RAMOS, RUBY ROSE B.

BSCRIM 2A

SUMMARY OF NOLI ME TANGERE

The story begins with the return of Crisostomo Ibarra, a young, wealthy Filipino who has just
come back from seven years of studying in Europe. Ibarra is the son of Don Rafael Ibarra, a
prominent and respected man in their hometown of San Diego. Excited to bring enlightenment and
reforms to the country, Ibarra envisions a future where the people, particularly the youth, will benefit
from education and knowledge. However, upon returning, he is greeted with the tragic news of his
father’s death. Don Rafael had been accused of subversion and heresy by Father Dámaso, a powerful
friar in their town, leading to his imprisonment and eventual death in jail. This news deeply affects
Ibarra, and he soon realizes that the forces of the church and government are more oppressive than he
had anticipated.
Despite the grief over his father’s unjust demise, Ibarra remains determined to honor his
father’s legacy by continuing the reforms that his father had started. One of his primary goals is to
build a school in San Diego, believing that education is the key to improving the condition of the
Filipino people. With the support of Captain Tiago, the wealthiest man in town, Ibarra organizes a
grand dinner to present his plans to the influential figures of San Diego. Captain Tiago, who is the
father of María Clara, Ibarra’s childhood sweetheart, sees this as an opportunity to boost his own
prestige.
María Clara, the love interest of Ibarra, is a beautiful and devout young woman, raised by
nuns and closely watched by Father Dámaso. She represents the ideal Filipina—pure, submissive,
and deeply religious. Despite their long separation, María Clara remains loyal to Ibarra, and their
love story serves as a subplot throughout the novel. However, as events unfold, their relationship is
tested by external forces, particularly by the manipulation of Father Dámaso and other characters.
Father Dámaso, who had a close relationship with María Clara’s family, disapproves of Ibarra’s
progressive ideas and does everything in his power to sabotage Ibarra’s plans.
Father Dámaso’s antagonism towards Ibarra becomes evident when he publicly insults Ibarra
during the dinner party, accusing him of being a dangerous liberal and an enemy of the church. This
confrontation escalates, and Ibarra is almost provoked into violence. However, a more composed
friend, the mysterious Elias, steps in to prevent the situation from worsening. Elias is a pivotal
character in the novel, representing the growing discontent among the common people. He is a
boatman who becomes a close ally of Ibarra, despite coming from a humble background. Unlike
Ibarra, who believes in peaceful reforms through education and legal means, Elias advocates for
more drastic measures, including rebellion, to end the oppression of the Filipinos.
Elias’ personal history is one of tragedy and injustice. His family was ruined by a corrupt
Spanish official, and since then, he has harbored a deep resentment toward the colonial system.
Throughout the novel, Elias tries to warn Ibarra about the danger of trusting the friars and the
government, but Ibarra, still believing in the possibility of peaceful change, remains steadfast in his
reformist views. Elias also helps Ibarra avoid several assassination attempts, showing the growing
danger that Ibarra faces as he pursues his plans for social change.
As Ibarra continues with his plan to build a school, his enemies, particularly Father Salvi, a
younger and more cunning priest, conspire to bring him down. Father Salvi is secretly infatuated with
María Clara and sees Ibarra as a rival. Using his influence, Father Salvi spreads rumors about
Ibarra’s supposed heretical ideas and his father’s supposed criminal activities. These accusations
RAMOS, RUBY ROSE B.
BSCRIM 2A

slowly turn the townspeople against Ibarra. At the same time, Father Dámaso continues his efforts to
have María Clara marry a more suitable man from the Spanish elite, aiming to sever her ties with
Ibarra entirely.
The tension in the town reaches its peak during the town fiesta, a grand celebration that is
attended by both the elite and the common folk. During the festivities, Father Salvi orchestrates a
fake uprising and frames Ibarra as its leader. This false insurrection serves as a pretext to arrest
Ibarra, who is accused of plotting against the government and inciting rebellion. Although Ibarra is
innocent, the weight of the accusations and the influence of the friars make it impossible for him to
defend himself. He is imprisoned, and his dreams of building the school and bringing reform to the
town are shattered.
In a desperate attempt to clear his name, Ibarra escapes from prison with the help of Elias.
The two men flee into the forest, where they plan their next move. Elias, who had initially been
skeptical of Ibarra’s methods, now fully supports him, seeing him as a potential leader for a greater
cause. However, their escape is fraught with danger, as the authorities are hot on their trail.
Meanwhile, María Clara, believing that Ibarra is lost to her forever, decides to enter a convent,
further cementing her role as the tragic heroine of the story.
As Ibarra and Elias attempt to evade capture, they are forced to confront the harsh realities of
their situation. Elias, who had hoped to rally the people to their cause, realizes that the masses are not
yet ready for revolution. Disillusioned, he sacrifices himself to save Ibarra during a confrontation
with the authorities. Elias is mortally wounded and dies by the lake, asking Ibarra to fight for the
country’s future and ensure that his death is not in vain.
Ibarra, now a fugitive, leaves the town in despair. His dreams of reform and education lie in
ruins, and he has lost not only his father and his beloved María Clara but also his faith in the
possibility of peaceful change. The novel ends on a note of uncertainty, with Ibarra’s fate left
unresolved. However, it is clear that the ideals of reform and resistance that he represents will
continue to resonate with future generations of Filipinos.
In a final twist, it is revealed that María Clara’s true parentage is not what it seems. She is, in
fact, the illegitimate daughter of Father Dámaso, a shocking revelation that further exposes the
hypocrisy and corruption of the colonial clergy. This discovery adds to the tragedy of her character,
as she is now trapped between her love for Ibarra and her duty to her father, a man who has caused so
much suffering
RAMOS, RUBY ROSE B.
BSCRIM 2A

TRAVELS OF RIZAL (JAPAN, US AM, LONDON, BELGIUM etc.)

1. Japan (February – April 1888)
Rizal arrived in Japan on February 28, 1888, and stayed for about 45 days. He was enchanted by
Japanese culture, cleanliness, discipline, and the advances in education and society. Rizal stayed in
Yokohama and Tokyo. He was especially struck by the contrast between the backwardness of the
Philippines under Spanish rule and the progress he saw in Japan. He met Seiko Usui, whom he called
O-Sei-San, and they developed a romantic relationship. Despite his affection for O-Sei-San and his
admiration for Japan, Rizal ultimately decided to leave, prioritizing his patriotic mission. His
departure marked the end of his brief yet profound experience in Japan.
Significant Experiences:
 Observed how Japan had modernized while preserving its cultural identity.
 He admired the Japanese sense of discipline and work ethic.
 Met and fell in love with Seiko Usui (O-Sei-San), though their romance ended when he left
Japan.
 Impressed by Japan’s relative freedom compared to the Philippines.
2. United States of America (April – May 1888)
From Japan, Rizal traveled to the United States. He arrived in San Francisco on April 28, 1888,
where he stayed for a few days before traveling across the country. During his time in the U.S., Rizal
visited key cities such as New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. He admired the rapid progress
and technological advancements of the country, particularly its modern railways, but he was critical
of the racial discrimination he observed against minorities, particularly Chinese immigrants.
Significant Experiences:
 Saw modern infrastructures like the transcontinental railroad and skyscrapers.
 Met with Filipino exiles in San Francisco.
 Impressed by American democracy and liberties, but critical of its racial discrimination.
 Stayed for a brief time in New York before leaving for Europe.
3. London (May 1888 – March 1889)
Rizal arrived in London in May 1888, where he stayed for almost a year. His primary purpose was to
study and annotate Antonio de Morga's Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (1609), an important work
about early Philippine history. During his stay in London, he frequented the British Museum to
conduct research. He also wrote several articles for La Solidaridad, a Filipino reformist newspaper
based in Spain, advocating for Filipino rights under Spanish colonial rule.
Significant Experiences:
RAMOS, RUBY ROSE B.
BSCRIM 2A

 Annotated and studied Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas, which he believed would
reveal the greatness of pre-colonial Filipino civilization.
 Stayed with the Beckett family, who became his friends.
 Wrote for La Solidaridad, engaging in the Propaganda Movement for reforms in the
Philippines.
 Was in touch with other Filipino expatriates and European intellectuals, expanding his
network.
4. Belgium (Brussels: February – July 1890)
After leaving London, Rizal moved to Belgium due to the lower cost of living compared to other
European cities. In Brussels, he spent his time editing and revising the manuscript of El
Filibusterismo, his second novel. The financial difficulties he experienced during this time made it a
challenging period for him. He also continued writing for La Solidaridad, advocating for reforms in
the Philippines while rejecting the idea of violent revolution at that time.
Significant Experiences:
 Lived a frugal lifestyle, often skipping meals to save money for his writing.
 Focused on completing El Filibusterismo and discussing the need for political reforms.
 Developed stronger nationalistic ideas, growing increasingly frustrated with Spanish colonial
rule.
 In contact with fellow Filipino reformists such as Marcelo H. del Pilar and Mariano Ponce.
5. Other Travels:
 Spain (Multiple visits from 1882 onwards)
Rizal lived in Madrid for extended periods while studying medicine at the Universidad Central de Madrid
from 1882 to 1885. He also became active in the Propaganda Movement, working with other Filipino
expatriates like Graciano López Jaena and Marcelo H. del Pilar. During his time in Spain, Rizal also
wrote and published Noli Me Tángere (1887).
 France (1883 and 1891)
Rizal first visited Paris in 1883 and again in 1891 after completing El Filibusterismo. He was fascinated
by French culture and the intellectual environment. He lived in Paris for a time while writing his novels
and conducting research.
 Germany (1886)
Rizal visited Germany in 1886, where he deepened his knowledge of ophthalmology. He studied under
Dr. Otto Becker in Heidelberg and observed various medical practices. He also honed his proficiency in
the German language and even published works in German newspapers. Rizal was particularly moved by
the discipline and organization of the German people.
 Austria-Hungary (Vienna)
Rizal visited Vienna and met with Austrian intellectuals. One of his significant interactions was with
Ferdinand Blumentritt, an Austrian scholar of Philippine studies, who became one of his closest friends
and correspondents. Their friendship influenced Rizal’s understanding of the global context of
colonialism.
RAMOS, RUBY ROSE B.
BSCRIM 2A

 Hong Kong (1891-1892)

Rizal moved to Hong Kong after publishing El Filibusterismo. He practiced medicine there and lived with
his family for a brief period. Hong Kong became a base for his continued activism and reforms. It was
here that he planned to establish a Filipino colony in Borneo, though the Spanish government thwarted
this effort.
Before his execution, José Rizal wrote two significant works dedicated to his family, showcasing his love,
gratitude, and sense of duty. These masterpieces are:

1. "Mi Último Adiós" (My Last Farewell): This is perhaps the most famous piece he left behind. Rizal
composed this poem on the eve of his execution in 1896. It expresses his love for the Philippines, his
willingness to die for the country, and his hopes for freedom and a brighter future for the Filipino people.
The poem was hidden inside an oil lamp and later found by his family. In it, Rizal also gives a personal
farewell to his family, thanking them for their love and guidance.
2. Farewell Letters: Apart from "Mi Último Adiós," Rizal also wrote personal letters to his family
members. These letters were filled with gratitude, forgiveness, and encouragement. Rizal advised his
family to remain strong and united even after his death, emphasizing that his sacrifice was for the greater
good of the nation.

The Meaning of The "Touch Me Not"

"Touch Me Not" is the English translation of Noli Me Tángere, the title of José Rizal’s first
novel, published in 1887. The phrase Noli Me Tángere is Latin for “Do not touch me,” which Rizal took
from the Bible (John 20:17), where the resurrected Jesus speaks these words to Mary Magdalene. Rizal
chose this phrase to symbolize the social conditions in the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule,
particularly the oppression and exploitation of the Filipino people by the colonial government and the
Catholic Church.
The novel presents a vivid picture of Filipino society, where the abuses of the Spanish friars and
officials have deeply wounded the nation, both physically and morally. Just as the biblical phrase implies
that something sacred or untouchable should not be disturbed, Rizal’s novel suggests that the deep social
injustices in the Philippines had long been left unchallenged. The title symbolizes the untouchable power
of the Church and the colonial government, which remained immune to criticism and reform.
Rizal’s Noli Me Tángere is not just a critique of the colonial system but also a call to awareness
and action. The novel’s protagonist, Crisóstomo Ibarra, tries to initiate reforms to address the corruption
and injustices in society, but his efforts are thwarted by those in power. Rizal uses this story to emphasize
the need for the Filipinos to awaken to their reality and resist the exploitation they face.
Through Noli Me Tángere, Rizal aimed to expose the "social cancer" that plagued the Philippines
and to inspire his fellow Filipinos to seek change, marking the beginning of the nationalist movement for
independence from Spanish rule.
References/Citation:
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/rizal-romantic-interlude-in-japan-1888/49337616
https://www.coursehero.com/file/p4vfi7l8/February-28-1888-Rizal-arrived-in-Yokohama-Japan-
and-registered-at-the-Grand/
RAMOS, RUBY ROSE B.
BSCRIM 2A

https://www.scribd.com/document/579289807/Noli-Me-Tangere-ENGLISH-SUMMARY
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/291131/noli-me-tangere-touch-me-not-by-jose-rizal/
9780143039693/readers-guide/
https://www.coursehero.com/file/75134683/GE-9-Rizal-Lifes-and-work-Module-3docx/
https://pdfcoffee.com/download/ma-antonette-r-orsal-bs-psychology-ii-noli-me-tangere-pdf-
free.html
https://www.coursesidekick.com/accounting/286333