Wonhamay Cabigas

BS Architecture 3-G

GE 9: Life & Works of Rizal

Read the summary of the Noli Me Tangere by Dr. Jose Rizal.

1. Write an essay to answer the following based on your readings;

a) What is freedom?
b) How is the lack of freedom portrayed in the novel?
c) How is the situation in the novel different from today?

In "Noli Me Tangere" it revolves around the struggle for freedom. It

emphasizes the fundamental desire of the Filipinos to be liberated from
the oppressive powers of the Spanish colonizers and the corrupt clergy.
Ibarra’s intention to construct a school signifies the aspiration to attain
freedom through education. The story portrays a clear image of resistance
against oppression and the craving for social equality. Thus, the conflicts
and suffering of the characters portray the agonizing process of self-
determination and nation-building. This theme made an indelible
impression, encouraging the pursuit of independence of the Philippines.

There are evident images of constraints in the novel "Noli Me Tangere"

and they are as clear as the colonial master-servant relations. The
dictatorial rule of the Spaniards, whose political system does not tolerate
rebellion, while the religious mix-up of a figure like Father Damaso
purposely uses his position to suppress the people. The avaricious ways of
the friars and their wanton overthrowing of authoritative structures instills
terror and servility. There are social inequalities that can be represented
by Sisa, a person who is oppressed by the people in power, and Elias, a
man who is let down by the system so many times in his drought for
fairness. Ibarra’s efforts, which are aimed at bringing about educational
changes, are quite personal but they also suggest the wider struggle
against such force. This points to the risk’s individuals willing to challenge
the existing order are exposed to. To sum up, the focus of the book is also
on how the colonizers singularly conspired to take away the freedom of
the Filipinos and all their human dignity and the oppression in terms of
politics and social aspects that the novel evokes is sharp.

"Noli Me Tangere" presents a period of great tragedy under

colonizers' rule, particularly the Spaniards who were both political and
religious tyrants. Their system is so corrupt, and the characters of the
novel which seek for justice and freedom face endless struggles. In this
present day, the territory known as the Philippines is an independent state
and has a political system that is more democratic and with less
restrictions on the liberties of its citizens. The oppression and domination
 of the colonizers and the church in the times of Rizal has been
transformed into an engaged citizenry with modern avenues for social
change and justice. The metamorphosis from being ruled over by colonial
masters to being free is massive even though there are still issues to
tackle in ensuring justice and fairness equity.

2. Briefly discuss the important characters in the novel and what they represent.
Minimum 10 characters.

Juan Crisostomo Ibarra

The leading character of the book “Noli Me Tangere” is Juan Crisostomo

Ibarra. An idealistic man with an education, he aspires to reform the Philippines
after coming back from his studies in Europe. Ibarra embodies the hopeful
yearning of the Filipino youth for modernity. Failures and unyielding persistence
characterize his personality as he makes strives to fight against the colonial
masters and the religion that has ruled with corruption for too long. His character
tells the story of the fights and battles experienced by every person who dares
to challenge the system. The love Ibarra has for Clara Maria and his unfortunate
end illustrates the costs of the war for justice on a personal level.

Maria Clara

María Clara is one of the central characters in "Noli Me Tangere,"

symbolizing purity, virtue, and the societal ideals of Filipino womanhood. Raised
as the daughter of Captain Tiago, she is later revealed to be the biological
daughter of Father Dámaso, which adds layers of complexity to her character.
Her love for Ibarra represents the personal and emotional stakes intertwined
with the larger social issues in the novel. María Clara’s character also embodies
the sacrifices and constraints faced by women, particularly in a patriarchal and
colonial context. Her ultimate fate, marked by suffering and sacrifice, highlights
the novel's critique of the social and religious oppression of the time.

Padre Damaso

Padre Damaso happens to be one the main antagonists in the novel “Noli
Me Tangere.” Driven by the Franciscans’ doctrine, he symbolizes the abuse and
corruption of the church leaders during the Spanish colonial rule. He is conceited
and domineering, and represents all that stands in the way of the Filipinos’
yearning for freedom and justice. Father De Leon’s ethnic bias towards the
native Filipinos is reflected in the way he treats Ibarra and those who oppose
him. His conflict with Maria Clara, who is conserved as his illegitimate daughter,
foregrounds the struggle of power on both a personal and political level in his
character. His character in the novel serves as an antithesis to the colonial
religious apparatus in place.
Elias

Elias’ character plays a significant role in "Noli Me Tangere” as it

represents the struggles and the fight of the oppressed masses, particularly the
Filipinos. It is clear that Elias suffers from a tragic past, which is filled with social
injustice. This struggle has made him become an activist for change and justice
all his life. He is a person full of loyalty, bravery, and selflessness. Whereas, in
contrast to Ibarra, who focuses more on individual change, Elias wants a change
that is more radical, which mirrors the pain and rage of people wronged by the
system. Their alliance with Ibarra illustrates different ways of seeking freedom
and reform. Elias’s unfortunate outcome is characteristic of the novel especially
regarding the aspects of sacrifice and the reality of so many seeking to liberate
themselves from oppression. It is here that the importance of his character can
be seen, for it embodies the larger quest for justice and equality.

Sisa

Sisa embodies the anguish and unfair treatment endured by the

oppressed in "Noli Me Tangere." Despite being the loving mother she is, Sisa
suffers terribly as a result of the wickedness of the colonial masters. Losing her
two sons, Basilio and Crispin, pushes her to the brink of insanity demonstrating
the cruel effects of social and institutional injustices. The character of Sisa,
where Sisa struggles against oppression conveys the cost of oppression and the
extent of suffering it inflicts on the people. It is a criticism on the apathy and
indifference of the ruling class, and the suffering that ensued.

Basilio and Crispin

In "Noli Me Tangere," Sisa has two young boys named Basilio and Crispin.
They represent the purity and helplessness of children who live in a society filled
with vices and injustices. The younger, Crispin, suffers a wrongful accusation of
stealing from the sacristan mayor, which results in his unfortunate death. Unlike
his brother, Basilio's journey ends with his survival, and he matures into one of
the important characters in the second part of Rizal’s tale, ‘El Filibusterismo’.
Their struggles illustrate the neglect and injustices suffered by the helpless,
which enriches the book's pantsing of societal ills. Their sad demise touches
one’s heart and emphasizes the cruelty that colonial rule would inflict on
innocent people.

Kapitan Tiago

Kapitan Tiago, otherwise known as Don Santiago de los Santos, is an

affluent and powerful person in the novel. He is a stereotype of the Filipino upper
class who profits from colonialism and is ready to play the game to retain his
position. Don Santiago de los Santos is an adoptive father of María Clara, who
makes money through the Spanish authorities and the church. Though from the
upper class, he is shown to be weak, cowardly, and having low self-esteem,
always concerned about how people look at him more than values ethics. His
persona serves as an illustration of the colonial lifestyle that exists within the
local rich, who also, to some extent, should be blamed for the push and support
of the system.

Padre Salvi

Padre Salví is a sinister and cunning character in "Noli Me Tangere." As a

Franciscan friar, he represents the silent, insidious side of clerical corruption.
Unlike the brash and domineering Father Dámaso, Salví is more calculating and
manipulative, using his position to further his own interests and maintain control
over the community. He is deeply obsessed with María Clara, adding a layer of
personal depravity to his character. His actions throughout the novel illustrate
the moral decay and abuse of power within the colonial religious establishment,
making him one of the more formidable antagonists in Rizal's narrative.

Doña Victorina

Irony abounds in the character of Doña Victorina de los Reyes de De

Espadaña. She is a Filipina who strongly rejects her ancestry in favor of Spanish
culture. She is a prime example of the ridiculousness of social climbing and
colonial mentality, having married the quack physician Don Tiburcio de
Espadaña. Her overly European demeanor and contempt for her fellow Filipinos
reveal the fears and pretenses of individuals who want to break with their
heritage. The colonial elite's preoccupation with foreignness and their erroneous
sense of superiority are parodied by Victorina's character.

Pilosopo Tasio

Pilosopo Tasio, also known as Don Anastasio, is a wise and eccentric

character in "Noli Me Tangere." He represents the intellectual and philosophical
thinker marginalized by society. Despite his vast knowledge and critical views on
the oppressive colonial system, he is often dismissed as a madman by the
townspeople. Tasio’s character underscores the conflict between enlightenment
and ignorance, as well as the societal resistance to progressive ideas. His
interactions with Ibarra and other characters provide insightful commentary on
the issues of the time, reflecting Rizal's own thoughts on reform and education.
Tasio serves as a voice of reason and a tragic figure, embodying the struggles
faced by those who challenge the status regime.