moral lesson in noli me tangere essay

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Philippine Literature: Understanding The Message Behind Noli Me Tangere

April 16, 2022 June 7, 2022

Noli Me Tangere, one of the most well-known Filipino novels, is a work of fiction written by Jose Rizal. It was first published in 1887 and it is considered to be the most important novel in Philippine literature. It tells the story of two friends: Juan Crisostomo Ibarra and Elias who are both from wealthy families.

The novel was written in Spanish and English for different audiences. The Spanish version was meant for Spaniards residing in the Philippines while the English version was meant for an international audience. Noli Me Tangere has been translated into over 20 languages and it has been adapted into films and TV series as well as musicals.

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An Analysis of Noli Me Tangere and what it says about Philippine Culture

Noli Me Tangere is a novel by Jose Rizal that is considered an important part of Filipino culture. Its main theme is the oppression of the Filipino people by Spanish colonialists. It also touches on many other themes such as class struggle, education, and religion.

We can see how much this novel has impacted Philippine culture when we look at how it has influenced literature in the country to this day. The book has given rise to many films, TV series, and even comics that have been made in its likeness.

Hidden messages in noli me tangere

Noli Me Tangere is translated to “Touch Me Not” in English. It was published in Berlin, Germany in 1887. This novel was written by Jose Rizal as a response to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines and its brutal treatment of Filipinos.

This novel is about Crisostomo Ibarra who returns from his studies abroad, but he has an accident on his way home and goes into hiding for seven years before he can return to his family again. The novel is a chronicle of the life and times of Ibarra from his birth to death, including his struggles and dreams, his intense friendships as well as the ways he reconciles with society. The novel is not linear. The first six chapters are told in chronological order, but chapter 7 is set in 1892 and tells the story of Ibarra’s youth. You can read a summary of the novel here – Noli Me Tangere Buod 2022.

Noli me Tangere is also considered one of the most important novels in Filipino literature because it paved the way for Philippine independence from Spain and America.

The Mechanism Behind Noli Me Tangere’s Success as a Novel in Philippine History

Noli Me Tangere served as a catalyst for the Philippine Revolution against Spain. The novel is considered as a masterpiece of Filipino literature and has been translated into many languages.

The novel was able to spark the revolution because it was written in Filipino, which was then the national language of the Philippines. This made it accessible to more people who could understand and relate to its message, which encouraged them to take action against Spain’s colonial rule over them.

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

Summary and Study Guide

Noli Me Tángere (1887)—which translates to “Touch Me Not” in Latin—is a novel written by Filipino writer José Rizal. The novel tells the story of Don Crisóstomo Ibarra , a young man of Filipino and Spanish descent who returns to the Philippines after a seven-year trip to Europe. Upon his return, and because he is now old enough to better understand the world, Ibarra sees the oppression wrought on the Indigenous population by Spanish colonialism. As Ibarra attempts to do something about this, he finds himself confronting forces that view him as a direct threat to their power—and who will do whatever it takes to retain it.

Noli Me Tángere is predominantly narrated in the third person, with occasional shifts to first-person plural. The narrative follows a generally linear plot with occasional shifts that provide historical context . It also tends toward the satirical, especially when the narrator describes members of the wealthy ruling class. At times, the novel depicts the brutality of oppression realistically, hence it is sometimes graphic.

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This guide is based on the Kindle edition of the novel, translated by Harold Augenbraum and published by Penguin Books in 2006.

Content warning: This guide contains references to violence, which is depicted in the source text. 

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Plot Summary

Noli Me Tángere begins at a dinner party hosted by Captain Don Santiago (Tiago), a wealthy resident of Manila. Guests assembled at the party include other members of the upper class as well as friars of both the Dominican and Franciscan orders. During dinner, Don Crisóstomo Ibarra arrives—the party being his first stop post-returning from Europe. He is there to visit his fiancée María-Clara , Santiago’s daughter. However, the celebratory atmosphere soon turns tense as one of the friars, Father Dámaso , becomes angry at Ibarra’s arrival. After the party, Ibarra learns that his father, Don Rafael, died while in prison and Father Dámaso had his corpse exhumed and removed from the Christian cemetery (i.e., dumped into a river). The dramatic tension between Ibarra and Dámaso forms the central conflict.

As Ibarra reacclimates himself to his homeland, he looks to apply his progressive ideals to make life better for the citizens of San Diego. After meeting with a school teacher, Ibarra’s first act is to build a school. While he gains support from the local government, the religious order within the town views the project with suspicion. They begin to see Ibarra as a threat to their power—with Dámaso in particular seeing him as a rival who must be put in his place.

Ibarra and María-Clara’s relationship dates back to childhood. However, Dámaso is the godfather of María-Clara and opposes the marriage. He wishes to drive the two apart and eventually achieves. He arrives uninvited to a dinner party hosted by Ibarra and dishonors the memory of his late father, which baits the latter into retaliation. Ibarra physically attacks Dámaso, holding him at knife point and threatening to kill him. María-Clara intervenes and prevents Ibarra from completing the deed, but the damage is done. As punishment for the assault, Ibarra is excommunicated and thus, the couple’s engagement is annulled.

The Captain General, the King’s representative in the Philippines, intercedes on Ibarra’s behalf. Once again, Dámaso and his colleague Father Salví are disgruntled and see the Captain General’s respect for Ibarra as a threat to their power. Salví’s role in the novel becomes more prominent after this incident, as he works on a scheme to take down Ibarra once and for all.

Ibarra befriends Elías , a fellow Filipino who is involved with a subversive group planning an uprising. Because Elías is knowledgeable of the town’s underground, he is able to warn Ibarra of the attempts to have him framed and killed. Their friendship is unusual as they are not of the same class, but they have mutual respect for each other—and this respect enables them to strengthen their alliance.

Through no fault of his own, Ibarra’s life is turned upside down by the same forces that claimed the life of his father. As the novel comes to a close, the progress that Ibarra advocated for is put on hold. However, Dámaso suffers a private defeat as María-Clara holds a secret against him, one that would destroy his reputation in town. Dámaso is eventually moved out of San Diego and with him out of the way, the possibility of reform is made more possible than ever.

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Understanding the Themes of the Filipino Novel "Noli Me Tangere"

• Celine Bernadette Francisco
• Categories : Literature study guides and chapter summaries
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Freedom From Spain

“Noli Me Tangere,” the first novel written by the Philippine’s national hero Jose Rizal, mirrors its creator’s persistence in attaining freedom from the Spaniards. True enough, as Rizal aimed to redeem the country and its people by exposing the barbarity, greed, cruelty and ignorance of the Spanish colonizers, his work reflected the struggles of the Tagalogs — being the first to project such a bold account of living in the 1800s in the Philippines. Likewise, as “Noli Me Tangere” portrays the different aspects of gaining independence, Jose Rizal focuses on social climbers, abusive power, family devotion, self sacrifice, and purity and faithfulness.

Social Climbers

Representing the various classes of society during the late 1800s in the Philippines, Jose Rizal includes personalities such as Doña Victorina and Capitan Tiago. These characters, indeed, show how people tend to associate with higher classes of society, specifically the Spaniards and the illustrados (“learned” ones) and mestizos . Capitan Tiago, in this instance, portrays this character as he gives friars lumps of money as ecclesiastical donations and even invites the parish curate at his home every dinner. Aside from that, he also supports the government’s tax increases, leading to his title of gobernadorcillo , the highest post a non-Spaniard can attain.

Meanwhile, Doña Victorina’s character in the novel shows an obsession in becoming Spanish. She does this by covering her face with too much makeup, dressing just like Spanish women, speaking Spanish (though incorrectly), and basically promotes the “colonial mentality” as she prefers being just like a Spaniard when in fact she is a Filipino.

Abusive Power

Having been colonized by Spaniards since the 1500s, the author depicts the Filipinos suffering abuse from civil guards, friars and other government officials. Using their power to mistreat civilians, the civil guards harass them because of simple causes, such as not rendering the customary salute, not being able to show identification cards, etc. The same goes with friars who commercialize religion through simony and plenary indulgence. Government officials, likewise, make use of their power to control those whom they believe would be detrimental to the Spanish rule. Just as Crisostomo Ibarra, the main character in the novel, experiences this through the death of his father (Don Rafael), this theme in “Noli Me Tangere” comes to life.

Family Devotion

Never forgetting the positive qualities of the Filipinos, Jose Rizal still highlights devotion to one’s family through Crisostomo Ibarra, Maria Clara and Sisa. With the death of Don Rafael, Ibarra’s father, Crisostomo traces all means to seek for justice. This is also true with Maria Clara, an obedient daughter to Capitan Tiago. Consenting to her father’s request that she marry a Spaniard (as requested by Padre Damaso), Maria Clara adheres to this (but gets very ill afterward). Sisa, on the other hand, definitely shows her devotion to her family by doing everything to serve her family. Considering her children (Basilio and Crispin) as her treasures, she endures the trials she goes through just to keep them secure.

Self Sacrifice

Just as Jose Rizal sacrificed himself for his country, “Noli Me Tangere” also conveys this message all throughout its text. Starting off with Sisa’s never-ending sacrifices for her children, she withstands her husband’s beatings and even takes on the journey of finding her sons, thereby showing her real love as a mother.

Purity and Faithfulness

Maria Clara portrays purity and faithfulness as she remains true to her love for Crisostomo Ibarra. Even though she is engaged to a Spaniard, she still does not submit herself to him because of her undying love for Ibarra. Thus, she prefers to become a nun and hence dies afterward when Padre Salvi rapes her.

Another very evident theme in the novel turns out to be patriotism. Portrayed by Crisostomo Ibarra and Elias, these two men earnestly desire for independence from the oppressors. Although different in their means for seeking reform, they both profess their goals.

Since Elias resolves for a revolt against the Spaniards, he finds all means to lead a revolution against the friars, civil guards and government officials. Believing that God will bring forth justice over Filipinos depicts patriotism by all means.

All in all, “Noli Me Tangere” shall forever remain as one of the most powerful tools the Philippines has ever had to spread awareness on the “social cancer” and to fight for independence. As Jose Rizal used various themes to spread the word regarding the battle against abusive power, injustice, false religious claims and other inappropriate dealings with innocent people, the cause Rizal started more than a hundred years ago shall endure.

Gagelonia, Pedro A. Rizal’s Life, Works, and Writings. National Bookstore, Inc., 1974.

Jose Rizal University. “Noli Me Tangere: Mga Tauhan”, https://www.joserizal.ph/no02.html

Image Credit : Jose Rizal on a Mug by Michael Francis McCarthy under CC BY 2.0

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Historical Context and Time  

     The Spanish colonial era of the Philippines can be traced all the way back to 1565 when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established a permanent Spanish settlement in Cebu City (Barrows, 1914, p. 127-130). The Spanish colonial era lasted a little more than three centuries, placing Noli Me Tangere , which was published in 1887, closer toward the end of the Philippines’ Spanish colonial era. Before reading any further, it should be noted that in this exhibit, the term “Spanish authorities” is used to refer to the Spanish clergy comprised of friars of the following faiths: Augustinians, Franciscans, Jesuits, Dominicans, and Recollects; as well as state figures who were Spanish. The Spanish authorities centralized their government in by establishing an archdiocese in Manila (Boquet, 2017). Not only did this central placement of power for the Spanish authorities explicitly unite the church and state in advancing Spanish administration, it also granted them stable rulership over both the Philippines’ cultural and political affairs. 

     Upon the Spaniards’ arrival to the Philippines, one of their initial objectives was to convert Filipinos to Christianity. So, churches and abbeys grew to become an important space of socialization within the everyday lives of Filipinos. Not only was the Church integral to building Filipino communities, the Church also controlled the country’s printing presses, which allowed them to embed religion within the country’s literature (Boquet, 2017). Dominican friars also established educational institutions where they strictly controlled curricula and heavily emphasized religious themes (Boquet, 2017). The Spanish authorities also took on civil administration roles that concerned the nation’s finances and infrastructure building (Boquet, 2017). A provincial taxation system was built that “extorted” Filipino civilians and didn’t use the collected fees for the betterment of the Filipino people in any way, shape, or form (Lala, 1898, p. 62-63). The Spaniards also exploited Filipino labourers to build churches and other religious buildings meant to serve the friars (Boquet, 2017). The Spanish friars who were assigned to specific municipalities to serve as civil administration went on to become powerful landowners who were known to persecute their townships’ locals (Boquet, 2017). With the Filipino people being oppressed and exploited by the Spanish and Spanish-speaking elite, many lower-class Filipinos were increasingly becoming resentful of the discrimination and persecution they faced.

     The very idea of Noli Me Tangere was conceived by Rizal at a meeting in Madrid among other Filipino patriots. Rizal proposed that a book that detailed the Philippines’ dismal condition under Spanish authorities and had Filipino artists’ drawings would be good propaganda for their cause (Craig, 1913, p. 121). In 1885, Rizal finishes ¼ of the novel while living in Paris, France (Craig, 1913, p. 126). On February 21, 1887, Rizal finishes writing his first novel ever, the Noli , in Berlin, Germany—the same city where the novel’s eventually published (Nery, 2012, p. 33).

     Being one of the most active patriots in demanding Philippine political reform while living in Spain, Rizal grew in popularity and was viewed “as the intellect, the inspiration, and the energy behind the cause” of Filipinos fighting for independence against the Spanish authorities (DeStephano, 2015, p. 118). In letters to his friends Gregorio del Pilar, Ferdinand Blumentritt, and Mariano Ponce, Rizal further reveals that the Noli was written for his country, his fellow Filipinos, and most especially for the purpose of inspiring passion among his people (Guerrero, 2012, p. 145). He had hoped to ignite this passion by exposing the sociopolitical conditions of the Philippines under Spanish rule that have impoverished and dehumanized the Filipino people through the Noli’s satirical critique of the Spanish friars and state figures. 

     However, perhaps inspired by his time living in Spain as suggested by Craig (1913, p. 130), Rizal also makes known his fellow Filipinos’ general shortcomings and role in the Spanish authorities’ corrupt rule over their country by showcasing their tendency to be hypocritical and docile through specific parts of the novel (e.g. Ibarra’s father being abandoned by everyone when he’s charged with a number of accusations). Rizal reveals another purpose of the novel to his readers in its dedication section: 

“ Palibhasa'y nais co ang iyong cagaling̃ang siyáng cagaling̃an co rin namán, at sa aking paghanap ng̃ lalong mabuting paraang sa iyo'y paggamót, gágawin co sa iyo ang guinágawà ng̃ mg̃a tao sa úna sa canilang mg̃a may sakít: caniláng itinátanghal ang mg̃a may sakít na iyan sa mg̃a baitang ng̃ sambahan, at ng̃ bawa't manggaling sa pagtawag sa Dios ay sa canilá'y ihatol ang isáng cagamutan. ” -Rizal (1886/1909, p. 20-21)

In English, this roughly translates to:

“Because I wish for your wellbeing, which is our wellbeing, and in my search for a better course of treatment for you, I will do for you what those that have come before us have done for their sick: they present their sick at the steps of the church, and with everyone’s call upon God might they be prescribed a cure.”

Here, he implores Filipinos to use the Noli to both educate themselves on the Philippines’ condition and help determine a cure for their country’s societal ailments.

     More than this, however, Rizal also meant for the Noli to become a canonical text within Philippine literature and build a foundation for nationhood upon which Filipinos could finally recognize themselves as one nation rather than the scattered municipalities they’ve been separated into by Spanish authorities. Dr. Maximo Viola recalls Rizal claiming that most of the characters he included in the Noli “were his relatives and friends” (Guerrero, 2012, p. 139). Blumentritt was also told by Rizal that the Noli was meant to demonstrate Philippine society within “the last ten years” that preceded the novel’s publishing (Guerrero, 2012, p. 139). This demonstrates how Rizal purposely built his first novel upon the Filipino people and the country’s history in order for Philippine canon to authentically represent the nation that was yet to be. This alone was reason enough for Guerrero (2012, p. 139) to declare the novel “the first real Filipino novel.” Additionally, Rizal explicitly writing the novel for the Filipino people not only expressed his desire for the national community to join in on the discourse of their nation’s condition; it emphasized his purpose to build a national community in this way: a Filipino people united through patriotism.

     As soon as the novel was published, Rizal was adamant about smuggling copies of the Noli into the Philippines and disseminating it among Filipinos. This is demonstrated in Rizal’s communication with Mariano Ponce that reads, “Try to send copies of the Noli Me Tángere to the Philippines by all the means at your command. I think the book will do good there. Even if the copies are not paid for!” (Guerrero, 2012, p. 146). Rizal was well aware of the backlash that awaited him as mentioned in a letter to his friend, Ferdinand Blumentritt, “The regime and the friars will probably attack my book…” (Guerrero, 2012, p. 151). Just as Rizal had predicted, the Spanish authorities, indeed, ended up attacking the novel. On August 30, 1887, the Dominican Archbishop Pedro Payo, backed by a specially organized council at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), alerted Governor General Emilio Terrero about Rizal’s novel that was “heretical, impious and scandalous in its religious aspect, and unpatriotic, subversive of public order and harmful to the Spanish Government and its administration of these islands, in its political aspect” (Guerrero, 2012, p. 152). Terrero referred the matter to the friars and parish of the Board of Censorship, only to be followed by Friar Salvador Font who issued an official report that recommended the novel's censorship on December 29, 1887 (Guerrero, 2012, p. 152). Around the same time, Terrero had telegraphed Rizal to express his interest in both the author and the infamous novel (Craig, 1913, p. 136). Nothing officially came of the Manila censors’ report on the Noli and so Terrero, worried about Rizal’s safety, assigned the author a bodyguard named José Taviel de Andrade (Craig, 1913, p. 136-137). 

     The Spanish authorities turned to extrajudicial oppression following the lack of response to the official issue of censorship. For example, in Manila, Laureano Viado’s house was inspected by police officers where they discovered copies of the Noli (Guerrero, 2012, p. 152). The medical student was imprisoned without hearing along with his landlord afterwards (Guerrero, 2012, p. 152). Two months following the Manila censors’ recommendation and with Rizal leaving the country, the Noli was promptly censored in 1892 (Guerrero, 2012, p. 152). Circulation of the novel became restricted following its prohibition, but even so, it quickly became famous. The Noli’s reputation spread by word of mouth and became famous because of rumours surrounding the text—not necessarily because of the text itself (Claudio, 2018, p. 42). Rizal’s novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo , were so popular that neighbourhoods would bury the censored texts in gardens (Craig, 1913, p. 185). The ruse was so elaborate that when the books were being removed from the garden to be read, a dance would be used to distract the rare few informants (Craig, 1913, p. 185). With absolutely no regard for civilians’ private property, Spanish authorities persisted in searching houses while civilians simply dealt with “a hole in the ground, the inside of a post,” repaired hollowed out walls, or even set fires in order to preserve their banned texts (Craig, 1913, p. 185).

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Noli Me Tangere

Noli Me Tangere: How to Write Reflection Paper

Welcome to The Knowledge Nest, your go-to resource for insightful information and expert guidance. In this article, we will explore the process of writing a reflection paper on the masterpiece novel, Noli Me Tangere, written by Jose Rizal. Whether you are a student or a literature enthusiast, this comprehensive guide will provide you with valuable tips and techniques to craft a compelling reflection essay that reflects your understanding and interpretation of this iconic literary work.

Understanding Noli Me Tangere

Noli Me Tangere, which translates to "Touch Me Not" in English, is a powerful novel written by Filipino national hero, Jose Rizal. Published in 1887, this revolutionary piece of literature is considered a cornerstone of Philippine literature and an important work that shed light on the social and political climate of the time.

The novel tells the story of Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, a Filipino who returns home to the Philippines after pursuing education in Europe. As Juan delves into his exploration of the society he left behind, he uncovers deep-rooted corruption, religious hypocrisy, and social injustices. Through vivid characters and thought-provoking plotlines, Rizal effectively portrays the struggles and challenges faced by the people during the Spanish colonial era.

Why Write a Reflection Paper on Noli Me Tangere?

Writing a reflection paper on Noli Me Tangere offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the themes and messages conveyed by Rizal in his masterpiece. This process encourages critical thinking, self-reflection, and a deeper understanding of the intricate layers of the story.

When crafting a reflection paper, you will need to analyze the characters, themes, and societal issues presented in Noli Me Tangere. This requires a thorough examination of the novel, drawing connections to real-life situations, and expressing personal thoughts and insights. Through this process, you will develop a deeper appreciation for the work, while refining your analytical and writing skills.

Tips for Writing an Outstanding Reflection Paper

Now that you understand the significance of writing a reflection paper on Noli Me Tangere, let's explore some helpful tips to create an outstanding essay that captures the essence of the novel:

• 1. Read and Familiarize Yourself: Begin by thoroughly reading the novel, taking notes on important passages, character development, and key themes. This will ensure a strong foundation for your reflection paper.
• 2. Identify Key Themes: Noli Me Tangere addresses various universal themes such as social inequality, corruption, religion, and love. Identify the themes that resonate with you the most, as they will form the core of your reflection essay.
• 3. Reflect and Ask Questions: Engage in critical reflection about the novel. What are the moral implications of the story? How do the characters relate to real-life situations? Ask yourself thought-provoking questions that will guide your analysis.
• 4. Incorporate Personal Insights: A reflection paper is a platform to express your personal thoughts and interpretations. Share your unique insights on the events, characters, and overarching messages in Noli Me Tangere.
• 5. Support with Evidence: Just like any academic paper, it's important to support your claims with evidence. Incorporate specific examples from the novel to back up your ideas and arguments.
• 6. Structure Your Essay: Organize your essay coherently, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of your analysis, building a cohesive argument.
• 7. Revise and Proofread: Take the time to revise your essay, ensuring clarity, coherence, and proper grammar. Proofread carefully to catch any errors or typos that may detract from your overall message.

Writing a reflection paper on Noli Me Tangere is an enriching experience that allows you to delve into the depths of this iconic masterpiece. By engaging critically with the novel's themes and messages, you will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for Rizal's contribution to Philippine literature.

Remember, a successful reflection paper is not just a summary, but an exploration of your personal thoughts and insights. Follow the tips outlined in this guide, take your time, and craft a compelling essay that showcases your analytical skills and unique perspective.

Experience the power of Noli Me Tangere through the lens of your own reflection paper, and discover the impact this influential work can have on your intellectual growth.

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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.

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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Ano ang mangyayari kapag ikaw ay natawag na filibustero

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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
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Noli Me Tangere by Jose Rizal Sample essay

PURPOSE OF THE TEXT: Jose Rizal wrote Noli Me Tangere during the time of the Spanish occupation in the Philippines. The novel is a reflection of what the Filipinos were going through during that time. He wrote it to open the eyes of the Filipinos to the reality that they were being oppressed. Rizal’s book persistently unmasks contemporary Spaniards in the Philippines of every kind. He exposes corruption and brutality of the civil guards which drive good men to crime and banditry. He focuses on an administration crawling with self-seekers, out to make their fortune at the expense of the Filipinos, so that the few officials who are honest and sincere are unable to overcome the treacherous workings of the system, and their efforts to help the country often end up in frustration or in self-ruin.The Noli is Rizal’s exposé of corrupt friars who have made the Catholic religion an instrument for enriching and perpetuating themselves in power by seeking to mire ignorant Filipinos in fanaticism and superstition. According to Rizal, instead of teaching Filipinos true Catholicism, they control the government by opposing all progress and persecuting members of the ilustrado unless they make themselves their servile flatterers.

STYLISTIC FEATURES: Rizal exaggerated a bit, as in his portrayal of characters like the friars Damaso, Salvi, and Sibyla; the two women who were preoccupied with prayers and novenas, and, the Espadañas but, on the whole, the novel follows the basic rules of realism. Humor worked best where a more serious presentation of the general practices of religion during that time (and even up to present time) would have given the novel a darker and pessimistic tone. Rizal’s description of the lavish fiesta showed the comic antics at church and the ridiculous expense for one day of festivities.

TONE: The superstitious and hypocritical fanaticism of many who consider themselves religious people; the ignorance, corruption, and brutality of the Filipino civil guards; the passion for gambling unchecked by the thought of duty and responsibility; the servility of the wealthy Filipino towards friars and government officials; the ridiculous efforts of Filipinos to dissociate themselves from their fellowmen or to lord it over them–all these are ridiculed and disclosed. Nevertheless, Rizal clearly implies that many of these failings are traceable to the misguided policy of the government and the questionable practices of the friars.

TITLE: “Noli me tangere” is a Latin phrase that Rizal took from the Bible, meaning “Touch me not.” In John 20:13-17, the newly-risen Christ says to Mary Magdalene: “Touch me not; I am not yet ascended to my Father, but go to my brethren, and say unto them I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God.”

STORY/CONTENT: The first of two canonical 19th-century novels, Noli Me Tangere revolves around Crisostomo Ibarra who, after a seven-year stay in Europe to study, comes home to his town of San Diego, brimming with the desire to contribute to the development of the townspeople. More specifically, as a reformist, he aims to make education accessible to more people. His idealism, however, cannot bear fruit because of insidious forces bent on destroying him.

Ibarra learns that his father, Don Rafael, had been embroiled in a conflict with Padre Damaso, who eventually causes his humiliation and death. It is not only political power that the friar wields; he has also used power to seduce the mother of Maria Clara, Ibarra’s sweetheart. Ibarra has another enemy in the person of Padre Salvi, who lusts after Maria Clara. It is also Padre Salvi who almost causes Ibarra’s death at the groundbreaking ceremonies for the school. Things come to a head when Ibarra is implicated in a failed uprising instigated by Padre Salvi. The young man is imprisoned but is eventually rescued by Elias, whose life Ibarra has saved in the past. As the novel ends, the thoroughly disillusioned Ibarra sees a bleak future.

CHARACTERS: * Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, the main character, is a young illustrado who has been studying in Europe for 7 years according to the wishes of his father. Influenced by his father, his studies and his observations of other countries, he has developed patriotic and progressive ideas which he wishes to put into action in his country. He is very much like Rizal himself. Quoted as saying that to achieve liberation, they need the “catuiran ng lakas” , or the use of force. * María Clara de los Santos is Ibarra’s faithful, pure and modest sweetheart. She is the portrait of an ideal woman, partly drawn perhaps from Rizal’s love Leonor Rivera. * Padre Dámaso was once a good friend of Ibarra’s father. He was, until the start of the novel, the domineering and condescending curate of San Diego, where the property of the Ibarra family is located, and continues to be a powerful figure in San Diego. Biological father of María Clara, as he takes advantage of Doña Pia, mother of María Clara and wife of Capitán Tiago

* Padre Salví is the new parish priest of San Diego, who lusts after Maria Clara. * Elías, a common laborer whose family has suffered much, dreams of revolution. He may be said to represent another side of Rizal. * Pilosopong Tasio is an old man who received an excellent education in his youth but was persuaded into discontinuing his studies, which he was told would lead him away from his faith. The character is based on Rizal’s older brother, Paciano. * Sisa is the mother of two young boys who disappear. With her mother love, her grief and her frustration, she is thought to represent the suffering motherland. * Crispín- brother of Basilio. Dies at the hands of the “sacristan mayor” and Padre Salví. * Basilio- brother of Crispín and son of Sisa and Pedro. Last person to see Elías alive.

* Capitán Santiago de los Santos – also known as Capitan Tiago, he accepts María Clara as his own daughter. * Doña Victorina is a native woman who desperately tries to look like a Spaniard. She was so determined to marry a Spaniard that she was willing to settle, late in life, for a toothless stuttering man. She convinces him to pretend to be a doctor to raise their status and society. * Don Tiburcio is a former customs official who pretended to be a prestigious medical doctor in town as his bread and butter. He is the lame, stuttering husband of Doña Victorina. * Doña Consolación is the muse of the cuartel. She is the violent wife of the Alferez and has treated Sisa cruelly. * Alfonso Linares is the godson of Padre Damaso and a distant cousin of Don Tiburcio from Spain. He is hard pressed to be Maria Clara’s fiance instead of Ibarra. * Padre Sibyla is a Dominican friar who is the curate of Binondo. His character is a stark contrast to that of Padre Damaso.

PROBLEM: There was a cancer in the time of our national hero Jose Rizal that he elaborately depicted through his novel “Noli Me Tangere,” metastasized in every fiber of Philippine society back then, having its roots in the prolonged oppression of the Filipinos by our Spanish colonizers. Today, we see cancer in the Philippines again, and our people and environment have shriveled badly from this cancer, which is on its terminal stage.

What is the main problem with the Philippines? Put in another way, what is Philippine society’s cancer today? The main problem with the Philippines can be seen from the perspectives of different sectors; and thus, there can be many answers to this question.

From the point of view of the citizens, the main problem is the dirty politics of traditional politicians. There is no end to election fraud and accusations of election fraud. Then there are also politicians in power who bicker and accuse endlessly. Some even kill their political opponents, and the murders they commit to keep themselves in power are barbaric. Thus, our nation is in a constant mode of being destabilized from all sides – from those in power and those who are not in power.

From the point of view of entrepreneurs or the market, the main problem is graft and corruption in government offices. It has become abnormal not to pay “under-the-table” to get a business permit or a government clearance.

From the point of view of politicians, the main problem is a personality-based politics, wherein celebrities without any platform nor preparation for public service win by a landslide at the polls and end up mismanaging their public office and the public funds.

From the point of view of public administration employees or civil servants, the main problem is their low pay such that they need to earn extra from extortions and sideline-selling to adequately provide for their families.

From the point of view of the Church, the main problem is the Government’s interference on matters of faith as it pushes bills that undermine morality and one’s religious beliefs, although advocates of those bills see them as timely remedies to socio-economic problems.

Just like the Indian tale of “The Blind Men and The Elephant,” wherein not one of the six blindmen saw the elephant, but rather one claimed it was a wall, another a spear, another a snake, another a tree, another a fan, and the last one a rope, because each of them experienced only a part of the elephant and not its entirety, so also each sector of our society see but facets and symptoms of the cancer that has kept us way behind the nations that used to learn at our heels.

What is our cancer? What cannot we touch? Rizal’s writings and martyrdom sparked the hearts of the Filipinos towards a fight for freedom from our foreign oppressors. But ironically, whereas our people’s struggles before were against foreign domination, our modern-day “Noli Me Tangere” is about the Filipinos’ struggle against fellow Filipinos entrusted with the role to lead and serve the nation. This is our cancer today: Filipinos are against fellow Filipinos.

MESSAGE: Noli Me Tangere or Touch Me Not… was the a controversial novel of Rizal aside from the predicaments he encountered just to publish this novel. He did it to ridicule the friars and let the Filipinos be awoke of the oppression and learn to fight. It contained all the immoralities of the spaniards. So I think the messege we can get from it is learn how to fight in a peaceful manner, fighting doesnt need a bolos, a sumpit or lantakas but it can also be possible using your pen, your wisdom. As a Filipino we should learn to be united in deeds and be educated and learn to argue rationally.

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