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Glydel Tablate

El Filibusterismo also shares the theme that 'violence is not the answer' with Noli Me Tangere. Simoun's grand plan thwarted. When he asked Father Florentino about this, the friar's answered with, "Perhaps He [God] saw there was no justice in the way you wanted it done". If you don't remember, the way simoun 'wanted it done' was by blowing up the house of the late Captain Taigo which had many Spaniards with important position in said hous with dynamite. It doesn't seem to have justice after all. Somebody may counter this thought with "But the Spaniard were abusive" but when you think of it, would we really want to stoop down to that level of violence and rage? i think not.

Glady ann Omondang

The story also presented forgiveness. Ibarra was a very forgiving man. He forgave the man who tried to kill him at the placing of the cornerstone of the school he wanted to build. And since the man who attempted to murder him died in the placing of the cornerstone, Ibarra even offered to pay for the burial of the man. Sacrifice also was an important theme in the novel. If Elias did not sacrifice himself, then Ibarra would not have lived and the uprisings in the sequel of Noli Me Tangere would most likely not take place. For me there are 2 overall themes (themes that are carried on in to El Filibusterismo) is that war does not necessarily have to end through means of violence, it could always be ended peacefully, through words and maybe even forgiveness. And the second being that there will always be evil people in this world, but there will always be good people as well. And that when you think all the world is left to is violence and hatred, you are very much wrong because 1) Words are far stronger than any gun and 2) Good will always prevail.

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Nice Mapayo

 I ACTUALLY READ El filibusterismo and the story is soooo deep and you can really feel the intense emotions of the characters to fight for their country including all their trials and problems along the way. Like for some examples, The injustice between the priest and the filipinos, the injustice of the filipinos not being able to learn spanish, most of the main characters were put in jail (except simoun who was smart enough to know when to keep his secret of the revolution) , the death and sorrows of many , including basilio who's fiance committed suicide, the heartbreak and jealousy between isagani and juanito over paulita (the niece of Dona Victorina)in the end though, simoun committed suicide rather than being found after that attack that went wrong (namel y because of isagani). I think u would like reading this blog.

Carme Sabanal

Everyone agrees on the fact that El filibusterismo is far more dark and brutal than Noli Me Tangere. With many events of murder, sexual abuse, and suicide, El Filibusterismo is a massive turning point not only for the plot but also for the characters. Crisistomo Ibarra really did grow as a character in this book. He's obviously not the idealistic and open man he was once before. He became vengeful, anger, and in somewhat way, cunning. And in my opinion, this transformation of his is very much human and real. After everything he went through Noli Me Tangere, it seems only fitting that he becomes the man whois simoun. I believe that when ibarra went under alias simoun, he did not just strip himself of his birth name but he stripped himself of all of what was left of Juan Crisistomo Ibarra. The way i see it, is that ibarra is not Simoun and Simuon is not Ibarra. They may share the same face, But if we're not speaking about physical attributes, then  the only thing they truly did have in common was love for the dear Maria Clara. But besides that, they don't share the same mind, the same plans, the same soul, the same heart.

El Fili Chapter 39 (final)

Simoun, wounded and exhausted, goes to the house of Padre Florentino to hide from the civil guards who are sent to arrest him and take him into custody.  Simoun drinks a poison, then reveals his true identity to Padre Florentino – that he, Simoun the jeweler, is in fact Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, the fugitive believed to have died in the river years ago.  He admits that everything is his futile attempt to corrupt the government and the society so that he could start a revolution to free the country from the bonds of Spain. Padre Florentino corrects Simoun, telling him that freedom cannot be won by violence and the shedding of innocent blood but by proper education, hard work, and long-suffering.

Points of Note:

Both the last chapter of the Noli and the last chapter of the El Fili are untitled.

The sun is about to set when Simoun reveals his true identity and life story to Padre Florentino.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Why did Simoun go to Padre Florentino?

Answer:  Simoun felt that the priest was the one who could understand him more than anyone else.

Question: What could have caused Simoun’s wounds?

Answer: He could have gotten it from the tulisanes who thought they were being played again by Simoun in the jeweler’s plan to revolt.  Read what Padre Florentino says: “--- from the hands of those you urged you have been given punishment for your wrongs.”

Question: What was the mystery behind Simoun’s sad and cynical smile when he learned he was to be arrested that night?

Answer: He has made up his mind to end his own life.

El Fili Chapter 38: A Twist of Fate (Sawimpalad)

You'll learn about how the lives of certain characters are met with a string of bad luck. What makes it even more painfully poignant is that their misfortune is brought about by their own hand, or by their own doing.

We learn that the bandit Matanglawin (Kabesang Tales) has attacked several places in Luzon. He murdered the justice of the peace in the town of Tiani, burned some places to the ground, and hopped from province to province. He moves about freely: sometimes he's in Batangas, next he's in Cavite, and is soon spotted in Tayabas, Pangasinan, or in far-away Bicol.

He always manages to evade the Spanish authorities. In their frustration, the guardia civil apprehend about six or seven innocent farmers after a recent attack by Matanglawin.

Here's how they mistreat the farmers…

They make the Filipino farmers walk (hatless and barefoot) under the glare of the noonday sun during the blistering summer month of May. The farmers are bound to one another, their elbows tied behind their backs. They cannot even wipe the sweat that stings their eyes.

When one of the farmers falls (due to hunger or fatigue, or both), the entire group is whipped. Those who are still standing break into a run, and end up dragging their fallen comrades along the rocky dry soil.

Mautang, one of the sadistic Filipino guardia civil, relishes the scene. He is countered by another soldier, a more even-tempered Carolinian named Tano. Mautang explains that he wants to goad the prisoners into escaping, so that the guardia civil would finally have a reason to shoot the fugitives down.

One of the farmers says that these Filipino guards are more cruel than their Spanish counterparts, when he is not allowed to relieve his full bladder. The guards explained that they were not in a safe area, because they were surrounded by tall mountains. Typical ambush scenario, so you know what's coming next…

A shot is fired. Mautang is hit in the chest, blood spurts out of his mouth.

The cabo or superior of the soldiers points to the farmers and orders his men to shoot them. “Fuego!” The farmers are gunned down.

The guardia civil rush up the mountain while being fired upon by the hidden ambushers.

A man appears in the talampas, or plateau of the mountain, and waves his gun.

Tano is ordered by the cabo, or head of the guardia civil, to shoot the man, after the three other soldiers failed to kill the shouting man. No one could understand what the man was shouting.

Tano is surprised when he sees the man. He hesitates. The cabo points his gun to the sharpshooter Tano, and once again orders him to shoot. Tano follows the order, the man falls and rolls away from the plateau. He shouts something, which stuns Tano.

The bandits run away, and the guardia civil rush up the mountain. Another man appears in the plateau, and raises his spear. The soldiers gun him down.

A guardia civil finally reaches the top of the mountain, sees a dying old man, and bayonets him. The old man does not even wince. He just looks at Tano and points to an area behind the plateau.

Key Points

At that time, people were already aware of the prison in cold Siberia, Russia (the Soviet Union). Rizal wanted to paint a harsher scene, where Filipino prisoners are subjected to intense heat and cruelty.

Rizal also uses this chapter to point out the stupidity and cruelty of the Filipino guardia civil.

(Actually, this tends to happen when people are placed in situations where you have prisoners and guards. No matter what your nationality is, if you play the role of a “prison guard” there's a pretty high possibility that you will turn sadistic.)

Tano is called Carolino because he served in the Carolinas or Caroline Islands.

This poignant chapter can be compared with the Noli Me Tangere's “Noche Buena.” It talks about families separating in times of adversity, and reuniting in tragedy. The twist of fate or irony (parikala) is shown when Tano ends up killing his own father, Kabesang Tales.

Questions and Answers

1. Why did Matanglawin kill the judge in Tiani? That judge ruled that the Dominicans owned the land of Kabesang Tales.

2. Why was Kabesang Tales successful as a bandit? Since the indios were not allowed to bear arms or carry weapons, they simply left their village whenever they heard that Matanglawin was attacking a nearby village.

3. What did the banditry of Kabesang Tales accomplish? Just as Simoun planned, the Philippines suffered even more. People lived in fear, farmlands were left unproductive, businesses failed, the destabilized government was shown to be inept, injustice was done to the innocent farmers…

In other words, all that made the country ripe for a revolution.

4. Why were the guardia civil treating the prisoners inhumanely? Mautang wanted to tempt the prisoners into fighting or escaping, and that would give the soldiers a reason to shoot the prisoners.

5. Why do you think Rizal named this character Mautang? That's the Tagalog word which means “deep in debt.”

6. Who was Tandang Selo pointing out to Tano? Tandang Selo was the old man who was bayoneted by one of the guardia civil. He was pointing to a spot behind the plateau where Kabesang Tales was felled by the bullet of Tano. If you remember, the bandits scampered away after Tano shot a man.

7. What was Kabesang Tales shouting before he got shot? We can only guess. Perhaps he was shouting the name of his son, Tano.

(How's that for drama, eh? If Rizal were to write teleseryes today, would the Filipino viewing public patronize stories with sad endings?)

El Fili Chapter 37: The Mystery

People are huddled indoors after the aborted revolution and the discovery of the gunpowder-filled house along Anloague Street, and are wondering who are behind the plot.
(The mindmap will help you easily remember the other details of this chapter…)
You find yourself in the home of the affluent Orenda family somewhere in Santa Cruz, along the road dotted by jewel shops. Among the characters are Chichoy (the thin silversmith), who seems to be able to get chismis data from various people, and who feeds these one at a time to an increasingly fearful crowd.
1. Why are those people hiding Isagani in their home? Isagani is suspected of having placed the gunpowder in the house of Capitan Tiago, because he probably wanted to exact revenge on Juanite Pelaez, his rival for the hand of Paulita Gomez.
2. How did people figure out it was Simoun all along? You know how gossip spreads. Lightning fast. So when quite a few people know that Don Timoteo and Simoun oversaw the preparations for the dinner in the house along Anloague Street, word spread quickly.
3. Prove that Isagani was the lamp thief. If you recall, Basilio was the only one who know about the purpose of the lamp, and that Isagani was the last person Basilio spoke with. Since Isagani was not aware of Simoun’s revolutionary plan, Isagani just focused on saving his beloved Paulita.
Take note also of what Isagani uttered in the Orenda residence about how the lamp thief might not have stolen the lamp had he only known its true purpose.
(And if you think what Isagani did was regretable, try this dose of misfortune.)

El Fili Chapter 36: Ben Zayb's Afflictions

From Capitan Tiago’s house, Ben Zayb runs to his abode to write about the shocking events that have transpired.  In his writing, he makes the governor-general, Padre Irene, Don Custodio, and Padre Salvi look like heroes.  He also wishes the governor-general a safe journey.  Meanwhile, the governor-general prohibits anyone from talking about the events that have taken place at the wedding celebration of Paulita and Juanito Pelaez.  According to rumors, a band of thieves had attacked a friar’s house. The robbers who are caught describe to the authorities the man who supposedly ordered them to attack the town after the signal is given.  Their description indisputably leads to Simoun.

Points of Note:

In this chapter Rizal gives light to the false and biased method of delivering news during those days.

This is the first time that Simoun’s disguise is compromised.  This is the first time that he is suspected.  All the clues lead to him and all the fingers are pointing at him.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: According to Ben Zayb, why did Padre Irene rush to hide under the table when the man who grabbed the lamp barged into the room?

Answer: According to him, the priest did it to get out of the way of the men who were chasing the youth.  The truth:  The friar hid because of fear.  That was when he saw the pack of gunpowder hidden underneath the table.

Question: According to Ben Zayb, what had caused Padre Salvi to faint?

Answer: According to him, the friar fainted because his sermon to the Indiyos had been in vain.  After he had given a long, drawn-out speech about goodness and kindness to others, there were still Indiyos who did nothing but evil.

Question: What had been Padre Carmorra’s punishment for raping Juli in Tiyani?

Answer: He was sent away.  He was made to stay in the rest house of the priests in Pasig.

El Fili Chapter 35: The Fiesta

Simoun discreetly yet nonchalantly places the lamp at the center of the house where the guests are gathered.  Basilio watches him from a distance.  As the youth is about to leave the place, he sees Isagani and tries to convince his friend to leave.  Basilio tells him to get as far away from the house as possible, and explains that there is about to be an explosion any minute that would kill all the guests and everyone within a considerable distance.  Isagani, in a rare act of love and loyalty to his beloved Paulita, quickly rushes to the house and throws the lamp into the river below, stopping the explosion.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: What does “Mane Thacel Phares” mean?

Answer: Just like the title, “Noli Me Tangere,”  this is taken from the Bible (Daniel 5:25-28).  In these verses, King Belshazzar of Babylon holds a vulgar feast.  While the guests indulge themselves in indecent and salacious activities, a hand then writes majestically on the wall: “Mane, Mane, Thacel, Upharsin,” a warning that means, “The Almighty God has marked Babylon, and the days of this city are numbered.”  Not long after, Babylon is overcome by another kingdom and divided between Mane and Persia.

Question: Why is it that Padre Salvi alone is able to recognize Ibarra’s signature?

Answer: He is the only one who has seen Ibarra’s signature – in the letter written by the youth to Maria Clara, which the lady had given to the friar in exchange for the three letters her mother had written to Padre Damaso.

Question: Why doesn’t the lamp explode?

Answer: The crank intended to set the fuse isn’t set.  This is supposed to set off the explosion.

Question: How does Isagani enter the house without question?

Answer: Isagani is decently and elegantly dressed.  The guards think he is one of the guests invited to the wedding feast.

El Fili Chapter 34: The Wedding

Basilio wanders around the streets of Manila, waiting for the explosion that would signal the start of the revolution.  He passes Calle Anloague, where Juanito and Paulita’s wedding celebration is going on.  After surveying the ornate decorations, the guards stationed at the entrances, and the important and prominent visitors present at the feast, Basilio assumes that this could be the crucial gathering Simoun was talking about.

Points of Note:

From Simoun’s house in Escolta, Basilio goes to Anloague where Capitan Tiago’s house was.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Where is Isagani if he is not at home?

Answer: This can be read in the next chapter.

Question: Why is it important to remember that Sinong is Simoun’s coachman in order to have full understanding of the events?

Answer: It becomes clearer that Simoun was the reason why Basilio had been detained for so long.  Sinong was the one frequently visiting the students in prison and had become the messenger, especially of the news about the death of Juli.  The dumb Sinong, on his own accord, did not dare visit the one with grave charges – Basilio.  He could have been easily implicated by those in power.  When he did finally pay the youth a visit, it was as a favor to Simoun – to add to the bitterness of his situation and to poison his heart and mind with hatred against those who put him there.

El Fili Chapter 33: La Ultima Razon

Basilio is released from jail.  After regaining his freedom the youth immediately goes to Simoun and asks the jeweler to help him start a revolution.  Simoun is greatly pleased that he had gotten the youth to finally join him.  He tells Basilio to meet with Cabesang Tales at a certain time and place so that they could acquire the guns and rifles hidden in Quiroga’s warehouse.  Meanwhile, Simoun’s job is to place a dynamite-laden lamp at an important gathering – one that would explode to signal the attack.

Points of Note:

Simoun had previously approached Basilio and had asked the youth to join him in his plan of revolt.  That was some time in April, near the close of the semester.

The students were taken to prison at the middle of April.

Basilio was in jail for three and a half months.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Why doesn’t the governor-general want to lengthen his stay in office?

Answer: According to him, he is afraid of what people might say about him behind his back.  The real reason is, the governor-general had already saved enough money for himself and surely, with his recent association with Simoun, the jeweler had advised him not to exert any more effort and invest any more money in trying to lengthen his term.  In Simoun’s interest, however, the governor-general had already caused enough trouble to the nation to corrupt the social system and finally make it ready for a revolution.

Question: What do most people believe about the relationship of Simoun with the governor-general?

Answer: They say that Simoun is a demon in human flesh who controls the governor-general and seduces him to do dishonorable things.  That’s why, when the governor-general leaves the country, Simoun will leave with him.

Question: What has changed in Simoun in the past two months?

Answer: He has lost his spirit and his vitality, brought about by his doubts regarding the true object of his planned rebellion.  It wasn’t like before, when he had a clear objective to reclaim and rescue Maria Clara.  Now things were different.  With the maiden gone, the rebellion was purely intended to satisfy the lust to kill and exact vengeance in order to somehow dull the searing pain of pity for himself that he had always claimed was for the aggrieved and oppressed Filipinos.

El Fili Chapter 32: Effect of the Pasquinades

Juanito Pelaez, together with Pecson and Tadeo, is suspended from classes at the university because of the seditious posters.  Tadeo burns his books in anger, and Juanito gets involved in his father’s business to keep himself occupied.  Still in prison,  the poor Basilio learns about Juli’s death.  Meanwhile, Simoun tries to befriend Don Timoteo Pelaez, whose son Juanito is engaged to be married to Paulita Gomez, and who is now busy making preparations for the wedding.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: What is the foremost effect that the pasquinades brought to the people?

Answer: Fear, and a great panic.

Question: Who was behind the posting of the seditious and revolutionary posters?  Was it Simoun?  Was it the friars?  Was it the government?

Answer:  a. Could it have been the governor-general, so that his rule would be lengthened in the event of civil unrest?  It was not him.  The governor-general is depicted as too dimwitted to have been able to come up with such a plan.  Truth is, he could not have even been able to stay in office and govern the land if it were not for his advisers telling him what to do.

b. Simoun?  Simoun was ill.  The posters were spread just a day after Simoun fell ill.  But was it possible that Simoun could have odered Placido Penitente and the former teacher of Tiyani to do the deed for him?

c. The friars and the Dominicans?  Only Simoun and the friars were strongly against the establishment of a Spanish academy.  A petition had already been signed to keep this plan from happening, but why were the posters necessary?  Wasn’t it the plan of Don Custodio to place the academy under the administration of the University of Santo Tomas?

Question: How could Paulita have ended things with Isagani?

Answer: She grew fearful of the youth’s valor and heroism.  Dona Victorina also could have gotten help from Paulita’s friends to finally convince her to let go of Isagani and be with Juanito instead.

El Fili Chapter 31: THE HIGH OFFICIAL

The students have been released thanks to their relatives who wasted nothing in giving gifts, expenses and sacrifices. The first one to be set free was Macaraig and the last was Isagani for it took Father Florentine a week to reach Manila. The General hence received several acts of clemency and even received the titles clement and merciful.

However, Basilio, having accused of possessing supposedly prohibited books was left in prison. A high official who believed that he was the most innocent of them all—pinning his argument on the fact that he was not at the panciteria and the literature have remained unopened, tried to persuade the governor general to release him.

However, the governor-general did not accede to the recommendation. For him, if Basilio is indeed innocent, then it is better that he remain in prison because it will inspire terror. This surprised and disappointed the high official, and after trying in vain to explain to him the error of his ways, he resigned.

El Fili Chapter 30: Juli

Juli was distraught over the news that Basilio has been imprisoned. Hermana Penchang pretended that it was a good thing she drove her out for any relation to her might implicate her. The truth is, she was not happy with her liberty for Juli fasted and prayed for her.

Hermana Bali advised Juli to visit the town clerk who might intervene for Basilio. But her visit was in vain as the town clerk does not have any authority in Manila. Neither did her visit to the Justice of Peace yield any result. Her last option was Father Camorra but Juli was scared of her because of her fondness for girls.

Several days later, there were news that all the students were freed, except Basilio who had no protector. As such, he would then be deported to Carolines. But when the thought of him being executed, Juli, together with Sister Bali, boldly went to see Father Camorra. That night, news began circulating around town that a girl had leaped out the window and killed herself while another ran out of the convent shouting like a lunatic.

El Fili Chapter 29: Exit Capitan Tiago

Captain Tiago dies and had an exceptional funeral. Father Irene was assigned to be his executor. He will part of his property to St. Clara, part to the Pope, to the Archbishop, the religious corporations and twenty five pesos for the education of the poor students. Because of Basilio’s ungrateful conduct the past two days before he died, he did not leave anything for him. But Father Irene promised he’d take it upon himself to grant the twenty pesos inheritance that was due of him.

His death was even reported as miraculous, having appeared to the nuns when he was dying. The people concluded he was saved because of the pious legacies and the numerous masses he had paid for. They also discussed what kind of clothing to put on him. There were several suggestions but in the end, Father Irene decided that he dressed in one of his old suits of clothes, remarking that God pays no attention to clothing.

Dona Patrocino envies him and wished that she also die the following day so she can order more sumptuous obsequies. And her funeral should impress the people.

El Fili Chapter 28: Tatakut

Rumor and gossip fill the city streets and corners.  Practically everywhere, people are talking about the seditious posters in the walls of the university.  People say that the students who were arrested were shot and deported to far-off places; they also say that some luckier members of the student organization had conspired with thieves and bandits as well as with certain German vessels in a plot to overthrow the government.

Points of Note:

This chapter is a clear description of the image of a fearful society, and how this fear causes more damage than an actual battle.  Here we see how news grows bigger and bigger through word of mouth.

El Fili Chapter 27: The Friar and the Filipino

“Vox populi, vox Dei”

Padre Fernandez asked a a capista (“bright poor student leader who did not pay tuition, board and lodging, but served the priests during mass and in the refectory”) to summon Isagani.

Padre Fernandez was heard the speech that Isagani delivered, and asked Isagani if he was present at the dinner. He was impressed that Isagani could speak face to face with those he criticized, unlike most students who would just complain from afar.

He revealed that Isagani was his favorite student, and that Isagani may freely speak about anything in his class.

(By the way, you really ought to read the exchange between Isagani and the friar Padre Fernandez, to gain an appreciation of Isagani’s independent way of thinking.)

Key Points

• Katedratiko – Friar-professor, or someone who teaches at the university.
• Isagani is in his freshman year at UST. He came from the Ateneo.
• Philippine population at that time: 8 million.
• The Dominicans were the religious order that had the right to teach in the Philippines at that time (UST and San Juan de Letran).

What did Isagani mean when he said that the friars did nothing except ration out old ideas?

He meant that the friars would give out so few ideas at a time, and that these ideas were outdated. Apparently, Isagani got in touch with people who had traveled to Europe, and that’s how he got to know about more modern ideas.

What did Rizal observe about the Dominicans having the sole right to teach the Filipinos?

Rizal likened the situation to a government that auctions off to the highest bidder the right to teach. This is similar to businesspeople who bid to get the right to feed those who are in jail. In other words, it’s something highly commercialized, but not really that effective.

What does Vox populi, vox Dei mean?

It means that the voice of the people is the voice of God. Sounds like democracy, right?

Why, according to Isagani, did not a single student dare to speak out against the friars face-to-face?

Simple – the students were scared that they will be persecuted by those in power.

What did Isagani say the students wanted from the friars?

The students wanted the friars to treat them well, and to give the students every opportunity to learn. As in, really learn.

How did Isagani liken the religious orders to business people who fed prisoners?

The business folks would give very little food to the prisoners (it helps keep their costs down). Likewise, the friars would give very little knowledge to the students. In both cases, those in power simply wanted to increase their profits.

What did Isagani tell Padre Fernandez about the sculptor and the poor quality of his materials (clay)?

They were debating about whether or not Filipinos should be taught by the friars (sculptors) even if Filipinos (clay) were not really serious about studying. The debate turned into a series of “it’s the fault of the clay” – “no, it’s the fault of the sculptor” argument.

From the Lacson-Locsin translation:

Still more stupid is he then, because, knowing that it is bad, he does not reject the material and continues wasting time…and he is not only stupid, he cheats and steals, because knowing the uselessness of his work he cotinues it in order to receive compensation…and he is not only stupid and a thief, but also a villain because he prevents another sculptor from exercising his skill to see if he might produce something worthwhile! The lamentable jealousy of incompetence!

Whoa… Isagani released quite a mouthful, don’t you think? That shows how quick his mind is. Padre Fernandez was not able to get a word in during that flurry of sentences.

What did Padre Fernandez mean by quien manda, manda, y cartachara al canon?

Quien manda, manda – “Orders are orders”
Cartachara al canon – “Load the cannons with bullets/shells”

Padre Fernandez was, in effect, saying: “Hey, don’t blame us for our teaching style. We’re just following the orders of the government.”

What did Padre Fernandez say was the source of the bad habits of the Filipinos?

It’s in the genes. It’s natural for Filipinos to be lazy, according to P. Fernandez.

Obviously, that sweeping generalization about Filipinos being lazy is not true because here you are, studying hard to get higher grades in your Filipino class.:-)

What did Padre Fernandez say was the equivalent of suicide (for friars)?

Allowing anyone to teach is the equivalent of friar-suicide, because the friars would then lose their monopoly on “education.”

What did Isagani say?

He said that it is not suicide. It is merely a way of keeping the friars from getting run over by the movement of students who are clamoring for freedom in how they get their education.

What did P. Fernandez say the Filipinos should study?

Farming. The friar hopes that withholding education from the Filipinos will give those who are educated more power over those who just labor and toil in the fields.

Padre Fernandez thinks that Isagani gained his ideas from the Jesuits in Ateneo. The Jesuits, however, deny that it came from them. So, where did Isagani get his thoughts?

According to Rizal, Isagani got those from his own genius, which is a gift from God.

(Rizal is inserting into this story his experience with the Jesuits who disowned him after Rizal wrote the Noli. Padre Faura told Rizal to never set foot again in the college. Anyway, it’s good to see that some modern Atenistas are proud that Rizal is from the Ateneo.)

El Fili Chapter 26: Pasquinades

Basilio wakes up early and heads for the hospital. He wants to take care of his licensure at the university after visiting his patient. At that time, no one was given the title “Doctor”; instead, one simply got a license in order to help heal people as some kind of physician.

He plans to borrow some funds from Makaraig, because Basilio had already used his savings to bail out Juli.

In front of San Juan de Letran, someone asks Basilio about the uprising. He remembers what Simoun said before about the students and the revolution.

Questions and Answers

1. Why can’t Basilio borrow money from Capitan Tiago?

He was too embarrassed and didn’t want Capitan Tiago to think Basilio was trying to get his inheritance in advance.

2. Did Simoun have anything to do with the signs (paskil)?

According to the katedratiko Basilio got to speak with, Simoun had nothing to do with these things. In fact, Simoun had been bed-ridden for the past two days.

3. Who saw the paskils?

None of those talking actually saw anything. The Vice Rector Sibyla has these taken down and sent to the civil government as proof against the students whom the Vice Rector was certain were behind all these.

4. What did the katedratiko mean when he said that Capitan Tiago smells like a corpse?

He noted that Padre Irene and Simoun were visiting Capitan Tiago more often. And since they will benefit from the demise of Capitan Tiago, those two regular visitors were like crows and vultures (birds who linger near those who are about to die).

5. Why did Isagani look pale during his speech?

He was feeling extremely angry and hurt because his groupmates started panicking, fearful of the recent events.

6. Who was behind those signs (paskil)?

Most likely it was the frailes. They wanted to frame the students. Most likely, it was Vice Rector Sibyla who was behind all these.

7. Why did Makaraig call Basilio an honorable friend?

Makaraig thought that Basilio, who did not join their group during the past good times, was now willing to be with them in the midst of the crackdown by the government on the students. Well, that’s what Makaraig thought.

El Fili Chapter 25: Laughter and Tears

The 14 students decide to gather and “celebrate” at the Panciteria Macanista de Buen Gusto, a restaurant whose name roughly translates to “yummy Chinese foods from Macau.” It must have been a small resto because they were able to reserve all the tables.

There are written signs, and the you can tell from the way the students were talking that they were let down and were feeling hurt by what Don Custodio did (or rather, did not do for them).

The students invited Basilio in hopes that they can get him drunk enough to share the inside story about a missing child and a nun.

Dinner is served and they offer the “pansit langlang” in honor of Don Custodio. The other food items are given descriptions, and are likened to certain key characters.

The students force Tadeo to give a speech even if Tadeo was unprepared. Pecson also gives a speech where he lashes out at the frailes.

They see one of the servants of Padre Sibyla, the vice-rector of the university. The servant rides the carriage of Simoun.

Questions and Answers

1. Why were the students celebrating?

They were being sarcastic. They were faking their agreement with Don Custodio’s proposal.

2. How many students were there? Who were they?

There were 13 Filipino students, plus 1 Spanish student (Sandoval). Isagani arrives later, increasing their number to 15. Makaraig, Tadeo and Pecson were there. Basilio was a no-show.

3. What really happened to Simoun?

He forgot to give the signal (a shot), so his teams got confused. Perhaps one of the team members hurt Simoun, because he was angry at Simoun’s indecision (which lead to the failure of the revolution).

4. Why does Makaraig think that “pancit” is actually a Filipino creation?

Pancit is not known in Japan or China (even if those two countries have noodles). Rizal thinks “pancit” was invented by the Chinese living in the Philippines.

5. Why did Pecson say that the life of a Filipino begins and ends with the fraile?

Well, when you were born the fraile was around. Then you were christened (fraile was around again). Confirmation (kumpil), education, sex education and courtship, marriage, last rites when near-death, at executions, and even at the burial… the fraile was always around.

6. How does Pecson view the existence of frailes in the Philippines?

He was just being sarcastic when he said that the Philippines needs the frailes, and that their disappearance will be a great loss for the country.

He was being sarcastic when he said that the frailes tirelessly improve our race and even add to our population. Pecson added that Filipinos divided by envy are bound together by the cruelty of the frailes.

It would be better to be under the frailes, than under the control of the Chinese (Instik).

7. What can you say about Tadeo, based on what he said in this chapter?

We can say that although Tadeo does not regularly attend classes, he has innate wisdom.

8. What did Pecson mean about heaven closing its doors to the rich?

He was referring to the frailes who often taught that the rich will be unable to enter heaven unless the frailes help them. Here are some ways of getting “help” from the frailes: Sponsor masses and novenas (yes, we’re talking about cash here), bequeath your assets to the fraile or the church.

Makes you wonder why some religious organizations have so much land in the Philippines, eh? ;-)

10. Who are the four powerful people in the Philippines, according to Isagani?

• Quiroga, the Chinaman
• Simoun
• The Capitan Heneral
• The Frailes (kura)

El Fili Chapter 24: Dreams

The jealous Isagani is fuming because of what he saw at the theater, and he plans to give Paulita a piece of his mind when they meet in Luneta. But Paulita turns the tables on him…

(Take note of the symbolisms used in this chapter.)

She acts as if she were jealous, and accuses him of staring at the French girls.

She explains that she agreed to go with Juanito, so that she will be able to meet Isagani. She adds that it is Donya Victorina who is in love with Juanito. Paulita and Isagani both laugh.

How’s that for girl power, eh?

Anyway, they discuss their dreams and hopes for the future. Isagani talks about settling in the provinces; Paulita prefers to travel by train.

Isagani describes a future of a network of train tracks spanning the country, of bays and rivers filled with commercial ships, of a Philippines as progressive as England, thanks to the support of Spain.

Paulita scoffs at Isagani’s dreams. She says that according to her Tia Torina, the country will remain enslaved. Isagani counters that Paulita’s aunt thinks that way, because she cannot live without slaves.

Isagani holds on to his dreams. He is too in love with Paulita. That same love makes him spout romantic notions of a wonderful future for the country.

Their dream-like conversation comes to an abrupt end with a shout from Donya Victorina. Isagani gets to ride with Paulita in the carriage, and he starts daydreaming (or it is nightdreaming because it is evening?) and hardly hears the questions of Donya Victorina.

He was probably still fantasizing about Paulita and staring at her, that he didn’t realize they had already reached Plaza Santa Cruz.

Notes

This chapter contrasts the two kinds of youth: those who care about their country, and those who think only of themselves.

Rizal uses Isagani as a symbol of the Filipino youth who has dreams of progress and greatness for their beloved country, the Philippines. Does this mean that Paulita symbolizes the Philippines?

You’ll also find here Rizal’s prediction that the forested areas of Quezon City and Mandaluyong would someday be developed. He should’ve also gone into real estate, don’t you think?

El Fili Chapter 23: The Corpse

This chapter explains why Simoun did not watch the show at the theater, and also depicts a crucial development that changes Simoun's life forever…

He was out attending to business. At seven in the evening, Simoun had left and returned to his home twice, accompanied by various people. Macaraig had seen Simoun a few minutes before 8:00pm near the Sta. Clara convent. Camarroncocido had seen Simoun speaking with students near the theater just before 9:00pm.

Basilio did not watch the show either. He was at studying at home. Simoun visits Basilio and they talk about Kapitan Tiyago. They continue discussing when Simoun realizes it's almost 10:00pm. He berates Basilio for not reading the materials Simoun gave him, and accuses Basilio of not loving his country.

Simoun warns Basilio that within one hour's time (11pm?), the revolution will begin and there will no longer be any classes the following day. There will be no university, only killing in the streets. Simoun asks Basilio to choose: Death or a Future.

Basilio asks Simoun what he has to do, and when Simoun reveals the plan to rescue Maria Clara, Basilio reveals the unfortunate news that Maria Clara had already died.

Simoun freaks out. When he found out that Maria Clara was dead, it was as if he were also dead.

He runs out of the house. Simoun forgets to give the signal for the revolution to begin.

(What did the Green Goblin say when it comes to fighting Spiderman? First, attack his heart.)

Why did Basilio still take care of the terminally ill Kapitan Tiyago, a patient who was giving Basilio such a hard time? Believe it or not, Basilio is an upright person who believes in doing what is honorable.

Why did Simoun liken Kapitan Tiyago to the Philippine government? Just as the poisonous opium has already spread throughout the body of the dying Kapitan Tiyago, so has the poison of corruption spread through the “dying” Philippines.

Why does Simoun need Basilio? Aside from Simoun and Kapitan Tiyago, Basilio is the only one who can recognize Maria Clara, whom they have to rescue from the nunnery at Saint Claire. Simoun can't do it, because he has to command the groups during the revolution.

What can be said about Simoun's revolution? It's not really for the good of the Philippines; rather, it is for the benefit of Simoun. He is doing it out of revenge, and also as a way of allowing him to get Maria Clara out of the Sta. Clara convent.

Why did Kapitan Tiyago cry in front of and ask forgiveness from the portrait of Maria Clara after he found out that she had died? He was sorry for allowing her to be put into the convent. He was aware of the hardships that she would suffer, but he gave in to the orders of the frailes.

Why did the poison quickly spread through the body of Kapitan Tiyago? When Basilio was not around, Padre Irene would give Kapitan Tiyago a lot of opium. This is similar to Simoun harming the Philippines by engaging in evil deeds.

Padre Irene wanted Kapitan Tiyago to die quickly, so that he can inherit all of the old man's property. Simoun wanted the Philippines to “die” so that he can mount a revolution, backed by the Filipinos who have had enough of the government's corruption and oppression.

Who are the four groups of people involved in Simoun's revolution?

Group 1: The soldiers who were convinced by Simoun that the Kapitan Heneral ordered the attack on the convents of the frailes. This is to help the Kapitan Heneral hang on to power even if he was being sent back to Spain.

Group 2: The frailes' supporters whom Simoun convinced to defend themselves from the attack of the soldiers. These people believe that the frailes are here to stay, and that the government officials (e.g., Kapitan Heneral) just come and go.

Group 3: The bandits (under the leadership of Kabesang Tales). They wanted to attack both the soldiers and the fraile supporters because of various social injustices done to the people. Hmmm… NPA?

Group 4: The regular people, such as Basilio. Simoun will try to convince them to fight either the government or the revolutionaries.

As Camarroncocido had observed, the theater was surrounded by Simoun's men who were ready to kill everyone inside. Since the Heneral was in the theater, his death would leave the Spaniards leaderless, and Simoun would succeed.

Well, at least that's Simoun's dream…

El Fili Chapter 22: The Performance

Rizal details what happens inside the theater (Teatro Variedades). The term “Filipino Time” has been used to denigrate Filipinos who are late. Although it was attributed to our forebears, tardiness (as featured in this chapter summary) was the fault of the Spanish Kapitan Heneral. The performance could not begin unless this guest of honor was in the theater.

Now there’s something that has be to clarified regarding “Filipino” time…

Filipinos are not late. Filipinos are farmers who wake up at the crack of dawn. And if there’s a show at 7pm, you can expect Pinoys to line up and mill about the entrance at least an hour before. That’s why the term “Filipino time” is a misnomer.

This chapter also brings up love and jealousy, and foreshadows the failure of Simoun’s plans. We find Isagani, who is extremely distracted after seeing his love, Paulita, in the company of his rival. Although he is a major supporter of the proposal for a school, he does not participate in the discussion. It is his great love for Paulita which will foil the Simoun in the later chapters.

The characters of Tadeo and Juanito Pelaez are used to showcase certain personality traits: that of someone who can only criticize things in a theater, and that of a know-it-all who uses a tiny bit of knowledge (e.g., French) to impress Paulita and Dona Victorina.

Ben Zayb is also caricatured as a mindless critic. He knows nothing about the arts, yet he pretends to be competent enough to comment on the performance.

One of the performers, Serpolette (aka “Lily), is shown interacting with Padre Irene. Apparently the fraile has a history with Lily, perhaps when he was still in Europe. He even had to explain to Lily that he was a holy man now, which probably means he was not dressed up as a fraile?

Why was Pepay smiling even though she relayed the bad news to Macaraig? She did not understand what Don Custodio’s message meant (denial of the proposal for the school).

Who owned the empty balcony seat? Simoun. A woman came in late, and was wondering about that empty space in the high area at the back of the theater.

Why was Sandoval displeased with the performance? He couldn’t understand French. He also felt bad because he thought Juanita could understand it. If only he knew the truth…

Why did Pecson throw a smelly sock to Sandoval? It was a challenge. Sandoval (a Spaniard) earlier promised that if the proposal for the school was blocked, then he would still support and even push through with the project. Apparently, Sandoval hasn’t fulfilled his promise, hence the kachichas attack.

Why were the students unhappy about the “revised” proposal? The school will be run by the Dominicans at the University of Sto. Tomas, while all the costs will be shouldered by the students. In other words, there will be NO change in the way things are taught in the university.