Mike Joshua C.

Tidalgo
BSMA 4

Jose Rizal
A.

1. Simoun insinuates himself into Manila high society and influences every decision of the
Captain-General to mismanage the country’s affairs so that a revolution will break out. He
cynically sides with the upper classes, encouraging them to commit abuses against the
masses to encourage the latter to revolt against the oppressive Spanish colonial regime.
2. Simoun attempts to kill Padre Damaso in the house of Kapitan
3. As people begin to panic, the lamp flickers. Father Irene tries to turn the wick up when
Isagani, due to his undying love for Paulita, bursts in the room and throws the lamp into
the river.

B.

Years after leaving the Philippines, Crisostomo Ibarra returns as Simoun, a rich jeweler and a
confidant of the Captain-General. Abandoning his idealism, he becomes a cynical saboteur,
seeking revenge against the Spanish Philippine system responsible for his misfortunes by plotting
a revolution. He does not attempt to fight the authorities through legal means, but through violent
revolution using the masses. I am amazed in his great love for the country and his willingness to
save the country.

The scene I like least was when the plan of Simoun failed. His plan was to conceal an explosive
inside a pomegranate-styled Kerosene lamp that Simoun will give to the newlyweds as a gift during
the wedding reception. If someone attempts to turn the wick, it will explode and kill everyone—
important members of civil society and the Church hierarchy—inside the house.