Title: Exploring Parallelism: A Comparative Analysis of "El Filibusterismo," "Noli Me Tangere," and

"Illustrado"

Introduction:

Literature has always served as a mirror to society, reflecting the intricacies and complexities of
human experiences, ideologies, and social structures. In this context, two prominent Filipino novels,
"Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" by Jose Rizal, and the contemporary work "Illustrado" by
Miguel Syjuco, stand out as exemplary pieces that engage with the socio-political landscape of the
Philippines. Despite being separated by time and context, these works bear striking similarities in
their exploration of colonialism, resistance, and the human condition. This essay delves into the
parallels between Rizal's classics and Syjuco's modern narrative to illustrate their shared themes and
implications.

Colonial Oppression and Struggle:

Both "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" are quintessential texts that depict the oppressive
nature of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines during the late 19th century. Rizal's novels elucidate
the struggles of the Filipino people under an unjust regime, highlighting the exploitation, corruption,
and abuse of power perpetuated by both the colonizers and their local collaborators. The novels
serve as a call to action, urging Filipinos to question the status quo and to strive for emancipation.

Similarly, "Illustrado" by Miguel Syjuco captures the lingering effects of colonialism in the modern
era. The novel examines the experiences of Filipinos living abroad and delves into the concept of
"illustrados," educated elites who initially collaborated with the colonizers and then sought reform.
Through a narrative that combines mystery and history, Syjuco's work highlights the echoes of
colonial oppression and the complexities of national identity.

Struggles for Social Justice:

The themes of social justice, inequality, and the yearning for change reverberate throughout these
works. Rizal's characters, like Crisostomo Ibarra and Simoun, are driven by their desire to alleviate
the suffering of their fellow countrymen. In "Noli Me Tangere," Ibarra seeks to expose the injustices
that plague society, while in "El Filibusterismo," Simoun takes a more radical approach, advocating
for armed resistance. These characters exemplify the spectrum of responses to systemic oppression.

"Illustrado" similarly engages with social justice issues, albeit in a contemporary context. Through
the eyes of its protagonist, Miguel Syjuco critiques the ongoing economic disparities, political
corruption, and exploitation that persist in the Philippines. The novel underscores the importance of
addressing these issues as part of the ongoing struggle for a just and equitable society.

Human Nature and Morality:

The works also delve into the intricacies of human nature and morality, highlighting the dichotomy
between good and evil that resides within individuals. Rizal's characters grapple with their personal
moral dilemmas, reflecting the complexities of human behavior in the face of adversity. The
characters in "Illustrado" likewise navigate their own ethical challenges, demonstrating the ongoing
relevance of such struggles across time and space.

Jose Rizal's "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," as well as Miguel Syjuco's "Illustrado," may
belong to different eras, but they share a common thread in their exploration of colonialism,
resistance, and the human experience. These literary works serve as a testament to the enduring
impact of societal injustices, the quest for social change, and the complexities of human nature. By
delving into these similarities, we gain a deeper appreciation of the ongoing relevance of literature
in reflecting and shaping our understanding of the world around us.

How is Illustrado considered a patriotic novel:

"Illustrado" is a novel written by Miguel Syjuco, and it is often considered a patriotic novel due to its
exploration of Philippine history, culture, and identity. The term "Illustrado" refers to the educated
elite class during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, who played a significant role in
advocating for social and political reforms.

Here are some reasons why "Illustrado" is considered a patriotic novel:

Exploration of Philippine History and Identity: The novel delves into the complex history of the
Philippines, including its colonization by the Spanish, American influence, and the struggles for
independence. It reflects the author's deep engagement with the country's past and its impact on
contemporary Filipino society.

Critique of Colonialism and Imperialism: The novel examines the effects of colonialism and
imperialism on the Philippines. It highlights the challenges faced by the country in its quest for self-
determination and the preservation of its cultural heritage.

Representation of Filipino Experiences: "Illustrado" captures the experiences of Filipinos both within
their homeland and as members of the diaspora. This portrayal helps foster a sense of solidarity
among Filipinos and encourages a deeper understanding of the issues they face.
Championing Social Justice and Reform: The novel often addresses social and political issues such as
corruption, inequality, and social injustice. By doing so, it aligns itself with the patriotic tradition of
advocating for positive change within the nation.

Celebration of Filipino Culture: The novel showcases various aspects of Filipino culture, language,
and traditions. By celebrating these elements, it reinforces a sense of national pride and encourages
readers to value and preserve their cultural heritage.

Intellectual and Artistic Engagement: The novel incorporates various literary and artistic forms,
including letters, articles, and excerpts from fictional works. This engagement with different forms of
expression reflects the rich artistic tradition of the Philippines and contributes to its status as a
patriotic work.

Critique of the Elite: While "Illustrado" is a story about the educated elite class, it also critiques their
behavior and attitudes, reflecting a desire for a more just and accountable leadership within the
country.

Overall, "Illustrado" is considered a patriotic novel because it engages deeply with the history,
culture, and societal issues of the Philippines. It encourages readers to reflect on their national
identity, question prevailing norms, and contribute to the betterment of their society. The novel's
themes and exploration of Filipino experiences evoke a sense of patriotism by urging readers to care
about their country's past, present, and future.

Both "Ilustrado" and "El Filibusterismo" deal with themes of social and political challenges in the
Philippines, albeit in different time periods and contexts. Here are some potential similarities
between the challenges faced by Miguel Syjuco in "Ilustrado" and the characters Simoun/Crisostomo
Ibarra in "El Filibusterismo":

Desire for Change and Reform: In both stories, the characters are motivated by a strong desire for
change and reform in their society. Miguel Syjuco, as he investigates the death of his mentor Crispin
Salvador, uncovers corruption, political manipulation, and societal injustices that he wishes to
expose through his writing. Similarly, Simoun (who is the older version of Crisostomo Ibarra) seeks to
overthrow the oppressive Spanish colonial regime and bring about change through more radical
means.

Intellectual and Artistic Expression: Miguel Syjuco is a writer struggling to find his voice and make a
meaningful impact through his literary work. He grapples with the challenges of balancing personal
expression, artistic integrity, and the responsibility to address social issues. Crisostomo Ibarra, in "El
Filibusterismo," is also an intellectual who utilizes his education and resources to bring attention to
the injustices he witnesses, albeit in a more revolutionary manner.
 Navigating a Complex Society: Both narratives showcase the complexity of Filipino society during
their respective time periods. The characters encounter layers of corruption, class divides, and
cultural dynamics that make it difficult to navigate their goals. Miguel Syjuco, as he investigates
Salvador's death, uncovers hidden agendas and dark secrets within the elite circles of society.
Simoun, in his attempt to execute his plans, has to maneuver through a web of political intrigue and
deal with different factions.

The Role of Identity and Heritage: Miguel Syjuco's exploration of Crispin Salvador's life also ties into
the idea of heritage and national identity. Salvador's writings and experiences reflect the struggles
and history of the Filipino people. Similarly, Crisostomo Ibarra's transformation into Simoun
highlights the evolution of identity under oppressive circumstances. Both narratives touch on the
theme of the past shaping the present and the characters' roles in shaping the future.

Sacrifice and Moral Dilemmas: Both sets of characters face difficult moral dilemmas and
contemplate the extent to which they are willing to sacrifice for their causes. Miguel Syjuco's
investigations lead him to confront uncomfortable truths and make choices about how far he is
willing to go to uncover the truth. Simoun's actions involve sacrifice, manipulation, and even
violence as he seeks to enact change.

It's worth noting that while there are thematic parallels between the challenges faced by Miguel
Syjuco in "Ilustrado" and the characters in "El Filibusterismo," the stories are distinct and set in
different historical and literary contexts. "Ilustrado" is a contemporary novel that addresses modern
issues, while "El Filibusterismo" is a historical novel written during the Spanish colonial period,
reflecting the concerns of that time.

Simoun from José Rizal's "El Filibusterismo" and Miguel Syjuco from Miguel
Syjuco's "Ilustrado" are characters from two different novels, but they share
some similarities, particularly in their roles as complex and driven
individuals within their respective narratives. Here are some commonalities
between the two characters:

1. Intellectual Depth: Both Simoun and Miguel Syjuco are portrayed as

intelligent and intellectually inclined characters. Simoun is a wealthy jeweler
who also goes by the alias "Don Crisostomo Ibarra" and is a master of
disguise. He is highly knowledgeable about political issues and is deeply
committed to seeking justice and reforms for his country. Miguel Syjuco, on
 the other hand, is a Filipino writer in "Ilustrado" who is trying to piece
together the life story of his deceased mentor. He is reflective, insightful,
and deeply engages with literary and political themes.
2. Desire for Change: Both characters are motivated by a desire to bring
about change in their respective societies. Simoun seeks to initiate a
revolution against the oppressive Spanish colonial regime in the
Philippines. He is willing to resort to manipulation and subterfuge to
achieve his goals. Miguel Syjuco, while not pursuing revolution in the same
way as Simoun, is driven to uncover the truth behind the death of his
mentor and expose the corruption and issues plaguing Philippine society.
3. Use of Manipulation: Simoun and Miguel Syjuco both use manipulation as
a tool to achieve their goals. Simoun orchestrates complex schemes to
manipulate key characters and events to further his revolutionary aims.
Miguel Syjuco's narrative in "Ilustrado" is constructed through a
combination of his own writing, his mentor's writings, and various
documents, revealing a layered approach to storytelling that mirrors his
investigation into the truth.
4. Dual Identities: Both characters assume multiple identities. Simoun, as
mentioned earlier, goes by both "Simoun" and "Don Crisostomo Ibarra."
This duality reflects his complex motives and strategies. Miguel Syjuco,
through his novel-within-a-novel structure in "Ilustrado," explores the
identity and legacy of his mentor Crispin Salvador, revealing the multi-
faceted nature of a person's life.
5. Tragic Elements: Both characters have tragic aspects to their stories.
Simoun's actions and motivations are driven by personal tragedy and a
desire for revenge against the injustices he has suffered. Miguel Syjuco's
journey to uncover the truth about his mentor's death also uncovers dark
secrets and tragedies within Philippine society.

While Simoun and Miguel Syjuco share some common traits and
motivations, it's important to note that they exist in different literary
contexts and serve different narrative purposes within their respective
novels. The similarities between the two characters might stem from
broader themes related to Philippine history, identity, and the pursuit of
change, which are prevalent in both "El Filibusterismo" and "Ilustrado."