Noli Mi Tangere: Overview and Symbolisms

Includes SAS 14 for P2

Juan Crisostomo Ibarra

• main character of the novel

• son of Don Rafael Ibarra

• gentleman who studied in Europe, full of idealism and dream to contribute to the country

Don Rafael Ibarra

• belonged to the high part of society, but had a heart for the poor

• former friend of Padre Damaso

Elias

• rebel in the novel

• saved Crisostomo from a crocodile

• symbolizes less fortunate Filipinos

Maria Clara

• Crisostomo’s lover

• symbolized a Filipina

• real child of Padre Damaso

Sisa

• Mother of Crispin and Basilio

• from a rich family and married a man who was engaged in gambling

• symbolized mothers who would do everything for the sake of her children

Kapitan Tiago

• aka Don Anastacio de los Santos

• one of the richest men in San Diego

• “father” of Maria Clara

• symbolized the Filipinos who were passive and thought of their welfare first

Padre Damaso

• head priest of San Diego for 20 years

• symbolized the abusive leaders of the church and society

Dona Victorina

• wife of Don Tiburcio de Espadana (doctor)

• social climber

• symbolized Filipinos who would give up their principles and identities as a Filipino just to be a part of the higher society

Dona Patrocino

• had an ellicit love affair with the Alferez

• symbolized the Filipina who always prayed and joined the activities in the church just to hide her bad attitudes

Pilosopo Tasio

• considered insane

• intelligent and assertiveness

• Crisostomo referred to him for truth and knowledge

• symbolized Filipinos who were intelligent and spoke of principles

March 5, 1887

Date Rizal wrote to Felix Hidalgo in French about Noli Mi Tangere

Gospel of St. Luke

Rizal’s erroneous reference to “touch me not” from the Bible

Gospel of St. John (20:13-17)

Correct Gospel reference for “touch me not”

63 chapters and 1 epilogue

Number of chapters and epilogue

Nation and women, victims of social cancer

Symbolism of a woman’s head atop a Maria Clara bodice

Causes of cancer

symbolism of friar’s feet

aggravating causes of oppression and discrimination

symbolism of guard’s helmet, iron chains, teacher’s whip, Alferez’s scourge

the people, forever in the background of the background of their own country’s history

symbolism of bamboo stands at the backdrop

religious policy, the misdirected ardor, the people strangled as a result of these all

symbolism of cross, maze, flowers, and thorny plants with flame

enlightenment, hope, progress, seeking reform

symbolism of lamp

ignorance, oppression, and injustices of colonialism

symbolism of darkness

flow of change or the societal division between rich and poor

symbolism of the Pasig River

societal upheaval or the potential for revolution

symbolism of storm

potential for education to empower Filipinos and break the cycle of oppression

symbolism of school

hypocrisy

symbolism of friar’s habit

rebellious nature and willingness to fight for change, even if it’s violent

symbolism of Tasmanian devil

purity, innocence, and idealized love

symbolism of the color white

corruption, evil, and oppressive nature of colonialism

symbolism of the color black

social hierarchy and class distinctions

symbolism of tinola neck part