EL FILIBUSTERISMO : CHAPTER 7 “SIMOUN”

Summary
Basilio is about to leave the wood when he notices the
shadow of a man approaching. Basilio announces his
presence and is surprised to find out that the stranger is
indeed Simoun the jeweler who, in reality, is Crisostomo
Ibarra in disguise.  Simoun tries to convince Basilio to join
him in his plans to avenge the cruel death of his mother
(Sisa) and his younger brother (Crispin). Basilio, however,
is not completely in favor of this plan, and tells Ibarra that
vengeance would not bring his family back.
Characters:
Basilio - son of sisa
Simoun - Crisostomo Ibarra in disguise (Filibuster)
Sisa - mother of Basilio
Crispin - younger brother of Basilio
Analysis:
1. The dark forest symbolizes the many secrets kept by
Simoun from the public.
2. Basilio symbolizes the Filipino youth, whom Rizal
(through Simoun) advises to be more nationalistic (i.e.,
love your own language, fight for your country’s freedom)
EL FILIBUSTERISMO : CHAPTER 8 “MERRY CHRISTMAS”
Summary
No miracles come. Juli cannot gather up enough cash,
and so she goes on to become Hermana Penchang's
servant girl.  It is Christmas Day. Selo, Juli's grandfather,
wallows in misery at the thought of his poor young
granddaughter being so cruelly punished by fate. In the
middle of his depression, the old man becomes mute.
Characters:
Juli - granddaughter of Selo and the youngest daughter of
Kabesang Tales
Tandang Selo - father of Kabesang Tales and grandfather
of Tano and Juli
Hermana Penchang - rich and religious woman
Analysis:
Juli’s mindset shows how the friars controlled the
Philippine population. The friars convinced the people
that being a good Catholic means:
• religiously praying and putting complete and total faith
on saints (or their icons)
• learning to just accept and bear whatever hardships
fate hands to them
Lessons Learned:
1. People who are so different will cling to their own
beliefs. Simoun wants a bloody revolution, while Basilio
prefers to search for knowledge because this will lead to
the attainment of justice.
2. Knowledge is better than politics/nationalism. (Basilio)
3. The above point can be attained only in an
environment where there is neither oppressor nor
oppressed. To achieve such an environment, only has to
change the present system even if it requires a bloody
revolution. (Simoun)
4. One’s painful past (Basilio’s) can be set aside by some
people. Others (Simoun), however, will never rest until
they have their revenge.
5. If you cannot stop a corrupt government, then support
it and help it spread its corrupt ways until the oppressed
people rise up in revolt. (Simoun’s strategy)
Point of Note
Simoun is planning his vengeance for three people: (1)
Don Rafael, (2) Maria Clara, (3) Elias.



Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: How do the friars contribute to the long period
of slavery suffered by the Philippines?
Answer: The friars teach the locals about the importance
of accepting their fate, learning to endure life's hardships,
and believing in the miracles of carved idols. Juli, for
instance, put all her energy in the hope that the Virgin
Mary would perform one of her miracles. When none
came, she learned to endure her hopeless fate.
Question: Why do the children fear Christmas instead of
wishing for it to come?
Answer:
1. They don't want to wake up early to hear mass. The
cool breeze is too good for waking up late.
2. They are made to wear uncomfortable clothes
hardened by starch and new shoes that are like
torture to the feet.
3. The mass takes too long and the church is too
crowded.
4. They are made to kiss all their relatives (usually going
from house to house to do such) and put up great
singing and dancing performances for them just to
earn a few pesos as a gift.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Why didn't Basilio dig up the treasure by the balete tree when he frequently paid visits there for 13 years?
Answer: Elias had told him to take the treasure and claim it as his own if nobody else came.  But somebody did come --
Ibarra.

Question: Why did Ibarra bury Sisa's body but burned Elias's?
Answer: It was Basilio's wish to bury his mother's body.  And Elias wanted his own cremated.

Question: Why doesn't Simoun just kill Basilio in order to protect his secret and keep his true identity hidden?
Answer:
1. Basilio, like him, is a poor unfortunate soul victimized by the cruel clutches of the government and the church.
2. Basilio wouldn't run to the authorities because he himself is a hunted man.
3. Basilio owes Simoun, when Ibarra had helped in treating Sisa's ill condition and in digging her grave as well.
4. If things ever came to the worst, it would be Simoun's word against Basilio's, and it is no doubt that the government
would believe Simoun.
5. Simoun needs lads like Basilio for his plans of rebellion.  And among all the young men in the town, it is Basilio who
understands Simoun the best.