Noli Me Tangere

Rizal's Journey to Publish Noli Me Tangere

• Writing Timeline

  • Toward the end of 1884, Rizal began writing in Madrid and finished half of the novel.

  • Continued in Paris (1885) and completed it in Germany, prioritizing scientific research and philosophy free of external controls.

  • Final revisions of the manuscript completed in February 1886.

• Challenges Faced

  • Rizal felt despair over publication due to sickness and poverty, nearly destroying the manuscript.

  • Dr. Maximo Viola offered both financial assistance for printing and living expenses.

  • To cut costs, Rizal removed certain passages, including "Elias and Salome".

• Publication Details

  • The novel completed and ready for printing by February 21, 1887.

  • Found a Berlin printing shop to produce 2,000 copies at P300.00.

  • "Noli Me Tangere" published on March 21, 1887.

  • First copies sent to close friends, with galley proofs gifted to Viola as appreciation.

Rizal's Objectives in Writing Noli

• Main Objectives

  • To expose social disorders affecting the Philippines.

  • To awaken and develop national consciousness among Filipinos.

• Rizal's Reflections

  • Expressed in letters:

    • Wrote for his country to evoke feelings in his countrymen.

    • Described social conditions, beliefs, and grievances, highlighting hypocrisy disguised as religion.

• Themes Addressed

  • Uncloaking and unmasking the hypocrisy of the Spaniards and the cloak of religion

  • Aimed to convince Spanish authorities of the need for reforms in society, government, and the Catholic Church.

  • Identified equal culpability of Filipinos in societal issues—hypocrisy and indifference.

Noli Me Tangere: A Historical Context

• Nature of the Novel

  • Combines fictional characters with real historical figures and a social structure typical of colonialism.

• Character Portrayals

  • Characters such as friars are portrayed exaggeratedly to convey the reality of corrupt practices.

Symbolism in Noli Me Tangere

• Title Meaning

  • "Noli Me Tangere" translates to "Touch me not", reflecting themes of longing and unfulfilled love.

  • Derived from John 20:17, representing a deeper commentary on illness, suffering, and sacrifice for the greater good.

  • Fun Fact: The name is also used by opthalmologists for cancer of the eyelids:

    • The History of human sufferings is a cancer of so malignant a character that the least touch irritates it and awakens in it the sharpest pains.

• Cover Symbolism

  • Illustrates both the best and worst aspects of Philippine life:

    • Woman is a Symbol of Constancy

    • Tombstone is a symbol of religious faith

    • Laurel and flower of the pomelo, worn by bride and groom, symbolized purity

    • Behind the title is a covered letter dedicated to Rizal’s parents

    • The flower mirasol represented youth seeking the sun

    • Bamboo stalks meaning the green of renewal

    • Helmet of Civil Guard, Whip and Instruments of torture, and the foot of a friar symbolized the atrocities and sufferings in Philippine Life at that time

• Preface

  • Rizal wrote “I will strive to reproduce thy condition faithfully, without discriminations; I will raise a part of the veil that covers the evil

Major Themes in Noli Me Tangere

• Exposures of Society (the Good and the Bad)

  • Highlights government corruption, abuse of power, and ignorance prevalent among Spaniards and Filipinos.

  • Rizal critiques both the clergy and fellow Filipinos:

    • Administration went out to make fortune at the expense of Filipinos

    • Corrupt friars made the Catholic faith an instrument for enriching and perpetuating themselves to control government by opposing all progress and persecuting members of the illustrado

    • Superstitious fanaticism among many who see themselves as devout.

    • Corruption and brutality of Filipino civil guards.

    • Ignorance and gambling problems affecting responsibilities.

    • servility of wealthy Filipinos towards the Spaniards

    • Ridiculous efforts of Filipinos to dissociate themselves from being A Filipino

  • Highlights virtues and good qualities of unspoiled countrymen

    • modesty and devotion of the Filipina

    • the unstinting hospitality of the Filipino family

    • devotion of parents to their children and vice versa

    • deep sense of gratitude

    • solid common sense of the untutored peasant

• Calls on Filipinos to recover self-confidence, appreciate own worth, return to heritage of ancestors, and assert as an equal to the Spaniards

• Insist on need of education, dedication to the country, and of absorbing aspects of foreign cultures that would enhance native tradition

Character Insights in Noli Me Tangere (DETAILED)

Crisostomo Ibarra

• Background: Crisostomo Ibarra is the son of a prosperous Filipino businessman and has benefitted from an education in Europe, where he learned liberal ideas and Enlightenment principles. This educational background positions him as a beacon of reform and progress in the Filipino society depicted in the novel.

• Personality Traits: Ibarra is characterized by his intelligence, idealism, and fervor for social justice. He is devoted to the establishment of a modern educational system in the Philippines, convinced that education is the catalyst for empowerment and societal betterment.

• Role in the Story: Ibarra stands as a symbol of the struggle against colonial oppression and advocates for much-needed reform. His journey reveals the harsh realities he faces when trying to implement educational reforms in the face of corrupt authorities and entrenched societal norms.

• Evolution: As the plot progresses, Ibarra’s optimistic outlook is gradually eroded by experiences of betrayal, leading to a profound transformation. His disillusionment fosters a shift towards a more radical perspective towards the end of the narrative, signaling a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Filipinos.

María Clara

• Background: Raised by her father, Capitán Tiago, María Clara embodies the quintessential mestiza beauty and the traditional Filipino values of her time. She initially comes across as sweet, obedient, and naive, but also carries the weight of societal and familial expectations.

• Character Arc: Throughout the narrative, María Clara’s character evolves, revealing the complexities of her identity and her struggle for autonomy. She wrestles with deep feelings for Ibarra while being ensnared by her father’s ambitions and societal constructs.

• Symbolism: María Clara epitomizes the ideal of Filipino womanhood while simultaneously representing the oppression faced by women under colonial rule and patriarchal constraints. Her journey underscores the conflict between love and societal obligations, illustrating the limitations placed upon women during this tumultuous era.

Elías

• Background: Elías emerges as a revolutionary figure in the story, embodying the voice of the marginalized. His experiences of poverty and oppression serve to strengthen his resolve against injustices perpetrated by colonial authorities.

• Philosophy: Unlike Ibarra’s reformist approach, Elías embraces radical philosophies, advocating for revolution as a means to achieve true freedom and justice for the Filipino populace. His perspective serves as a stark critique of the status quo, urging Ibarra to confront uncomfortable truths about their society.

• Role as a Guide: Elías serves not only as a companion to Ibarra but also as a moral compass, prompting critical introspection about the larger implications of revenge and sacrifice in the name of justice. He helps illuminate the broader revolutionary context through their interactions.

Filosofo Tacio

• Background: Tacio exists as a philosopher within the narrative, representing educated Filipinos striving for social reform through intellectual discourse rather than violence. His cryptic writings and mysticism reflect the deep philosophical dilemmas that accompany the fight for national identity and social change.

• Character Traits: Tacio offers a nuanced view of the challenges faced by the educated elite, caught between colonial allegiance and burgeoning nationalistic sentiments. His insights invite readers to ponder the complexities of enlightenment and reform amidst societal chaos.

Sisa, Crispín, and Basilio

• Sisa: The character of Sisa embodies the tragic consequences of colonialism on family dynamics and motherhood. A mother who descends into madness as a result of her children being taken from her by corrupt authorities, Sisa illustrates the suffering inflicted upon the innocent in the name of law and order.

• Crispín: Crispín’s fate serves to emphasize the brutal realities confronted by the younger generation. His tragic end at the hands of abusers highlights both the cruelty of colonial rule and the overarching theme of child victimization within society. Presumably killed by Padre Salvi and Sacristan Mayor.

• Basilio: As Sisa's elder son, Basilio represents resilience and the potential for change within the oppressed. His character evolves from victimhood to one of advocacy for reform, embodying the hope for a future where the youth can rise up against injustice. His journey signifies the transformative power of education and the importance of speaking out against oppression.

Friars

• Padre Damaso: A Franciscan Friar and former Parish curate of San Diego. He is known as a notorious character who speaks with harsh words and is a cruel priest during his stay in the town. He is the real father of Maria Clara and an enemy to Crisostomo’s father.

• Padre Sibyla: A Dominican Friar, he is instructed by an old priest to watch Crisostomo Ibarra and his actions. He is known to be cool and intelligent as he corrects Padre Damaso of his tendency to be ostentatious.

• Padre Salví: A Franciscan curate of San Diego, he harbors lust for Maria Clara.

Other Characters

• Don Rafael Ibarra: Father of Crisostomo

• Don Pia Alba: Mother of Maria Clara and wife of Capitan Tiago

• Capitan Tiago: Father of Maria Clara and the cabeza de barangay of San Diego

• Alperes: Chief Guardia Civil; mortal enemy of priests for power in San Diego

• Doña Consolacion: Wife of Alperes. Pretends to be Spanish by ignorance of her country’s tongue and uses random Spanish words she does not understand

• Doña Victorina: Ambitious Filipina who identifies as Spanish through make-up

• Don Tiburcio de Espadaña: Spanish quack doctor, limp, husband to Doña Victorina

• Teniente Guevara: A close friend of Don Rafael Ibarra. Reveals to Crisostomo how his dad died

• Alfonso Linares: Eventual fiancé of Maria Clara; Practitioner of law but is later revealed to be a fraud. Died of medications from Tiburcio

• Tia Isabel: Raised Maria Clara and is the Cousin of Capitan Tiago.

• Governor General: Most powerful official in the Philippines; disdains against friars and corrupt officials; sympathizes with Crisostomo Ibarra

• Don Filipo Lino: Vice mayor of San Diego; leader of liberals

• Padre Manuel Martin: Linguistic curate of nearby town

Character Dynamics and Socio-Political Commentary

• Conflict Between Authority Figures

  • Tension between religious and governmental powers resulting in societal harm.

• Exploration of Themes

  • Sacrifice: represent nationalistic aspirations for a better future.

  • Revenge: examined as flawed motivation leading to further suffering.

Expanded Themes in Noli Me Tangere

• Religion, Power, and Education are one of the many main themes surrounded in the book

• Religion

  • Religious Critique: The novel presents a profound critique of religious hypocrisy, showcasing how faith can be manipulated to maintain control and perpetuate suffering.

    • Characters like Padre Damaso exemplify the corrupt clergy, serving as antagonists to the quest for reform and justice.

    • Salvi, although a priest, lusts for Maria Clara

    • Capital Tiago, seemingly devout, uses religion as a means of obtaining power

  • Elias, against the church hierarchy, but believes strongly in God

• Power

  • Social Injustice: The story exposes the corruption and abuse of power by both the colonial authority and the Catholic Church. It highlights the systemic oppression faced by the Filipino populace and critiques the social class stratification that allows such injustices to persist.

    • As there is a power struggle between the church and the government, utterly powerless young are caught and harmed in the middle as they do not know who to follow as both leads to harm

    • Both Rafael and Crisostomo Ibarra were excommunicated because of padre Damaso.

  • Colonial Identity: Rizal portrays the struggles of Filipinos amidst the challenges of colonial identity. Characters like Ibarra represent the enlightened Filipino who seeks a national identity that transcends colonial backdrops, while others, such as Sisa and Basilio, illustrate the impact of colonization on traditional family values and societal roles.

  • Sacrifice and Redemption: The themes of sacrifice and the quest for redemption permeate the narrative. Characters face moral dilemmas that force them to evaluate the implications of their actions and the sacrifices they must make in the name of their beliefs, echoing the broader struggle for national freedom and self-discovery.

• Education

  • Education as Liberation: A major theme is the power of education as a vehicle for social transformation and a means in fighting oppression. Characters strive for educational reforms, presenting the idea that knowledge is crucial for enlightenment, empowerment, and ultimately, the fight against colonial oppression.

  • Limitations: The church prevents Filipinos to learn Spanish, essentially preventing them from obtaining most prestigious jobs in the colonial society. Anything out of the norm in terms of values and ideas are ridiculed as seen on Filosofo Tacio and Rafael Ibarra. Despite Crisostomo being educated, he is still naive when it comes to understanding the extent of the oppression faced in the colonial society.

Conclusion

• Noli Me Tangere serves as a vital historical narrative that not only articulates the challenges faced by Filipinos under colonial rule but also presents a call for reform, education, and self-awareness among its people.

In essence, the characters within "Noli Me Tangere" are intricately crafted, each representative of various aspects of Filipino society during the colonial period. Through their personal struggles and growth, Rizal examines vital themes that critique social injustices and raise fundamental questions regarding sovereignty, identity, and the collective Filipino awakening.

Religion is a central theme in Noli Me Tangere, intricately woven into the fabric of colonial society in the Philippines. Rizal uses religion to critique the hypocrisy and moral failings of both the clergy and the colonial system, highlighting its impact on societal values and the lives of individuals. Below are the key aspects that underscore why religion is viewed as an overarching theme in the novel:

1. Religious Hypocrisy

• Corruption among the Clergy: The novel portrays several friars and clergy members, such as Padre Damaso and Padre Salvi, as corrupt figures who exploit their religious authority for personal gain. Their actions reveal how those in power can manipulate faith to maintain control and perpetuate suffering among the populace.

• Moral Conflict: Characters like Ibarra and Elías confront the discrepancies between the teachings of the church and the actual behavior of its representatives. Rizal highlights how the clergy's moral failings undermine their spiritual authority, leading to a crisis of faith among the people.

2. Religion as a Tool of Control

• Manipulation of Faith: The Spanish colonial regime used religion as a means to govern and pacify the Filipino population. The church, represented as a powerful institution, often perpetuates the status quo, using dogma to justify oppressive practices and policies.

• Divine Justification for Oppression: Rizal critiques how religion was employed to rationalize social inequalities. The characters in the novel often grapple with the notion that the church’s teachings have been distorted to serve the interests of the ruling class, undermining the core values of compassion and justice.

3. Conflict between Faith and Reason

• Enlightenment Ideals: Rizal introduces the theme of reason and enlightenment in contrast to blind faith. Characters like Ibarra advocate for education and critical thinking, demonstrating the need for a rational approach to societal issues in opposition to the dogmatic views of the clergy.

• Philosophical Dilemmas: Through characters such as Filosofo Tacio and Elías, the novel explores the philosophical conflicts between belief and enlightenment. These characters represent a shift towards a more reasoned understanding of the world, challenging the traditional religious views that dominate their society.

4. Religious Identity and Nationalism

• Search for Filipino Identity: Religion is intertwined with the struggle for national identity. Rizal suggests that the manipulation of religious sentiment has played a pivotal role in constructing a colonial identity for Filipinos, leading to a deep sense of alienation from their own culture.

• Faith as a Source of Strength: Yet, amid the criticism, Rizal recognizes faith’s role in fostering resilience and hope among the oppressed. Characters like Sisa display the deep emotional ties to religion, highlighting how it provides solace amid suffering and loss.

5. Calls for Reform and Renewal

• Rizal’s Vision of Reformed Religion: Throughout the novel, Rizal advocates for a reformed understanding of religion that aligns with social justice and moral integrity. The narrative urges for a return to the true spiritual values of compassion and community instead of the self-serving practices of corrupt clergy.

• Integration of Faith and Progress: The concluding message of the novel encompasses a call for the integration of faith with the pursuit of justice and equality. Rizal envisions a society where religion uplifts rather than subjugates, harmonizing beliefs with the quest for national liberation.