University of Baguio

Life and Works of Jose Rizal (LRIZAL1)

T, TH 9:30 – 11:00 (H503)

El Filibusterismo

Cyril Ignacius D. Casino

Willord O. Coo

Richelle A. Agpalasin

Famela C. Segundo

Jan Paul P. Agayao

Joshua P. Laroya

Rishma Jane S. Valencia

About the Novel . . .

• The second novel written by Rizal as sequel to Noli Me Tangere

• Dedicated to GOMBURZA

• Started on October 1887 in Calamba

• Finished in March 29 1891 in Biarritz

• Was almost not published due to lack of funds

• Published September 1891 in Ghent partially funded by Valentin Ventura

• Written four years after noli was written wherein Rizal was experiencing a lot of frustrations in
his efforts for social reform, thus giving the book a graver tone.

Filibusterismo / Filibustero

• Rizal first heard this word during the execution of GOMBURZA

• At that time filibustero referred to those who are provoking a revolution against the foreign
government

• “Dangerous patriot”

• “Rebel”

• “Subversive”

• Simoun as the Filibustero

Purpose . . .

• Same with the Noli Me Tangere

• enlighten society

• Bring Filipinos closer to truth

• Prove that liberation through bloodless means is better than revolution

Issues exposed:

• Need for reform in education

• Superstition masquerading as religion

• Abuses of the friars

• Corruption of officials

• Pretentions of social climbing natives and Spaniards

• Spanish tyranny

• Church aquiring immense political power

Noli & Fili Compared . . .

NOLI

• Aspiration

• Beauty

• Romance

• Mercy
• Humor

• Idealism

• Society is encouraged to ask and aspire for change and liberation

FILI
• Bitterness
• Hatred
• Antipathy
• Pain
• Violence
• Sorrow
• Rebellion
• Society is urged to open its eyes to reality and rebel against the Spanish government for its
oppression and abuse

Major Characters

Simoun – Crisostomo Ibarra disguised as a jeweler bent starting a revolution; cynical;

Basilio – Sisa’s son, an aspiring doctor

Isagani – Poet and Basilio's best friend; portrayed as emotional and reactive; Paulita
Gómez' boyfriend before Juanito; Idealist

Kabesang Tales – head of a baranggay, joined Simoun in rebellion after

experiencing oppression

Padre Florentino – Secular Filipino priest, chose to live alone to avoid

the temptations of a prestigious position and high

income,the last person Simoun talked to before dying

Don Custodio – High official in the government, has a mistress, Pepay

Paulita Gomez – Chose to marry the amusing rich Juanito rather

than the serious Isagani; counterpart of Leonor Rivera

Juli – Juliana, daughter of Kabesang Tales; Basilio’s sweetheart

Summary . . . .

 Crisostomo Ibarra returns disguised as Simoun

 Basilio recognizes Simoun

 Simoun tries to convince Basilio to join him but Basilio refuses

 Simoun’s first attempt at revolution fails when he hears of Maria Clara’s death and breaks down

 Basilio and mates got arrested

 Juli persuades friar to help her with Basilio’s release, but instead gets killed escaping from the
advances of the friar

 Simoun arranged Basilios release; Basilio, bitter and vengeful joins him

 Simoun Plants the bomb at the wedding reception of Juanito and Paulita filled with illustrious
guests

 Basilio bothered by his conscience tries to escape; Basilio sees Isagani and tells him about
Simouns plot

 Isagani throws the bomb into the river

 Simoun takes refuge in Padre Florentino’s house

 Simoun confesses everything to Padre Florentino

 Padre Florentino expresses his conviction that Simoun's plans failed because he chose to do them
by unjust means