Activity 1

Give a concise explanation/discussion on the following items.

1. Has Doña Victorina’s character in the Noli changed in comparison to her
character in El Fili? Discuss some points of assessment.
The woman as stated in the text was “more irritated than usual” because of her lack
of audience. Therefore, you see her in this excerpt as an even greater representation of a
foolish renegade.
She was a person who just went on to get attention, looked at herself highly, argued
with high esteemed people and was rather foolish in the Noli Me Tangere. Yet, in the El
Filibusterismo, she started to be more indignant and scolded the Indians and wished to
then to disappear which reveals a nastier side of her.

2. How does this Chapter differ from the first chapter of Noli when it comes to plot?
The plot in my opinion was stated in a same manner. Started with the day, the place,
the people in the place, then escalated by an argument of which reveals the attitude of
the colonialists, then ends the chapter with just the argument being unsolved. The only
difference is the addition of the highlight of Doña Victorina’s irritation to the captain of
the ship and the explanation of what had happened to her.

3. What can we infer from the different descriptions among the Spanish friars such
as Camorra, Salvi, Sibyla et al., about their position in the colonial hierarchy? How
do they view locals or Indios? What can we say about Rizal’s own views on the friars?
I think these friars thought about themselves so highly in the colonial hierarchy.
Whether it be the locals or the mestizos, the only thing important to them is themselves.
Although Don Costudio was against the slavery, it was only because he was not the one
being exalted in the idea proposed. I think they think of the Indios still as nothing but
pieces in their game for power and fame.
As to Rizal’s views on the friars, he described them according to their individual
attitude and standing in life. He was showing them as people of pretense, selfishness,
and narcissism.

4. How will you describe Don Custodio and Ben Zayb from the text?
 Pretentious. I think they were against the slavery that Se ñor Simoun was proposing
just because it was not their idea and it did not give them any glory but rather a sense of
shame and disgrace for being defeated over an argument.

5. How is the steamship Tabo likened to the government?

“The ship … hoarse and commanding like a tyrant who would rule by shouting, so
that no one on board can hear his own thoughts. She menaces everything she meets… ”
The government during their time was a tyrant that never listens to the plead and the
suffering of the people. But rather, it threatens all who go against. It does not care for
the poor, the lowly, and the ones of which the serves the country and makes the country
grow. The people aren’t seen as people but rather assets to build names for themselves.