NOLI

ME
TANGERE
SUMMARY

GROUP 6
Angelica A. Yañez
BS OAD 2A
 Characters of Noli Me Tangere

Juan Crisostomo Ibarra y Magsalin

Son of Filipino businessman, Don Rafael Ibarra, He studied in Europe for seven
years
Maria Clara
Crisostomo Ibarra’s fiancé, she is the most beautiful and widely celebrated girl in
San Diego. She is an illegitimate daughter of Father Damaso
Don Santiago Delos Santos “Capitan Tiago”
He is considered one of the most hospitable men in the town. He is also known as
the father of Maria Clara
Elias
He is the mysterious friend of Crisostomo Ibarra. He believes that justice can be
obtained through revolution
Friar Damaso Vardolagas
A Franciscan friar and the former parish curate of San Diego. He is known as
notorious character that speaks with harsh words and has been a cruel priest
during his stay in the town
Friar Hernando de la Sibyla
He is a Filipino friar, a Dominican curate in Binondo, described as short and has
fair skin
Friar Bernardo Salvi
He is the curate of San Diego and the secret admirer of Maria Clara

Don Anastacio
He is known as Pilosopong Tacio. He is pessimist, wise and intelligent man
Don Tiburcio Espanada
He is a false doctor and the Spanish husband of Dona Victorina
Dona Victorina
She is a woman is ashamed of being a Filipino
The Alferez
He is the Chief of Guardia Civil
Dona Consolacion
She is the wife of Alferez and passes herself off as a Peninsulares. She is very
abusive to Sisa
Sisa
A loving mother of Basilio and Crispin
Crispin
The younger son of Sisa and died because of being punished from the soldiers. He
is accused of stealing an amount of money in the convent where he works with
Basilio as a sacristan
Basilio
The eldest son of Sisa
 Chapter 1
A Social Gathering

Setting
Captain Tiago’s house
Characters
Captain Tiago
Friar Damaso
Lieutenant Guevarra
Dona Victorina
Summary
On the last of October near All Soul’s Day, Captain Tiago arranged a grand
dinner in his home. Many guests came and most of them are uninvited because
everyone wants to join since Captain Tiago is rich and known as one of the most
hospitable men in San Diego. Before the evening meal, people talk among
themselves and discuss different issues of interest. One of the visitors is Friar
Damaso who just came back in Philippines and talks so harsh about Indios and
had no regard for the rights and feelings of others whenever he opened his
mouth. Other visitors include Lieutenant Guevarra, Friar Sibyla, Dr. Tiburcio and
Dona Victorina.
 Chapter 2
Crisostomo Ibarra

Setting
Captain Tiago’s house
Characters
Captain Tiago
Crisostomo Ibarra
Friar Damaso
Lt.Guevarra
Captain Tinong
Summary
Captain Tiago greeted all the visitors and introduces Juan Crisostomo
Ibarra, whose clothes clearly depicted that he is in grief. Friar Damaso was
surprised to know that Ibarra is the son of Don Rafael. Crisostomo, who has just
returned from Europe for his seven years study, warmly greets Friar Damaso who
became a good friend of his father; however the friar denies the existence of this
close relationship. Lt. Guevarra approaches Ibarra greets him and wishes
Crisostomo’s fate will be better than his father’s. Captain Tinong invited
Crisostomo for a meal tomorrow but he rejected since he’ll be going to the town
of San Diego.
 Chapter 3
The Dinner

Setting
Captain Tiago’s house
Characters
Friar Damaso
Friar Sibyla
Crisostomo Ibarra
Captain Tiago
Summary
The meal is ready and the guests gather at the dining table. Friar Damaso
and Friar Sibyla both rush for the seat at the head of the table. Everyone is talking
and praising the delicious foods served. The rest of the seats are occupied, and
only Crisostomo Ibarra notices Captain Tiago is not seated in any of them. Ibarra
offers the Captain his seat, but he refused. Friar Damaso is jealous and mad when
Ibarra is served the meaty part of the chicken at dinner, while his was the skinny
neck. While eating, Ibarra talked with some of the guests and they learned that
Ibarra went to different countries and knows different languages. Soon after,
Ibarra leaves the scene without waiting for the arrival of his love interest, Maria
Clara. Friar Damaso laughed when Ibarra left and said Indios don’t have the right
to study abroad since it will be useless.
 Chapter 4
A Heretic and a Subversive

Setting
On the streets
Characters
Crisostomo Ibarra
Lt.Guevarra
Summary
Crisostomo Ibarra walked to his destination and realized the town has
never changed. Lt. Guevarra followed and warned him to be careful so he’ll not be
the same to his father’s unlucky fate. Crisotomo then insisted Lt. Guevarra to tell
his father’s story. According to him, Crisostomo’s father was the richest man in
their town. He was respected but envied by some. Not longer Crisostomo left the
country; Don Rafael made enemies and was falsely accused of killing someone.
He was sent to jail and named as heretic and subversive. Lt. Guevarra tried his
best to help Don Rafael. They won the case but later on after his freedom, Don
Rafael died inside his jail cell. Lt.Guevarra stopped and told him that Captain
Tiago will tell him more about his father.
 Chapter 5
A Star in the Dark Night

Setting
Fonda de Lala; Captain Tiago’s house
Characters
Crisostomo Ibarra
Maria Clara
Friar Damaso
Friar Salvi
Summary
Crisostomo Ibarra arrives in Fonda de Lala where he will stay and
appreciates from a distance the lively singing and noise around Captain Tiago's
house, which could be seen from the hotel window. He was confused and thinks
about his poor father's death, and how life must have been extremely terrible for
him in prison. Meanwhile, at the Captain's house, Maria Clara arrives. Friar
Damaso shows great appreciation for the lady. Everyone stares at her most
especially Friar Salvi who was late and was not able to join the supper.
 Chapter 6
Captain Tiago

Setting
San Diego
Characters
Captain Tiago
Pia Alba
Friar Damaso
Maria Clara
Aunt Isabel
Summary
Captain Tiago is one of the richest man in the town, he have a lot of
business and one of the most influential man. He is most likely powerful to the
government and a friend to friars. He sees himself as a full Spanish and not a
Filipino but he is short, has kayumanggi skin and rounded eyes. He and his wife,
Dona Pia Alba, have been childless for years. After consulting Friar Damaso, the
priest advised them to attend holy mass at the town of Ubando. Shortly after, Pia
was with child. But, she becomes sickly and troubled for the entire duration of
her pregnancy. She died after giving birth to a daughter, Maria Clara. Friar
Damaso became her godfather when she was christened and was taken cared by
Aunt Isabel, the cousin of Captain Tiago. Maria Clara and Crisostomo Ibarra
became childhood friends. Captain Tiago and Don Rafael were good friends as
well and they agreed that their children will get married.
 Chapter 7
Idyll in an Azotea

Setting
Azotea in Captain Tiago’s house
Characters
Crisostomo Ibarra
Maria Clara
Captain Tiago
Aunt Isabel
Summary
Early in the morning Aunt Isabel and Maria Clara attended the mass. After
the mass, Maria Clara went home and sewed while impatiently waiting for
Crisostomo Ibarra. Finally he came and had time to have a private talk with
Maria Clara at the azotea of Captain Tiago's house. This is their first time to meet
personally in seven years. They exchange thoughts, reminisced their childhood
and prove that neither of them had forgotten their love to each other. Suddenly
Maria Clara open the letter Ibarra gave her before he left for Europe; she read it
in front of him to see his reaction. In the letter stating why Don Rafael sent Ibarra
to Europe, Crisostomo suddenly stood and blushed. Maria stopped reading and
asked Ibarra why. Ibarra simply answered because of Maria Clara, he forgot his
task and needs to go now because tomorrow is All Soul’s Day. Captain Tiago told
Ibarra to tell Anding to fix their house in San Diego since Aunt Isabel and Maria
Clara will have vacation there. Ibarra nodded and left. Maria Clara felt sad and
cried going to her room. His father followed her and told her to light two candles
to San Roque and San Rafael, two Saints whom they usually pray for safe trip.
 Chapter 8
Memories

Setting
Along the way to San Diego
Characters
Crisostomo Ibarra
Friar Damaso
Captain Tinong
two daughters
Summary
From Captain Tiago's house, after a heartwarming conversation with Maria
Clara, Ibarra continues on his way to the town of San Diego. In all of the places
he passes through he notices no change in them since he left seven years ago. He
noticed that the Mariveles tree didn’t change in San Gabriel. In Escolta, he
observed that it’s even worse. Along his way, he saw Friar Damaso inside the
carriage. He also saw Captain Tinong with his two daughters in another carriage
and greeted Ibarra. He passed by Arroceros where tobacco are manufactured. He
remembers that he was fainted once because of the unpleasant smell of tobacco.
When he passed by the botanical garden, he forgot about the happy memories
and remembers the garden in Europe that is very eye-catching and welcoming.
He sighs and viewed the old Manila surrounded by thick and mossy walls.
Suddenly, he remembers the advice of a friar before he leaves for Europe: (1)
Knowledge is only reached by people who have the heart (2) Knowledge must be
nurtured so it will be passed by next and (3) Foreigners come to our lands
searching for gold, and you go must go to their lands to look for the gold as well.
 Chapter 9
Some Country Matters

Setting
Captain Tiago’s house
Characters
Maria Clara
Aunt Isabel
Friar Damaso
Captain Tiago
Friar Sibyla
Old Dominican priest
Summary
While Aunt Isabel waits for Maria Clara inside the carriage that were
headed to the nunnery to fetch the maiden's things , Friar Damaso came
whispering something and urgently entered the house .Aunt Isabel thought he
was just memorizing his sermon for the mass. Friar Damaso meets Captain Tiago
and tells him that he needs to talk with him privately for a very important matter.
Meanwhile, in Intramuros, Friar Sibyla is deep in conversation with an old
Dominican priest inflicted with a serious illness. Friar Sibyla tells him about the
conflict between Friar Damaso and Ibarra, they exchange thoughts about Ibarra.
Friar Damaso blames Captain Tiago for not being honest with him and
threatens him that he should tell him everything because he is the godfather of
Maria Clara. After he left, Captain Tiago puts off the candles Maria Clara lighted
for the two saints for Ibarra’s trip to San Diego.
 Chapter 10
The Town

Setting
Town of San Diego
Characters
Old Spaniard
Don Rafael
Don Saturnino
Friar Damaso
Summary
San Diego is a town at the margin of the lake and within the meadows and
paddy-fields. Harvested sugar, rice, coffee and fruits were then sold to the
Chinese at a very cheap price. At the dome of the church, you can almost see the
whole town and one particular distinction is the forest within the fields, which
holds many different fictions. Just like any town, San Diego also has its own
legend. Once, an old Spaniard arrived at the wood and inquired about its owner.
The old man then acquired the land in exchange for clothes, jewelry, and cash.
Suddenly, the old man disappeared. The people thought that he was taken by the
spirits but then, it was discovered by a shepherd of carabaos discovered a foul
odor and was actually the old man’s corpse decaying hanging in the Ballete tree.
Sometime later, a young man claiming that he’s the son of the deceased Spaniard.
He was Don Saturnino. He devoted his time into cultivating the land. Not long,
he married a young woman from Manila. She gave birth to Don Rafael Ibarra, the
father of Crisostomo. Unlike Don Saturnino, Don Rafael was love by the country
people. He was able to prosper his land, which brought in new settlers. The
village eventually became a town and Father Damaso became its priest after the
previous priest died.
 Chapter 11
The Sovereigns: Divide and Rule

Setting
San Diego
Characters
Don Rafael Ibarra
Captain Tiago
The town captain
Friar Salvi
The sacristan mayor
the alfere
Dona Consolacion
Summary
This chapter describes the powerful people in the town of San Diego. Don
Rafael is the father of Crisostomo. He is known as the most powerful man since
he is the richest, he is highly respected but in the end, townspeople are against
him. Captain Tiago is a rich businessman, welcomed by musical band and offered
with delightful foods if he visits the town but at his back, people call him
Sacristan Tiago. The town’s captain is like a puppet and not considered as
powerful since he bought his position for 5000 pesos and frequently yelled by the
Mayor. San Diego is similar to Rome and Italy for the competition for the
position in the town. They are Friar Salvi, a thin and youthful Franciscan and the
Alferez who’s always surrounded by civil guards. Dona Consolacion is the wife of
Alferez, a Filipina who likes to wear make-up and in his husband’s absence she
controls the civil guards. Friar Salvi and Alferez are the real powerful people in
the town of San Diego, they are called Casique.
 Chapter 12
All Saint’s Day

Setting
At the cemetery
Characters
Two grave diggers
Don Rafael
Old man
Summary
The cemetery of San Diego is at the west side of the town, in the midst of
the paddy-fields. In the center rises a large wooden cross with the inscription
INRI. At the foot of the cross is a pile of bones and skulls thrown by grave-
diggers. The cemetery looks spooky and uninhabited. On the further side of the
grave, two grave diggers were digging up a recently buried corpse. One was old
and indifferent about what they were doing and the other was dreadful. The other
exposed that a fat curate had ordered the corpse to be dug up and buried in the
Chinese cemetery but was rejected.
An old man then entered the cemetery and went straight to the pile of
skulls and bones at the foot of the cross. It was hard for him to find his wife’s
skull so he asked for the grave diggers help in return for a coin but the grave
digger was uninterested and gave him a different skull. Due to the heavy rain and
the corpse was heavy; they just decided to throw the body in the lake.
 Chapter 13
A Gathering Storm

Setting
At the cemetery
Characters
Crisostomo Ibarra
Old gravedigger
Friar Salvi
Summary
Crisostomo Ibarra went to the cemetery to visit his father’s grave. The old
gravedigger admitted that his father’s remains is no longer there and the curate
was the one who ordered them to dig up the corpse of Don Rafael and then
thrown into the lake. Ibarra left and was furious about what he knew. In his way,
he met Friar Salvi who is now the curate and attacked him with harsh words and
forcing him to kneel before him for belittling his father’s grave. Friar Salvi talks
back and said it wasn’t him then confessed that it was Friar Damaso who’s the
curate during that time and is responsible for that ill act.
 Chapter 14
Philosopher Tacio

Setting
San Diego: cemetery, church, town
Characters
Philosopher Anastacio
Basilio
Crispin
Don Felipo
Doray
Summary
Philosopher Tacio was called Don Anastacio before. He always wanders
around and looks like no sense of direction. He visited the cemetery to find the
destroyed grave of his wife. He is known as lunatic by the poor. He is a son of rich
but because of his high intelligence, his mother stopped him from going to school
because she was worried he might get too much knowledge and might forget that
there is God. His mother also wants him to become a priest but he didn’t followed
and later on married but after a year his wife died. There, he focused himself to
books and never mind the riches he inherited.
Tacio went to the church and saw Basilio and Crispin. He informed the two
sacristans that their mother is preparing them a festive dinner. He went out the
church and headed to the house of the couple Don Felipo and Doray. In their
conversation Doray mentioned about purgatory since it’s already All Soul’s Day.
Tacio defends that he don’t believe in purgatory but it’s good because it’s holy and
there’s a lot good results to the people since it’s like a connection of the living and
dead.
He then left because the rain is getting heavier with lightning and
thunders. But despite the weather, Tacio raised his two hands and shouts while
walking in the rain leaving the couple behind.
 Chapter 15
The Altar Boys

Setting
Church
Characters
Crispin
Basilio
Sacristan Mayor
Summary
In spite of the storm, the two altar brothers Basilio and Crispin had to go
up the bell tower of the church to ring the bells at eight in the evening. They only
get two pesos salary for a month for working in the church. Both boys talked
about the parish priest's lost silver. All they want is to go home to take their
supper. Crispin, the younger one, was blamed for having allegedly stolen the
money since their father is a drunkard and gambler. The mayor won’t let them go
if they didn’t return the stolen money, he was so angry then even penalized
Basilio for 3 pesos for not ringing the bell pleasantly. Crispin was tortured by the
priest and the sacristan mayor. Basilio luckily escaped.
 Chapter 16
Sisa

Setting
Sisa’s house
Characters
Sisa
Husband
Basilio
Summary
It’s already late in the evening and everyone in San Diego seems asleep but
Sisa is still awake in her small hut outside the town where Philosopher Tacio’s
house is also located. Sisa is so unfortunate for marrying an irresponsible
husband. Because of this only Sisa is working and taking care of the boys. She
was even forced to sell all her jewelries and pearls she possesses when she’s still a
maiden to provide food for family. Despite her husband’s attitude she still
understands and tolerates him. To her, husband is her God and angels are her
children.
That night, Sisa patiently waited for her two boys to come home. She had
already prepared supper that’s same like the friars. But instead of Basilio and
Crispin it was her husband, a drunkard and a gambler, who walked through the
door and ate almost all the food she prepared, leaving nothing for their sons. He
went on a rampage, and left telling his wife that if the boys ever brought home
some money she should leave some for him. Sisa can’t do anything but cry and
cook the anchovies since she knows her sons will come hungry and tired.
Minutes later Basilio arrived, out of breath and bleeding.
 Chapter 17
Basilio

Setting
Sisa’s house
Characters
Sisa
Basilio
Summary
Basilio came home drenched with blood and runs to her mother’s arms. He
told her mother that the civil guards are chasing him and tried to stop him but he
kept running so they fired a bullet to him which he was wounded. Basilio also told
his mother that Crispin was left in the convent and admits that Crispin was
accused of stealing money but he didn’t mentioned about him being punished by
the Sacristan Mayor and the friar. Sisa felt sad and cried because of what he
heard about Crispin, she sent Basilio to sleep since if their father comes seeing
them, they’ll just be beaten .Basilio requested that three of them would be better
without their father. Sisa deep inside her felt pain about what his son said.
As Basilio is sleeping, he had a nightmare. In his dreams, Crispin died in
the cruel hands of the friar and Sacristan Mayor. Sisa woke him up because of his
loud cry and asked him what he dreamt. Basilio didn’t tell her and instead told
about his plans for them: to end them working in the convent; to ask for Ibarra’s
help to hire him as a caretaker of his animals; and if he’s big enough would ask
Ibarra to give him a piece of land where they can farm. According to Basilio, it
will make their living better if ever his plans will succeed. Sisa was delighted
about his good plans for their better life but secretly cried because her husband
wasn’t included in Basilio’s plans.
 Chapter 18
Souls in Anguish

Setting
Convent
Characters
Sisa
Sacristans
Summary
That morning, people noticed that Friar Salvi is sick while he had the mass
this morning. It is All Souls' Day, and the streets are filled with people talking
about plenary indulgence and all other religious practices and beliefs relating to
the holiday. The young widows and workers are busy talking and they didn’t
notice when Sisa arrived. She makes her way to the convent to fetch her son
Crispin and expecting Crispin’s voice but she is told that the boy is not there and
that the little thief had stolen money and escaped. Sisa breaks down in tears and
left the convent with her confused mind.
 Chapter 19
The Travails of a Schoolmaster

Setting
In the lake
Characters
Crisostomo Ibarra
Schoolteacher
Summary
The teacher in the town of San Diego accompanies Ibarra to the part in the
lake where Don Rafael's body was found, and there Ibarra pays respects to the
memory of his father. The schoolteacher mentions to Crisostomo the great help of
Don Rafael in providing for children's needs for education in San Diego.
The schoolteacher also mentioned about Friar Damaso who always
intervene in the decisions and rules of the school. When the schoolteacher grew
ill he stopped teaching and when he returned for his service, his students became
few and the curate wasn’t Friar Damaso anymore so he felt at ease and
confidence, he tried to translate in Filipino the books written in Spanish and
added more subjects to teach the children.
The story moves Ibarra, and so he decides to build a school for the kids.
This, he says, will do great honor and justice to the memory of his father.
 Chapter 20
The Meeting in the Town hall

Setting
Town hall
Characters
Crisostomo Ibarra
Don Felipo
Old conservative group
Liberated group
Captain Basilyo
Summary
The town hall is a place where authoritative people held their meetings.
From the lake, Ibarra and the school teacher made their way to the town hall and
the meeting about the feast is about to begin. There are people deciding on what
type of celebration that must be held, Don Felipo is the one who organized the
meeting and there are two types of political party in the town, the old
conservative group and the liberated youths. They are discussing about the
coming feast of San Diego. The meeting came to different topics and Captain
Basilyo requests them to make their statements brief, because time is gold and
they were running out of time. Don Felipo then presented the proposal about the
expenses; they rejected it and the old conservative group proposed that they
should save money for the feast; no need for fireworks and the comedy show
should present social behaviors to diminish wicked manners. But then the
discussion came to end and the captain said they should just agree to what the
friar wants. The final decision is to have six processions, three homilies, three
high mass and comedy show at Tondo. The two groups just agreed to it.
 Chapter 21
A Mother’s Story

Setting
Along the streets
Characters
Sisa
Civil guards
Summary
Sisa is confused to what the civil guards told her and runs all the way
home. She kept worrying how she can save her two sons and that she desperately
wants to protect them from the civil guards. When she was near her home she
saw two civil guards leaving their home, she felt released because Basilio wasn’t
with them. The civil guards asked Sisa where they kept the money Crispin stole.
They force her to admit it but then even Sisa tried to please them, they didn’t hear
and carelessly dragged her to the headquarters. Sisa nearly dies of shame from
the sharp stares of the people who just finished the mass. Meanwhile, the Alferez
was troubled and then command the guards to let Sisa out. She went back again
their house and called her sons names but there were no signs of them. She
became nervous and her body uncontrollably shaking when he sees Basilio’s shirt
with blood stained on it. The next day she wandered along the streets crying,
shouting and all the people sees her with fright.
 Chapter 22
Lights and Shadow

Setting
Town of San Diego
Characters
Maria Clara
Crisostomo Ibarra
Aunt Isabel
Friar Salvi
Sisa and her husband
Summary
Maria Clara is together with her Aunt Isabel or the feast in San Diego.
Everyone was talking about and excited to see a glimpse of her since it’s been
long time since she got back to her birthplace. And everyone loves her for being
sweet-natured, kind and beautiful. Friar Salvi is among the people who were
withdrawn since her arrival. When Ibarra came, a lot even talked about them and
Ibarra always visit her. She was glad because they’ll have picnic tomorrow and
she begged him not to invite Friar Salvi but Ibarra insisted the Friar should be
there since it can’t be avoided. On Ibarra’s way home, he met Sisa and her
husband seeking for help for their sons. But Ibarra, don’t have enough time to
talk with them.
 Chapter 23
The Fishing Excursion

Setting
On the lake
Characters
Maria Clara
Crisostomo Ibarra
Elias
Maria’s friends
Summary
Its picnic day and early in the morning they go on the lake using a boat ride
headed for the forest. Everyone is enjoying the fun and excitement. Maria is with
her friends Iday, Victorina, Sinang and Neneng. While they are waiting for the
food to be cooked, Maria Clara sings a patriotic melody. This stirs the emotions
of everyone there, but most especially kindles sadness in the hearts of Elias and
Ibarra. Ibarra remembers the pain of losing his father in ways more cruel than he
could have imagined, and Elias recalls his painful past. They tried to catch fishes
in the lake but not a single fish was caught. They said that the lake is not a good
place for fishing since some crocodiles just live nearby and frightened all the fish
away. A crocodile suddenly appears and Elias tried to get rid of it but when it
nearly kills him, Crisostomo jumps off the boat and takes on the monster, saving
Elias's life. They continued fishing and they caught a lot then went to the forest
that Ibarra owns.
 Chapter 24
In the woods

Setting
In the forest
Characters
Maria Clara
Crisostomo Ibarra
Elia
Maria’s friends
Friar Salvi
Sisa
Civil guards
Summary
Friar Salvi goes through the mass hurriedly in order to join in the picnic, as
Ibarra had invited him. When he arrives he secretly follows the ladies around as
they look for a certain bird's nest. He was so happy and plans to follow them but
then he proceeds to the picnic area where the fun is. Suddenly Sisa came, Ibarra
offered her food but Sisa hurriedly went away. In the middle of all the interesting
amusement, the civil guards arrive in search of Elias. Although they are unable to
capture the man and he is nowhere to be found, the ladies decided to go home.
 Chapter 25
In the Philosopher’s home

Setting
House of Philosopher Tacio
Characters
Crisostomo Ibarra
Philosopher Tacio,
Summary
Ibarra visits the home of Philosopher Tacio that looks almost like a
library with all his many books and he saw him writing heirographics in
Filipino. They talked about a variety of things like language, history,
geography, and nature. They also talk about Elias and how the picnic went
the day before. Ibarra learns that it was Dona Consolacion, the "muse of
the civil guards," who ordered Elias's arrest. Crisostomo tells the old man
the reason for his visit to ask for advice regarding his plans of building a
schoolhouse. Philosopher Tacio responds by telling Ibarra that he had come
to the wrong person; that he should rather consult Friar Salvi, the captain,
and all the other men in office. Asking for their advice, Philosopher Tacio
does not necessarily mean that Ibarra has to follow them, only that the
latter must make it seem like he has high regard for their opinion on the
matter. Ibarra mentioned about building a schoolhouse and he wants his
advice, Philosopher Tacio was overwhelmed and further advises him to
keep his head down among the friars.
 Chapter 26
The Eve of the Feast

Setting
San Diego
Characters
Crisostomo Ibarra
Nol Juan
Philosopher Tacio
Summary
On the 10th of November, the streets of San Diego are bedazzled with
colorful decorations, there are fireworks, majestic music played by the bands, and
all the kitchens are busy preparing for varieties of delicious foods. To the house of
the rich, the foods are all served including ham and duck, beers and wines from
Europe. During feast, all foods served are for everyone. In the town plaza, they
fixed a stage for the comedy show of Tondo. Crisostomo Ibarra is busy working
out the plans for the new schoolhouse. His architect, Nol Juan, observes the
unique rafter that will be used to put down the cornerstone. Then he explains the
schoolhouse they are building, one side for the boys and the other for the girls. In
this project, a lot of rich people offered help but rejected it since it’s not for the
church. By this, Crisostomo Ibarra becomes the role model of the children the
person they would want to become when they grow up. Ibarra confidently
reports to Philosopher Tacio the obvious success of his new project. The sage in
return responds, "If you are greeted with smiles, be more watchful of enemies
hiding in the shadows”.
 Chapter 27
At Nightfall

Setting
San Diego
Characters
Maria Clara
Captain Tiago
Crisostomo Ibarra
Leper
Sisa
Summary
Everyone was enjoying the feast and among all the people, Captain Tiago’s
banquet is the most abundant and he did that on purpose because of Maria Clara
and Crisostomo Ibarra’s noble work. Ibarra’s name spread like wildfire and even
got praises in the newspapers around Manila. Maria asked permission from her
father to go out with her friend and Ibarra; he let her but advised her to come
back before supper because Friar Damaso will be joining them. Captain Tiago
also invited Ibarra but he reasoned out that they are waiting for guests in their
home.
Maria and Ibarra went out with Iday and Victoria and at their back her
Aunt Isabel. Along the way they meet an old leper. Out of pity, Maria Clara gives
to the leper her scapular as a gift. Suddenly Sisa came and held the leper’s arms,
showed him the lights in the church and told him that his son Basilio is there
then pointed at the light of the convent saying Crispin is there. Then she left
singing, the leper also left with his basket. To what Maria witnessed, she just
whispered that there are really unfortunate ones.
 Chapter 28
Letters

Setting
San Diego
Characters
Maria Clara
Summary
The newspapers in Manila describes about the feast happening at San
Diego and no any town can be compared to how grand and fanciful the feast. In
the feast, they wondered why Ibarra wasn’t around. Rumors of him being sick
made Maria Clara worried so she writes a letter to Ibarra because she hasn’t seen
him. She stated that she’ll pray and will light a candle for him for his recovery.
She also asked if he can visit her tomorrow.
 Chapter 29
The Morning

Setting
San Diego
Characters
Philosopher Tacio
Lieutenant
Don Felipo
Maria
Ibarra
Captain Tiago
Spaniards
townspeople
Summary
Early in the morning, the bands played music, the bells ring ad there are
fireworks, and the people woke up. They all put on their best dresses and
embellished with expensive jewelries except for Philosopher Tacio. The
Lieutenant greeted him and he answered that too much happiness is like
throwing money. Don Felipo agreed to it but can’t do anything because it’s what
the captain and the curate wants. The people are excited to hear what Friar
Damaso will talk in the mass.
8 in the morning, the procession started and can exactly determine who’s
poor and rich by their clothes. The procession simultaneously began with
fireworks and church songs. The procession passed by the house of Captain Tiago
where he is there together with Maria, Ibarra and the other Spaniards. Friar Salve
ignored the people he knows and just put his head up.

Chapter 30
In the Church

Setting
Church
Characters
Townspeople
Alferez
Civil guards
Friar Damaso
Sacristans
Summary
A huge number of people gathered in the church and everyone wants to
touch the holy water. The sermon is paid for P250 including the comedy show
that will perform for three nights. They feel okay to pay even it’s very expensive
and the once who will watch the comedy will go to hell while the ones who will
listen to the sermon will go to heaven. The Alferez is late, and the mass does not
start until after he arrives. When the Alferez came with his civil guards and some
people thought he’s wearing like a comedian. Friar Damaso begins the mass and
everyone puts their attention to the mass and eagerly wants to listen.
 Chapter 31
The Sermon

Setting
Church
Characters
Friar Damaso
Friars
Church goers
Ibarra
Elias
Summary
Friar Damaso proves that he can deliver the sermon in both Spanish and
Tagalog. Friar Sibyla and Friar Martin are amazed to how he delivers the words.
The sermon has two parts: the first one is in Spanish, and the second in Tagalog.
Friar Damaso only prepares for the first part, which unfortunately also turns into
a disaster when he inserts cunning comments about Ibarra when he saw him seat
in the corner. The friar's dictator becomes lost in his reading, since there are no
notes written there regarding such hateful accusations against the youth. When
time comes to start the second part of the sermon, which is in Tagalog, Damaso
does not conduct it very well, thinking that none of the natives understand proper
rhetoric. The friar overhears a student in the crowd remark that the he is
probably speaking Greek, and Friar Damaso becomes furious. A lot became
sleepy, Captain Tiago yawns and Maria wasn’t listening at all since she’s busy
looking at Ibarra where he’s seated. Friar Salvi signals Friar Damaso to end the
sermon but he still continued it. Elias approaches Ibarra right after the sermon
ends and whispers, "During the blessing, do not depart from where the curate
(Friar Salvi) stands; do not descend down the excavation; do not approach the
cornerstone because it is a matter of life and death." Elias left.

Chapter 32
The Hoist
Setting
Schoolhouse site
Characters
Nol Juan
Ibarra
Yellowish man
Elias
Philosopher Tacio
Summary
Nol Juan praises the great workmanship done by the yellowish man on the
pulley. The yellowish man is most likely suffering from malaria, which was a
common disease during those days, or a disorder of the liver. When asked where
he learned such skills, the youth replies that he was taught by his father who
learned it from a Don Saturnino. The yellowish man's father was a worker of Don
Saturnino, Crisostomo's great-grandfather, who might have undergone great
torture, suffering, and forced labor while he was in service.
Elias, disguised as a local farmer, observes that the yellowish man is
apparently impatient and nervous as he grasps onto the rope of the pulley
bearing the cornerstone. Elias positions himself beside the yellow man in
eagerness, and winks at Ibarra to remind him of the warning he said earlier
during the mass. Later when Ibarra descends to the quarry, the beam of the
pulley suddenly breaks, letting loose the cornerstone which crushes the yellowish
man to death, but leaves Ibarra unharmed. Philosopher Tacio was among the
ones who witnessed it and whispers it’s a bad start.
 Chapter 33
Free Thinker

Setting
Ibarra’s home
Characters
Ibarra
Elias
Summary
Crisostomo Ibarra went home to change his clothes. Elias arrived and told
Ibarra that he had just returned the favor for saving him before. Elias arrives. He
goes on to remind him not to hint to those people in power the warning that Elias
gave him earlier in the church. Elias explains that it would be better for Ibarra if
his enemies thought he wasn't ready. Ibarra is astonished and he had no idea he
had enemies. Actually Ibarra’s enemies are everywhere because of his ancestors
and also because of his plan in building the school. Elias doubted the yellow man
because he never asks any higher salary despite the incredible things he knows.
Ibarra was saddened because he might have a lot of things to do with his life
because of his skills. Ibarra tries to discover who Elias is, if he finished his
schooling or what. But Elias left since he knew that there will be a lot of people
who wants to talk with him. He told Ibarra that he’ll always be there since he has
that debt of gratitude to him.
 Chapter 34
The Luncheon

Setting
Schoolhouse
Characters
Ibarra
Alfere
Captain Tiago
Friar Damaso
Friar Salvi
Maria Clara
Summary
Crisostomo Ibarra returns to the schoolhouse. The famous people in the
town gathers, Ibarra and the mayor are seated on either side of the long table at
dinner. Also in attendance are Captain Tiago, the alferez, and the town captain.
Captain Tiago receives a letter, informing him that the captain general will be
visiting his house. Tiago excuses himself right away. The guests notice that Friar
Damaso is not there. Talk eventually centers on the priest's sermon during the
mass. Only Friar Salvi remains silent and motionless in his seat. When Friar
Damaso arrives, the dinner is just about finished. The priest starts declaring
insults with the intention of enraging and provoking Ibarra, but the he remains
prudent the entire time. However, when Damaso starts mocking the name of
Don Rafael, Ibarra loses his calm and attacks the friar, holding a knife to his
throat. Maria Clara stops Ibarra before he could do further hurt the friar, causing
Ibarra to drop the knife and leaves the place.

Chapter 35
The Comment

Setting
San Diego
Characters
Townspeople
Don Felipo
Kapitana Maria
Summary
News spreads about Ibarra and Friar Damaso’s encounter. There are even
rumors claiming that the friar is already dead. There are those who praise Ibarra,
like Don Felipo and those who find mistake in Ibarra's lack of prudence. Most of
the mothers talk among themselves, assured that Ibarra's soul is surely
condemned to burn in hell after what he did to a man of God. There are other
women, too, who are on his side like Kapitana Maria who claims that if her two
sons were in Ibarra's shoes, she wouldn't be ashamed of it. According to her, it is
a rare and honorable occurrence when a son defends the name of his parents,
even if they are already dead. Most of the townspeople think that not only will
Ibarra be excommunicated; he is also bound to be considered a filibuster. Others
said that the building of the school house will be canceled since he is labeled as a
filibuster by the Friar.
 Chapter 36
The First Cloud

Setting
Captain Tiago’s house
Characters
Captain Tiago
Friar Damaso
Captain General
Maria Clara
Aunt Isabel
Summary
Crisostomo Ibarra is excommunicated, as punishment for his cruel and
shameful treatment of Friar Damaso. Maria Clara breaks down in tears, and
Captain Tiago visits her in the convent. Maria and Ibarra are not allowed to meet
nor talk to each other. There, Damaso makes clear to Tiago that the planned
marriage between Ibarra and Maria Clara is to be invalidated. According to Friar
Damaso, Tiago will be hanged and after his death his soul will go straight to hell.
Friar Damaso wants Maria to marry a Spaniard, a relative of his who will be
visiting from Spain. Maria cries and told Captain Tiago that changing a lover is
not the same like changing clothes.
Suddenly the captain general arrives at the house and everyone became
hectic. Aunt Isabel entered her room asking Maria who stays in solitude insider
her room to dress up because the captain general wants to talk with her.
 Chapter 37
His Excellency

Setting
Captain Tiago’s house
Characters
Captain Tiago
Captain General
Crisostomo Ibarra
Maria Clara
Sinang youth
Summary
The first person the captain general wishes to see is Ibarra. However, since
Ibarra is still to be called upon, his Excellency instead addresses the matter of a
youth who had gone into a fistfight with Friar Damaso the day before, after he
had insulted the sermon. The Friars came and when the general asks where Friar
Damaso is, he is told that the friar is bedridden in the convent. His Excellency
then speaks with Maria Clara. He thanks her for having stopped Ibarra from
killing the friar, and asks her to name the reward she would wish to receive for
such a noble act. Ibarra arrives shortly, and discusses with the captain general.
They exchange opinions and ideas, and the general grows very fond of the youth.
His Excellency promises to talk with the Archbishop regarding Ibarra's case so
that the latter's state of excommunication may be lifted. He asks about Ibarra's
marriage with Maria Clara, and offers to be godfather during the wedding
ceremony. Ibarra went to find Maria, he knocked in her room but instead Sinang
showed up then said he’ll just write his letters to her. Ibarra was confused.

Chapter 38
The Procession

Setting
San Diego
Characters
Captain Tiago
Crisostomo Ibarra
Captain General
Maria Clara
Friar Salvi
Philosopher Tacio
Summary
Another procession is held, where the town displays the images of St. John,
St. Francis, San Diego, and the Virgin. There are so many fireworks and looks like
everyone is carrying a lighted lantern. The captain walks together with the mayor,
Captain Tiago, and Crisostomo Ibarra. They watch the procession from the
captain's balcony. When the statue of the Virgin Mary passes by Tiago's house,
Maria Clara sings "Ave Maria" in a melody so sad that would cause one to ponder
upon the cause of such miserable. Friar Salvi stopped when he heard the
beautiful voice of Maria while Ibarra felt sad. Ibarra doesn't know that Captain
Tiago had agreed to Friar Damaso's move to nullify their planned marriage;
Maria Clara on the other hand, is not aware that Tiago consented to the captain
general's request of being godfather at the wedding. Philosopher Tacio sees the
ragged and poor clothing of the saints and sarcastically remarks that the saints
would be ashamed if they would see the lifestyle of their fellow servants of God.
Captain General invited Ibarra to join them later in dinner to discuss the loss of
Crispin and Basilio.

Chapter 39
Dona Consolacion

Setting
The Alferez house
Characters
Dona Consolacio
Sisa
Alferez
Civil guards
Summary
In the house of the alferez, all the windows are closed even the procession
passed by their home. The Alferez won’t allow his wife to attend mass because
he’s actually ashamed to show off the vile and horrible image of his wife.
Sisa, who was taken into custody for creating social disturbance, has been
in the barracks for two days now. Sisa hears Maria Clara's mournful song, and
sings a sad ballad herself. The civil guards stay silent, listening. Dona
Consolacion hears the woman, and forces her to sing and dance for her own
amusement. When Sisa won’t follow her orders, he would whip her and her thin
clothes were torn. Dona Consolacion feels happy to what she’s doing since she
passed her madness to her. The alferez arrives shortly, and commands his servant
to dress Sisa, feed her, give her a suitable bed for the night, and then bring her to
Ibarra the following day.

Chapter 40
Right and Might

Setting
Town Plaza
Characters
Don Felipo
Philosopher Tacio
Maria and friend
Ibarra
Friar Salve
Captain General
The Alferez
Summary
At 10 o’clock in the evening, the fireworks began. The townspeople were
preparing themselves for the play; Don Felipo was ruling over the show and was
talking with Philosopher Tacio over his resignation. However, the Mayor was
unwilling to accept it and would talk about it after the feast. When Maria Clara
and her friends arrived, they end their discussion as Don Felipo escorted the
ladies to their seats. The curate and some Spaniards followed them. When Ibarra
arrived after the first scene, he heard all the murmurs of people but never minded
it. Father Salve immediately ordered him to be sent out but Don Felipo reasoned
that Ibarra is one of the heaviest contributors of the play and has a right to be
there as long as he doesn’t disturb the peace. And another reason is he’s been in a
long conversation with the Captain General and the Alferez so there’s nothing to
worry about. The curate went as far as threatening that if is not put out, they
would leave. Don Felipo did not give in still and so they were forced to leave.
Two civil guards came and asked Don Felipo to stop the show because the
Alferez and his wife can’t sleep but he just ignored it. Later on the people there
was a commotion. It just stopped when Elias and Ibarra calmed the people down
but the newspaper writer wrote that it was Father Salvi who was responsible for
calming the mob. For which, the town would be forever thankful.
Chapter 41
Two Visitors

Setting
Ibarra’ laboratory
Characters
Ibarra
Elias
Lucas
Summary
While Ibarra passes time in his laboratory, later on his servant came in and
told him he have a visitor, it was Elias with the news of Maria Clara's illness. The
lady had apparently caught fever. Ibarra asks Elias how he was able to stop the
riot the night before. Shortly after Elias leaves, Ibarra heads toward Captain
Tiago's house to visit Maria Clara. Along the way he comes across Lucas, the
brother of the yellowish man who had attempted to kill Ibarra, who asks him for
money for his grieving family. Ibarra, aggravated, tells the man to return in the
afternoon. Lucas followed Ibarra with his eyes and murmurs he really is an Ibarra
like his ancestors who let his family suffer but if Ibarra pays him a huge amount,
they’ll be friends.
 Chapter 42
The Espadana Couple

Setting
Captain Tiago’s house
Characters
Espadana couple
Maria
Linares
Friar Damaso
Summary
Captain Tiago requested for Don Tiburio’s services because Maria Clara is
sick. Don Tiburcio, a Spanish marine who ended up in the Philippines after being
unable to continue his duties due to an accident that rendered him a cripple. He
and his wife Dona Victorina arrive at Capitan Tiago's house together with a young
Spanish gentleman, Linares. Suddenly Friar Salve came and they introduced him
to Linares. While waiting for the coming of Friar Damaso, fake doctor Don
Tiburcio gave Maria medications. They introduce Linares to Maria and he was so
struck by her beauty. Friar Damaso came even though he just came from sick.
 Chapter 43
Plans

Setting
Captain Tiago’s house
Characters
Espadana Couple
Maria
Friar Damaso
Friar Salve
Lucas
Summary
After Don Tiburcio de Espadana checks on Maria Clara and gives her a
prescription, Friar Damaso arrives and talks with her, he breaks down in tears
telling Maria won’t die. Maria was shocked to how the friar acted. He went to the
balcony and cried like a child, they said he’s such a good godfather to Maria. The
friar is introduced to Linares, and summons up a plan to arrange the marriage to
Maria Clara.
Meanwhile, Lucas is formulating a plan to harm Ibarra. Friar Salvi also
has plans of his own. Lucas greeted him and talked about his brother’s death that
Ibarra only gave him P500. Friar Salvi was pissed off and said he’s lucky Ibarra
didn’t put him to jail.

Chapter 44
An Examination of Conscience

Setting
Maria’s room
Characters
Friar Salvi
Maria Clara
Dona Victorina
Summary
Friar Salvi is alone with Maria Clara for the confession. She just talked all
about her mother that she never even had a chance to see her mother since she
died when it gave birth to Maria. She begins to feel well after a few hours, and
according to Dona Victorina, it was all because of Don Tiburcio's skill and
expertise. Friar Salvi, on the other hand, says that it was because of her
confession that made her well. When the friar leaves Maria Clara's room, he
appears rather pale and is covered in perspiration knowing about Maria Clara’s
true story of her birth, and the identity of her biological father.
 Chapter 45
The Fugitives

Setting
Forest
Characters
Elias
Captain Pablo
Summary
Elias finally succeeded in locating Captain Pablo. Elias told him that he had
spent fifteen days looking for him from mountain to mountain and nearly
travelled the whole of two provinces. Before, Captain Pablo was the one who took
care of Elias out of pity when he saw him wandering around, now it seems that
their situation changed. Captain Pablo was then a rich man who belonged in a
family of fame and fortunate but when his daughter got raped by a friar, his
family fight back but they just been arrested and suffered. He was a coward but
now he said that he’ll take revenge.
 Chapter 46
The Cockpit

Setting
Cockpit
Characters
Tarsilo
Bruno
Lucas
Pedro
Summary
Sunday came and everyone is in the cockpit. Tarsilo and Bruno who are
brothers, are among the audience. They wish to place their bets and join the fun,
but they have no money with them. Lucas approaches the two boys and offers
cash, reminding them of the revenge they have to exact upon those who caused
the death of their beloved father and inviting them to join him in a rebellion he is
planning to start. At first they refused but later on they see Lucas talking to
Pedro, wife of Sisa and the father of Basilio and Crispin. Pedro received silver
coins from Lucas. The brothers then decided to join and left after each getting
thirty pesos from Lucas and will give them additional 10 of every member they
can recruit, they agreed to meet at the cemetery at eight in the evening. Lucas
told them that Ibarra is the mastermind.

Chapter 47
Two Ladies

Setting
Alferez house
Characters
Dona Victorina
Dona Consolacion
Don Tiburcio
Alferez
Friar Salve
Summary
Dona Victorina keeps flashing her eccentric clothes on the streets even it
wasn’t unpaved and dust all over her gown. Many young ladies they met admired
her beautiful gown. When she and Don Tiburcio pass by the house of the Alferez,
Dona Consolacion secretly mocks and ridicules her and her crippled husband.
The two women start exchanging insults and almost get into a fight that is
avoided by the arrival of the Alferez and Padre Salvi. To defend her honor, Dona
Victorina asks Linares to challenge the Alferez to a duel.
 Chapter 48
The Enigma

Setting
Schoolhouse
Characters
Crisostomo Ibarra
Elias
Nol Juan
Maria
Linares
Summary
The archbishop pardons to Ibarra and removes the penalty of
excommunication. Ibarra went to see Maria to tell her about it but he sees Maria
Clara with Linares and felt jealous. He proceeds to visit his schoolhouse, which is
still under construction. Nol Juan updates him on the recent progress of the
building. Ibarra then spots Elias helping out in the construction, and requests to
see the full list of workers. When Nol Juan left, he approached Elias. Elias asks if
he could speak with him later in the afternoon by the river and they agreed. He
wants to talk to Ibarra regarding Captain Pablo and the rest of the prosecuted
men. Elias walks away, and Nol Juan approaches Ibarra handing over to him the
list of workers. Elias' name is not there.

Chapter 49
The Voice of the Persecuted

Setting
Riverside
Characters
Ibarra
Elias
Summary
Crisostomo Ibarra goes to the riverside where he had agreed to meet with
Elias. Elias tells him of the purpose of the meeting to address the concerns and
needs of those who are hunted and persecuted. They demand respect for human
rights, a little more tranquility in the lives of the locals, and diminished power of
the friars and the civil guards. He asks Ibarra to find a way to diminish the power
of the friars and the civil guards but Ibarra refuses and says that the friars and the
civil guards are "necessary evils."
 Chapter 50
The Family of Elias

Setting
River
Characters
Elias
Ibarra
Summary
Elias narrates his story and the disastrous lives of his ancestors, upon
Ibarra's request. The story goes: Sixty years ago, Elias’s great-grandfather dwelt
in Manila and worked as a bookkeeper for a Spanish businessman. One night, a
fire broke out in the workhouse and the cause was unknown, he was accused of
arson and was sentenced to be beaten in the streets, a punishment they call
‘caballo y vaca,’ which is a thousand times more dreadful than death itself. This
left him crippled. In order to provide for the family his wife, still with child, was
forced to enter into prostitution. One of their sons turned to thievery and lived
the life of a bandit. Their other son eventually married a rich woman, and
together they had twins, Elias and his sister, who were both educated in Manila.
However, the family's dark past surfaced eventually, and Elias and his sister lost
all that they had. The girl suicide and Elias was left alone to wander the streets as
a hunted man.

Chapter 51
Exchanges

Setting
Captain Tiago’s house
Characters
Maria Clara
Linares
Dona Victorina
Ibarra
Sinang
Summary
Dona Victorina wrote a letter to Linares, who is currently still living in
Captain Tiago's house. She tells him that he have to duel with the alferez after
three days. If this plan does not push through, she says, she will tell Captain
Tiago of his lies and pretenses. Ibarra arrives and secretly asks Sinang to find a
way for him to talk with Maria Clara privately. He asked Sinang if Maria Clara is
angry at him.
Friar Salvi tells Linares, Maria Clara, and Capitan Tiago that Ibarra’s
excommunication has been lifted, and the last obstacle is for Ibarra to apologize
to Friar Damaso.

Chapter 52
The Card of the Dead and the Shadows

Setting
Cemetery
Characters
Pedro
Tarsilo
Bruno
Elias
Lucas
Summary
The road to the cemetery is narrow; the moon is hiding behind dark clouds
and it was cold since it’s near December. Three men are talking. They are Pedro,
Tarsilo, and Bruno. Pedro will attack the convent to avenge his wife and sons; the
two brothers will head for the barracks to exact revenge upon the soldiers, who
were responsible for their father's death. A few minutes later, Lucas arrives and
instructs them to attack the barracks and the church. Elias, after spying on Lucas,
finds out about the plan that will incriminate Ibarra.

Chapter 53
A Good day is foretold by the morning

Setting
Town of San Diego
Characters
Philosopher Tacio
Don Felipo
Summary
News spreads about the flickering lights and the moving shadows in the
cemetery and the people believe that it was the souls in purgatory mourning over
their dead that lighted the candles in the cemetery but there was only one light
that night, from the match that Elias used to see his companions. Philosopher
Tacio, who is bedridden at that time, converses with Don Felipo who has recently
resigned from office. He wishes the mayor to continue in his fight. They also talk
about the issue concerning the trouble with the civil guards, the friars, and
Ibarra. After, Philosopher Tacio predicts his death, which he says will come in a
few days.

Chapter 54
Discovery

Setting
San Diego
Characters
Alferez
Friar Salve
Ibarra
Elias
Summary
The angelus plays and people pause to pray but Friar Salve continued to
walk towards the house of the alferez. They talked about that he heard about the
plan for the rebellion and that the Alferez should prepare his men and requests
from him soldiers to guard the church.
Meanwhile, Elias rushes to Ibarra's house and explains that the plot had
already been discovered, and Ibarra was accused of leading the rebellion. Elias
immediately tells him to run and escape, but not before burning all the
documents, letters, and any evidence that would implicate him. In one of these
letters, Elias discovers that it was Ibarra's great grandfather who had accused his
great grandfather of arson. Elias lives for only one purpose: To find and exact
vengeance on the descendants of that cruel Spaniard who accused his great
grandfather of a crime without any proof, which had then been the cause of his
family's disgrace. He now discovers that the man he was searching for was just
Crisostomo Ibarra.

Chapter 55
The Catastrophe

Setting
San Diego
Characters
Captain Tiag
Sinang
Maria Clara
Ibarra
Friar Salve
Summary
 In Captain Tiago’s house, they are taking their dinner including Friar Salve
and Linares. Sinang approached Maria Clara, who is seated by the piano and had
refused to eat and whispers something. Friar Salve is nervous pacing back and
forth across the living room.
Ibarra hears shots fired near the convent and he rushes toward Captain
Tiago's house; saw Maria Clara and she asked what the matter is. When Ibarra
returns to his house, the civil guards arrest him. Elias then enters the empty
quarters and burns all the evidence that could accuse Ibarra in the failed
rebellion.

Chapter 56
Fact and Fancy

Setting
San Diego
Characters
Friar Salvi
Alferez
Don Felipe
Civil guards
Lucas
Summary
 The rebellion failed and they were finding the suspects responsible for it.
They suspect that the rebellion was headed by Captain Pablo. Rumor has it that
Don Felipo was arrested. Some say that the civil guards had revolted in the
barracks, and that Friar Salvi had attacked the alferez. Word spreads that Ibarra
had burned his entire house down and was plotting to kill Friar Salve. Lucas died
from the rebellion, was believed to be suicide but was killed by the head sacristan.

Chapter 57
Woe to the Vanquished

Setting
Headquarters
Characters
Tarsilo
Andong
Friar Salvi
Summary
Tarsilo and Andong are the only two survivors caught from the rebellion.
Friar Salvi forced him to admit that Ibarra was the one behind the rebellion but
he said nothing but the reason why he joined was because he and his brother
wants to avenge their father’s death from the hands of the soldiers. They let him
suffer hoping that he’ll talk but they didn’t get anything from him so he was
whipped and later on died. Andong got scared to what he saw so he said he’ll talk
that the reason was he was there because his in-laws treat him bad and let him
eat rotten foods. Friar Salvi was uninterested so he let him inside the quarters
again.

Chapter 58
The Culprit

Setting
Headquarters
Characters
Ibarra
Prisoners
Families of the prisoners
Philosopher Tacio
Summary
 The families of those caught during the rebellion break down in tears in
front of the headquarters. They ladies even tried to talk with the Alferez but
didn’t work. They were all devastated. When the twenty prisoners are taken
outside at two in the afternoon, all of them are tied up except for Ibarra. From the
crowd, a lady shouted that why Ibarra not tied well in fact he’s the mastermind
and they blame him for the dark fate of their loved ones in imprisonment. Ibarra
was looking for a friend but not even Nol Juan, the schoolteacher, or Captain
Basilio is in sight. From a hilltop, Philosopher Tacio watches the prisoners leave.
He couldn't go to them because of his ill health. The next day Philosopher Tacio is
found dead.

Chapter 59
Patriotism and Self-Interest

Setting
San Diego
Characters
Friar Salvi
Captain Tinong
Summary
 The news about the rebellion was all over the town and Manila many
organizations celebrate Friar Salvi's successful discovery of the rebellion. The
people in the government and the church hope for a big promotion of their offices
because of the successful efforts to put a stop to the uprising. The friars blame it
all on the Jesuits, who they claim had messed with the minds of the youth.
Meanwhile in Captain Tinong’s house, he and his wife were very much
worried over the turn of events. The two then kept on debating and arguing about
whose fault is it in befriending Captain Tiago and even talking to Ibarra. Don
Primitivo came and advised them to give the Captain-General a Christmas
present and to burn all documents that can use against him. Even the most
innocent letter was not spared from being destroyed.

Chapter 60
Wedding Plans for Maria Clara

Setting
Captain Tiago’s house
Characters
Captain Tiago
Captain Tinong
Espadana couple
Linares
Ibarra
Maria Clara
Summary
The suspects are all in jail but except for Captain Tiago who’s very glad
because no one noticed him and wasn’t accused. Captain Tinong is freed, but is
terribly ill and does not want to go out of the house. Not even Don Primitivo
himself, with all the wisdom of the ancients, could draw him out of his silence.
The Espadana couple and Linares arrive at Captain Tiago's house. They agree
that Linares and Maria Clara wed the soonest time possible, and Captain Tiago
immediately attends to the wedding preparations the following day.
Maria Clara goes to the azotea, Ibarra climbs up and tells the maiden how
he feels that she has betrayed her but when she explained that she gave the letters
in exchange of her mother’s letters, he had already forgiven her. She swears to
Ibarra that she’s only in love with him.

Chapter 61
Pursuit in the Lake

Setting
Lake
Characters
Ibarra
Elias
Civil guards
Summary
 Elias and Ibarra are in the lake. The civil guards chased them, Elias jumps
off the boat and mislead them He was shot and his garments are ripped off by the
bullets fired by the civil guards. He still has the nerve to shake hands with Ibarra,
who is lying flat on the boat, and to tell him that he (Elias) will meet Ibarra's
great grandfather in the grave at Noche Buena, before leaping into the water. The
civil guards thought they shot Ibarra when they saw traces of blood in the water.

Chapter 62
Friar Damaso Explains

Setting
Captain Tiago’s house
Characters
Maria Clara
Friar Damaso
Summary
 News spread about the death of Ibarra when Maria knew about it, she was
sad and began weeping. Friar Damaso arrives and surprises Maria cheerfully but
he notices, however, that she is pale and upset. Maria Clara cries on his shoulders
and asks him to tell Captain Tiago cancel the wedding. She admits to him that he
met Ibarra on the azotea before his death, but didn’t mention the part about
knowing the true story of her birth. She asks Friar Damaso to grant her
permission to enter the nunnery and he approved.

Chapter 63
Christmas Eve

Setting
Forest
Characters
Basilio
Sisa
Elias
Summary
It was Christmas Eve and Basilio returned to San Diego to look for his
mother and reunites with her. This search ends in the forest of the Ibarra’s where
he found Sisa, but the two of them didn’t even get a chance to speak with each
other. She dies shortly after identifying her son. Minutes later, a weak and
wounded Elias arrives and orders Basilio to cremate his body and her mother’s
body. Basilio said, “I shall die without seeing the dawn break upon my
motherland. You, who shall see it, salute it! Do not forget those who have fallen
during the night."