El Filibusterismo Reviewer Summary El Filibusterismo (also known as “The Reign of Terror”) follows the story of Simoun, formerly known as Crisostomo Ibarra, who returns to the Philippines seeking revenge after experiencing betrayal and injustice. His plan to incite a revolution ultimately fails, leaving him to confront his own failures. The novel highlights the consequences of oppression, corruption, and inequality under Spanish colonial rule. Rizal explores how colonial rule breeds moral decay, social inequality, and resistance, emphasizing education as a powerful tool for change but also warning about the desperation that leads to violence. Major Themes 1. Revolution and Revenge o Transformation of Crisostomo Ibarra into Simoun, who seeks vengeance against Spanish authorities. o Portrays the psychological toll of oppression and the consequences of radicalism. 2. Social Injustice and Oppression o Highlights the abuses of Spanish officials, friars, and the corrupt system exploiting Filipinos. o Depicts the struggles of common people under colonial rule. 3. Education as a Tool for Change o Emphasizes education as a means of enlightenment and empowerment. o Showcases the struggle of students advocating for reforms.