Synopsis of El Filibusterismo

The story in El Filibusterismo revolves around its main character Simoun who is an
affluent jeweler. Simoun is actually Crisostomo Ibarra of the Noli whom everyone
thought had been killed by the Guardia Civil at Laguna de Bay. He had escaped, fled to
Cuba, become wealthy, and made connections with influential Spanish officials. Upon
his return to the Philippines after many years, he becomes very influential as the
governor general, who owes so much to him, consults him in making decisions.
In reality however, everything Simoun does is just part of his grand plan to take revenge
against the Spanish officials and rescue Maria Clara from the convent. Planning to
stage a revolution, he smuggles arms and looks for followers, mainly from the exploited
and abused natives.
One of his recruits is Basilio, the son of Sisa, who with Capitan Tiago's help was able to
study in Manila. Simoun also makes an alliance with the revolutionary group of
Kabesang Tales, a former cabeza de barangay' who suffered maltreatments from the
hands of the friars. Using his influence, Simoun encourages corruption, decadence, and
more oppressive government policies so that the citizens may become more infuriated

. However, one night, the planned revolt was not carried out because Simoun, upon
hearing that Maria Clara died in the nunnery, decided not to give the signal for the
outbreak of the uprising. Sometime after, in a fit of apparent insanity, she climbed up on
the roof of the church, spotted by some guards. In 1895, Maria Clara fell ill and died a
few days later.
Another plan was made some months later. At the venue of the wedding reception of
Juanito Pelaez and Paulita Gomez, Simoun planted many explosives-enough to kill the
invited guests, primarily the friars and government officials. According to the plot, the big
explosion shall be started by the gift he would give to the newlyweds at the reception—a
kerosene lamp with an explosive. When the lamp flickers and someone turns the wick, it
will result into a explosion that will become a signal to the revolutionary troops to
simultaneously attack all the government buildings in Manila.

During the reception, Simoun gives his gift to the newly-weds. Before hurriedly leaving
the venue, he leaves a piece of mysterious paper bearing the message "You will die
tonight" signed by Juan Crisostomo Ibarra.
Meanwhile, Isagani, the rejected lover of Paulita, is standing outside the reception. His
friend Basilio tells him to leave the place because the lamp will soon blow up.
When Father Salvi identifies the handwriting in the note and confirms that it was indeed
Ibarra's, the guests begin to panic. When the lamp flickers, Father Irene tries to turn the
wick up. But Isagani, wanting to save Paulita's life, rushes into the house, grabs the
lamp, and throws it into the river where it explodes.

Simon's revolutionary plot was discovered and he's hunted by the Guardia Civil. He
managed to escape but was seriously wounded. Carrying his jewelry chest, he finds
shelter in the home of Padre Florentino. Learning of his presence in the house of the
priest, the lieutenant of the Guardia Civil informs Padre Florentino that he will come in
the evening to arrest Simoun.
Simoun then takes poison that he would not be caught alive. As the poison's effects
start to take toll on his body, he confesses to Florentino his true identity and his plan of
revenge through bloody revolution. After the emotional and agonizing confession of the
dying man, the priest absolves the dying man from his sins, saying: "God will forgive
you Señor Simoun." He knows that we are fallible. He has seen that you have
suffered ...
He has frustrated your plans one by one ... first by the death of Maria Clara, then by a
lack of preparation, then in some mysterious way. Let us bow to His will and render Him
thanks!"

The story ends with the priest throwing Simon's treasures into the sea so that they
would not be used by the greedy. The priest hopes that when the right time comes, they
would be recovered and used only for the good.