ACOSTA ROSE ANGELA R BSN III C

Noli me tangere

Noli Me Tangere (translated as Touch Me Not) is a novel written by Jos Rizal which
served as an eye opener and wake up call to the Filipinos during his time. It was
published on the year 1887.

Upper Triangle
This represents Rizal's past life.

Silhouette of a Filipina
- believed to be Maria Clara or as the "Inang Bayan" to whom Rizal dictates the novel

Cross/Crucifix
- represents the Catholic faith as it rises above Inang Bayan and Filipinos (shows
dominance)
- it also symbolizes sufferings and death

Pomelo Blossoms & Laurel Leaves

- they represent faith, honor and fidelity, which are the values Rizal aspires to be
embodied by Filipinos
- pomelos are used to scent their air commonly during prayers and cleansing rituals
- laurel leaves are used as crowns during Greek Olympics for honoring the best

Burning Torch
- refers to the Olympic torch
- pertains to the awakening of Filipino consciousness
- it also sheds light to the text of the manuscript

Sunflower
- it symbolizes a new beginning
- it is compared to the happiness of which appears to be always bowing down

Lower Triangle
This represents Rizal's currents situations.

Feet
- it symbolizes the power of the friars
- it is placed on the base of the triangle (foundation) because without friars, the Filipinos
cannot stand on their own

Shoes
- it represents wealth
- it is also the footprints left by friars in teaching Catholicism

Hairy Legs
- it symbolizes the Legend of the Wolf
- the wolf shape shifts just like how friars hide their true nature and character

Helmet of a Guardia Civil

- it represents the arrogance of those in authority

Whip
- it represents the abuses and cruelties done by the Spaniards and friars as depicted in
the novel

Flogs (Suplina)
- it is used for self-flagellation
- just like the whip, this also symbolizes the cruelties of the Guardia Civil

Chain
- it symbolizes slavery and imprisonment

Rizal's Signature
- it shows that Rizal experienced and witnessed the ills and abuses that happened
during his time

Bamboo Stalks
- it represents Filipino resiliency
- despite the sufferings, Filipinos can still stand tall and firm