Dr.

Jose Rizal, our national hero, authored Noli me tangere (Do not touch me) with the intention
of waking and enlightening the Filipino people. Noli me tangere is a Latin phrase that relates to
abuses, discrimination, and all forms of prejudice systems perpetrated by Spaniards, particularly
the church led by friars and the ruling government during Spanish colonization. Rizal depicts
various aspects of achieving individuality, with an emphasis on social climbers, abusive control,
family loyalty, self-sacrifice, purity, and faithfulness.

The subject of this chapter review is Chapter 11 of the novel Noli me tangere, named "Los
soberanos" or Powerful People in English translation of the Spanish title, while "The Rulers" in
the English edition of Noli me Tangere. This chapter contains all of the persons who are in
positions that may appear to be strong, but are not. Captain Tiago, for example, is strong but not
commanding. Even the mayor has no say and simply does what he is told. As Rizal describes the
barrio's plight, even God has little power over it since, despite their daily church attendance, the
residents of San Diego rarely think about him. Rizal used a range of terminologies and
metaphorical phrases to convey his message to the Filipinos. This is what Rizal did to the entire
work. Chapter 11 delves into the concept of power in the Philippines, such as how having
Filipino blood does not guarantee ultimate authority.

This chapter teaches Filipinos that the person in front of them is not the one with the power; it is
the disease, pestilence, and dirt in society that are destroying their people's life. The story as a
whole educated their brains and inspired them to fight for their freedom. It awakens the Filipinos'
nationalism and patriotism to fight for their liberty, and as a result, Filipinos became useful in
obtaining their independence.