Document 10

Group Performance Task : Research Task
The Main Characters of El Filibusterismo and their Symbolisms.
Simoun(Crisostomo Ibarra)- The wealthy jeweler who is actually Crisostomo Ibarra,

the protagonist from Rizal’s earlier novel, “Noli Me Tangere. Simoun represents the
revolutionaries during that time who supported the idea of holding bloody revolt
against the Spanish government. His death in El Filibusterismo tells readers that Rizal
does not support the armed revolution.
Basilio – He portrayed as a medical student who becomes involved in the anti-

colonial activities against the Spanish regime. He represents the youth with a simple
dream that his education will improve his social and economic status in the future and
in different and selfish to the needs of society.
Isagani – He is a passionate and idealistic student who is deeply in love with Paulita
Gomez. Isagani is the symbol of the youth whose love for the country is great to the
point of being branded as idealistic.
Kabesang Tales- He is a peasant farmer. Kabesang Tales personified a typical Filipino

who is content with living a simple life. He also symbolizes the natives and farmers
whose lands were seized by the friars, an explanation as to why Filipinos became
rebels.
Makaraig – He is portrayed as a wealthy and influential businessman who is also a

friend of Simoun. Makaraig represented the well to do Filipino youth during the
Spanish era who had good dreams for the country. His character also provided readers
a glimpse of how different the rich and the poor were treated during that time in
society.
Paulita Gómez – She is depicted as a beautiful and wealthy young woman. Paulita
Gomez symbolizes a caricature of a woman who chooses the best option for a more
stable future. She knows what is best for her and would take advantage of her
admirers to get what she wants.
Juli – She is portrayed as the son of Kabesang Tales. Juli symbolizes the purity and
innocence of the lower class women during Rizal’s time. She would rather sacrifice
rather than give up her ideals.
Ben Zayb – He is a journalist and a friend of the protagonist, Simoun. Ben Zayb
personifies a corrupted media.
Father Irene – He is a Spanish friar who plays a significant role in the novel. Father
Irene symbolize embodies the few Spaniards who are sympathetic to the Filipinos.
Father Fernandez – He is the priest who helps Simoun, a wealthy jeweler and the alter
ego of Crisostomo Ibarra, in his plans to instigate a revolution against the Spanish
authorities in the Philippines. Father Fernandez symbolize as being sympathetic to the
plight of the oppressed Filipinos and willing to support their cause for justice and
independence.
Don Custodio – He called “Buena Tinta” and a bureaucrat who represents the
corruption and inefficiency of the Spanish colonial administration in the Philippines.
Don Custodio symbolize as self-serving, opportunistic, and indifferent to the
suffering of others. His character serves as a critique of the Spanish colonial system
and its exploitation of the Filipino populace.
Comparative Analysis on the two Rizal Novels, Noli and Fili.
Noli Me Tangere
“Noli Me Tangere” follows the story of Crisostomo Ibarra, a young
and idealistic Filipino who returns to his homeland after studying in
Europe.
Crisostomo gets entangled in the abuses and social inequities that are
sustained by the powerful friars and the Spanish colonial authority.
Through various characters and subplots, the novel explores themes of
oppression, inequality, corruption, and the struggle for social justice.
El Filibusterismo
“El Filibusterismo” is a sequel to “Noli Me Tangere” and continues the
story of the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule.
The protagonist of the book is Simoun, who turns out to be an adult
Crisostomo Ibarra seeking retribution for the wrongs he endured.
Simoun uses deception and sabotage to try to spark a revolution
against the colonial government.
The novel explores themes of revolution, revenge, and the
consequences of societal decay, painting a darker and more cynical
portrait of colonial society than its predecessor.
“El Filibusterismo” ultimately captures Rizal’s mounting frustration
with the inadequacies of nonviolent tactics of redressing the wrongs of
colonial power.
Group’s Perspective on the Ending of El Filibusterismo: “If you were Rizal, would you have
had the same ending in mind? If so, why? If not, how you place the ending?”
Our opinion is that we think we didn’t do what Rizal does If what we will do is we will
continue the story and connect it to the society’s issue and we also hire another Filipino to
write in the novel so that if we get caught the story still goes on and they will think that is
rizal is not the author or the writer of the story.
The Societal Impacts of El Fili to the Philippine Modern Society.
Even today, El Filibusterismo should significantly affect Philippine modern society as a

reminder of the Spanish colonial period’s atrocities and abuses. Its central motifs of
corruption, social injustice, and the search for retribution are essential in the face of the
issues that the Filipino people still encounter, nurturing a spirit of nationalism and resistance
against repression. Simoun is an emblem of the Filipino people’s battle for sovereignty and
independence, compelling readers to consider their history and fight for social justice today.
Thus, in a modern context El Filibusterismo, inspires Filipinos to fight against corruption and
oppression, defend the rights of the oppressed, and promote the creation of a more just and
equal society. The novel’s major narrative images resistance, devotion to a noble cause, and
the pursuit of truth remain a profound literary heritage that encourages the reader to protect
the sacred and just rights of freedom and justice, motivates him to meet power challenges and
social inequalities with antagonism in the Philippines.

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Group Performance Task : Research Task

The Main Characters of El Filibusterismo and their Symbolisms.

Simoun(Crisostomo Ibarra)- The wealthy jeweler who is actually Crisostomo Ibarra,

Basilio – He portrayed as a medical student who becomes involved in the anti-

Kabesang Tales- He is a peasant farmer. Kabesang Tales personified a typical Filipino

Makaraig – He is portrayed as a wealthy and influential businessman who is also a

Comparative Analysis on the two Rizal Novels, Noli and Fili.

Even today, El Filibusterismo should significantly affect Philippine modern society as a

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