Noli Me Tangere Notes

Noli Me Tangere

Learning Outcomes

  • Appraise important characters and their representation in the novel.
  • Examine the present Philippine situation through the examples mentioned in the Noli.

Key Quote

  • Pilosopo Tasyo: "Ang bayan po'y di dumaraing dahil siya'y pipi, di tumitinang dahil natutulog…"

General Information

  • English Translation: "Touch Me Not"
  • Filipino Translation: "Huwag Mo Akong Salingin"
  • The novel was initially intended to be written by multiple authors but Rizal ended up writing it himself.
  • Translated into multiple languages including Filipino, French, German, and Chinese.
  • Notable English translations: Charles Derbyshire (1912) and Leon Maria Guerrero (1961).
  • Maximo Viola loaned Rizal 300.00300.00 pesos to publish the novel.
  • Vincente Blasco Ibanez served as Rizal’s editor and consultant.

Making of Noli Me Tangere

  • January 2, 1884: Rizal proposed the novel to a group of Filipinos in Madrid.
  • End of 1884: Rizal began writing in Madrid and finished about half of it.
  • 1885: Rizal continued writing in Paris, finishing half of the second half.
  • Rizal finished the last fourth of the novel in Germany (Wilhelmsfeld, April-June 1886).
  • February 1886: Final revisions were made in Berlin.
  • "Elias and Salome" – deleted chapter to save printing expenses.
  • February 21, 1887: The Noli was finished and ready for printing.
  • Berliner Buchdruckrei-Action- Gesselschaft: printing shop which charged the lowest rate, that is, 300300 pesos for 2,0002,000 copies.
  • March 21, 1887: The Noli Me Tangere came off the press

Cover Symbolism

  • Woman: Represents the nation and women, victims of social cancer.
  • Friar's feet: Symbolizes one of the causes of the cancer.
  • Guard’s helmet, iron chains, teacher’s whip, alferez’s scourge: Aggravating causes of oppression and discrimination.
  • Bamboo: Represents the people, forever in the background of their own country’s history.
  • Cross, maze, flowers, thorny plants, flame: Indicative of religious policy and misdirected ardor.

Characters

  • Crisostomo Ibarra:
    • Full name: Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra y Magsalin
    • Filipino who studied in Europe for 7 years; Maria Clara's love interest.
    • Son of Don Rafael Ibarra; Representation of Rizal himself.
  • Maria Clara:
    • Full name: María Clara de los Santos
    • Ibarra's sweetheart; illegitimate daughter of Father Dámaso and Pía Alba.
    • Representation of Filipina women; inspired by Leonor Rivera.
  • Elias:
    • Ibarra's mysterious friend, a master boater, and fugitive.
    • Wants to revolutionize his country.
    • Swears to protect Ibarra after being saved from a crocodile.
  • Sisa:
    • Mother of Basilio and Crispín, went insane after losing her sons.
  • Basilio:
    • Elder son of Sisa.
  • Crispín:
    • Younger son of Sisa; died from punishment after being falsely accused of stealing.
  • Father Dámaso:
    • Full name: Dámaso Verdolagas
    • Franciscan friar and María Clara's biological father.
    • Arrogant and pedantic priest.
  • Kapitan Tiago:
    • Full name: Don Santiago de los Santos
    • Known father of María Clara; lives in Binondo.
    • Filipino socialite and wealthy elite member.
  • Padre Salví:
    • Full name: Bernardo Salví
    • A secret admirer of María Clara.
  • Pilosopo Tasyo:
    • Full name: Don Anastasio
    • Portrayed as a pessimist, cynic, and madman; Representation of Paciano.

Summary

  • Juan Crisostomo Ibarra returns home after seven years in Europe, aiming for reform through education.
  • Ibarra hits Padre Damaso after learning about his father’s denied Catholic burial, leading to excommunication (later rescinded).
  • Padre Salvi accuses Ibarra of insurrection using Ibarra’s letter to Maria Clara.
  • Ibarra and Maria Clara reconcile after discussing the letters.
  • Ibarra escapes prison with Elias.
  • Elias and Ibarra flee, are chased by the Guardia Civil; one is shot, the other survives.
  • Maria Clara enters the nunnery, believing Ibarra is dead.
  • Elias instructs Basilio to dig for his and Sisa’s graves, revealing a buried treasure for Basilio's education.

Analysis

  • The melancholic fate of Maria Clara and the insanity of Sisa symbolize the country’s pitiful state.
  • Injustice and abuse of power by the Friars depict the ugly side of the Catholic church.
  • Forced Labor showed inequality before the law and robs Filipinos of their labor rights.
  • Oligarchy seen as haciendas were owned by the Friars making them the riches landlords.
  • Guardia Civils become infamous for their rampant abuses such as maltreating innocent people, raping women, and etc.

Relevance in Today's Society

  • Social Awakening: The novel's content remains relevant and relatable.
  • Education: Noli and El Filibusterismo are studied in schools to teach history and appreciate national heroes.