11/5/2023
• Noli Me Tangere is a novel
N O L I M E TAN GE RE
• When Rizal read Harriet
Beecher Stowe‘s Uncle
Tom’s Cabin on the abuse of
black slaves in America, he
thought that a novel should
be written about the abuses
that Philippine natives were
suffering at the hands of the
Spanish friars. He proposed
to his Filipino friends in
Madrid in 1884 that they
collaborate in writing a novel
on the Philippines.
N O L I M E TAN GE RE
• Rizal began work on the
Noli while still in Madrid,
Spain. Of the remainder,
most was written in Paris.
He finished the book in
Berlin, Germany. Vicente
Blasco Ibáñez, a well-
known writer and political
activist, volunteered to be
the proofreader and
consultant.
N O L I M E TAN GE RE
• This group of friends included his
Uncle Tom’s Cabin Harriet
Beecher Stowe
• When he was finishing the book
Vicente Blasco Ibáñez
written in Spanish by Filipino
writer and national hero José
Rizal, first published in 1887
in Berlin, Germany.
José Rizal
N OLI M E TAN GERE
hosts, the Paternos (Pedro,
Maximo, and Antonio), and
Graciano Lopez Jaena. Although
the other men approved of the
idea of writing on Philippine life,
they all wanted to write about
women rather than national
problems and in any case
preferred to gamble and flirt than
to write. Rizal then decided he
would have to write the entire Graciano Lopez Jaena
book himself.
N OLI M E TAN GERE
in December 1886, Rizal was
penniless and despaired of ever
publishing it. The novel might
never have seen print had it not
been for the support of his
wealthy friend, Maximo Viola,
who came to visit him in Berlin.
Rizal gratefully presented him
with the galley proofs of Noli on
Maximo Viola
29 March 1887, the day that Noli
was printed.
N OLI M E TAN GERE
1
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• Noli me tangere is a Latin phrase

that Rizal took from the Bible,
meaning “Touch me not.” In John • The English translation was
20:13-17, the newly-risen Christ originally titled The Social Cancer,
says to Mary Magdalene: “Touch although more recent translations
me not; I am not yet ascended to have been published using the
my Father, but go to my brethren, original Latin title.
and say unto them I ascend unto
my Father and your Father, and to
my God and your God.”

N O L I M E TAN GE RE N OLI M E TAN GERE

• It has also been noted by French writer D.

Blumenstihl that “Noli me tangere” was a name used
by ophthalmologists for cancer of the eyelids. That
NOLI ME
as an ophthalmologist himself Rizal was influenced
by this fact is suggested in his dedication, “To My
Country”:
TANGERE
COVER

N O L I M E TAN GE RE
N OLI ME TA N G E RE

Noli Me Tangere (translated as Touch Me Not) is

a novel written by José Rizal which served as an
eye opener and wake up call to the Filipinos
during his time. It was published on the year
1887. Just one look at the cover, it already tells us every bit of what's in
the novel. Rizal also purposely designed the title to be placed
diagonally so that it can divide an upper and lower triangle that will
be discussed further through this page

N O L I M E TA N G E RE
N OLI M E TA N G E RE

2
 11/5/2023

Upper Triangle
This represents Rizal's past life.

Silhouette of a Filipina
Upper Triangle of - believed to be Maria Clara or as the "Inang Bayan" to whom
Rizal dictates the novel

the Book Cover Cross/Crucifix

- represents the Catholic faith as it rises above Inang Bayan
and Filipinos (shows dominance)
- it also symbolizes sufferings and death

N O L I M E TA N G E RE NOLI ME TANGERE

Pomelo Blossoms & Laurel Leaves

- they represent faith, honor and fidelity, which are the values
Rizal aspires to be embodied by Filipinos
- pomelos are used to scent their air commonly during
prayers and cleansing rituals

Lower Triangle of
- laurel leaves are used as crowns during Greek Olympics for
honoring the best

Burning Torch
- refers to the Olympic torch the Book Cover
- pertains to the awakening of Filipino consciousness
- it also sheds light to the text of the manuscript
Sunflower
- it symbolizes a new beginning
- it is compared to the happiness of which appears to be
always bowing down

NOLI ME TANGERE N O L I M E TA N GE R E

This represents Rizal's currents

situations.
Feet Flogs (Suplina)
- it symbolizes the power of the friars - it is used for self-flagellation
- just like the whip, this also symbolizes the cruelties of the Guardia
- it is placed on the base of the triangle (foundation) because
Civil
without friars, the Filipinos cannot stand on their own
Chain
Shoes
- it symbolizes slavery and imprisonment
- it represents wealth
- it is also the footprints left by friars in teaching Catholicism Rizal's Signature
Hairy Legs - it shows that Rizal experienced and
- it symbolizes the Legend of the Wolf witnessed the ills and abuses that
- the wolf shape shifts just like how friars hide their true nature and happened during his time
character
Bamboo Stalks
Helmet of a Guardia Civil
- it represents Filipino resiliency
- it represents the arrogance of those in authority
- despite the sufferings, Filipinos can still
Whip stand tall and firm
- it represents the abuses and cruelties done by the Spaniards and
friars as depicted in the novel

NOLI ME TANGERE NOLI ME TANGERE

3
 11/5/2023

Noli Me Tangere (translated as Touch Me Not) is a novel written

by José Rizal which served as an eye opener and wake up call to the
Filipinos during his time. It was published on the year 1887.

Just one look at the cover, it already tells us every bit of what's in
the novel. Rizal also purposely designed the title to be placed
diagonally so that it can divide an upper and lower triangle that will
be discussed further through this page

N O L I M E TA N G E RE
N OLI M E TA N G E RE

Upper Triangle
This represents Rizal's past life.

Silhouette of a Filipina
Upper Triangle of - believed to be Maria Clara or as the "Inang Bayan" to whom Rizal dictates the novel

the Book Cover Cross/Crucifix

- represents the Catholic faith as it rises above Inang Bayan and Filipinos (shows
dominance)
- it also symbolizes sufferings and death

N O L I M E TA N G E RE N OLI M E TA N G E RE

Pomelo Blossoms & Laurel Leaves

- they represent faith, honor and fidelity, which are the values Rizal aspires to be
embodied by Filipinos
- pomelos are used to scent their air commonly during prayers and cleansing rituals
- laurel leaves are used as crowns during Greek Olympics for honoring the best

Burning Torch
Lower Triangle of
- refers to the Olympic torch
- pertains to the awakening of Filipino consciousness the Book Cover
- it also sheds light to the text of the manuscript
Sunflower
- it symbolizes a new beginning
- it is compared to the happiness of which appears to be always bowing down

N O L I M E TA N G E RE N O L I M E TA N GE R E

4
 11/5/2023

This represents Rizal's currents

situations.
Feet Flogs (Suplina)
- it symbolizes the power of the friars - it is used for self-flagellation
- it is placed on the base of the triangle (foundation) because - just like the whip, this also symbolizes the cruelties of the
Guardia Civil
without friars, the Filipinos cannot stand on their own
Shoes Chain
- it represents wealth - it symbolizes slavery and imprisonment
- it is also the footprints left by friars in teaching Catholicism
Hairy Legs
Rizal's Signature
- it symbolizes the Legend of the Wolf - it shows that Rizal experienced and
- the wolf shape shifts just like how friars hide their true nature and witnessed the ills and abuses that
character happened during his time
Helmet of a Guardia Civil Bamboo Stalks
- it represents the arrogance of those in authority - it represents Filipino resiliency
Whip - despite the sufferings, Filipinos can
- it represents the abuses and cruelties done by the Spaniards and still stand tall and firm
friars as depicted in the novel

NOLI ME TANGERE NOLI ME TANGERE

MGA PANGUNAHING TAUHAN SA NOLI ME TANGERE

Ang mga pangunahing tauhan sa noli me tangere ay

sina Juan Crisostomo Ybarra, Elias, Maria Clara, Don

SUMMARY
Santiago de los Santos, Kapitan Heneral. Kasama rin sa
mga pangunahing tauhan ay sina Fray Bernardo Salvi.
Sina Krispin at Basilio, Sisa, Don Anastacio, Donya
Consolacion. Kasama rin sa mga pangunahing tauhan sa
noli me tangere sina Don Tiburcio, Don Alfonso Linares, at
Donya Victorina.

G E C O23 RELED073
– MG A B AB AS AHIN HING G IL S A G E C O23 RELED073
– MG A B AB AS AHIN HING G IL S A
K AS AY S AYAN NG P IL IP INAS K AS AY S AYAN NG P IL IP INAS

BUOD NG AKLAT NA NOLI ME TANGERE BUOD NG AKLAT NA NOLI ME TANGERE

Umikot ang nobela sa buhay ni Crisostomo Ibarra, Ipinahiya ni Padre Damaso, ang dating kura ng San

isang binatang nag-aral ng pitong taon sa Europa. Siya Diego, si Ibarra ngunit wala itong ginawa bagkus

ay mula sa isang prominenteng angkan sa San Diego. pinagpasensyahan lang niya ang pari. Magalang itong

Nang siya ay umuwi sa Pilipinas, naghandog ng isang nagpaalam at nagdahilang may ibang pupuntahan. Si

piging ang tanyag na si Kapitan Tiago. Kasamang Maria Clara ang magandang kasintahan ni Crisostomo

inimbitahan sa salu-salo ang mga Pransiskanong Ibarra. Siya ang anak-anakan ni Kapit an Tiago,

prayle na sila Padre Salvi at Padre Damaso at ilang mayamang taga-Tondo. Dumalaw si Ibarra kay Maria

may impluwensya sa lipunan. Clara kinabukasan pagkatapos dumalo sa pagtitipon.

G E C O23 – MG A B AB AS AHIN HING G IL S A G E C O23 – MG A B AB AS AHIN HING G IL S A

K AS AY S AYAN NG P IL IP INAS K AS AY S AYAN NG P IL IP INAS

5

BUOD NG AKLAT NA NOLI ME TANGERE
Nagkaroon ng pagkakataon ang magkasintahan na
muling balikan ang kanilang mga ala-ala. Muling binasa
ng dalaga ang liham na binigay ng binata bago pa ito
tumungo sa Europa. Habang papauwi sa kanyang
tahanan, nakapagkwentuhan si Ibarra at ang matalik na
kaibigan ng kanilang pamilya na si Tinyente Gueverra.
Ibinahagi ni tinyente ang malagim na sinapit ng kanyang
ama sa kamay ni Padre Damaso.
G E C O23 – MG A B AB AS AHIN HING G IL S A
K AS AY S AYAN NG P IL IP INAS
BUOD NG AKLAT NA NOLI ME TANGERE
Sa pagkakataong ito ay hindi na nakapagpigil si Ibarra.
Kamuntikan na niyang saksakin ang pari kung hindi lang siya
napigilan ni Maria Clara. Dahil sa nagawa ni Ibarra ay naging
ekskumunikado siya. Sinamantala ito ng Padre at inutusan si
Kapitan Tiago na itigal ang pagpapakasal ni Maria Clara kay
Ibarra at ipakasal si Maria Clara kay Alfonso Linares.
G E C O23 – MG A B AB AS AHIN HING G IL S A
K AS AY S AYAN NG P IL IP INAS
BUOD NG AKLAT NA NOLI ME
TANGERE
Gamit ang bangka ay tinakas ni Elias si Ibarra. Nakalagpas
man sila sa ilang gwardiya sibil nasundan pa din ang kanilang
bangkang sinasakyan. Upang ilagaw ang mga tumutugis,
tumaboy si Elias sa bangka. Pinagbabaril siya hanggang sa
mapuno ng kulay pula ang tubig sa lawa.
Sa pag-aakalang si Ibarra ang tumalon ay hinabol at
pinaputukan ng mga sibil hanggang sa magkulay dugo ang
tubig. Nawalan ng pag-asawa si Maria Clara dahil pag-
aakalang patay na si Ibarra.
G E C O23 – MG A B AB AS AHIN HING G IL S A K AS AY S AYAN NG
P IL IP INAS
11/5/2023
BUOD NG AKLAT NA NOLI ME TANGERE
Sa kabila ng nangyari ay hindi hinangad ni Ibarra na
makapaghiganti, sa halip ipinagpatuloy niya ang
adhikain ng ama na makapagtayo ng paaralan sa San
Diego. Naghanda ng isang pananghalian si Ibarra
pagkatapos ng pagbabasbas. Na Muli na namang tinira
ni Padre Damaso ang binata.
G E C O23 – MG A B AB AS AHIN HING G IL S A
K AS AY S AYAN NG P IL IP INAS
BUOD NG AKLAT NA NOLI ME TANGERE
Sa kasamaang palad, naging madilim ang kinabukasan ni
Ibarra matapos siyang itakwil ng simbahan at
mapagbintangan na nag-organisa ng rebelyon si Ibarra ay
tinugis, dinakip at binilanggo ngunit siya ay nailigtas ni Elias .
Nabigyan naman ng pagkakataon ang magkasintahan na
makapag-usap bago gawin ang planong pagtakas. Doon
nalaman ni Ibarra na si Padre Damaso ang totoong ama ni
Maria Clara.
G E C O23 – MG A B AB AS AHIN HING G IL S A
K AS AY S AYAN NG P IL IP INAS
BUOD NG AKLAT NA NOLI ME
TANGERE
Napagdesisyunan nitong pumasok sa kumbento upang
maging isang madre. Napilitang pumayag si Padre Damaso
sa dalaga dahil magpapakamatay daw ito pag hindi ito
pumayag.
Noche Buena na nang makarating si Elias sa gubat ng mga
Ibarra na sugatan at nanghihina. Doon ay natagpuan niya si
Basilio at malamig na bangkay ni Sisa.
G E C O23 – MG A B AB AS AHIN HING G IL S A K AS AY S AY AN NG
P IL IP INAS
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BUOD NG AKLAT NA NOLI ME

TANGERE
Nagtapos ang kwento sa eksena kung saan humimlay si Elias
at sinabing hindi na niya m as isilayan pa ang bukang
liwayway.

Kung ang Noli Me Tangere buod ng buong kwento na ito ay

C H A RSA C TE R
nakatulong sa iyo, mangyaring ibahagi ito sa iyong mga
kaibigan at kaklase upang maging sila ay matuto din.
Salamat!

G E C O23 – MG A B AB AS AHIN HING G IL S A K AS AY S AYAN NG

P IL IP INAS

N OLI ME TA N G E RE

C r is o s to m o Ib ar r a , M a r ia C lar a , P a d r e D a m a s o
C ris o s to m o Ib a rr a
J u a n C r is o s to m o I b a r r a y M a g s alin , w a s a
y o u n g e u r o p e a n s t u d e n t f r o m S a n D ie g o
w h e r e h e gr e w u p a lo n g w ith h is c h ildh o o d
friend, M aria C lara.

H e w as als o know n in his other identity w hich

is nam ed as S im o un, w ith an occupatio n of a
jeweler. The identity w as m ade following after
his father's death.

H is fathe r , D o n R afa el, w as im p ris o n e d an d

la be le d as a s u b ve r s ive a n d a s a h e r e tic , a
s e n te n ce th at e ven tu ally le d to h is de ath in
jail. Ibarra learns of this on his first night back
in the Philippines.

N O L I M E TA N G E RE N OLI ME TA N G E RE

C r is o s to m o Ib a rra C ris o s to m o Ib a rr a
H o p in g to c a rr y o u t h is fa th e r ’s d re am s , h e
r e t u r n e d to h i s h o m e to w n a n d s o u g h t to
establish a proper s chool there.

Then later decides to build a secular school in F or the m ajority o f the novel, Ib arra believes
S an D iego , one that rem ains uninfluenced by th a t, a lth o u g h th e C a th o lic fr ia r s a n d th e
o ve r z e a lo u s fr ia rs lik e F a th e r D a m as o a n d Spanis h government are corrupt, they provide
F athe r S alvi, Ibarra ’s tw o prim ary the P hilip pines w ith valuable s up p ort. W h ich
adversaries . is w h y h e in s is ts o f r e fo r m in g th e s y s te m
fro m th e in s id e o u t in w h ich it d id n o t
B uilding the s chool proves a difficult tas k due ultim ately s ucceed as he had planned.
to th e fac t th at F ath e r S alvi w o rks to ge th e r
w ith a n um b er o f Ib ar ra’s e n em ie s to fram e
him as a conspirator agains t the governm ent,
ultim ately forcing him to flee San D iego as an
outlaw revolutionary.

N O L I M E TA N G E RE N OLI ME TA N G E RE

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M a ria C lara
M aria Clara de los S antos, w as born betw een Padre
D a m a s o a n d D o ñ a P ia b u t w a s r a is e d to b e th e
daughter o f C apitan Tiago and is the childho od and
fiancee of C ris os tom o Ibarra. S he w as als o s ent to
s tudy in the convent of Sta. C lara, s oon after Ibarra
left to s tu dy at E uro pe w ith their parents agreeing
to betroth them .
F ollow ing Ibarra's return to S an D iego, M aria C lara
faced n um ero u s o bje ctio n s to th eir betro thal. S he
w as to rn betw een her love fo r Ibarra and her love
f o r h e r f a m i l y , u l t im a t e l y c h o o s i n g t o p r o t e c t
C ap itan T iag o 's r e p u ta tio n , a lth o u g h r e g r e tfu l o f
h o w h e r de cis io n affe cte d Ibarra an d w as
devastated after know ing Ibarra’s alleged death.
N O L I M E TA N G E RE
P a d re D a m a s o
P a d r e D a m a s o w a s th e fo r m e r to w n c u r ate o f
San D iego and the real father of M aria Clara.
H e is S p an is h fr iar , w h o co e r ce d D o ñ a P ia in to
illicit s exual relatio ns le ading to h e r death right
after she gave birth to M aria Clara.
O ppos ing his daughter's m arriage to C ris os to m o
Ibarra, he m ade efforts to drive the tw o apart for
M a r ia C l a r a 's s a k e . H e w a s d e s c r ib e d a s a n
arrogant, ruthless, and judgem ental Spanish Friar
w ho does not control his w ords w hen speaking.
F o llow ing Ibarra's alleged de ath , P adre D am as o
w as as s igned to a dis tan t tow n, althou gh he w as
found dead in his office the follow ing day.
N OLI ME TA N G E RE

ELIAS KApItAn tIAgo

was a fugitive living in San Diego.
Enduring one tragedy after another,
he began working to improve society.
After his life was saved by Crisostomo
Ibarra, he began aiding the young
man, saving him on numerous
occasions.
Elias was born to a rich family in
Manila alongside his twin sister, with
his father being the son of a
prostitute and his mother being the
daughter of a rich man. Told that
their father was dead, the twins also
witnessed their mother die in their
youth. Raised by their maternal
grandfather.
"Sir, I am the bearer of the wishes
of many unfortunates."
Santiago de los Santos
Capitan Tiago was an influential businessman
in San Diego and the father of Maria Clara.
Betrothing his daughter to Crisostomo
Ibarra, Capitan Tiago struggled to obey the
will of the friars.
After both his father and the Dominican died,
Tiago went into business himself, eventually
marrying Doña Pia Alba. With his wife
wanting to manage a farm, the two bought
land in San Diego, Laguna, also befriending
Don Rafael Ibarra and Padre Damaso. He
also, at some point, became gobernadorcillo of
the town, earning the nickname "Capitan
Tiago".

N O L I M E TA N G E RE N OLI ME TA N G E RE

pILoSopo tASIo pAdrE SALvI

Pilosopo Tasio, short for Anastacio, was an old
scholar living in San Diego. Thought of as a
lunatic due to his unorthodox ideas, he became
an adviser for several individuals in town.
Born to a rich woman, Tasio grew up a talented
young man, becoming a student of philosophy.
However, as he demonstrated a great amount of
skill, his pious mother asked him to either
become a priest or abandon his studies. Having
fallen in love with a woman, Tasio chose the
latter option and married.
Pilosopo Tasio was an intelligent and sagacious
individual. Displaying a love for philosophy and
learning since his time as a student, Tasio
throughout his life poured his effort into
studying, to the point of letting himself
become poor due to buying so many books.
"I am not writing for
this generation
but for those yet to
come."
Bernardo Salvi
Padre Salvi was the town curate of San
Diego and the successor of Padre Damaso.
Possessing a rivalry with the town's alferez,
he later orchestrated the downfall
of Crisostomo Ibarra, manipulating the
townspeople in the process.
Around the 1880s, Padre Salvi was assigned
town curate of San Diego, gaining great influence
over the townspeople. During this time, he also
struggled for control over the town with the
alferez of the Guardia Civil. At some point, he
began lusting after Capitan Tiago's beautiful
daughter, Maria Clara. Around this time, he also
discovered Padre Damaso's letters to Maria
Clara's mother, Doña Pia, learning that Padre
Damaso was in fact Maria Clara's real father.

N O L I M E TA N G E RE N OLI ME TA N G E RE

8
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BASILIO CRISPIN BASILIO & CRISPIN

Born in San Diego sometime in 1871, Basilio is the son of Sisa,
older brother to Crispin, and a sacristan at the San Diego
Parish. On All Saint’s Day, he was accused along with his
brother of stealing two gold pieces. When the sacristan mayor
arrives to beat the two, Crispin was unable to run away, while
Basilio was able to flee to his home, where he told his mother
what happened. The next day, Sisa went to find Crispin, as the
civil guards came looking for Basilio, he fled into the woods and
was found by the De Dios Family, where he was taken in and
stayed for two months. Meanwhile, Crispin went missing,
presumably killed by the sacristan mayor and Padre Salvi. On
Christmas eve, Basilio went to go look for his mother, only to
find out that she had gone insane with grief. Because of this, she
wasn’t able to recognize Basilio and fled into the woods, only for
her son to chase her. After understanding that Basilio is her son,
she eventually dies.

DON TIBURCIO DE ESPADANA DON TRIBURCIO DE ESPADANA

A Spaniard who speaks with a stutter and looks to be in his
40s. Don Tiburcio came to the Philippines as a customs officer
but was dismissed upon arrival. Having very little money to his
name, he went to the country provinces to practice medicine,
despite the fact that he had no training as a doctor. After some
time, the townspeople discovered his fraudulence and he was
forced to find another means of survival. When María Clara falls
ill , hi s new wif e Doñ a V ict o rina , a fi erce s ocia l cli mber ,
convinced him to go back to medicine, advising him only to take
on extremely well-respected patients. This is why Captain
Tiago chooses him to attend to María Clara.

DONYA VICTORINA DONYA VICTORINA

A Filipina woman married to Don Tiburcio, who cares greatly
about her image as a beautiful and admired socialite, though she
is actually well past her prime. She is only in her thirties but
looks much older, and she quickly adopts the latest trends, often
changing her patterns of speech to reflect the sound of high
so c i et y m e m b e r s . I t w a s h e r i d e a t o h a v e D o n T i b u r c i o
treat María Clara, and also encourages him to bring along his
respectable nephew Linares, whom she is eager to pair off with
María Clara when Captain Tiago calls off the wedding between
his daughter and Ibarra.

9
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DONYA CONSOLACION DONYA CONSOLACION

An older Filipina woman married to the ensign. She is described
to be a brutal, and vulgar partner who berates her husband,
and is known for making decisions for him regarding his work.
Much like Doña Victorina, with whom she eventually gets into
an intense fight, she believes herself to be much more worthy of
respect than she actually is, constantly deceiving herself in
re ga r ds t o he r st at i on in lif e . S he ev e n pr e t en ds t o not
remember her native language, Tagalog, instead speaking very
bad Spanish.

C risostom o Ibarra

Crisostomo Ibarra exemplified the vision that

Symbolism of the Jose Rizal had aimed for the youth of the
Philippines during this time. He represented the
Characters affluent and liberal European educated Filipino. He
is a civic-minded, liberty-minded and patriotic, he
desired the education of his people. Others attribute
Ibarra as Rizal’s reflection of himself.

N OL I M E TAN G E RE : S ym bolis m of the C haracters N OL I M E TAN G E R E : Sym bolism of the C haracters

M aria C lara Padre D am aso

Ma ria Cl ara sy m bolizes the p uri ty and

innocence of a sheltered native woman during the
time of Spanish occupation. She does not value the Da mas o Ver delaga s or Padr e Da maso
material things that were abundantly bestowed symbolizes the Spanish friars of Rizal’s time.
upon by her admirers and family alike but holds a
high esteem her parents’ honor and the promise
she had given to her sweetheart.

N OL I M E TAN G E RE : S ym bolis m of the C haracters N OL I M E TAN G E R E : Sym bolism of the C haracters

10

E lias
Elias represent the common Filipino who is
not only aware of the injustices done to their
countrymen but would also like to deliver them from
their oppressor. He is said to be the personification
of Andres Bonofacio.
N OL I M E TAN G E RE : S ym bolis m of the C haracters
Padre Salvi
Padre Salvi symbolizes the lecherous friars of
Rizal’s time.
N OL I M E TAN G E RE : S ym bolis m of the C haracters
D onya C oncolocion
Donya Concolacion symbolizes the Filipinos
in society who are ashamed of their race and
nationality.
N OL I M E TAN G E RE : S ym bolis m of the C haracters
11/5/2023
Pilosopo Tasio
Pilosopo Tas io s ymbo lizes t he learned
Filipinos who had once embrace the culture of the
Spanish regime. They eventually became
di s e nc h an t ed wh en t h ey ret u rn b ac k t o t h e
Philippines and observe the stark contrast their
countrymen receive from their colonizers. The more
they to learning, the more they become eccentric to
the masses they seek to enlighten.
N OL I M E TAN G E R E : Sym bolism of the C haracters
C apitan Tiago
Capitan Tiago represents the rich Filipino who
oppress their fellow countrymen in exchange for the
influence and the riches that they might gain from
their powerful associations.
N OL I M E TAN G E R E : Sym bolism of the C haracters
D onya V ictorina
Donya Victorina as one of the lesser evils in
novel. She symbolizes those who have a distorted
view of their identity. Everything that is indigenous
is inferior and everything foreign as superior. It is
the comedic form of ‘colonial mentality’.
N OL I M E TAN G E R E : Sym bolism of the C haracters
11

D on Tiburcio
Don Tiburcio is a caricature of ignorant
Spaniards who wreak havoc in the provinces during
the colonial era. His countrymen condone his
actions for they do not want him to become a
burden to them.
N OL I M E TAN G E RE : S ym bolis m of the C haracters
C rispin
Crispin represent the innocents who have
been wrongly accused of the crime they did not
commit. The injustice that they suffered under the
hands of the authorities during their time were
silenced by their deaths and the cover-ups that
follow it.
N OL I M E TAN G E RE : S ym bolis m of the C haracters
Importance of Noli Me
Tangere
11/5/2023
Sisa
Sisa is thought to have represented the
motherland who was suffering as character have
suffered with the loss of children. The tragic events
that ruined her life represented the abuse that the
motherland received from their colonizers.
N OL I M E TAN G E R E : Sym bolism of the C haracters
School M aster of San D iego
He symbolized the intellectual dissatisfaction
in Filipino society during Rizal’s time. As an
educated individual, he dreamed of changing the
methods of teaching to facilitate greater learning of
pupils.
N OL I M E TAN G E R E : Sym bolism of the C haracters
Noli me Tangere is the first novel written and published in
Germany in 1887 by Filipino patriot and national hero Dr. José
P. Rizal. The plot delves into the society of the Philippines
during the Spanish colonial period, revealing the aristocracy
behind poverty and colonialist abuse.
Similarly, as "Noli Me Tangere" depicts various aspects of
achieving independence, Jose Rizal focuses on social
climbers, abusive power, family devotion, self sacrifice, and
purity and faithfulness.
12

Following its publication, Noli me
Tangere was regarded as one of the
instruments that sparked Filipino
nationalism, leading to the 1896
Philippine Revolution. The novel not
only awoke dormant Filipino
awareness, but also laid the
groundwork for aspiring to
independence.
Noli was originally written in Spanish,
so the likelihood of Spanish
authorities reading it first was very
high; exactly what Rizal desired.
Copies of books were redirected to
churches, many were destroyed, and
a slew of anti-Noli writers entered the
fray.
PURPOSE
NOLI ME TANGERE
MGA BABASAHIN HINGGIL SA KASAYSAYAN NG PILIPINAS
NOVEL’S AIMS FOR THE READERS
Ø to challenge the audience to analyze the plot and understand the characters, and
what they symbolizes
Ø to depict a series of typical Filipino scenes
Ø to call out both the government and the church
Ø to awaken the patriotic feelings of the Filipino people
NOLI ME TANGERE
MGA BABASAHIN HINGGIL SA KASAYSAYAN NG PILIPINAS
11/5/2023
At the time, Catholic leaders in the
Philippines condemned the book as
heretical, while Spanish colonial
authorities condemned it as
subversive and anti-government.
Because of the high demand for
underground copies, Rizal decided to
raise the price.
RIZAL’S PURPOSE FOR THE NOVEL
Main Purpose: to expose the wrongdoings of the Spaniards to the Filipino
people
Ø to mirror the sufferings of Filipinos due to slavery and poverty
Ø to unveil the corruption and abuse in the government
Ø to reveal the exploitation and wrong use of religion in the church
Ø to express the real conditions of the society of the Filipinos in his time
NOLI ME TANGERE
MGA BABASAHIN HINGGIL SA KASAYSAYAN NG PILIPINAS
THE PUBLICATION OF THE NOVEL
Ø resulted to the exposure of the various elements in the society
Ø gave way for cross-sectional depiction and analysis in the Philippine setting
Ø became an instrument in opening the eyes to the reality
Ø became an intellectual heritage of the Filipinos
NOLI ME TANGERE
MGA BABASAHIN HINGGIL SA KASAYSAYAN NG PILIPINAS
13