The Novel’s

of Rizal
Group 1
 Unfinished and
Untitled Novels
1. Untitled and unsigned manuscript novel
consisting of 44 pages in Rizal's handwriting.

2. Makamisa, a novel in Tagalog.

3. Dapitan- written in ionic Spanish

 Unfinished and
Untitled Novels
4. Life in Pili, Laguna- a Spanish novel which was not finished.

5. Cristobal - a novel without a title is about Cristobal, a

youthful Filipino student who has returned from Europe.

6. A novel that was contained/ written in two notebooks - the

first note contains 31 written pages and the second one
contains 12 written pages .
 Noli Me
Tangere
(Touch Me Not)
 Noli Me
Tangere
(Touch Me Not)
Viola Financed Printing - Sick and penniless,
Rizal had no hope of having it published, he
received a telegram from Dr. Maximo Viola
that he was coming to Berlin. Dr. Viola was a
scion of rich family of San Miguel Bulacan.
 Noli Me
Tangere
(Touch Me Not)
- Viola gladly agreed to finance the printing
cost of the Noli. He also loaned some cash
money for the living expenses. To save
printing expenses, Rizal deleted certain
passages in his manuscript, including the
whole chapter Elias and Salome.
 Noli Me
Tangere
(Touch Me Not)
Printing of the Noli - Rizal, with Viola’s help,
supervised the printing of the Noli. Day by
day, they were at the printing shop proof
reading the printed pages. Noli came off the
press on March 21, 1887.
 Noli Me
Tangere
(Touch Me Not)
- First copies of the printed novel were
sent to Rizal's intimate friends like
Blumentritt , Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor,
Graciano Lopez Jaena , Mariano Ponce
and Felix R. Hidalgo .
 Noli Me
Tangere
(Touch Me Not)
- On March 29,1887 - Rizal gave Viola the gallery proofs
of the Noli in token of his appreciation and gratitude.

The Title of the Noli - Noli Me Tangere, which means

"Touch Me Not" , was taken from the bible, particularly
the Gospel of St. John (Chapter 20, verses 13 to 28).
 Noli Me
Tangere
(Touch Me Not)
- "Touch Me Not" - I am not yet ascended to
my Father, but go to my brethren, and say
unto them . I ascend unto my Father and your
Father; and my God and your God.
Attackers and
Defenders
of the Noli
 Attackers
1. Fr. Jose 2. Father
Rodriguez Font 3.General
-an Augustine Priest - printed and
who published a series distributed copies to
Jose
of (eight) pamphlets discredit the Salamanca
to discredit Noli. controversial novel.
 Attackers
4. General 5. Sr. 6. Vicenta
Luis M. de Fernando Barrantes
Prado Vida
 Deffenders
1.Marcelo H. 2. Dr. 3. Graciano
Del Pilar Antonio Ma. Lopez
Regidor Jaena
 Deffenders
5. Father 6. Don
4. Mariano Sanchez , Segismundo
Ponce Rizal's favorite Moret ,
teacher in the former
Ateneo Minister of
the Crown
 Deffenders
7. Dr. Miguel 8. Professor 9. Other
Morayta, Blumentritt Filipino
historian , scholar reformists
and and educato in foreign
stateman lands
 Deffenders
10. Rev. Vicente
Garcia , A
Filipino priest - 11. Desiderio
scholar and a Magalong
Tagalog
translator
 Important
Characters in
the Noli
 Crisistomo Ibarra
• Juan Crisistomo Ibarra y Magsalin - commonly
called Ibarra. Is Filipino Spanish and the only
descendant of the wealthy Spaniard Don Rafael
Ibarra. - He was born and grew up in the Philippines.
- Spent seven years studying in Europe.
 Maria Clara
•Maria Clara de los Santos y Alba - is the
most dominant yet weakest representation
of women in the setting. - daughter of
Capitan Tiago and Doña Pia Alba.
 Padre Damaso
• Padre Damaso Verdogalas - ( commonly
known as Padre Damaso/ Padre Damaso or
Father Damaso.) - almost twenty years
before he replaced. by Padre salvi. - Padre
Damaso is describe to be snobbish, ruthless
and judgemental extrovert.
 Kapitan Tiago
• Don Santiago de los Santos- commonly known as
Kapitán Tiago. - is the only son of a wealthy trader
in Malabon. - he owned numerous properties in
Pampanga, Laguna and San Tiago. - loses all his
properties and becomes addicted to opium. ( which
lead to his death.)
 Pilosopo Tasyo
•Don Anastacio - commonly known as Filósofo
Tacio - he is reffered to as a philosoper/ sage. -
Filósofo Tacio was bron wealthy Filipino Family. -
most of his time taken up in reading and buying
books that all his properties were lose and he
became poor
 Elias
came from a family which the Ibarra clan had
oppressed for generations. - He grew up in a
wealthy family - Despite that Ibarra's family
subjugated his family, he is entirely indebted
towards him. Furthermore, Ibarra , who in turn ,
saved Elias' life when they tried to kill a crocodile.
 Elias
- Elias and Ibarra continued supporting each
other until Elias sacrificed himself to help
him at one last time. He was shot by the
guards (mistakenly took as Ibarra trying to
dive down the river and escape ) and slowly
died .
 Doña Victorina
Doña Victorina de los Reyes de Espadaña
is the one who pretended to be a meztisa
(a Spaniard born in Philippines) and always
dreamed of finding a Spanish husband, in
which she married Don Tiburcio.
 Doña Victorina
she is a rival of Donya Consolacion
It actually came to pass but she did not
like Don Tiburcio. She merely forced
herself to marry him despite having fallen
in love with Kapitan Tiago.
 Sisa
Narcisa is married to a man named
Pedro and the mother of Basilio and
Crispin
She depicts how Filipino mothers love
their children unquestionably.
 Sisa
One day later, she was pardoned by the town Alferez
and was released. However when she returned home,
Basilio was also gone. When she found Crispin's clothes
soaked with blood, she grew lunatic as she continues to
find her children.
At the end of the novel , Basilio grievously mourns for his
mother as he found her lying dead under the tree.
 Doña Consolacion
Doña Consolacion, la musa de los guardias
civiles y esposa del Alferez once a laundry
woman who worked for the town marrying a
Spanish husband.
despite that they are rivals with Donya
Victorina , they are somewhat common.
 What are the
Characters of
Noli represent:
1. The character Crisostomo Ibarra, he has a liberal
mind. Outspoken and idealistic, patient and serious
man. He becomes very violent and impulsive when he
is provoked. Ibarra is Rizal's reflection of himself. He
symbolizes the idealism of the privileged youth.

2. Elias - he distrusts human judgement and prefers

God's justice instead. He prefers a revolution over the
reforms. He represents the common Filipino. He is
said to be the personifacation if Andres Bonifacio.
3. Kapitan Tiago - he is said to be a good Catholic
friend of the Spanish government. He symbolizes the
rich Filipinos who oppress their fellow countrymen.

4. Maria Clara - a religious woman, she was

portrayed as a faithful sweetheart, a good friend and
an obedient daughter. She had childish simplicity, She
gets easily nervous . Her character is related to
Rizal's childhood sweetheart, Leonor Rivera. She
symbolizes the purity and innocence of a sheltered
native woman.
5. Doña Victorina an ambitious Filipina. She
symbolizes those who have a distorted view of
their identity. Wife of Don Tiburcio.

6. Don Tiburcio de Espadaña Doña Victorina's

husband. He is timid and rarely joins in
conversation. Makes living as a quack doctor.
Represented the ignorant Spaniard whose
foolishness the other Spaniards tolerated, often
resulting in disastrous consequences for the
natives.
7. Pia Alba a young, healthy and beautiful woman, a very
spiritual woman . By nature, a very merry woman but she
became melancholic when she became pregnant. Pia
Alba represents the women who had been abused by the
clergyand had been silenced by their shame.

8. Gobernador General he occupies the second most

powerful rank in the colonial government, second only to
the king. Supported Ibarra against Padre Damaso
represented the typical Governor Generals of the
Philippines who would often disdain the power that the
friars had.
9. A young and smart Spanish lawyer, Meek and shy
Padre Damaso wanted Maria Clara to marry him but
she refused. Alfonso Linares represented the young
Spaniards who came to the Philippines hoping for a
better life than in their motherland.

10. Alferez Doña Consolacion's husband shares rivalry

with the priest , particularly Padre Salvi and frequently
has violent fights with his wife. Represented the
officials of the state who frequently had power
struggles with church officials.
11. Pilosopo Tasyo known as " Filosopo Tasyo ". He
spent most in his money on books and now lives
in poverty. Rizal can relate to his character as his
oldest brother, Paciano Rizal. He symbolizes the
learned Filipinos. He is a pessimist.
12. Padre Hernando Sibyla
often cool and intelligent
A Dominican Friar who is the curate of
Binondo
A former Professor at San Juan de Letran
College
aware by the injustice of done to the natives
he all cares about is getting his
congregational in power
13. Padre Bernardo Salvi
manipulates people
describe to be very thin and sickly
The Franciscan Curate of San Diego
secretly harboring lust for Maria Clara.

14. Padre Damaso

Talkative and cruel Priest
He raped Dona Pia, Maria Clara’s Mother
antagonizes Ibarra and prevents his marriage
Symbolizes spanish friars in Rizal’s time
15. Sisa
deranged mother of Basilio and Crispin
describe as beautiful and young
Personified the suffering of Mothers
named after Rizal’s sister Narcisa

16. Basilio
He is 10 years old
Represented the Innocent who were wrongly accused of
crimes they did not commit
a true tale based on the Crisostomo brothers of Hagonoy
17. Crispin
he is 7 years old
often talks about silly things
Sisa’s favorite son
accused of stealing money from the church

18. Dona Consolacion

Wife of Alferez of San Diego
pretend not to know Tagalog and often use Spanish
words
Symbolizes those Filipinos who are ashamed of their
race and nationality.
 Conditions and
problems of
Philippine society in
the 19th century as
portrayed through
Noli Me Tangere
The Novel conveys the plight of the vanquished and the
pathetic suffering of the Filipinos at the hands of the
abusive colonizers.

The Noli was perceived by Rizal as reflective of the spirit

of the social, moral, and political life of his time because it
clearly showed mankind under severe ordeal. Mankind
unredeemed, reason and aspiration in an open struggle in
fanaticism and injustice.

Rizal wrote a novel depicting the country to be redeemed

from bondage and repression.
 El
Filibusterismo
(A Historical Perspective)
 INTRODUCTION
“El Filibusterismo” is a seminal work in Philippine
literature. The title “El Filibusterismo” is a Spanish
word, and its meaning in English is “The Filibustering.”
In the context of the novel written by José Rizal, “El
Filibusterismo” refers to a revolutionary or subversive
movement.
 INTRODUCTION
This novel is a powerful
reflection of the Philippines’
struggle against Spanish colonial
period.
 BACKGROUND
Written by the national hero, José
Rizal, it is the sequel to his first
novel, “Noli Me Tangere,” and was
published in Ghent, Belgium (1891).
Historical Context
of Creation:
“El Filibusterismo” was written in
the late 19 th century, during a
tumultuous period in Philippine
history.
 José Rizal’s
Motivations:
He aimed to expose and challenge
the injustices and abuses inflicted
by the Spanish authorities and
clergy on the Filipino people.
 Key Characters:
1. Simoun (Crisostomo Ibarra) – Simoun is the central
character, representing the revolutionary
spirit and the desire for change. Simoun symbolizes the
call for social and political reform.

2. Maria Clara - represents the idealized Filipina, a

symbol of purity and innocence. Her character’s
fate in “El Filibusterismo” serves as a reflection of the
impact of Spanish oppression on Filipino
society.
 Key Characters:
3. Padre Florentino – a compassionate priest who acts as the
moral compass of the story. He
represents the Church’s potential for positive change and
guidance, as well as the hope for a
better future.

4. Don Custodio – symbolizes the inefficiencies and

absurdities of the colonial bureaucracy. His
obsession with trivialities highlights the ineffectiveness of
Spanish rule and the need for reform.
 Key Characters:
5. Basilio – embodies the aspirations of the youth. He represents
the hope for a better future and
the potential for change.

6. Paulita Gomez – represents shallowness and materialism. She

serves as a critique of superficiality and misplaced priorities in
society.

7. Huli – A symbol of the marginalized and oppressed indigenous

people in the Philippines. Huli’s
character reflects the social injustices faced by the indigenous
population.
PLOT
 Transformation of
Crisostomo Ibarra into
Simoun:
Highlight the significant transformation
of the main character, Ibarra, into
Simoun, a character driven by a quest
for justice and change.
 Transformation of
Crisostomo Ibarra into
Simoun:
The plot’s intricacies creates a
compelling narrative that captures the
spirit of defiance and the desire for
change in colonial-era Philippines.
THEMES
 Major Themes Explored
in the Novel:
1. Oppression - is depicted through the exploitation of the Filipino
people by the Spanish authorities, who wield unchecked pow.
2. Social Injustice – the story vividly portrays the stark social
inequalities within Philippine society.
3. Revolution – symbolizes the growing desire for change and
freedom among the Filipino people.
4. Portrayal in the Story – the suffering of the oppressed is made
palpable through the characters’
struggles, allowing readers to empathize with their plight.
Major Themes Explored
in the Novel:
“El Filibusterismo” masterfully weaves
these themes into its narrative,
immersing readers in the harsh
realities of colonial-era Philippines and
igniting a call for action and reform.
SIGNIFICANCE
 Historical and Cultural
Significance of “El
Filibusterismo”:
1. In Shaping Filipino National Consciousness - Served as a rallying
point for Filipinos who sought to assert their rights and fight
against oppression.
2. Promoting Resistance and Reform - Inspired a sense of urgency
and encouraged the Filipino people to question the status quo.
3. Igniting the Philippine Revolution - Contributed to the lead-up
to the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule.
4. Cultural Legacy - Deeply ingrained in Filipino culture and is
often studied as part of the country’s literature and history.
LEGACY
 Lasting Impact of José Rizal’s
Writings:
1. Contributions to the Philippines’ Fight for Independence -
Rizal played a significant role in igniting the flame of
revolution and inspiring the Filipino people to strive for self-
determination.
2. National Hero Status - Rizal symbolizes the spirit of
defiance and the pursuit of justice that define the Filipino
identity.
3. Continued Commemoration - His works serve as a source of
inspiration for those seeking social justice, freedom, and a
sense of national identity.
CONCLUSION
 Reiterating the
Importance:
“El Filibusterismo” remains a vital
part of Philippine history and
literature, reflecting the spirit of
resistance and the desire for
justice.
 Minor
Characters in
El Fili
 1. Isagani
Basilio’s friend
very idealistic and hopes for a better future of the
Philippines
Paulita Gomez was his girlfriend but broke up once
he was arrested.
the one who sabotages Simoun’s plans
2. Kabesang Tales
Cabeza Telesforo Juan de Dios
a former cabeza de barangay Sagpang
He is the son of Tandang Selo
father of Juli and Tano.
3. Don Custodio
Custodio de Salazar y Sánchez de Monteredondo
a famous journalist
quite an ordinary fellow who married a rich woman in
order to be a member of Manila's high society
4. Tiburcio de Espadana
Don Tiburcio is Victorina de Espadaña's lame husband
He is currently in hiding at Father Florentino's.
5. Macaraig
One of Isagani's classmates at the University of Santo
Tomas
a rich student and serves as the leader of the student
yearning to build the Academia de Castellano.
6. Father Florentino
Isagani's godfather
a secular priest
harbors great hatred for the corrupt Spanish friars
7. Juanito Pelaez
A favorite student of the professors
belong to the noble Spanish ancestry
became Paulita's new boyfriend and they eventually wed
8. Doña Matutinay
Victorina delos Reyes de Espadaña
known in Noli Me Tangere as Tiburcio de Espadaña's cruel wife.
the aunt of Paulita Gomez
Although of Indio heritage, she considers herself as one of the
Peninsular.
9. Father Camorra
The lustful parish priest of Tiani
10. Ben-Zayb
The pseudonym of Abraham Ibañez
a journalist who believes he is the "only" one thinking in the
Philippines.
11. Placido Penitente
A student of the University of Santo Tomas who was very
intelligent and wise
12. Hermana Penchang
Sagpang's rich pusakal (gambler)
she considers herself as an ally of the friars.
13. Father Irene
Captain Tiago's spiritual adviser
The only witness to Captain Tiago's death
14. Quiroga
A Chinese businessman who dreamed of being a consul for his
country in the Philippines. He hid Simoun's weapons inside his
house.
15. Don Timoteo Pelaez
Juanito's father.
He is a rich businessman and arranges a wedding for his son and
Paulita.
He and Simoun became business partners.
16. Tandang Selo
Father of Kabesang Tales and grandfather of Tano and Juh.
He raised the sick and young Basilio after he left their house in Noli
me tangere.
He died in an encounter on the mountains with his son Tales when he
was killed by a battalion that included his own grandson, Tano.
17. Father Fernández
The priest-friend of Isagani.
He promised to Isagani that he and the other priests will
give in to the students' demands.
18. Sandoval
The vice-leader of Macaraig's gang.
A Spanish classmate of Isagani, he coerces his classmates to
lead alongside him the opening of the Spanish language
academy.
19. Hermana Bali
Another wealthy gambler in Tiani.
She became Juli's mother- figure and counselor; and helped
to release Kabesang Tales from the hands of bandits.
20. Father Millon
A Dominican friar who serves as the Physics professor
of the University of Santo Tomas.
He always becomes vindictive with Placido and always
taunts him during class.
Millon is based on/inspired by an ill-mannered
Dominican friar who was Rizal's anatomy professor in
Santo Tomas.
21. Tadeo Macaraig's classmate
He, along with the other three members of their gang,
supposedly posted the posters that "thanked" Don
Custodio and Father Irene for the opening of the
Academia de Castellano.
22. Leeds
An American who holds stage plays starring severed
heads;
he is good friends with Simoun.
23. Tano
Kabesang Tales's elder son after his older sister, Lucia
died in childhood.
He took up the pseudonym "Carolina" after returning
from exile in the Caroline Islands, and became a civil
guard.
He was among the battalion that killed his grandfather,
Selo, who was part of a group of attacking rebels.
24. Pepay
Don Custodio's supposed "girlfriend".
A dancer, she is always agitated of her "boyfriend's"
plans.
She seems to be a close friend of Macaraig.
25. Gobernador General
The highest-ranking official in the Philippines during
the Spanish colonial period, this unnamed character
pretends that what he is doing is for the good of the
Indios, the local citizens of the country, but in reality,
he prioritizes the needs of his fellow Spaniards living
in the country.
26. Father Hernando de la Sibyla
A Dominican friar introduced in Noli Me
Tangere, now the vice-rector of the University
of Santo Tomas.
27. Pecson
classmate who had no idea about the
happenings occurring around him.
He suggested that they hold the mock
celebration at the panciteria.
28. Father Bernardo Salvi
Former parish priest of San Diego in Noli Me Tangere,
now the director and chaplain of the Santa Clara
convent.
29. Captain Tiago
Santiago delos Santos, Captain Tiago is Maria Clara's
stepfather and the foster father to Basilio.
His health disintegrates gradually because of his
frequent smoking of opium,
he dies because Father Irene scared him about the
revolt of the Filipinos.
 Rizal's
Dedication of
the Fili to
GOMBURZA
—"To the memory of the priests, Don
Mariano Gomez (85 years old), Don Jose
Burgos (30 years old), and Don Jacinto
Zamora (35 years old). Executed in the
Bagumbayan Field on the 28th of
February, 1872."
"The church, by refusing to degrade you, has placed in doubt the
crime that has been imputed to you; the Government, by
surrounding your trials with mystery and shadows causes the
belief that there was some error, committed in fatal moments;
and all the Philippines, by worshipping your memory and calling
you martyrs, in no sense recognizes your culpability. In so far,
therefore, as your complicity in the Cavite Mutiny is not clearly
proved, as you may or may not have been patriots, and as you
may or may not cherished sentiments for justice and for liberty, I
have the right to dedicate my work to you as victims of the evil
which lundertake to combat. And while we await expectantly
upon Spain some day to restore your good name and cease to be
answerable for your death, let these pages serve as a tardy
wreath of dried leaves over one who without clear proofs attacks
your memory stains his hands in your blood."