MODULE 7

NOLI ME TANGERE

ACTIVITY : CHARACTER ANALYSIS

Part 1. Ibarra and Elias

1. How different are the two from one another?

The two have very different origins and social situations; Ibarra is wealthy and
well-educated, whilst Elias is impoverished and being chased by the authorities. Ibarra
was a young man who was sincere and idealistic. He aspired to improve the country,
influenced by his European education; as part of this, he believed in the potential of
education to implement improvements. Elias was a selfless man who lived by an honor
code. He was an arrogant person at first, as seen by his fight with a relative and beating
up his disguised father. After losing everything and discovering his family's actual past,
Elias committed himself to assisting people who are equally oppressed by society. They
have opposing perspectives on how to effect social change. Ibarra advocates structural
transformation, but Elias understands the importance of indigenous peoples' sufferings.

2. What does Ibarra represent? Who can be his modern counterpart? Why?

Ibarra demonstrates patriotism and idealism in that he attempts to change the way things
are done over time without fundamentally affecting the system. This might be due to
Ibarra's money and education, proving that despite the tragedies, the system works for
him and his social class. I believe Ibarra's modern counterparts are elites and intellectuals,
as they often have liberal beliefs and demand for improvements.

3. What does Elias represent? Who can be his modern counterpart? Why?

Elias embodies the ordinary people, having witnessed the worst of Spanish oppression.
Because his class has undergone the most injustices and is already displeased, his
thinking and ideas are even more extreme than Ibarra's. I assume that Elias' modern
 counterparts include civil rights activists and even communist rebels, as their ideals are
often more radical and they have also seen the worst of modern society.

Part 2. Padre Damaso & Padre Salvi

1. In what ways are the two friars similar/different?

Both friars are corrupt and pretentious, but their personalities and tactics of attaining what
they want are distinct. Padre Damaso is louder and more combative, preferring to fight
his opponents with words. Padre Salvi, on the other hand, is more quiet and cunning,
fighting his enemies by deceit rather than confrontation. Both friars have tremendous
power and influence, however Padre Salvi is more combative with the town's alferez.

2. Provide proof in the novel for your claim.

In the novel, both friars are revealed to be corrupt: Padre Damaso for his participation in
Don Rafael and Ibarra's struggles, and Padre Salvi for his love for Maria Clara and his
devious ways to indict Ibarra for rebellion. Padre Damaso was more forceful right away,
making insulting statements about Ibarra and his father's memory. Padre Salvi, on the
other hand, was controlled and crafty in his approach to combating Ibarra, especially
when he linked Ibarra in the revolt.

3. What does Padre Damaso represent? Who can be his modern counterpart? Why? (it could be a
non-cleric).

Padre Damaso represents the era's pretentious, immoral, and anti-Filipino friars. This is
proven by the fact that he was confrontational, arrogant, and constantly disrespected
others around him, just as he treated Ibarra and his father. His modern counterpart is
someone in authority or of a higher social class who abuses his authority or wealth,
emphasizes his relevance, and is violent against the helpless.

4. What does Padre Salvi represent? Who can be his modern counterpart? Why? (it could be a
non cleric)
 Padre Salvi represents those in power at the time who were sexually aggressive and
deceptive. This is shown throughout the narrative by his fixation with Maria Clara and
his devious use of deception to acquire what he desires while getting Ibarra into trouble.
His modern counterpart is any person in authority or of a higher social class who is lusty
and using deception and underhanded techniques to achieve what they want and expand
their influence.

Part 3. Maria Clara

1. In the novel, how was the character of Maria Clara presented?

As the daughter of Capitan Tiago, Maria Clara was presented as a woman of dignity and
affluence. Throughout the narrative, she has complications with her lover Ibarra,
including the postponement of their wedding, problems with their love letters, and the
shocking revelation that she is Padre Damaso's daughter. The character's fragility and
sickness are portrayed and utilized throughout the story to rationalize her decision to
enter the monastery after losing the love of her life.

2. What does the character of Maria Clara represent?

Maria Clara personifies the stereotype of a modest and submissive Filipino lady at that
time period. The novel depicts Maria Clara as a timid and vulnerable lady, yet she is also
shown to be devoted and powerful since she overcomes difficult situations. The character
embodies the image of Filipina women imposed by Spaniards, as proven by the fact that
it is also Rizal's ideal image.

3. Was the character successful as the novel progressed?

Given her failure to improve her situation in context of the events involving her lover and
herself, I don't think we can call the character successful. Her persona's image of
weakness and sickness was too much for her to overcome. However, I believe that her
choice to enter the nunnery after her lover's reported death was a triumph in terms of her
commitment to take situations into her own hands.
4. What was the role of women in the 19th century? How was this projected in the novel?

The Spanish established the stereotype of Filipino women as submissive and timid.
Despite the fact that gender equality existed in pre-colonial Philippines, this image
depicted Filipina women as advocates of patriarchal society. The restrictions and
preconceptions imposed on female protagonist characters such as Maria Clara, Sisa, and
Dona Victorina exemplify this.

REFLECTION

Write an essay by answering the following questions:

a. What is freedom?
b. How is the lack of freedom portrayed in the novel?
c. How is the situation in the novel different from today?

Freedom is a right that we are born with, with no strings attached. Something which
others will not recognize until you commit a crime that will restrict your independence. It is
something that every individual should have in this world, and it comes with a plethora of rights
and advantages. Being allowed to wander around freely does not equate to freedom; similarly,
not being trapped inside a box or confinement does not amount to freedom. Sovereignty, press
freedom, and freedom of expression should be available to all citizens, not just a privileged
minority. Freedom and the right to self-determination are also highlighted, implying that
individuals should not be oppressed or treated as second-class citizens in their own country.
Alongside freedom comes fairness, equality, and the enhancement of human dignity through
many ways.

The novel highlights the evils of the frailocracy and the Spanish administration. Their
Spanish colonists practiced racial discrimination and committed social crimes against Filipinos
in their lands. The patriarchal culture that marginalized women did not address gender
inequalities. This inability to enhance dignity limits justice and equality, and consequently
freedom. Filipinos were not adequately educated since the educational system was outdated and
heavily influenced by religion. The officials' misdeeds were not addressed, and the people were
denied the right to hold critical discussions about the Church and the Spanish government.
Significant censorship was also hampering rational discussion and press freedom.

I assume that we Filipinos are more liberated than ever before, as shown by our freedom
and rights, compared to the nineteenth century. We embrace our right to self-determination and
are not usually regarded as second-class citizens in our own country; our sovereignty is protected
and recognized by governments all over the world. Filipinos presently perform and enjoy the
aforementioned rights, such as suffrage, press freedom, and freedom of expression. However, I
consider that traces of our colonial history continue to exist in the shape of prejudices, racial
discrimination, and injustice. We still need reforms in the processes that allow all Filipinos to
attain independence, such as access to quality education and opportunities that do not constrain
their capabilities, allowing them to grasp control of their future.