers plaguing Philippine society
and to inspire reforms.
El Filibusterismo”
Author: Dr. José Rizal
Published: 1891
Language: Spanish
Title Meaning: “The Filibusterism”
or “The Subversive” in English
Background

This novel is the sequel to “Noli Me

Tangere” and continues the story of
Crisóstomo Ibarra, now disguised as
Simoun, a wealthy jeweler. Simoun seeks
revenge against the Spanish authorities for
the injustices suffered by his family and
himself.
“El Filibusterismo” shifts from the idealistic and
reformist tone of “Noli Me Tangere” to a darker
and more revolutionary stance. The novel
explores themes of corruption, abuse of power,
and the moral dilemmas faced by those fighting
for freedom.
 - Rizal’s intention with this novel was to
highlight the need for radical change and to
awaken the Filipino people’s sense of
nationalism and resistance against colonial
Context and Impact
Both novels were instrumental in
shaping Filipino nationalism and
consciousness. They exposed the harsh
realities of Spanish colonial rule and
galvanized support for the Philippine
Revolution.
 José Rizal’s works were considered so
subversive that they led to his arrest and
eventual execution in 1896, making him a
PLOT
SUMMARY OF
“NOLI ME
TANGERE”
Setting
The novel is set in the Philippines during the latter part of
Spanish colonial rule.
Main Characters
-Crisostomo Ibarra: The protagonist, who returns to the
Philippines after studying in Europe.
- Maria Clara: Ibarra’s fiancée, known for her beauty and
piety.
- Padre Damaso: A corrupt and hypocritical friar.
- Elias: A mysterious and revolutionary figure who aids
Ibarra.
- Captain Tiago: Maria Clara’s supposed father and a
wealthy, influential man.
- Sisa: A deranged woman whose sons, Basilio and Crispin,
Synopsis;
Crisostomo Ibarra returns to the Philippines after spending
several years in Europe. He plans to continue his father’s legacy
and improve the lives of his fellow countrymen by building a
school. However, upon his return, he discovers that his father
died in prison under suspicious circumstances, leading Ibarra to
seek justice.
At a dinner party, Ibarra encounters Padre Damaso, who openly
insults him. Despite the insult, Ibarra remains calm. He also
rekindles his relationship with Maria Clara, his childhood
sweetheart. Ibarra’s efforts to build a school face opposition
from the Spanish friars and local authorities, who see it as a
threat to their control over the population.
 Elias, a mysterious man, warns Ibarra of a plot to kill
him. The two become friends, and Elias shares his own
tragic past and desire for change. Meanwhile, Maria Clara
discovers that she is the daughter of Padre Damaso,
complicating her relationship with Ibarra.

Ibarra’s school project is sabotaged, and he is falsely

accused of instigating a rebellion. He is imprisoned but
escapes with the help of Elias. They flee to the mountains,
where Elias sacrifices himself to save Ibarra. Maria Clara,
heartbroken and believing Ibarra to be dead, enters a
convent.
Conclusion

“Noli Me Tangere” ends with the tragic

separation of Ibarra and Maria Clara,
highlighting the immense challenges faced by
those who sought change in a repressive
society. The novel inspired Filipinos to fight for
their independence and remains a powerful
symbol of the country’s struggle against
colonial oppression.
THEMES;

The novel explores several themes:

-Colonial Oppression: The exploitation and abuse of Filipinos

by Spanish authorities and the church.
- Social Injustice: The disparities and corruption within society.
- National Identity and Reform: The struggle for Philippine
independence and the need for societal reform.
- Love and Sacrifice: The personal sacrifices made by
individuals for the greater good.
 Plot
Summary of
ELFELIBUSTERIS
MO
Setting
The novel is set in the
Philippines, around thirteen
years after the events of
“Noli Me Tangere.”
Main Characters
- Simoun: The main protagonist, who is actually Crisostomo Ibarra
in disguise. He returns to the Philippines as a wealthy jeweler seeking
revenge.
- Basilio: A medical student and the son of Sisa, who was a character
in “Noli Me Tangere.”
- Isagani: A poet and a student, who is romantically involved with
Paulita Gomez.
- Padre Florentino: An enlightened Filipino priest and the uncle of
Isagani.
- Kabesang Tales: A former farmer turned bandit, who becomes a
symbol of resistance against Spanish oppression.
- Juli: Kabesang Tales’ daughter, who is also romantically linked to
Basilio.
- Padre Salvi: The main antagonist from “Noli Me Tangere,” who
SYNOPSIS
Simoun returns to the Philippines after spending
years abroad. Disguised as a wealthy jeweler, he uses
his influence to incite a revolution against the Spanish
regime. Simoun aims to avenge his ruined life and the
death of his father by overthrowing the government and
the church.
Simoun befriends influential figures and secretly
supplies weapons to revolutionaries. He plans a grand
rebellion, using a wedding party as the catalyst for his
uprising. Simoun’s plan involves placing a powerful
bomb disguised as a lamp in the house where the
 Basilio, now a medical student, becomes entangled in
Simoun’s plans. After being arrested for his involvement in
student activism, he is freed by Simoun, who reveals his true
identity. Simoun tries to persuade Basilio to join the revolution,
but Basilio is hesitant, preferring peaceful reforms over violent
rebellion.
Isagani, a poet and idealist, learns of Simoun’s plot to bomb
the wedding. He is motivated by his love for Paulita Gomez, who
is one of the guests. In a dramatic turn, Isagani throws the
bomb into the river, preventing the massacre but thwarting
Simoun’s plans.
Simoun, wounded and pursued by the authorities, seeks
refuge in the house of Padre Florentino. There, he confesses his
true identity and his failed plans to the priest. Padre Florentino
 Conclusion
“El Filibusterismo” ends on a somber
note, with Simoun’s failure highlighting the
complexities of the fight for freedom. The
novel underscores the need for unity and
moral integrity in the struggle for national
liberation. It continues the narrative of
“Noli Me Tangere,” providing a deeper
examination of the social and political
issues faced by the Philippines under
Themes
The novel explores several themes:
- Revenge and Redemption: Simoun’s quest for
vengeance and his eventual realization of its
futility.
- Social Injustice and Reform: The ongoing
struggle against colonial oppression and the
debate between violent and peaceful means of
reform.
- Corruption and Hypocrisy: The moral decay
THE
END