summary of noli me tangere essay

Noli Me Tangere Summary of the Entire Novel

Explore ‘ Noli Me Tangere ‘, the seminal novel by Dr. Jose Rizal , through our comprehensive summary of the entire narrative. This article navigates through the compelling tale of protagonist Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, depicting his resilience amid societal corruption and his dedication to reform. Experience the profound influence of this literary masterpiece on the Filipino identity.

If you are looking for a list of the novel’s main and minor characters, consider reading our post ‘ Noli Me Tangere Characters and their Characteristics ‘.

Table of Contents

Key takeaways, what is the historical significance of “noli me tangere” in the philippines, can you provide information on the literary style and themes of “noli me tangere”, are there any notable adaptations of “noli me tangere” in film, theater, or other media, the life and works of dr. jose rizal, related lessons.

Juan Crisostomo Ibarra returns to the Philippines after seven years of education in Europe. In honor of his return, a grand feast is hosted by Captain Tiago, with many notable personalities in attendance.

At this banquet, Father Damaso criticizes Ibarra. Rather than retaliate, Ibarra gracefully excuses himself, stating he has urgent matters to handle. Maria Clara, Ibarra’s enchanting girlfriend and Captain Tiago’s daughter, is visited by him the next day. Together, they reminisce about their relationship by revisiting old letters exchanged before Ibarra left for Europe.

As Ibarra departs from his visit with Maria, Lieutenant Guevarra discloses the tragic fate of Ibarra’s father, Don Rafael, who passed away the previous year. Father Damaso had accused Don Rafael of heresy and subversion, mainly due to his reported absence from church and confession. These allegations were triggered when Don Rafael defended a child against a tax collector, who accidentally killed the child.

In the aftermath, an investigation was conducted, during which several of Don Rafael’s secret adversaries levelled accusations against him. These events deeply affected Don Rafael, leading to his illness in jail and eventually his death.

Despite the heavy rain during the exhumation of Don Rafael’s remains ordered by an unsatisfied Father Damaso, the body was unceremoniously tossed into a lake instead of being relocated to the Chinese cemetery.

Choosing not to seek revenge, Ibarra carries on his father’s work by constructing a school with the help of Nol Juan. Just as the school is about to be inaugurated, Elias saves Ibarra from an assassination attempt, resulting in the death of the assassin, who was hired by a secret enemy.

When Father Damaso once again insults Ibarra, it is the belittling of his father that pushes Ibarra to attempt to stab the priest, but he is stopped by Maria Clara. As a consequence, the Archbishop excommunicates Ibarra from the Catholic Church. Seizing the opportunity, Father Damaso manipulates Captain Tiago to call off Maria Clara’s engagement to Ibarra, with rumors suggesting she is to marry Linares, a young Spaniard instead.

Following the lifting of his excommunication due to the intervention of the Captain General, Ibarra is unexpectedly arrested again, accused of instigating an attack on the barracks. During a party held at Captain Tiago’s house celebrating the impending union of Linares and Maria Clara, Ibarra manages to escape with Elias’ help.

Before his escape, Ibarra confronts Maria about a letter used as evidence against him in court. She vehemently denies any involvement and reveals that the incriminating letter was stolen from him in return for another that indicates Father Damaso as her biological father. Resigned, she affirms her love for Ibarra but maintains her decision to marry Linares for her mother’s honor.

Escaping with Elias, Ibarra boards a boat and navigates the Pasig River to Bay Lake. In an attempt to lose the pursuers, Elias jumps into the water, leading them to believe that the escapee they’ve shot is Ibarra.

On hearing of Ibarra’s supposed death, a despairing Maria Clara pleads with Father Damaso to let her enter a monastery, threatening suicide otherwise. Meanwhile, a mortally wounded Elias stumbles upon the mythical Ibarra forest, where he encounters Basilio and his dead mother, Sisa. In his dying moments, Elias implores the fortunate to remember those who have perished in the darkness.

“Noli Me Tangere,” penned by the national hero of the Philippines, Dr. Jose Rizal, is a novel that exposes the atrocities and abuses perpetrated by priests and the Spanish colonial regime in the Philippines. The story revolves around Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, who returns to the Philippines after seven years of education in Europe. He is initially welcomed by Captain Tiago, but soon faces criticism from Father Damaso. Ibarra learns about the unjust treatment and subsequent death of his father, Don Rafael, who was accused of heresy by Father Damaso.

Ibarra, instead of seeking revenge, decides to continue his father’s work by building a school. His life takes a turn when he is excommunicated from the church and later imprisoned for allegedly leading an attack on the barracks. His love interest, Maria Clara, is coerced into marrying someone else by Father Damaso. Ibarra manages to escape prison with the help of his friend Elias, but is believed to be dead after a chase.

Maria Clara, devastated by Ibarra’s presumed death, decides to enter a monastery. The novel ends with Elias, who is mortally wounded, reflecting on the sacrifices made for the country.

“Noli Me Tangere” is a poignant reflection on the social injustices of the colonial era and remains an important piece of Philippine literature .

FAQs on Noli Me Tangere

“Noli Me Tangere,” written by Dr. Jose Rizal, is considered a significant literary work in Philippine history. The novel played a crucial role in the Philippine nationalist movement by highlighting the social injustices and abuses during the Spanish colonial period. It is often credited with inspiring the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule and is regarded as one of the most important literary works in Filipino culture.

“Noli Me Tangere” is written in a realist literary style, and it combines elements of romance, history, and social commentary. The novel explores themes such as social injustice, corruption, colonialism, and the quest for national identity. Dr. Jose Rizal uses vivid characters and intricate plotlines to depict the societal issues faced by Filipinos during the Spanish colonial era.

Yes, “Noli Me Tangere” has been adapted into various forms of media including films, stage plays, and operas. Some notable film adaptations include the 1961 film directed by Gerardo de Leon . In theater, a famous adaptation is the opera version of “Noli Me Tangere,” which was first performed in 1957 with a libretto by Guillermo Tolentino and music by Felipe Padilla de Leon. The novel continues to inspire adaptations and remains an influential work in Philippine culture.

Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, was a polymath with profound influences in the fields of medicine, literature, and arts. One of his most significant contributions to Filipino culture is the novel “Noli Me Tangere,” published in 1887 while he was studying in Europe.

“Noli Me Tangere,” alongside its sequel “ El Filibusterismo ,” form a critical part of Rizal’s literary opus. His works expose the atrocities committed by the Spanish colonial regime and the Catholic Church in the Philippines. These novels played a pivotal role in shaping Filipino identity and inspiring the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule.

Despite facing severe backlash and exile due to his bold narratives, Rizal’s dedication to unveiling societal injustices remained undeterred. Today, his works continue to resonate, highlighting his indelible role in Philippine history and literature.

Enjoyed this comprehensive summary of ‘Noli Me Tangere’? If you found it insightful, share this guide with your friends, classmates, or anyone interested in understanding this seminal work. By spreading the knowledge of our rich literary heritage, we can appreciate the profound impact of this masterpiece on our national identity. Don’t forget to check out our detailed character analysis in the post ‘ Noli Me Tangere Characters and their Characteristics ‘ and share that too! Happy reading and sharing!

Talambuhay ni Jose Rizal: Ang Pambansang Bayani ng Pilipinas

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El Filibusterismo Tauhan at mga Katangian ng Bawat Isa

El Filibusterismo Buod ng Buong Kwento (Maikling Buod)

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Noli Me Tangere Essay: How to Write Reflection Paper

By: Angelina Grin

Writing a reflection of Noli Me Tangere, on one of the most acclaimed Filipino works, can be taunting. Especially in the case of Noli Me Tangere, a book that served as an eye-opening work to many from the day it was released and is being used even nowadays to instill nationalism in young Filipinos.

About José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere

Rafael ibarra, teniente guevarra, maria clara de los santos, kapitan tiago or capitan tiago, basilio and crispin, padre damaso verdolagas, padre salvi bernardo, padre sibyla hernando, doña victorina, alfonso linares, independence.

Translated from Latin to English as ”Touch Me Not,” this famous Philippine literature piece by José Rizal was written in 1887 and made a radical change in the Philippines’ history.

The story’s protagonist is Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, who returned home from a seven-year stay in Europe. He’s brimming with ideas of improving his country and helping his fellow Filipinos but was confronted by the Catholic Church and the Spanish government. Not only were his ideas and plans questioned by the friars and the Spaniards, but also by his fellow citizens who were naive about the cruelty and abuse of the regime.

The novel criticized the happenings in the country that was then under the Spaniards. It has a sequel titled El Filibusterismo, alternatively known as The Reign of the Greed and The Subversive or The Subversion.

Important Characters in the Novel

Rafael Ibarra is Crisostomo’s father. His death was the reason for his son to come back to the Philippines. Don Rafael died in prison because of Padre Damaso’s accusations of heresy and subversion.

A lieutenant of the Guardia Civil and Don Rafael’s friend. Crisostomo learned of his father’s death from him. Teniente Guevarra respects both father and son for their moral compass, even if it means going against the church.

She’s the love interest of Crisostomo, who ends up going to a nunnery when she refuses to marry Alfonso Linares. Maria Clara symbolizes the Philippines.

Don Santiago De Los Santos is the father of Maria Clara and is an influential businessman in San Diego. Kapitan Tiago finds it hard to follow the friars’ orders because he betrothed his daughter to Crisostomo.

After Crisostomo saved him from a crocodile, he swore to protect the young man. He’s a fugitive who wears disguises and discovers plots against the protagonist, and does what he can to stop them from happening.

She’s the mother of Basilio and Crispin, who had gone insane when her children went missing. A once beautiful lady who endured a tragic life, Sisa symbolizes the suffering of the Motherland from the colonizers.

Sisa’s sons represent the Filipino children who are victims of ignorance, poverty, and the Spanish authorities’ cruelty.

He’s the former curate of San Diego and is the birth father of Maria Clara through raping Doña Pia Alba. An arrogant and cruel priest, he did his best to stop Maria Clara from marrying Crisostomo.

A prominent figure in the town of San Diego, along with the alferez of the Guardia Civil. He’s been lusting over Maria Clara and is a deceptive priest.

Crisostomo’s former teacher and the parish priest of Binondo, Manila. He’s aware of the cruelty of the other friars but doesn’t do anything about it.

The wife of Don Tiburcio de Espadaña, a quack doctor. She’s an ambitious Filipina who looks down at her fellow Filipinos.

A young Spanish lawyer who Padre Damaso wanted Maria Clara to marry.

Main Ideas of the Novel

To write an A+ reflection about Noli Me Tangere , you must be aware of the main ideas it conveys.

Rizal firmly believed that education is important in fighting off oppression. Filipinos’ ignorance and naivety made them easy to be manipulated and targeted for cruelty.

Education paved the way for Crisostomo to build a school for the youth and to be heard by other influential people. However, even with his good intention, Crisostomo was undoubtedly still unaware of just how grave the oppression his fellow Filipinos faced until Elias showed it to him.

Another highly educated character in the novel was Tasio. Although having acquired education, he was ousted by society because of different ideals.

The novel indicated how power was abused and how people would do anything to get it. Noli Me Tangere also showed that not all who are in prison are sinners, like Don Rafael, who was instead a victim of those in power.

The tug of power between the church and the government is also obvious in the novel. A reality the Philippines faced when it was under the Spaniard’s rule.

Religion is a significant topic in the novel because, despite its divine presentation, it was used to control others and profit off other people’s weaknesses.

The Spaniards and friars used Catholicism to instill hierarchy and took advantage of the Filipinos through their faith and ignorance, even if they themselves didn’t carry out the teachings.

Padre Damaso held a revered position as a former curate and was looked up to by people who take their religion seriously. But he raped Doña Pia Alba and sent Don Rafael to prison for his personal vendetta.

Padre Salvi, although a priest, lusted after Maria Clara and didn’t respect his priesthood. He only became a priest to hold power, not to save souls.

Capitan Tiago pretends to be a devoted Catholic by being close to the friars but actually just does it to have more connections and power.

On the other hand, there are also those who are serious about their faith yet aware of the unreasonable demands of the church. Don Rafael, Crisostomo, and Elias have strong faith.

Filipinos are known for their filial piety, a family value that’s still alive in their culture. Because of this, sons and daughters respect their parents and often feel obligated to do as they are told. Sometimes, even at the cost of their own happiness.

The story started with Don Rafael’s death, making Crisostomo go back to honor him through building a school.

Maria Clara also honors her family through being the model Filipina and taking their advice, even almost marrying someone she doesn’t love to make her family happy.

Basilio’s first thought was to come back to his mother, Sisa, when he was shot at by the Guardia Civil.

The protagonist of Noli Me Tangere went through many sacrifices as he believed they are all for a better future for his country and countrymen.

Literature is a mirror of culture, and Rizal penned just what he had hoped his fellow Filipinos would do for the Philippines to be free - sacrifice.

One of the most intriguing lines in the novel is ”Sacrifice today for a useful tomorrow,” found in Crisostomo’s letter to Maria Clara before he went away to study in Europe.

Sacrifice was also seen through Elias, who died while trying to fight for his countrymen. Through Crisostomo talking to Basilio, Rizal reminded every reader to never forget those who fell and sacrificed themselves for the Filipino people and their country.

After its publication, Noli Me Tangere sparked Filipino nationalism that ultimately led to the Philippine Revolution in 1896.

The novel incited Filipinos’ desire for independence. Rizal hoped that there would be a revolution without the shedding of blood and for his country to gain independence. But Noli Me Tangere did the opposite and instead incited a revolution that ended with the Spaniards ceding sovereignty of the Philippines to another colonizer, the United States.

Did the revolution start because Filipinos realized the cruelty they were living in or simply because the others were joining it? The real intention of others who joined the revolution was put into the spotlight when using the novel as a reason to revolt. Were they doing it for the Philippines or because they admire Rizal?

This criticism highlights most of the Filipino revolutionists’ failure to have an education. Asking whether they actually knew what they were fighting for and not only because they needed to survive.

Because of the portrayal of how Catholicism was used in the novel, many questioned if Rizal had any hidden agenda.

In some of his letters to Fr. Pablo Pastells, a Jesuit teacher, during his exile, Rizal delved into “what little has been left to me by the shipwreck of faith.” Rizal believed in God but was no longer a practicing Catholic during his time.

Because of this, some see Noli Me Tangere as Rizal’s way of destroying their faith and that its intention is not solely for the Philippines to fight back but to dismantle Catholicism as well.

José Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” is a novel that not only sparked discussions but also urged the Filipino society to take action in the fight for independence. While some supported it, others criticized the author’s intentions. While the symbolism of the novel is a field to explore, one thing is clear: José Rizal’s masterpiece has become a turning point in the history of the Philippines.

To craft an effective "Noli Me Tangere" reaction paper, it's essential to follow a structured approach. Begin by reading the novel thoroughly and taking detailed notes on key themes, characters, and notable passages that resonate with you. Identify the central issues and conflicts portrayed by Rizal, such as the oppression of the Filipino people under colonial rule, social inequality, and the struggle for justice.

Develop a clear thesis statement that encapsulates your overall reaction to the novel. This statement will serve as the guiding thread throughout your essay, helping you maintain a focused and coherent argument. When discussing specific passages or events from the novel, provide context and analysis to support your points. Consider how Rizal's narrative techniques, symbolism, and character development contribute to the overall impact of the story. Lastly, draw connections between the themes and messages of the novel and contemporary issues, demonstrating the enduring relevance of Rizal's work in today's society. By adhering to these steps, you can create a thoughtful and compelling reaction paper that engages with the novel's complexities and its lasting impact.

By composing a personal reflection essay, you can immerse yourself in this literary masterpiece and better understand how its themes relate to your life and current events. Using the guidelines in this article, you can write a powerful “Noli Me Tangere” reflection essay that does justice to the novel by delving into its deep themes and demonstrating its continued relevance.

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I enjoyed reading the article, and I think it gave me some useful insights on how to write a reflection essay about the novel. However, I wish the article had examples of reflection essays from other students. It would have been nice to see how they applied everything that the article suggested.

I think this article was a great introduction to the novel. It covered the main message and significance of it, as well as the main plot and characters. It’s just enough to know what is noli me tangere all about..

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Dr Rizal’s noble intention never attracted the indigenous people of the idea he was promoting, it did however attracted those Filipino meztisos who were insulates vying for the same birth rights as those of the peninsulars, thus, the revolution, the indigenous were along for the ride not understanding what they were fighting for. It hasn’t change, get a good look at the political structure, do the Filipino know what is at stake when they cast their vote? Up to this day I have yet to see a Filipino who truly love the Philippines. Even the revolutionary leaders of the time never really love the country, if he did, Emilio Aguinaldo that is he would have never sold out the country for P400,000.00 and leave in exile, hence, the pact agreed upon between the revolutionary at Buan-na-Bato and the Spaniards never materialized. Compare that with Venezuela’s Simon Bolivar who was offered the same deal as Emilio, Simon chose to continue to fight the Spaniards, ended up liberating six countries from Spanish rule.

Joseph M Calderon Jr

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Noli Me Tangere: Jose Rizal's Call for Filipino Nationalism

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Rizal's Expose of Corrupt Friars and their Influence

Exploring the Chapters of "Noli Me Tangere"

Noli me tangere as a charter for nationalism, conclusion: a literary beacon for filipino identity.

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Noli Me Tangere Summary

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Noli Me Tangere by Jose Rizal

The novel is set in Manila, Philippines.

Main Characters

Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra y Magsalin (Ibarra)- is A wealthy young man of mixed Spanish and Filipino ancestry who has recently returned to the Philippines from Europe after spending seven years studying abroad.

María Clara- she is a well-regarded woman in San Diego for her high social station.

Father Dámaso- is a Spanish friar living in the Philippines who is an arrogant priest.

Elías- he is an outlaw and vagabond revolutionary who resents the power that the Catholic Church and Spanish government have over the Philippines.

Father Salví- he is a serious and committed Spanish friar who takes over Father Dámaso’s post in San Diego as the town’s priest.

Captain Tiago (Don Santiago de Los Santos) - she is a Filipino socialite and well-respected member of the country’s wealthy elite

The Ensign- he is a Spaniard in charge of the Civil Guard in San Diego.

Old Tasio (Don Anastasio) - he is an old man who used to study philosophy and who prefers secular knowledge to Catholicism.

Crispín- he is a very young boy studying to be a sexton.

Basilio- he is Crispín’s older brother, who is also training to be a sexton.

Doctor Tiburcio de Espadaña- he is a Spaniard who speaks with a stutter and looks significantly older than his thirty-five years.

La Doctora Victorina de los Reyes de Espadaña- she is a Filipina woman married to Don Tiburcio.

Doña Consolación- she is an older Filipina woman married to the ensign.

Señor Guevara- he is an elderly lieutenant of the Civil Guard who deeply respects both Ibarra and the late Don Rafael.

The Captain-General- she is an unnamed representative of Spain and the highest government official in the Philippines.

Linares- he is Doctor de Espadaña’s nephew from Spain.

The Schoolmaster- he is a teacher whom Don Rafael supported, helping him find a house and enabling him to properly do his job.

Don Filipo (Filipo Lino) - is the deputy mayor of San Diego.

The Mayor- he is the mayor of San Diego who is conservative and devoted to religion.

The Yellow Man- he is a man hired to kill Ibarra.

Társilo- he is a man whose father died at the hands of the Civil Guard.

Plot Summary

Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra y Magsalin, commonly referred to as Ibarra, has been studying in Europe for the past seven years. As he arrives back in the Philippines, his friend, Captain Tiago, hosts a reunion dinner. During dinner, Father Dámaso, who Ibarra thought was friends with his father, treats him badly, which surprises Ibarra. As Ibarra is walking home from the dinner, another family friend, Señor Guevara, follows him and tells him that his father died in prison after a campaign of slander against him and that Father Dámaso had a hand in his death. Ibarra is shocked, but unsure of what to do. He goes to visit his old lover, Maria Clara, but as Maria mentions Ibarra’s family, Ibarra is put off.

Instead of seeking revenge, Ibarra tries to follow his father’s footsteps of peace. After meeting with a schoolmaster who knew his father, he plans on establishing a public school to help his hometown. The schoolmaster warns him that Father Dámaso meddles in the school system, preventing students from learning Spanish and demanding that he beat the students. Ibarra pitches the idea of the school to town officials, pretending that he wants to work with them on it, and they agree.

Meanwhile, two young boys, Crispín and Basilio, work as sextons to support their poor mother, Sisa, who is abused by their father. When Crispín is falsely accused of theft, the brothers must work even more. Crispín protests and is severely beaten, while Basilio escapes. He returns the next day to look for his brother, but can't find him. Sisa looks for both her sons, losing her mind as she wanders the area in search of them. Ibarra goes to his father’s grave, seeking peace. He is shocked to discover that his father’s corpse was removed and supposedly put into a Chinese cemetery at the order of the town's curate, Father Dámaso.

During the town's festivities, Ibarra and the officials plan to celebrate the new school, hoping to bless it after a sermon by Father Dámaso. During the sermon, a mysterious man named Elías approaches Ibarra, warning him of a plot to kill him. That night, Father Dámaso invites himself to a dinner Ibarra is hosting. He insults both indigenous Filipinos and Ibarra’s father specifically. Ibarra punches Father Dámaso, but before he can kill him, he is stopped by María Clara.

Ibarra is excommunicated, and María Clara falls ill, she is then re-engaged with a new man after her spineless father calls off her wedding to Ibarra. Meanwhile, the Captain-General manages to lift Ibarra's ex-communication, angering the clergy. Ibarra continues working on the school, and Father Salvi, who is in love with María Clara, plots with Lucas, to frame Ibarra for a rebellion by organizing people with grievances against the colonial government and telling them that Ibarra is leading the revolt. Right before the attack happens, Father Salvi warns everyone, claiming someone told him about it in confession.

Ibarra is thrown into prison, having been found guilty based on a letter he wrote to María Clara before leaving for Europe years ago. Again, Elías rescues him, breaking him out of prison and taking him to María Clara. She apologizes to Ibarra and explains that she gave Father Salvi the letter that led to Ibarra being found guilty because he blackmailed her. Elías and Ibarra row away, but they quickly realize they're being followed by another boat, which will soon catch up. Elías jumps off the boat to confuse their pursuers, who think he is Ibarra, and try to shoot him while the real Ibarra escapes. They appear to kill him, but they never see his body.

María Clara tells Father Dámaso that she can't marry Linares, the man she is now engaged to and threatens to commit suicide if she is not allowed to enter a convent. On Christmas Eve, Basilio wanders away from the cabin where he has been staying with an adoptive family and looks for Sisa, his mother. He finds her, but she doesn't recognize him and runs away. Finally, he catches her and she faints, she dies of shock, having finally recognized him. Elías appears, telling Basilio that he is about to die, and asks Basilio to put his body with Sisa's on a funeral pyre.

• Colonialism, Religion, and Power. The novel examines how Spain’s colonization of the Philippines allowed the Catholic Church to dominate and rule the region. Colonialism produced tensions that would, lead Filipino natives to revolt against Spain’s oppressive religious and governmental bodies in the Philippine Revolution.
• Education. Ibarra, who is a respected figure because of the fact that he studied in Europe, advocates for the importance of intellect and education by building a school in San Diego. In doing so, he seeks to give the townspeople a means of empowerment outside the context of the church.
• Isolation. One of the ways characters in Noli Me Tangere are disempowered is through political isolation, religious isolation, or intellectual isolation. Politically, all of the characters are isolated from Spain, the governing body that controls the Philippines. While the friars take advantage of this remoteness, the townspeople suffer. Religiously, any character who disagrees with Catholic doctrine is isolated and labeled a heretic.

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Summary of Noli Me Tangere

The early English translations of Jose Rizal’s novel, which is now known as Noli Me Tangere, used titles like An Eagle Eight and The Social Cancer. However, recent translations have used the original Latin title. French writer D. Belittlement noted that Noel me teenager was a term used by ophthalmologists for cancer of the eyelids, and it is suggested that Rizal, who was an ophthalmologist, was influenced by this fact. In Noli Me Tangere, Rizal aimed to open the eyes of his fellow Filipinos to the abuse they suffered under Spanish authorities, and to prove that the pen is mightier than the sword. The novel follows the story of Tijuana Crisscross Barbara, who returns to the Philippines after seven years studying in Europe and seeks to reform education and improve the lives of his countrymen. The novel also features the tragic story of Alias, who searches for his sister and is accused of insurrection by Padre Salvi Brass. Maria Clara, who is supposed to be the daughter of Capitan Taiga, discovers that her real father is Padre Admass through letters exchanged between her mother and the priest. Barbara and Alias eventually flee and are chased by the Guardia Civil, leading Maria Clara to believe that Barbara is dead and enter the nunnery instead of marrying Alfonse Liners.

Early English translations Of the novel used titles like An Eagle Eight (1900) and The Social Cancer (1912). Disregarding the symbolism of the title. But the more recent translations were published using the original Latin title. It has also been noted by French writer D. Belittlement that “Noel me teenager” was a name used by ophthalmologists for cancer of the eyelids. That as an ophthalmologist himself Racial was influenced by this fact is suggested in his dedication, “To My Country’.

In the patriotic novel Noel Me Teenager, Jose Racial shaped the minds and opened the eyes of his fellow Filipinos to the abuse they suffered at the hands of tyrannical Spanish authorities. He proved that the pen is mightier than the sword. He symbolically painted a portrait quite similar to the conditions of the Philippines during that time. Racial introduces the character Tijuana Crisscross Barbara, the only son of Don Rafael Barbara, friend of Maria Clara, supposed daughter of Capitan Taiga.

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Barbara was like his father Don Rafael endeavourers for reform primarily in the area of education in order to eliminate poverty and improve the lives to his countrymen. Upon his return in the Philippines after seven years study in Europe a celebration was hell On learning about is fathers demise and the denial of a Catholic burial for his father Barbara was provoked to hit Padre Admass which eventually lead to his excommunication and the engagement to Maria Clara avgas broken.

The excommunication was later rescinded upon the intervention Of the Governor General. The Story Of Alias was a tale of pathos and tragedy. Alias was educated in Jesuit College in Manila while his sister studied La Concordia College. They lived happily until one day an Old male servant whom they used to abuse was their real father. Alias and his sister oft Tablas to hide their share in another place. On day his sister disappeared. Alias roamed from place to place looking to her until he met Barbara.

Padre Salvia, Brass’s mortal enemy accused Barbara of insurrection. Brass’s letter to his beloved Maria Clara was used against him. Later in the story, Maria Clara will tell Barbara that she did not conspire to indict him. She was compelled to give Brass’s letter in exchange for the letters of her mother before she was born. Maria Clara found out that the letters of her mother were addressed to Padre Admass about heir unborn child which means that she is the biological daughter Of the priest and not to her tatter, Capitan Taiga.

Barbara was able to escape the prison with Alias, who also experienced injustice with the authorities. Barbara able to speak with Maria Clara about the letters and thereafter forgave her. From his letter, she realized that her real father was padre Admass. Barbara and Alias flee to the lake and were chased by the Guardia Civil. One was shot and the other survives. Upon hearing the news, Maria Clara believed that Barbara was dead; she entered the nunnery instead of marrying Alfonse Liners.

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Noli Me Tángere

42 pages • 1 hour read

Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not)

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Chapters 7-12

Chapters 13-18

Chapters 19-24

Chapters 25-30

Chapters 31-36

Chapters 37-42

Chapters 43-48

Chapters 49-54

Chapters 55-60

Chapters 61-63

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Chapters 61-63 Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 61 summary.

Elías and Ibarra escape by boat. As Elías rows, the men discuss their next move. Ibarra now understands what it means to be a victim of the town’s powerful, specifically the church, and wants to take an active role in the subversive movement. Elías tells him that he should leave the country and although what happened to him was wrong, he could never fully relate to the suffering of the common people. Eventually, the boat is spotted by the civil guard patrol and the men are pursued. As a means of distracting the patrol, Elías jumps into the water and attempts to evade arrest and being shot by swimming to safety. Ibarra remains in the boat. The narrator does not explicitly say what happens to him.

Chapter 62 Summary

Prior to María-Clara and Linares’s wedding, Father Dámaso pays María-Clara a surprise visit. During their conversation, it is revealed that Ibarra died. María-Clara confronts Dámaso, letting him know that she knows he is her biological father. Dámaso tries to explain himself, but she demands that the wedding be called off and that she be placed in a convent. He agrees to her demands.

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By José Rizal

El Filibusterismo

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Noli me tangere: summary and analysis of elias and salome (the missing chapter).

Noli Me Tangere

By josé rizal, noli me tangere summary and analysis of chapters 61-epilogue.

Rowing Ibarra to safety, Elías outlines his plan: he’ll hide Ibarra in a friend’s house in another town, get Ibarra’s money from Ibarra’s grandfather’s tomb, where he hid it, and then help Ibarra escape to Spain. Ibarra asks Elías to come to Spain with him, but Elías replies that “It’s true I can neither love my country nor be happy here, but I can suffer and die in it, and for it.” He believes that by contrast, Ibarra can be happy elsewhere, which insults Ibarra, making him realize that he wants to stay and fight for the future of the Philippines. Ibarra says that he has now seen the worst his country has to offer and is now proud to be a subversive. In the midst of his conversation with Elías, however, a group of Civil Guard members on a boat find them and begin chasing them. Ibarra ducks and Elías tries to out-row the Civil Guard members, but it’s clear his boat isn’t fast enough. Elías dives off the boat, pretending to be Ibarra, while Ibarra plans to row to shore. The plan works, and the Civil Guard members pursue Elías, shooting at him. Eventually, they are convinced he is dead, though they don’t find his body.

As the wedding preparations begin, María Clara is focused only on a newspaper that declares that Ibarra is dead. Father Dámaso approaches her, and she says if he loves her, he’ll end the arranged marriage, explaining that when she knew Ibarra was still alive, she could survive based on that knowledge, but now that he is dead, she cannot bear marrying another person. She says she only sees two options for herself now: “the convent or the grave,” and though he hates the idea of his daughter being cut off from the world as a nun, Father Dámaso reluctantly agrees to let her be one.

Basilio leaves his adoptive home, where he has lived since an old man found him passed out in the woods a couple of months earlier, in search of his mother. He hears Sisa singing and follows her voice, but she doesn’t recognize him. He watches her run into the gate blocking off the tomb of Ibarra’s grandfather and tries to follow her, pounding on the gate and yelling that he is her son. He then climbs up a tree to get over the gate and holds his mother close to him, but passes out, and when he wakes up, she is dead. A wounded man arrives and asks Basilio if he’s seen anyone else there, but he says no. He suggests that Basilio build a funeral pyre for his mother, as well as the man himself, since he is about to die as well. He also tells Basilio about the gold buried nearby. “I die without seeing dawn’s light shining on my country…You, who will see it, welcome it for me…don’t forget those who fell during the nighttime,” the man—who, we learn, is Elías—says.

In the novel’s epilogue, the narrator gives updates about several characters’ lives. Father Dámaso travels to Manila after María Clara enters the convent, as does Father Salví, hoping in vain to be made bishop. Father Salví later orders Father Dámaso to serve in a remote province, and Dámaso is so upset by the news that he dies that night. Meanwhile, Captain Tiago is deeply upset by María Clara’s decision to become a nun; he becomes an opium addict. The ensign travels to Spain, leaving behind Doña Consolación, and Father Salví becomes the head priest of María Clara’s convent. It is suggested that he rapes María Clara, and though she tries to get help from the authorities, they ignore her, again emphasizing the corruption of the church hierarchy.

Though Aunt Isabel has generally been portrayed positively so far, her glee at the envy others will feel towards her family once María Clara marries Linares exposes her as a shallow social climber like many other characters. Though María Clara doesn’t want to marry Linares, Isabel either doesn’t realize this or doesn’t care, despite her closeness to her niece.

The letter the prosecutors use against Ibarra is the same letter María Clara read out loud earlier in the novel. The idea that Ibarra was planning a rebellion likely comes from the line mentioning his father saying that he should “sacrifice today for a useful tomorrow,” but this line is quite ambiguous, and provides specious evidence against Ibarra.

Ibarra’s change of heart and his willingness to die for his country confirm that Elías was right—now that he has suffered at the hands of the ruling forces of the Philippines, he understands how high the stakes are.

Though María Clara has been a passive figure for much of the novel, she shows herself to be a stronger person than her obsequious father when she stands up for herself and her future. Father Dámaso’s reluctance to allow her to be a nun shows how little actual concern he has for religion, despite being a priest—one would expect a truly religious man to celebrate such a future for his daughter.

Noli Me Tangere Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Noli Me Tangere is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What do the guards take from Sisa? * 1 point a. a cow b. her sons c. a hen d. a horse

Rushing home, Sisa found Basilio missing and was arrested by the Guardia Civil in order to get her sons to surrender.

Binanggit ni Don Rafael sa kanyang huling ipinadalang liham sa kanyang anak na nag-aaral noon sa Europa na huwag itong mag-alala at magtaka kung hindi na raw ito makakasulat sa kanya dahil magiging abala ito sa mga gawain. Ano ang tunay na dahilan kung

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Bakit pinuntahan ni Elias SI crisostomo ibarra sa kanyang laboratoryo

Pumunta si Elias kay Ibarra para balaan siya na may pakana laban sa kanyang buhay.

Study Guide for Noli Me Tangere

Noli Me Tangere study guide contains a biography of José Rizal, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Noli Me Tangere
• Noli Me Tangere Summary
• Character List