GE Rizal

El Filibusterismo
Group 8
 Introduction
El Filibusterismo, published in 1891, Rizal continued to
argue for reform. Rizal argued that the young are aware
of the need to take political action and pursue social
justice. Young people, maintained, create a strong
sense of reform.
El Filibusterismo is a book about revolution,
positioning it clearly as an alternative to reform efforts
that lead nowhere. He also pointed the dangers of
taking an alternative based on hate and vengeance.
In this chapter, learners are able to engage into the
works of Rizal especially his novel El Filibusterismo
which was the sequel of Noli Me Tangere. Learners are
also able to comprehend the real purpose of writing his
second novel.
 The glory of saving a
country doesn't mean
having to use the
measures that
contributed to its ruin!

-Jose P. Rizal
El Filibusterismo
"El Filibusterismo" is a novel written by Jose Rizal, a
Filipino national hero. It serves as a sequel to his
earlier work, "Noli Me Tangere." Set in the Philippines
during the Spanish colonial era, the novel explores
themes of social injustice, abuse of power, and the
consequences of colonial rule. The protagonist,
Simoun, seeks to bring about change through
rebellion and exposes the corruption within society.
The novel delves into the complexities of the human
condition and the struggle for justice in the face of
oppression.
 the real purpose of writing his
second novel:
Political Critique: Rizal used the novel as a platform to critique
the injustices and corruption of the Spanish colonial government
in the Philippines. Through vivid storytelling and character
portrayals, he highlighted the oppressive nature of the regime
and the need for social and political reform.

Awakening National Consciousness: The novel aimed to

awaken a sense of national identity and pride among Filipinos.
Rizal depicted the struggles of the Filipino people under
colonial rule and encouraged them to recognize their worth and
fight for their rights.
Call for Reform: While "Noli Me Tangere"
introduced the issues, "El Filibusterismo" amplified
the call for reform. Rizal advocated for societal
change, whether through peaceful means,
represented by Padre Florentino, or through more
radical methods, symbolized by Simoun.
Highlighting Societal Ills: Through a compelling
narrative, Rizal exposed the social ills prevalent in
Philippine society during that period, such as
social inequality, corruption, abuse of power, and
the detrimental effects of colonialism.
Overall, "El Filibusterismo" served as a tool for awakening
the Filipino consciousness, promoting social awareness,
and advocating for reforms necessary to address the
country's pressing issues under Spanish rule.
 Message
Rizal's message in El Filibusterismo is very clear that the
present system of the government in the Philippines
through corrupt officials, dominated by the friars can
lead to the downfall of Spain. This point was stressed
by Simoun in the novel, when he said, "What is a man
to do when he is denied justice? Take the law into his
own hands or wait for Spain to give him rights..." From
the foregoing, Rizal was very certain that because of
the nature and operation of the government, those who
are intelligent, generous, hardworking, courageous and
loyal citizens were driven into opposition, crime and
subversion.
 Rizal after the El Fili
After the publication of El Filibusterismo, Rizal
no longer shared the view of the reforms that
reforms in the country will be granted by the
Spanish government. He gave up the idea of
gradual and peaceful emancipation of the
country, which he clearly communicated to
Blumentritt in 1887. As stressed by Rizal in the
aforementioned correspondence Peaceful
struggle will just remain a dream, considering
that Spain had not learned the lesson of her
former colonies in South America" (Guerrero,
1998). Believing that reforms would no longer
be granted by Spain, Rizal became a
separatist. As a separatist, he was quite
unique considering that he left to God the
attainment of independence.
 The age of Filibustering took place after the
terror of 1872, and for twenty years there was a
demand for reforms. Then the revolutionary
society, the Katipunan, was founded to further
the Philippine Independence. The influence of
the Age of Filibustering is obvious in Rizal's two
novels. The sons of the Filipino upper class
became political leaders, thereby reflecting
Rizal's belief that national revolution was on the
horizon. These arguments were aided by that
Jose Rizal could write with the skill of a novelist.
He single-handedly created revolutionary form of
Asian fiction that was so close to the truth that it
drove the Spanish to persecute and other young
political visionaries.
 From his vintage point, Rizal argued that the Spanish
needed to rethink their political, religious and economic
direction. In his novel Rizal was able to extend this
criticism into new directions. Rizal specter of subversion
has been use so often to frighten the Filipinos, from
being a mere nursery tale, it has acquired a real and
positive existence, whose mere mention makes to
commit the greatest mistakes. Rizal argued his people
not to accept Spanish myths and look into themselves
for an inner freedom and national direction.
El Filibusterismowas dedicated to the three clergies, Frs.
Mariana Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora who
were executed on the scaffold at Bagumbayan on
February 28, 1872. This massacre was an extension of
the Cavity rebellion and it was a major t turning point in
Rizal's life. Once he thought about the trials and
execution of the friars, Rizal became a major figure in
the drives for Philippine freedom.
 This document included copies of a tract called
The Seditious "The Poor Friars” a caustic attack on bankruptcy of
Document: the Dominican friars, divulging the bankruptcy of
the Dominican from the different Asian banks.
The Poor Friars In Rizal's statement, "But now the devil has carried
off the money of the widows and orphans, and it is
so feared that he will carry everything, because
when the devil begins, the devil has to finish,”
where family head were been persecuted during
Calamba trouble. This paper was called seditious
hence it consists for the slightest word against the
government, in which an insult to the religious
order is called sedition. Besides, the religious
orders in that period were the powers behind the
throne, seating and unseating officials at will.
 All the newspapers in Manila published the long
Rizal nailed his own curious decrees of the Governor General, bearing
the three charges that sent Rizal into exile:
coffin 1. During his "voluntary exile” he had published
three books and proclamations of friars doubtful
loyalty to Spain, which are not only frankly anti-
Catholic, but impudently anti-friars and introduced
these into the archipelago.
2. After hours after his arrival in the Philippines,
there was found in one of the packages belonging
to the said subject a bundle of handbills entitled
"the Poor Friars" in which the patient and humble
generosity of the Filipinos was satirized and in
which accusations were published against the
customs of the religious orders.
 Simoun (Cristomo Ibarra)
The wealthy jeweler and businessman who is actually the older and
more disillusioned version of the protagonist in Rizal's first novel,
"Noli Me Tangere." He aims to incite a revolution against the
oppressive Spanish regime.
 Isagani
A young poet deeply in love with Paulita Gomez. He represents the
youth's idealism and struggles with the societal issues presented in
the novel.
 Basilio
A central character, now a medical student, who seeks revenge for
the death of his mother, Sisa. He becomes intertwined with Simoun's
plans.
 Padre Florentino
An elderly priest and the voice of reason, advocating for reform
through peaceful means. He serves as a moral compass in the novel.
 Paulita Gomez
Isagani's love interest, who becomes a pawn in Simoun's plans.
 Ben Zayb
A journalist and satire of the Filipino intelligentsia during that time.
He is depicted as someone who's easily swayed by power and
influence.
 Doña Victorina
A comical character, obsessed with becoming Europeanized and
marrying a foreigner. She symbolizes the Filipino elite's aspirations
for social status.
 Father Camorra and Father Salvi
Corrupt and immoral priests who showcase the corruption within the
church and its involvement in societal issues.
Thank You
for listening!