El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 39 (Conclusion)

Summary:

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 Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 38 (Fatality)

Summary:

The soldiers escort a group of prisoners.  Suddenly, they are ambushed.  Carolino, one of the civil guards, is the long-lost son of Cabesang Tales.  He fights the bandits bravely and fiercely, finishing off the leader of the thieves with a spear, and killing an old man who is part of the group.  He surveys the dead, and realizes that the old man he had killed is in fact Tandang Selo, his grandfather.

Points of Note:

Siberia in Russia hand long been the place where convicted felons were thrown out and punished.  According to Rizal, the cold Russian climate is an even more effective punishment than what is given to those captured by the civil guards – walking around the searing hot ground chained and without footwear, enduring the mockery thrown at them by passers-by.

In this chapter Rizal describes not only the dimwittedness of the civil guards, but also their cruelty towards their fellowmen.

The civil guards, apart from their leaders, are mere Filipinos.  (The people who shot Rizal are a group of Filipino soldiers).

Tano, like many others, had become one of the civil guards.  After serving in Carolinas, he joined the guardia civil.  That’s how he got his name – Carolino – which means “from Carolinas.”

This chapter is similar to the chapter “Noche Buena” in Noli Me Tangere, in terms of its underlying and predominant emotion – that of reunion after a long separation of two family members, which meets a tragic end.  This chapter is a manifestation of the irony of fate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Why did Matanglawin kill the judge in Tiyani?

Answer: This was the judge who gave away his lands to the Dominican order.

Question: Why did the civil guards subject the farmers they captured to great suffering?

Answer: According to Mautang, so that they would try to escape or fight their way out when gunshots are fired at them.

Question: Why do you suppose Rizal named this guard Mautang?

Answer: He probably has so many debts to pay.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 37 (The Mystery)

Summary:

Isagani, Sensia, Capitana Loleng, Capitan Toringoy, and Chichoy discuss the events of the previous night.  Chichoy says that Simoun the jeweler is the mastermind behind all that had transpired, and that he was responsible for plotting to kill all the guests at the wedding feast.  Chichoy also adds that the lamp was supposed to start the fire, ignite the gunpowder, and set off the explosion.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Why did Isagani’s friends put him into hiding?

Answer: There were rumors going around that Isagani was responsible for putting the gunpowder in Capitan Tiago’s house to get back at Juanito for taking Paulita away.  This, however, was not true.  Eventually it was proven that Simoun was the person behind it all.

Question: Why couldn’t the trouble at the house of Don Timoteo and Simoun’s connection to it be kept a secret from the people?

Answer: There were workers, government officials, and witnesses on the night of the feast.  News has wings; the ground has ears.

Question: Prove that Isagani was the one who took the lamp and threw it into the river.

Answer:

a. He was the one who had last corresponded with Basilio, and the only other person who had known the purpose of the lamp.

b. He said, “If the thief had only known the true objective of that explosion, or if he had only taken a moment to think it over… he would not have done such a thing!”  His words, “If I were to be paid a price – any price at all – I would never consent to be in the shoes of that thief!” clearly separate his two conflicting sides:  the Isagani who had loved Paulita to death, and the Isagani who now regrets the failed plan of sweet revenge.  From what he says, it is clear that he now regrets throwing the lamp into the river.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 36 (Ben Zayb's Afflictions)

Summary:

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 Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 35 (The Fiesta)

Summary:

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 Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 34 (The Wedding)

Summary:

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 Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 33 (La Ultima Razon)

Summary:

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 Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 32 (Effect of the Pasquinades)

Summary:

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 Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 31 (The High Official)

Summary:

A high official, who believes Basilio is innocent, attempts to convince the governor-general to release the youth.  His efforts, however, are in vain.  The governor-general responds, insisting that it is necessary for innocent people to suffer to restore order and to teach the people to submit to authority once and for all.  Because of this, the high official lets go of his office and returns to Spain.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Why do people call Kabesang Tales “Matanglawin”?

Answer: They say that the lawin (hawk) has very sharp eyes.  Tales’s eyes are likened to those of the lawin; whever he spots, he shoots without missing.

Question: Who is the first student to go free?  Who is the last?  Who didn’t make it out?  Why?

Answer: Because of his wealth, the first to get out of prison before everyone else is Macaraeg.  Isagani gets out last because it takes quite some time for his uncle (a priest) to make it to town.  Basilio is the only one left in prison.  He has nobody to vouch for him.

Question: Why does the high official seem to be pro-Filipino?

Answer: First of all, he is a man of honor.  Second, he believes that giving justice to the Filipino people would be an honorable act of Spain.

Question: Is Rizal totally opposed to the justice brought about by a revolution?

Answer: No, he is not.  Rizal agrees that a revolution is in order if the nation already suffers from too much abuse and maltreatment from the government.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 30 (Juli)

Summary:

Juli is deeply troubled by the news of Basilio’s capture and imprisonment.  People convince her to approach Padre Camorra and ask him to intercede for the youth.  Juli is afraid to follow their advice and approach the friar because he is known to be frisky and quite fond of women.  However, when news reaches Juli that Basilio is about to be killed, the young lady is compelled to go and ask the friar’s help.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Why does Hermana Penchang say, “What a good thing I did when I drove her from my house! I don’t want to have any trouble with the friars, so I urged her to find the money.”

Answer: It’s not true that she drove Juli out of the house.  She didn’t like it when Basilio saved the young lady.  She does not want to have any trouble with the friars.  During those days it is quite easy to be implicated in a political or religious uprising and since Basilio is captured and Juli is Basilio’s lover, Hermana Penchang might be implicated since Juli is in her service.

Question: What did Padre Camorra ask in return for helping and releasing Tandang Selo?

Answer: He wanted Juli to lay with him, so he could have her as he had wanted for a long time.

Question: What is it that Padre Camorra asked for in return for releasing Basilio that Juli had already anticipated and expected would be the price for such a favor?

Answer: The same thing he wanted in return for releasing Tandang Selo – for her to lay with him.

Question: Did Juli really give herself to Padre Camorra?  Justify.

Answer: Surely, she did.  Rizal had prepared the readers for this from the beginning.  How?

1. Padre Camorra is depicted as one who is fond of women.


2. The friar had already asked Juli to give herself to him when she begged for the release of Tandang Selo, although the young lady never gave in to his request.


3. Juli is greatly anxious and doubtful about asking for the friar’s help.


4. Juli dies, and at the same time Hermana Bali runs outside screaming in the street.  If Juli had killed herself before the friar raped her, Hermana Bali would not have behaved in such a way.  Padre Camorra had done the act in front of Bali.


5. This assault against Juli is part of the novel’s intention to awaken the hearts of the people to hatred towards the evil friars.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 29 (Exit Capitan Tiago)

Summary:

Capitan Tiago dies, and is given a decent burial.  Padre Irene is the executor of his will.  His riches are divided among Santa Clara, the pope, the Archbishop, and other religious organizations.  Twenty pesos is left for the matriculation of the students.  Padre Irene suggests this so that it will appear that he is on the side of the students.  Capitan Tiago removes from his will the twenty-five pesos intended for Basilio for the youth’s inability to recognize his indebtedness to the old man, but Padre Irene decides to give it to him still, and says that it will come from the friar’s own pockets.

Points of Note:

Everything that is stipulated in Capitan Tiago’s last will and testament is fabricated by Padre Irene.  This way, the church gets the most out of the riches of the deceased, and his loved ones and relatives are greatly bereaved, and deprived even of their rightful inheritance.

It can be observed that even in his garments Padre Irene has gone overly frugal.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: What does Quiroga’s question to Don Primitivo mean: “Surely, one can make a contract for a cockpit with Kilisto, ha? When I die, I’ll be the contractor, ha?”

Answer: This shows the sharp mind of the Chinese when it comes to business.  If there is a way to earn money, there are no boundaries as to what can be done and what cannot be done under the law.  This also shows that some Chinese businessmen who have chosen to convert to Christianity, have done so not because of a change of heart or a change in faith, but simply for the sake of their growing businesses.  And this is true to those Chinamen who took upon themselves Filipino citizenship just so they could have a more luxurious lifestyle.  This is what it means when Quiroga says, “When I die, I may have to argue with Christ about having to open a cockpit in heaven, ha?”

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 28 (Tatakut)

Summary:

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.

What is called the city of Manila during those days is the Walled City or Intramuros.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: What signifies the fear of the friars in recent events?

Answer: Not one of them went to the house of the Chinese businessman Quiroga, despite the fact that there have been new arrivals for them to choose from and “purchase.”

Question: Why does Ben Zayb say that teaching can destroy the Philippines?

Answer: According to him, the Filipinos who grow in knowledge learn to become rebels.  Ben Zayb shares the same opinion with Padre Damaso in Noli Me Tangere.

Question: What does Simoun plan to do with the guns and cartridges he left with Quiroga to hide?

Answer: He will distribute those among the men who will join him in the revolt.

Question: Why doesn’t Simoun show his face to anyone, not even Quiroga?

Answer: He is ill.  He does not want to be questioned about his condition.  He also does not feel good about the events that have transpired.  Maria Clara is dead.  The plan to revolt is compromised.  His temper is short.  Simoun wants to be alone, to think things through.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 27 (The Friar and the Filipino))

Summary:

Isagani is summoned by Padre Fernandez.  The priest wants to talk to him about his involvement in the celebration held at the panciteria.  Their discussion, however, focuses on the ways by which the friars conduct education.  According to Isagani, the friars are intentionally delivering antiquated education to keep the Filipinos from aspiring for freedom and civil liberties.  He argues further that those who yearn for such dreams are immediately labeled as filibusters, revolutionaries, and rebels.  In response to the youth’s claims, Padre Fernandez says that not all friars are backward and are against the idea of educating the natives and the people.  Education, he says, can only be given to minds that are ready and deserving.

Points of Note:

Isagani is still in his first year at the University of Santo Tomas.  He came from Ateneo de Manila.

During that time, the population of the Filipinos was roughly 8 million.

The Dominican order is one of the groups that hold the authority to educate the youth during that time.  After the Jesuits left Philippine soil, the Dominicans took over the job completely.  The University of Santo Tomas and the College of San Juan de Letran are under Dominican administration.  The Ateneo de Manila, on the other hand, is run by the Jesuits.

Similar to what happened with Senor Pasta, Padre Fernandez could not win an argument with Isagani.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: What is Rizal’s opinion about the Dominicans monopolizing education in the country?

Answer: According to Rizal, it seems as if the government is auctioning off Philippine education to the Dominicans and although the friars are not doing the job right, the government turns a blind eye because the fact remains that it continues to benefit from the arrangement.

Question: What is the meaning of the Latin phrase, “Vox populi vox Dei”?

Answer: It means “The voice of the nation is the voice of God.”  If the nation itself is crying out and begging for something, it is as if God himself is asking for it.  The revolt of the nation is also the revolt of God against an oppressive government.

Question: According to Isagani, what do the students need from the friars?

Answer: The students want to be treated with respect and to be given the proper education that they deserve from the friars.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 26 (Pasquinades)

Summary:

Basilio reports to the hospital but is a little confused when he sees other students acting as if there were no classes that day.  One of the students informs him that there were found seditious and revolutionary posters at the walls of the university, and that these posters had implicated the student organization.  The government has also demanded the arrest of all the members of the student organization, as well as those who took part in the celebration at the panciteria.  Basilio goes to Macaraeg’s house to loan some money, however both of them are arrested by the authorities.

Points of Note:

Basilio is a doctor in training, having his practicum at the hospital.

During those days, Filipinos who finish are not given the title of Doctor.  Instead, they are only given a degree.  However, they can still cure the sick and practice medicine.

Basilio has strived long and hard not to get involved in matters of politics because of his ugly experiences as a child.  This time, however, it seems he can no longer escape it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Why can’t Basilio borrow money from Captain Tiago?

Answer: He does not want Tiago to think that he is asking for an early installment of the riches the old man promised he would inherit.

Question: Does Simoun have anything to do with the posters?

Answer: According to what Basilio was told, no.  Simoun is recovering from the mess he encountered two days ago.

Question: Why does Isagani turn pale while delivering his speech?

Answer: He is angered by the recent events, and by his comrades who had seemingly lost their right minds in fear of such events.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 25 (Smiles and Tears)

Summary:

The university students organize a feast at the Panciteria Macanista de Buen Gusto in honor of Don Custodio because of his decision regarding the Spanish academy.  They are fourteen in all, including Sandoval.  They paid for the entire place, so that it would be exclusively for them and no other customers could get in.  As Don Custodio had decided, the Spanish academy would have to be supervised by the Dominican order and they, the students, simply had to gather and collect financial contributions for the proposed school.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Why did the students hold a feast?

Answer: It is a satirical mockery of their being in favor of Don Custodio’s decision, according to Padre Irene, in order to celebrate the Don’s affirmation of the plans for the proposed school.

Question: How many students were there in the feast?

Answer: There were thirteen Filipinos and one Spanish student, Sandoval.  Isagani arrived, which made them fifteen.  They were supposed to be sixteen all in all, but Basilio didn’t come.  Macaraeg, Tadeo, and Pecson were in attendance as well.

Question: What really happened to Simoun?

Answer: Because he forgot about the warning blast, Simoun’s group had gone out of order.  Maybe one of the men from his group, say, Kabesang Tales, in anger had piled up hatred towards him.

Question: What are the four authorities of the Philippines according to Isagani?

Answer: According to Isagani, “Quiroga is one of the four.”  Who are the other three?  Simoun. The General. The friars.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 24 (Dreams)

Summary:

Isagani meets Paulita Gomez at the Luneta.  At that moment, the sun is setting behind the mountains of Maribeles.  In their conversation, Isagani shares his visions of progress and social and economic development for his country.  He talks to Paulita about his plans to expand the railways, to improve commercial trade, and to somehow achieve mutual cooperation between the Philippines and Spain.  To his dismay, however, Paulita tells him that his visions are nothing but unattainable dreams.

Points of Note:

This chapter compares two different kinds of youth:  One who loves his country, and another who loves himself.  This is also a very good avenue to study the dynamics of two hearts that yearn for two very different things – the hearts of Isagani and Paulita.

This chapter also describes Rizal’s vision of the improvement and development of the cities of Quezon and Mandaluyong, which today have become very progressive towns.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 23 (A Corpse)

Summary:

Basilio is studying at Captain Tiago’s house.  Simoun arrives and tries to convince the youth to join in the revolution that the jeweler is planning.  However, all his efforts are in vain and Basilio refuses to take any part in it.  Simoun then further explains that the revolution is a necessary step if he were to rescue Maria Clara from the nunnery.  Basilio then tells him that the lady is dead.  Simoun leaves Captain Tiago’s house deeply grieved and tormented.

Points of Note:

The last paragraph of this chapter is a very beautiful flow of poetry that plays through the mind of Basilio as he ponders over what had happened to Maria Clara in the convent, and how there could have been no miracle to have ever stopped it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Why does Basilio still strive to cure Captain Tiago of his illness when the youth is already exhausted in doing so?

Answer: Basilio is a man of honor.  He is always thinking about the future he might have with Juli, and how he refuses to stain that future with a dark past.

Question: Why does Simoun liken Captain Tiago to the Philippine government?

Answer: Just like Captain Tiago who is slowly being consumed by the poison of opium, the Philippines is also about to die any moment because of the widespread corruption in the country.

Question: Why does Simoun need Basilio in the revolution he is planning?

Answer: Apart from Captain Tiago and Simoun, Basilio alone is able to recognize Maria Clara, whom they have to save from the nunnery.  Simoun will be busy organizing his troops, so he greatly needs Basilio if he is to rescue the woman he loves.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 22 (The Performance)

Summary:

A number of humorous incidents take place at the show.  For one, Juanito Pelaez tries to impress Paulita by pretending to understand French.  His act is discovered, however, after he fails to translate some French lines correctly.  Padre Irene attends the show in disguise.  He applauds one of the actresses, whom he particularly likes.  Don Custodio is also at the theater, claiming as an excuse that he was there to judge whether or not the performance was to be considered indecent.  While the show is going on, the students then find out about Don Custodio’s decision regarding the school of Spanish.

Points of Note:

The term “Filipino Time” isn’t really Filipino time per se.  This attitude of being late was taken from the Spaniards who ruled the country during that time.  In Rizal’s novels, it is very obvious that the audiences all come early, save for the high-ranking Spanish officials to arrive late on purpose just so they could have all the attention and make a grand entrance.

Don Custodio is not seated with Pepay.  It is not honorable for a Don to be seated with a dancer.

Tadeo is the kind of audience that should not be seen in shows such as this.  He is one who does not see anything other than the faults of the performers on stage.  Juanito Pelaez as well is the kind not to be tolerated.  He is one of those people who use the little knowledge that they have in order to make themselves look good, but instead end up embarrassing themselves even more.  Dona Victorina and Paulita on the other hand, were even dumber than the two boys, because they let themselves be fooled by their acts.  They are both like blind women who depend on blind men to guide them.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Why is Pepay in such a good mood when it is not good news that she brings to Macaraeg and the others?

Answer: She is a dimwitted woman.  She did not understand what Don Custodio hand meant, and so now she thinks that the news will delight the students.

Question: Why is Sandoval not amused by the show?

Answer: He does not understand French.

Question: Why are the students saddened by the news about Don Custodio’s decision regarding the school?

Answer: The school will be placed under the care of the Dominicans in the University of Santo Tomas.  In other words, there will be no difference in the manner of teaching.  Schools run by the Dominicans were known for their poor quality of education.  Placing the proposed school under their administration will defeat the entire purpose of establishing a new school in the first place.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 21 (Manila Types)

Summary:

People all over Manila gather at the theater to watch Les Cloches de Corneville, a French performance.  Only one person, of Spanish blood, seems to have no interest in going inside the theater.  His name is Camarroncocido.  He comes from a prominent Spanish family, however is dressed rather poorly like a peasant and keeps wandering in the streets. He occupies himself by putting up posters of upcoming shows in the theater.  As he approaches the Teatro de Variadades, he spots suspicious-looking men and finds out that Simoun is ordering them to go through measures to put a stop to a civil unrest.

Points of Note:

Camarroncocido is a name that means “scalded shrimp” because his skin is rosy red.  He is a Spaniard who does not give much importance to his Spanish roots.  Although he is considered to be “blue-blooded” given that he comes from an elite Spanish line, he ends up doing menial tasks the moment he enters Philippine territory.  Camarroncocido is an exact opposite of Don Custodio who, despite being a common man in Spain, came to the Philippines to take advantage of his roots and use it to gain power.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: What undesirable trait does Rizal portray in the character of Camarroncocido?

Answer: Rizal gives light to the common social illness of people who refuse to care about events that have no direct consequence to them personally, even though these events might cause civil unrest or might be detrimental to a number of other citizens.

Question: How is the society of Manila divided into two?

Answer: Because of the adamant objection of the Spanish friars to the play, and the unanimous support to it by the government officials, the people of Manila began to wonder.  Almost everyone wanted to see it: First, there were those who wanted to watch the presentation just to see what made the friars ban people from it; and second, those who wanted to see it so they could find out if it really was worth banning.  If the friars hadn’t forbidden the people to watch it, the audience would not have reached such an incredible number.

Question: Who were the men that Camarroncocido spotted in the dark?

Answer: They were Simoun’s men.

Question: How did Tadeo get admission to the theater?

Answer: Basilio did not go with Macaraeg because he wanted to study for his exams.  Isagani gave Basilio’s ticket to Tadeo instead.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 20 (The Arbiter)

Summary:

Don Custodio ponders over his stand on the proposal made by the students in the university.  He mulls over it, weighing both sides.  He is torn over this decision because on one hand, he wants to please the friars but on the other, he also wants to help the students learn and study Spanish.  As obvious as it is, the friars and the students are on opposite ends of the line and their opinions cannot be reconciled.  In his desperation, Don Custodio consults a number of trusted people including Senor Pasta and Pepay the dancer.  They, however, are unable to give him any help.  After a considerably long period of contemplation, Don Custodio finally arrives at a decision.

Points of Note:

Don Custodio, a thinker and a man of intelligence, consults Senor Pasta and Pepay.  The former gives him worthless advice, while the latter does nothing but dance and ask money from him.

The first paragraph of this chapter, which states that the problem regarding the school is about to come to an end because it is being addressed by Don Custodio is a direct opposite of the truth about what is really going on.

Don Custodio, considering all his responsibilities stacking over one another, is proof that during those days, the Spaniards were lacking in trusted officials.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Why was it difficult for Don Custodio to arrive at a decision regarding the building of the school?

Answer: He wanted to please both the friars and the students, who were on opposite ends of the situation.  (Like Rizal said: If one wishes to please everybody, he will be able to please no one.)

Question: What can you say about the manner in which Don Custodio relates to the natives and the Indios?

Answer: He looks at them like a timid father to a frail young child.  As a father he is dumb, as he continues to turn a blind eye to the potential progress of the country, ignoring it although he knows it can be achieved.

Question: Briefly describe the character of Don Custodio.

Answer: He is a man whose actions do not coincide with his thoughts.

Question: What decision has Don Custodio finally arrived at regarding the school?

Answer: This can be read in the next chapter.