A novel of our national hero Dr. Jose P.

Rizal, Noli Me Tangere also known as “Do not Touch Me”

was indeed a work of art. It is a brilliant literature that reflects the political and social status of the
Philippines and the Filipinos during the colonization of the Spaniards in the country. It tells the struggles,
suffering and unfair treatment of the Spanish government to Filipinos in their own homeland during that
time. But as I read and scan the novel, some of the event and some certain circumstances still occur in
the present time, so I must say that the novel Noli Me Tangere is also a timeless novel.

The choice of characters are well-thought to portray each role effectively. Like for example, to
show the corruption of the Spanish priest and church during that time Dr. Rizal use the characters of
Padre Damaso and Padre Salvi. And in order for others to respect you, you should be wealthy just like
Kapitan Tiago were shown in the first chapter of the novel. In the present time Kapitan Tiago is just like
those Businessman who have a great influence to politicians and to the government itself.

Spaniards during that time address the Filipinos as Indios, meaning “bobo, mang-mang, walang
alam”. They said Filipinos are stupid because they do not know there language, even though there are
already reading and writing system the Filipinos use right before they came.

The role of Donya Victorina, plays a pivotal role on the novel. She represents those Filipinos who
resent their fellow Filipinos. She classified herself as different from other Filipinos because of her social-
status. In order for the Spanish government to adore her, she lives the way Spanish does.

The adoration of Dr. Jose Rizal to Filipino women was also shown in the novel. A role played by
Maria Clara, that reflect the true Filipina beauty. The gracefulness of her movement, a kind hearted, and
very fragile like. And because of this characteristics it became easy for other to take advantage of her
vulnerability. In real life those people who is more powerful took that advantage of them to over-power
the others.