Great Works

Of
Literature
Great Books

BS CRIMINOLOGY 1-B

Submitted by:
Ric Russel Jones C. Manalo
 Noli Me Tangere
Jose Rizal
Summary
The young man Juan Crisostomo Ibarra is a Filipino but he was educated by his
father Don Rafael in another country. He lived in Europe for more than seven years
before returning to the Philippines.
A big party was prepared at Captain Tiago's house to welcome the young man.
Some guests were also invited such as Father Damaso, Father Sibyla, Lieutenant
Guevarra, Donya Victorina, and some influential people in society.
Padre Damaso, the former priest of San Diego, humiliated Ibarra but he did nothing
but tolerated the priest. He politely said goodbye and excused himself to go somewhere
else.
Maria Clara is the beautiful girlfriend of Crisostomo Ibarra. He is the son of Captain
Tiago, a rich man from Tondo.
Ibarra visited Maria Clara the next day after attending the gathering. The couple had
a chance to revisit their memories. The girl re-read the letter the young man gave before
he left for Europe.
Ibarra went to Lieutenant Guevarra before he left to confess his father's death. The
lieutenant recounted that the father was accused of being a heretic and filibuster because
he did not go to church and go to confession.

Don Rafael was sent to prison for the death of a Spaniard for a crime he did not
commit. The trial was about to be resolved when Ibarra's father fell ill and later died.
Father Damaso ordered a gravedigger to dig up his body and move it to the Chinese
burial ground. Due to the force of the rain, the body could not be lifted, so it was thrown
into the lake.
Despite what happened, Ibarra did not seek revenge, instead he continued his father's
ambition to build a school.
Ibarra prepared a lunch after the blessing. Padre Damaso once again visited the
young man.
This time Ibarra couldn't hold back. He almost stabbed the priest if Maria Clara
hadn't stopped him. Because of what Ibarra did he became excommunicated.
Padre Damaso took advantage of Ibarra's excommunication and ordered Captain
Tiago to stop Maria Clara's marriage to Ibarra. Padre Damaso decided to marry Maria
Clara to Alfonso Linares. Because of the girl's pain, she fell ill. With the help of the
Captain General, Ibarra's excommunication was revoked.
 But some people attacked the barracks and Ibarra was accused. Even though he was
innocent, the young man was arrested and imprisoned. Ibarra escaped with the help of
Elias.
The lovers were given a chance to talk before making the escape plan. There Ibarra
found out that Padre Damaso was Maria Clara's real father, which is why he was against
the love and marriage plan of the two.
Using the boat, Elias escaped Ibarra. Even though they passed some civil guards,
their boat was still followed. Elias thought to mislead the pursuers by going down into the
water.
Thinking that Ibarra jumped, the civilians chased and fired until the water turned
blood. Maria Clara lost her marriage because Ibarra was thought to be dead.
She decided to enter a convent to become a nun. Padre Damaso was forced to agree
with the girl because she said she would kill herself if she didn't agree.
It was Noche Buena when Elias arrived at the forest of the Ibarras wounded and
weak. There he found Basilio and Sisa's cold corpse.
Before losing his life completely, Elias prayed. He will die without seeing the bright
dawn. But for those who will see, he instructs to congratulate it and also not to forget
those who were blinded in the darkness of the night.
Reflection
I can say that for me I can compare myself to Crisostomo Ibarra because of his love
for Maria Clara with an eternal love that no matter what trials, tragedies, problems or
disasters pass through their relationship, they will not be affected. They are fighting it to
the death and I myself have the same view so that I can prove my love to my loved one.
Also, like Elias he is a brave and a good example for the readers. He will only
consider his welfare and safety for the safety of his loved ones or friends, he will risk his
life just for the good of Crisostomo and the country. He chose to save Cristomo Ibarra
perhaps because he knew that the young man could do better than him. He prioritized
thinking about the welfare of many over his own personal well-being. My view is the
same and I will do everything just for my parents or my loved ones so that I can help
them even if it's just a small thing.
I understood a lot about our country that Noli Me Tangere explains. It is true that
our beloved country was different from the country of today but because of Noli Me
Tangere I learned that there are things that were problems then and are still problems
until now such as human discrimination, corruption, revolts, unreasonable laws, conforms
to the powerful, secret activities and so on.
Review
Noli Me Tangere is a renowned Philippine novel that accurately depicts the
Philippines' situation under Spanish colonization, gaining attention and gaining acclaim.
Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda, head of the Propaganda Movement,
published articles in La Solidaridad, aiming to expose the Philippines' real situation under
Spanish rule, including the abuses and inequalities of colonization. Rizal's Noli Me
Tangere critically analyzes his experiences during Spanish rule, highlighting racial
injustice, violence, and unjust treatment, which influenced his realization of nation-
empowering and freedom.
Noli Me Tangere is Rizal's memoir, expressing his inner turmoil and political
affiliations. Written in Spanish, it aimed to raise awareness of Spanish government's
behavior towards Filipinos, aiming to improve their treatment and equality.Noli Me
Tangere, written by Jose Rizal, was a significant literary work that influenced the Filipino
people to rebel against the oppressive Spaniards. It inspired the Indios to seek equality
and autonomy, and was written in a way that resonated with readers based on their own
experiences. The novel accurately depicts the traditional Filipino community, with
characters like Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, Maria Clara, and Padre Damaso.
Noli Me Tangere enlightened us and revealed the raw truth about our culture. It
exposed the irony, greed, and repression that lurked beneath the veil of religion and
turned us into slaves in our own country. Noli Me Tangere is a successful book that
proposes solutions to problems and raises social consciousness. It encourages future
generations to understand Rizal's sacrifices and study his work to keep his teachings alive
and contribute to a better country.
I really appreciates the book's effort and its significant impact on our country's history,
giving it a 5 star rating. They feel a sense of responsibility for the book's freedom and
appreciate the difficulty of reading it.
 El Filibusterismo
Jose Rizal
Summary
In a meandering area in Pasig and its river, there is a Steamboat Tabo that circles the
area. Those on the boat were Simoun, Isagani, Basilio, Ben Zayb, Don Custodio, Captain
General, Donya Victorina, Father Salvi, Father Irene, and Donya Victorina.
Simoun is among the rich because he is known as a prominent jeweler or maker of
jewelry. When Basilio also got down, he first went to the grave in Sand Diego of his dead
mother, Sisa. Basilio also recognized Simoun as Juan Crisostomo Ibarra.
When Basilio met Simoun, Simoun tried to kill Basilio so that his secret would not
be revealed, but Basilio stopped it because their fate was the same and Simoun wanted
their objective to revenge against the Spanish government.
Basilio rejected Simoun's suggestions regarding his plan, all Basilio wanted was to
talk to the General in order to establish an academy where the Spanish language would be
used, but unfortunately the priests still did not support it government.
Basilio also immediately informed his classmates of the government's decision so
they prepared for a contest to voice their grievances regarding education and wish for
equality among Filipinos.
Kabesang Tales is the son of Tandang Selo, he is a farmer whose life is easy and
luxurious and his daughter is Juli, who is Basilio's girlfriend. He also wants Juli to study
so that her daughter can be equal to his boyfriend. But, the government increased their
taxes until he couldn't pay and was arrested.
Kabesang Tales also lost the case so he was detained by the guards because he was
found with a knife and money.
Simoun once again invited Basilio to rebel against the government, and he also
planned to raise a crowd so that he could take back the girl Maria Clara from the convent
where she was serving. But, unfortunately, Maria Clara also died due to her illness.
The students had a meeting where everyone had a debate because they still felt bad
about the lack of support for an academy that would teach the Spanish language.
They spoke at a Panciteria owned by a Chinese. There they vented their anger and
pretended. The priest found out about this and the next day there were posters on the
walls of the school, which is why the students were accused, including Basilio. His lover,
Juli, was very sad when she was accused by the priests.
Hermana Bali forced Juli to talk to Padre Camorra to release Basilio, the other
families freed the students except Basilio. Juli forced to talk to the priest and Padre
Camorra molested Juli, the reason for the girl's suicide and jumping from the window.
 Simoun still continued his plan to rebel against the government, so the first thing he
did was to unite and join the business of Don Timoteo Pelaez, Juanito's father. Simoun
also insisted that he marry Paulita to Juanito. In order to have a connection, a little power,
and not to be seen, he made an alliance with Don Timoteo Pelaez.
Basilio was released after two months with Simoun's help, which is why Basilio also
joined Simoun's rebellion plan against the Spanish government.
Simoun invited the fluent and high-ranking officials of the Spanish government, he
took advantage of the occasion to carry out the rebellion and he gave a gift of an ornate
lamp.Not everyone knew that the lamp that Simouns was carrying was an explosive
device. Apart from Isagani and Basilio, they were unaware of Simoun's plan to blow up
the lamp at the banquet so that the young man could take revenge on them.
Basilio can't be bothered outside that's why he's worried. Isagani suddenly arrives,
and Basilio tells him not to go inside. Simoun also left after giving the lamp to the
government officials.As the lamp was lighting up and the Captain General was raising the
wick to Father Irene, Isagani suddenly grabbed it and threw it into the river so it wouldn't
explode. Everyone knew that it was explosives so Simoun quickly ran and ran to Father
Florentino.
Since his plan was not completed, after Simoun's escape, Simoun told all about his
life and confessed to Father Florentino about his plan to rebel against the government.
After he told everything that happened, he drank poison so that he would not be caught
and tortured by the guards, and the young man died there after drinking it.
After the incident, many Filipinos were suspected of being robbers, which is why
they were being arrested and illegally caught. Even innocent or civilians were affected by
what happened. After this, the Spanish guards showered them because they thought
Filipinos were just the same.
When Simoun died, Father Florentino went to the rock where Isagani always sat and
threw Simoun's treasures into the river. Don Tiburcio also prayed for Simoun to rest his
soul. A few priests saw the grief that Simoun went through since he was a child so they
understood his anger and wanted rebellion.
Reflection
This novel offers lessons and realizations for students and teenagers about Spanish
colonization and the truth about government corruption. Dr. Jose Rizal emphasizes
revolution as a solution for independence, while peaceful war is a better option. The
novel encourages wise decision-making during elections, urging people to prioritize their
rights and demands for change. El Filibusterismo, a continuation of Noli Mi Tangere,but
instead of talking about romance and love, El Filibusterismo explores politics and
governmental issues in Spain, indirectly targeting the Spanish government.
The novel portrays the cruelty and evil of the Spaniards while also highlighting the
bravery of the Filipino community in fighting against their greediness like until now that
we are still silently fighting for equal rights for everyone because there are still many
Filipinos who are being abused and trampled upon but now it is fellow Filipinos who are
destroying fellow Filipinos.
In result of the Spanish inequality, many people have suffered so others have a lot
of anger and hatred in their feelings so this leads to fighting to fight their thoughts as I
said this story is full of courage and lesson so if you affect others, nothing will happen in
your life if you are not enslaved for life, so if you are trampled on, fight for your rights.
All in all, you will get a lot of valuable points or lessons from this book. It can still be
used in our lives today. Lessons like we are all equal, a plan won't succeed with a bad
method, and so on.
Review

El Filibusterismo, written by Jose Rizal, is a novel that portrays the Philippines'

condition during the Spanish era. It addresses issues like abuse and discrimination faced
by Filipinos, emphasizing the need for change and the severe pain in society. Rizal's
work has impacted the hearts of Filipinos and helped lift the nation.
The book of El Fili for me is pure misfortune. I have high expectations that
everything they have gambled will have a good ending and the love between Maria Clara
and Crisostomo Ibarra has also been achieved. Despite their sacrifices and all their
restraint in Noli Me Tangere I expected it all to lead to a successful and happy ending,
but, perhaps it was actually done to encourage the Spanish rulers to have a fair view to
the poor or the rich and the same to those they call “Indios”. I've learned that the saying
"no love can succeed, if it's surrounded by complications" is true. At the end of the book,
Simoun's plan doesn't work and he realizes that he didn't succeed because he had a bad
way to get what he wanted.
The novel El Filibusterismo is truly beautiful. There are many lessons to be
learned from this novel. Even though this novel was written a long time ago, the lessons
we can learn from it can still be used in our society today. I would recommend this book
to young people who are in high school because they are the future of the country and
they are at the right age to understand the deep message of El Filibusterismo.
 Dekada 70
Lualhati Bautista

Summary

In 1965, as a young boy, Gani fights with his friend while playing a game in the
street, their mothers come to stop the fighting and make them stay away from each other.
In the streets of Manila, protests take place when the Philippines enters the Vietnam War.
Five years later, president Ferdinand Marcos wins his re-election bid. Julián stops
Amanda from looking for a job with Amanda intent on pursuing it. At dinner time, Jules
and Gani speak about the upcoming Junior-Senior Prom. At the prom, Gani tries to grope
his partner and gets kicked. The Bartolomes get stuck in traffic on the way home due to a
protest with effigy burning near the Legislative Building.
A protest takes place at the University of the Philippines, where Jules with his
best friend Willy become activists and join a dissident movement. At the same time,
Emmanuel begins writing illegal exposés and other kinds of banned literature. During
protests, attendees sing "Lupang Hinirang", with raised fists. The protesters outnumber
the authorities but their efforts to make them leave become futile and they retreat. Julián
becomes furious when he discovers their activities, and he angrily explains to Jules and
Willy the consequences of their actions, the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus and
the disappearance of student leader Charlie del Rosario.
While taking a break from a basketball game in the yard, Gani reveals his plans to
apply for a job in the United States Navy to Julian but is overheard by Jules, who
admonishes his brother for lack of patriotism. Gani furiously refutes Jules' statements by
stating that working for the US government entitles one to a high salary with numerous
benefits. Julián accepts the plan, thus making Gani the family's newest breadwinner.
Sometime later, another protest depicts president Marcos acting as a lackey to Uncle
Sam, and crucifying a Filipino. One weekend, Bingo pulls down a flying kite, which
Amanda discovers to be made out of copies of the Communist newspaper Ang Bayan.
Julián discovers that Jules is an activist and he sneaks up to his room to check his
rebellious pamphlets.
Marcos declares martial law, on television and radio. With the imposition of
nighttime curfews to round up anyone suspected of being a subversive or communist to
be imprisoned, the change of events results in interrogations, tortures, and deaths.
After Gani accidentally impregnates his girlfriend Evelyn, two police cars escort the
Bartolomes to Evelyn's house where her father blackmails them into marrying her. On
another night, Jules comes home late and confesses to his family that Willy was tortured
to death for staying past curfew. He later reveals his plan to travel to Bicol and join the
New People's Army despite his mother's opposition.
Evelyn gives birth to a baby girl. Sometime later, Gani leaves for the United States via
Subic Bay, where his family and Evelyn see him off, the latter returning to her family.
Emmanuel plans to go to Bataan to research an article on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant
but Julián furiously opposes as the topic is a forbidden one under Martial Law.
Jules brings a wounded friend home for care, as a hospital would arouse too much
suspicion, but leaves two days later. After two months of not returning, Jules is revealed
to have been married to fellow rebel Mara, who bears a baby boy. One night, the family
burns Jules' anti-government pamphlets after mistaking a group of Christmas carolers for
authorities.
Amanda receives a phone call informing her that Jules has been imprisoned. She and
Julian visit Jules in prison where he recounts his experience with torture and solitary
confinement. During Christmas, Jules' family, including his parents and siblings along
with his wife and son, visit him in prison, and his fellow inmates sing Christmas songs.
Amanda is involved with a non-government organization reaching out to families of
victims of human rights abuse.
Amanda and Julian search for Jason whose whereabouts are unknown after a night of
being out. Emmanuel joins in the search and discovers in a morgue that his brother's body
was found inside Manila Zoo with multiple stab wounds. A drunk Amanda, not knowing
what Emmanuel has found, berates him for coming home late. Emmanuel tells his father
of his discovery and Julian attempts suicide in grief. Jules attends the wake in handcuffs
and in tears.
Amanda and Julian blame each other on their son's death and on the verge of
separation, are interrupted by news that Jules is finally released from prison. The family
reunites at dinner, with Jules' wife and son, and Evelyn and her daughter. Jules announces
to the family that he will be returning to the revolution, which Julian accepts and wishes
him good luck. Eventually, Amanda and Julian get emotional and reconcile. In the end,
Amanda attends a play about the revolution written by her son Emmanuel himself, which
begins with "Lupang Hinirang".
Reflection
My total feeling in the film was sadness and anguish. Things weren't fair then and
never were. I realized that even if you know yourself that your actions are wrong or not
right, you can still achieve it or do it with power. Sharing this with the youth will help
them open their minds to the events of the past and provide them with sufficient
education and knowledge.
As a student I got the lesson and strength shown by Jules. He declared that we have
to fight not only for ourselves but also for what we want and the country. The same is
true of the character played by Vilma Santos and Marvin Agustin.
Many fights and strikes took place to fight for the rights of every Filipino citizen.
The 70s are similar to yesterday, today and tomorrow. Because they both refer to the
events of ancient times. The strike will still not disappear in our time because there are
many things that our compatriots cannot agree on.
The important lesson in the "70's" is to rise up against weakness and poverty just as
today we need to fight in life for ourselves and our loved ones. Despite the poverty and
being weak as a result of the situation, people can change their destiny. We just have to
stand up. It is important to have principles. This will be our weapon in the daily fight.
In times like the 70s a decade of awareness and struggle. We have learned the
lesson that everyone is part of a wider society where today's youth, who are "a clear eye
and ear and voice of their time", will decide the future of the people of the country. The
crocodile can be replaced by humans.
Review
The events of the Martial Law under the leadership of Ferdinand Marcos are shared
in this film, which is surprising to Filipinos especially the youth today in the experiences
of the elders at that time. Under the leadership of the president, many died because of
disobedience to the rules contained in politics. Some examples of this are the curfew and
the ban on the dissemination of information using media that is centered on the
government and politics.
The film also shows the difference between children and parents. It can be seen
that the first and third children are against the government. Jules joined the NPA group
while his brother wrote illegal events in the country and the government. The second son
served as a US Navy soldier against his older brother's wishes, the fourth was the
happiest in the family but died at the hands of the police. While the youngest child does
not have enough knowledge of the events. The children's parents have their own
problems, one of which is Amanda's motherhood, where there was a misunderstanding
between the two because of the belief that the mother should only be a housewife.
This lesson happened in real life. In this lesson I can say that every character in
this book has flaws like Julian. Due to his inadequacy as a father to his children, he is
unaware of the events involving his children. I can say that this book can be related to the
real event here in our country. A lot of young people today are frustrated because their
parents don't care or they are the real reason. It is sad to think that we young people are
involved in this political problem. Anyway, I'm glad to read this book and know the true
story of this story.
In the novel "Dekada '70" the hardship caused by Martial Law is described. Crime
spread, rallies increased, and many were imprisoned without realizing their guilt.
Amanda Bartolome's character as a typical housewife is typical because women have no
voice in the government and in society. That's why the streets are mostly filled with men
looking for a living. This is probably the reason why in the novel the couple Amanda and
Julian were not given daughters. Lualhati Bautista's placement of all-male children is
only proof that men were the prominent figure in the "70s".