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Chapter Summaries of El Filibusterismo
Chapter Summaries of El Filibusterismo
El Filibusterismo (Spanish for The Filibustering), also known by its English alternate title The Reign of Greed, is the second
novel written by Philippine national hero Dr. José Rizal. It is the sequel to Noli Me Tangere and like the first book, was written in
Spanish. Rizal began the work in October 1887 while practicing medicine in Calamba. In London (1888), he made several changes
to the plot and revised a number of chapters. Rizal continued to work on his manuscript while in Paris, Madrid, and Brussels, finally
completing it on March 29, 1891 in Biarritz. It was published the same year in Ghent.
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Chapter 9: Pilates (The Summary of “El Filibusterismo”)
The gossip about the misfortunes of Tata Selo and his family spreads around town, and a number of people are claiming that they are
not to blame for these misfortunes. The Alferez of the Guardia Civil says that he was just following a government order to collect all
firearms in town. The friar who has taken over Cabesang Tales's comments that if Tales had remained at home, he would never have
been abducted by the bandits. Hermana Penchang merely says that God brought down hardships on Tata Selo’s family because they
had not taught Juli to pray properly.
Chapter 14: In the House of the Students (The Summary of “El Filibusterismo”)
Arriving at the school dormitory, Makaraig announces that the decision to issue the permit for building the academy has been passed
to a commission headed by Don Custodio. The students then devise schemes to influence Don Custodio or Señor Pasta, a lawyer, to
give a favorable decision. Isagani volunteers to persuade Señor Pasta to support and to endorse their project.
Chapter 27: The Friar and the Filipino (The Summary of “El Filibusterismo”)
Padre Fernandez calls Isagani to discuss his involvement at the banquet in the panciteria. Their discussion centers on the policy of the
friars in educating students. Isagani argues that the friars are deliberately teaching antiquated education in order to inhibit the
aspiration of the people to be free. He argues that people who aspire to be educated are branded as filibusters. Padre Fernandez
replies that he has done what he could and that not all friars are backward and against the idea of educating the people. He says that
education can only be bestowed to a deserving and ready people.
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Chapter 30: Juli (The Summary of “El Filibusterismo”)
The news of Basilio’s imprisonment deeply troubles Juli. The town clerk, Hermana Pechang, and Hermana Bali convince Juli to ask
Padre Camorra to intercede for Basilio. She is hesitant to approach the friar since he is known to be frolicsome and fond of
women. When news reaches Tiani that Basilio is about to be shot, Juli is compelled to ask the friar’s help.