NOLI ME TANGERE by Jose Rizal

Characters of Noli Me Tangere

1. Juan Crisostomo Ibarra y Magsalin

Son of Filipino businessman, Don Rafael Ibarra, He studied in Europe for seven years

2. 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

3. 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

4. Elias

He is the mysterious friend of Crisostomo Ibarra. He believes that justice can be

obtained through revolution

5. 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

6. Friar Hernando de la Sibyla

He is a Filipino friar, a Dominican curate in Binondo, described as short and has fair
skin
 7. Friar Bernardo Salvi

He is the curate of San Diego and the secret admirer of Maria Clara

8. Don Anastacio

He is known as Pilosopong Tacio. He is pessimist, wise and intelligent man

9. Don Tiburcio Espanada

He is a false doctor and the Spanish husband of Dona Victorina

10. Dona Victorina

She is a woman is ashamed of being a Filipino

11. The Alferez

He is the Chief of Guardia Civil

12. Dona Consolacion

She is the wife of Alferez and passes herself off as a Peninsulares. She is very abusive
to Sisa

13. Sisa

A loving mother of Basilio and Crispin

14. 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
 15. Basilio

The eldest son of Sisa

CHAPTER I: A Social Gathering

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 II: Crisostomo Ibarra

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 III: The Dinner

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 IV: A Heretic and a Subversive

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 V: A Star in the Dark Night

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 VI: Captain Tiago

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 VII: Idyll in an Azotea

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 VIII: Memories

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 IX: Some Country Matters

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 X: The Town

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 XI: The Sovereigns: Divide and Rule

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 XII: All Saint’s Day

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 XIII: A Gathering Storm

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 XIV: Philosopher Tacio

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 XV: The Altar Boys

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 XVI: Sisa

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 XVII: Basilio

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 XVIII: Souls in Anguish

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 XIX: The Travails of a Schoolmaster

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 XX: The Meeting in the Town hall

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 XXI: A Mother’s Story

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 XXII: Lights and Shadow

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 XXIII: The Fishing Excursion

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 XXIV: In the woods

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 XXV: In the Philosopher’s home

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 XXVI: The Eve of the Feast

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 XXVII: At Nightfall

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 XXVIII: Letters

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 XXIX: The Morning

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 XXX: In the Church

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 XXXI: The Sermon

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 XXXII: The Hoist

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 XXXIII: Free Thinker

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 XXXIV: The Luncheon

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 XXXV: The Comment

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 XXXVI: The First Cloud

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 XXXVII: His Excellency

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 XXXVIII: The Procession

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 XXXIX: Dona Consolacion

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 XL: Right and Might

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 XLI: Two Visitors

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 XLII: The Espadana Couple

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 XLVIII: Plans

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 XLIV: An Examination of Conscience

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 XLV: The Fugitives

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 XLVI: The Cockpit

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 XLVII: Two Ladies

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 XLVIII: The Enigma

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 XLIX: The Voice of the Persecuted

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 L: The Family of Elias

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 LI: Exchanges

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 LII: The Card of the Dead and the Shadows

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 LIII: A Good day is foretold by the morning

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 LIV: Discovery

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 LV: The Catastrophe

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 LVI: Fact and Fancy

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 LVII: Woe to the Vanquished

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 LVIII: The Culprit

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 LIX: Patriotism and Self-Interest

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 LX: Wedding Plans for Maria Clara

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 LXI: Pursuit in the Lake

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 LXII: Friar Damaso Explains

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 LXIII: Christmas Eve

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."