El Filibusterismo Flashcards

Flashcards based on lecture notes about El Filibusterismo by Dr. Jose Rizal.

Who is Ben Zayb and what does he symbolize?

A journalist who thinks he is the only one thinking in the Philippines; personifies a corrupted media.

Who is Placido Penitente and what does he symbolize?

A student of the University of Santo Tomas who is always miserable; may symbolize elements of Philippine society not yet infused with national sentiment or social conscience.

Who is Señor Pasta and what does he symbolize?

An old Filipino lawyer who refuses to help the Filipino students; represents the part of society that is only generous to the rich and powerful.

Who is Father Irene and what does he symbolize?

A kind friar who supports the students' appeal for a Spanish language academy; embodies the few Spaniards who are sympathetic to the Filipinos.

Whom did Makaraig represent?

Represented the well-to-do Filipino youth who had good dreams for the country; showed how the rich and poor were treated differently.

Who is Paulita Gomez?

A caricature of a woman who chooses the best option for a stable future.

Who is Father Florentino and what did he represent?

Represented the secular Filipino priests; author stressed his disapproval of a bloody revolt through this character.

Who is Juli and what does she symbolize?

Symbolizes the purity and innocence of lower-class women during Rizal's time; would rather sacrifice than give up her ideals.

Who is Basilio and what does he represent?

Represents the youth with a simple dream that his education will improve his social and economic status, indifferent and selfish to the needs of society.

Who is Maria Clara and what does she symbolize?

Can be made to symbolize the friar-dominated culture, which is now ripe for revolution.

Who is Isagani and what does he symbolize?

Symbol of the youth whose love for the country is great to the point of being branded as idealistic.

Who is Cabesang Tales and what does he symbolize?

Personified a typical Filipino content with living a simple life; also symbolizes natives and farmers whose lands were seized by the friars.

Who is Simoun and what does he represent?

Represents the revolutionaries who supported a bloody revolt against the Spanish government.

What were the objectives of Dr. Jose Rizal in writing the novel?

To defend Filipinos from accusations of foolishness, show how Filipinos lived during Spanish rule, discuss the impact of religion, and expose the corruption of the government.

In July 1891, who did Rizal write a letter to and why?

Rizal wrote the letter to Basa expressing his fear that he may need to suspend the publication.

Who partially funded the publication of El Filibusterismo?

Valentin Ventura

Where did Rizal move to make printing cheaper?

Brussels, to Ghent

When did Rizal begin writing El Filibusterismo?

October 1887 in Calamba

Who was Father Jose Burgos?

He was close to the liberal Governor General de la Torre and was active and outspoken in advocating the Filipinization of the clergy

Who was Father Mariano Gomez?

Archbishop's Vicar in Cavite, he was truly nationalistic and accepted the death penalty calmly as though it were his penance for being pro-Filipinos.

Who was known to be unfriendly to and would not countenance any arrogance or authoritative behavior from Spaniards coming from Spain?

Father Jacinto Zamora

What do the three martyred priests of Cavity Mutiny have to do with El Filibusterismo?

The novel is dedicated to them

What is El Filibusterismo in English?

The Reign of Greed

Main focus of Rizal's novels

Fighting for Freedom; Presence of Corrupt Government; Importance of Education

What is Don Custodio's symbolism?

Feels pleasure in developing a feeling of inferiority among the people.

What is the message of Fili?

The present system of government in the Philippines through corrupt officials, dominated by the friars can lead to the downfall of Spain.