Jastine Ouano Guzman GE-LWR Gr.

9 April 19, 2022

BS CS – 2, 20102025

MY REFLECTION ON NOLI ME TANGERE

1. The cover design of Dr. Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere shows the truth of how society worked during
his time and the goals, wisdom, and values he wanted to promote and inspire the Filipino people.
The book speaks volume on nationalism and being united with one another in order to spark
change within ourselves and to lead the advancement and flourishment of our country and its
people to better and greater heights

2. Jose Rizal’s illustration of the 19th century colonial society

Aspects of Colonial Society Depiction in the Novel (Describe a Scene or

chapter) Cite the page number/s
Government and Officials Jose Rizal describes them as corrupt officials
who abuses the Filipinos, such as the time
where Crispin was accused of stealing money
and the sextons brutally punished him for
something he didn’t do (Chapter 15). These
are bad people in power who will do anything
and everything to keep everyone in line and
everything in order.
Church and Religion The Chrurch and Religion was portrayed as
corrupt people whose power comes from
love of supremacy and not from actual
religious zeal. Just like in the scene where
Don Rafael died in prison and all his enemies
slandered his name by calling him a “heretic”
and a “filibuster” (Chapter 4). This shows how
the Church abuse its power and how they
target, hurt, and punish the weak.
Educational System The book shows how the educational system
promotes positive change in the society
however its is hindered and frowned upon by
the Church. This proves how the Filipinos
were deprived of knowledge and now have
chosen to despised learning and refrain from
attending school. Such as the scene where
Ibarra and the schoolmaster was talking
about how priest’s visits the school to scold
and yell at the children (Chapter 19).
Role of Women ( Maria Clara, Sisa, Dona The role of women in Jose Rizal’s books
Consolacion, Dona depicts as obedient, beautiful, well-
Victorina) mannered who are seen as mothers,
nurturers, and educators. Just like the
description of Maria Clara as a beautiful and
 elegant woman who grew up in a household
full of love and smiles (Chapter 6) shows the
exact description of Jose Rizal’s depiction of
women.

3. I consider Elias as the best character because of his strong personality and love for others and his
country. He continuously proves that money and education isn’t everything but just the pure love
and devotion to one’s country is all that it takes to achieve justice and equality again the society.
He didn’t have to learn all the injustices brought upon by the government and the church because
he and his whole family had to experience it everyday and that sparked the fire within him to
bring down the abusers of power. Just like the part where he said “I die without seeing the dawn
brighten over my native land! You, who have it to see, welcome it—and forget not those who
have fallen during the night!” (Chapter 63) shows just that. The worst character for me is Padre
Salvi because of his conniving and monstrous personality. He shows how priests are not all good
people especially like the time where he raped Maria Clara because he couldn’t control his
lustrous desires. Also, the scene “Upon seeing the curate the tender infant held out its arms,
laughed with the laugh that neither causes nor is caused by sorrow, and cried out stammeringly
in the midst of a brief silence, “Pa-pa! Papa! Papa!” The young woman shuddered, slapped her
hand hurriedly over the baby’s mouth and ran away in dismay, with the baby crying.” (Chapter
29) shows how he did not only get in bed with one woman but more.