Chapter 52:

The Cards of the Dead and the Shadows

SUMMARY:
Three men are waiting for Lucas in the graveyard. They plan to
attack the barracks and the chapel, which they believe is being
orchestrated by Ibarra. When Lucas arrives, he orders them to attack
the chapel and barracks while yelling "Viva Don Crisostomo!" Elias
learns about the attack that will implicate Ibarra after pursuing
Lucas.

ANALYSIS:
Rizal gradually reveals the scheme against Ibarra, in which the
young protagonist is framed as the instigator of a violent revolt
against San Diego. By informing Társilo and Bruno that Ibarra is at
the heart of the plot, the true mastermind—who has yet to be
identified—ensures that Ibarra's name and image are tarnished.
Lucas's role in the attack on the military barracks reminds
readers of Father Salvi's alleged involvement in the whole ordeal, as
Salvi's suspicious demeanor was clear when Lucas initially came to him
complaining about Ibarra's refusal to pay for his brother's death. As
a result, the town's most powerful guy is indirectly involved in the
uprising.
Elias can take full advantage of his alone in this scene. He has
been so cut off from society that no one even recognizes him. This
allows him to deceive the Civil Guard into pursuing Lucas while he
sets out on his own.
 Chapter 53:
Il Buon Dí Si Conosce Da Mattina
SUMMARY:
Don Filipo pays a visit to Tasio the Sage, who is unwell, and
informs him that he has resigned from his post due to the
Gobernadorcillo's incompetence. Tasio applauds the don's actions,
stating that resistance should be employed not only against the
Gobernadorcillo but also against anyone who abuses their power.

ANALYSIS:
Elias and Ibarra's opposing perspectives on revolution and reform
are related to Tasio's theory that "one can be progressive in three
ways." Elias' desire to start afresh might be seen of as "forward," as
he wants to usher the country into whole new government patterns. On
the other side, Ibarra's goal to modify the current system from within
its own framework indicates a lateral approach to advancement, one
that is less likely to result in actual change but nevertheless
suggests alternate or latest ideas. Finally, the reign of the
friarocracy reflects "backward" progress because the church strives to
nullify governmental authority, attempting to dominate the country
through religion, as was done in ancient times.
 Chapter 54:
Revelations
SUMMARY:
The Alferez is warned by Padre Salvi of an impending attack on
the town. He tells Alferez to get his troops ready and dispatch four
soldiers to defend the church. Ibarra is informed by Elias about the
impending attack on the town, which will be blamed on him. He assists
Ibarra in the disposal of some letters that could lead to his formal
accusation. Elias realizes that Ibarra's great grandfather was the
Spaniard who had accused his great grandfather of arson in one of
these letters.

ANALYSIS:
It becomes evident at this moment that Father Salvi is behind the
plot to frame Ibarra. This is evident in the way he uses the
opportunity to emphasize his own importance, telling the ensign that
he will "again see how important clerics [religious officials] are."
The most important word in this sentence is "again," because it
implies that the church is constantly saving the government and town
from disaster. Salvi inflates his own power in this way, presenting
himself as important.
Bishops' hats are called "miters." Salvi is exploiting his
knowledge of the impending attack to rise to power in the church, as
the ensign's jest indicates.
It's vital to remember that Elias has previously promised to
support Ibarra in whatever way he can. As a result, he has dedicated
his life to the family who ruined his. This accurately reflects the
essence of reform in the Spanish Philippines; true revolution
necessitates a person attacking his own cherished country, just as
Elias has committed himself to his own enemy. In keeping with this
theme, Rizal depicts loyalty as a complex issue.