Chapter 1: On the Upper Deck

The steamer Tabo[1] makes its way up the Pasig river one December morning. On its upper deck is Dona
Victorina, traveling in search of her husband Don Tiburcio, who has fled from her abuse. On deck too are
Don Custodio, the writer Ben-Zayb and Padres Salvi, Sibyla, Irene and Camorra, and the steamer’s
captain. Also present is the jeweler Simoun, conspicuous for his long white hair and large blue
sunglasses. He is reputed to have advisory influence over the Captain-General.

The group fall into discussing the winding path of the river. Simoun suggests digging a new canal straight
from the mouth of the river passing Manila, and closing old Pasig. To achieve this, he further suggests
the destruction of towns, using prisoners as laborers to eliminate the cost, and increasing forced labor
among men and boys. Don Custodio and Padre Sibyla bring up the possibility of uprisings, which Simoun
sharply dismisses, as he leaves the group to head below deck

Chapter 2: On the Lower Deck

Below deck, medical student Basilio and the young poet Isagani chat with Capitan Basilio. The younger
Basilio first updates the capitan on the lack of improvement in Capitan Tiago’s health condition and
supposed continued use of opium. Their conversation turns to the Spanish language academy the young
men are planning to start. Capitan Basilio is doubtful of their success, but the young men calm his
doubts by revealing they expect a permit soon, and that they have teachers and funds contributed by
fellow students. Their venue will be the house of a student named Makaraig. Capitan Basilio accepts
their explanation and heads off.

The young men move on to other topics including Paulita, Dona Victorina’s niece and Isagani’s love
interest; Dona Victorina’s hiring of Isagani to look for Don Tiburcio, and the fact that Don Tiburcio is
actually hiding in Isagani’s uncle’s house. Simoun joins them briefly, and Basilio introduces him to
Isagani.

Also below deck on the rear is Isagani’s uncle, Padre Florentino, now retired and with a fortune left to
him by his long departed mother in exchange for his agreeing to become a priest.

Chapter 7: Simoun

Basilio is about to leave his mother’s tomb when he hears someone arrive. He sees Simoun, but without
the jeweler’s blue glasses, Basilio also recognizes the face of the man who helped him bury his mother
thirteen years ago. He concludes from the events and memories of the past, that Simoun may actually
be Ibarra.
Basilio reveals himself, and Simoun, to protect his secret identity, thinks of killing Basilio, but decides
instead to try to recruit Basilio to his cause. Simoun confesses that his goal is to destroy society’s system
of corruption by encouraging the vices and greed of the governing powers with his wealth. This in turn
has led to more injustices, poverty and misery, which he expects will eventually push the downtrodden
to rebel.

Simoun then mocks the youth’s desire for Hispanism and the teaching of Spanish, seeing it as a means
for the loss of nationality and the subjugation of the Filipino’s unique thought and feeling. Simoun asks
for Basilio’s help to convince the youth to abandon their calls for Hispanization. Basilio declines,
professing the task to be beyond his abilities. Simoun attempts a different approach by reminding Basilio
of the injustice his mother and brother suffered.[3] Basilio remians uncommitted.