NOLI ME
TANGERE
NOLI ME TANGERE
Noli Me Tangere is a seminal novel written
by Dr. Jose Rizal, a Filipino nationalist and
revolutionary. Published in 1887, the novel
played a crucial role in the Philippine
nationalist movement by exposing the
abuses and injustices committed by
Spanish colonial authorities, including the
church and government officials.
NOLI ME TANGERE
The story revolves around Crisóstomo Ibarra, a
young and idealistic Filipino who returns to the
Philippines after studying in Europe. Ibarra
discovers the oppressive conditions of his country
and the corrupt practices of Spanish friars and
officials. As he tries to implement reforms, he
faces numerous obstacles, including the
machinations of Padre Damaso, a powerful and
abusive friar, and other figures who symbolize
colonial tyranny.
NOLI ME TANGERE
The novel sheds light on themes such as
social inequality, the manipulation of
religion, and the struggles for justice
and national identity. Noli Me Tangere
stirred significant consciousness among
Filipinos and became a powerful catalyst
for the Philippine Revolution against
Spanish rule.
NOLI ME TANGERE
Published in 1887, it aimed to expose the social
injustices in the Philippines during Spanish
colonial rule.
Rizal's exposure to discrimination and colonial
oppression inspired him to write Noli Me
Tangere.
He was influenced by Enlightenment ideas and
the writings of European thinkers like Voltaire
and Rousseau.
NOLI ME TANGERE
Noli Me Tangere is Latin for "Touch Me
Not," a biblical reference from the
Gospel of John.
Symbolizes the untouchable social
issues in the Philippines, like
corruption, abuse, and inequality.
NOLI ME TANGERE(THEMES
AND SOCIAL ISSUE)
Colonial Injustice: Exposing the abusive
Spanish friars and officials.
Religious Hypocrisy: Criticism of the
church’s role in oppressing the Filipinos.
Social Inequality: The difference between
the rich and the poor, and the exploitation
of the indios (native Filipinos).
NOLI ME
TANGERE(PUBLICATION AND
INITIAL
IMPACT)
First published in Berlin in 1887.
Initially banned in the Philippines by
Spanish authorities, as it exposed
their injustices.
Despite the ban, it inspired the Filipino
people and sparked a national
awakening.
NOLI ME TANGERE(LEGACY
AND INFLUENCE)
Noli Me Tangere played a crucial role
in the Philippine revolution.
It is studied in schools today as a
symbol of Filipino nationalism and
resistance.
Inspired Rizal’s follow-up novel, El
Filibusterismo.
NOLI ME TANGERE
Noli Me Tangere is more than a novel;
it is a catalyst for social and political
change.
Its message of freedom and justice
continues to resonate with Filipinos
today.
CHARACTERS OF
NOLI ME
TANGERE
CRISOSTOMO IBARRA
The protagonist of the novel, Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra y
Magsalin, is a young and idealistic man who has returned
to the Philippines after studying in Europe. He is the son of
Don Rafael Ibarra, a wealthy landowner who was
wrongfully persecuted by Spanish authorities.
Role: Ibarra’s character represents the reformist ideal,
seeking to improve his country’s situation through
peaceful means and education. However, his journey
highlights the challenges of enacting change within a
corrupt and oppressive system.
MARIA CLARA
María Clara is Ibarra's fiancée and is portrayed as the
epitome of beauty, virtue, and modesty in Filipino culture.
She is the daughter of Capitán Tiago and Doña Pía Alba,
though it is later revealed that her real father is Padre
Dámaso.
Role: Her character symbolizes the idealized and
subjugated Filipina, torn between loyalty to her faith and
her love for Ibarra. Her tragic story reflects the influence
and control of the Spanish clergy over Filipino families and
society.
PADRE DAMASO
Padre Dámaso is a Franciscan friar who is a symbol of
clerical abuse and corruption. He is arrogant,
manipulative, and self-serving, representing the
oppressive Spanish religious authorities.
Role: As one of the primary antagonists, he embodies the
abuses of power perpetrated by the church, having
played a significant role in the suffering of Ibarra’s family.
His conflict with Ibarra highlights the novel’s critique of
the church's interference in societal and political matters.
ELIAS
Elías is a revolutionary and a mysterious character who
assists Ibarra in understanding the deep social injustices in
the country. He comes from a family with a tragic past,
having suffered from the cruelty and discrimination of the
Spanish authorities.
Role: He symbolizes the oppressed and disillusioned
Filipinos who see armed resistance as the only path to
freedom. Despite his differences with Ibarra’s reformist
ideals, he believes in fighting for the country's liberation
from colonial rule.
CAPITAN TIAGO
Capitán Tiago (Don Santiago de los Santos) is a wealthy
and influential Filipino businessman who seeks favor with
the Spanish authorities and the church. He is María Clara’s
father (or her adoptive father, as revealed in the story).
Role: Capitán Tiago represents the subservient,
opportunistic Filipinos who prioritize wealth and social
status over national identity. His character serves as a
critique of those who willingly submit to colonial power for
personal gain.
SISA, BASILIO AND CRISPIN
Sisa is a poor and loving mother, and Basilio and Crispín
are her two sons who work as sacristans in the church. The
family suffers immensely from the injustices and abuses
committed by the authorities.
Role: Sisa’s tragic story symbolizes the suffering of the
common Filipino people under colonial rule. Her descent
into madness after the loss of her sons underscores the
cruelty and neglect experienced by the impoverished.
Basilio and Crispín represent the vulnerability of innocent
lives in a society marred by corruption.
DOÑA VICTORINA
Doña Victorina is a vain and pretentious Filipina who
tries to appear more European by rejecting her Filipino
heritage. She is married to Don Tiburcio de Espadaña, a
Spanish man whom she frequently mistreats.
Role: She symbolizes the colonized mindset of Filipinos
who aspire to be like the colonizers, reflecting issues of
identity and colonial mentality. Her character provides
a satirical look at people who are ashamed of their
heritage.
PILOSOPO TASIO
Pilosopo Tasio is an old and wise philosopher who is
often regarded as eccentric or crazy by the townspeople.
He represents the intellectual who is aware of societal
problems but is powerless to change them.
Role: His character provides philosophical insight into
the state of society and serves as a mentor figure to
some of the younger characters, including Ibarra. He
symbolizes wisdom and the futility of reason in the face
of deep-seated oppression.
CHAPTER 1: A
SOCIAL
GATHERING
(SUMMARY)
A SOCIAL GATHERING
Chapter 1 of Noli Me Tangere by José Rizal is titled
"A Social Gathering." The novel opens with a grand
dinner party hosted by Captain Tiago (Don
Santiago de los Santos) in his home in Manila. The
event is attended by prominent members of
society, including government officials, priests, and
wealthy individuals. The party is in honor of the
return of Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra, a young man who
has been studying in Europe for seven years.
A SOCIAL GATHERING
The chapter provides a glimpse into the social and
political atmosphere of the Philippines under
Spanish colonial rule. There is a mix of superficial
cordiality and underlying tension among the
guests, revealing the power dynamics between the
Spanish authorities and the native Filipinos. As the
guests exchange gossip and opinions, Rizal subtly
introduces the themes of social inequality,
corruption, and the influence of the Church on the
government.
A SOCIAL GATHERING
The chapter sets the tone for the
novel, showcasing the complexities of
Filipino society and the struggles
faced by the native population.
CHAPTER 2:
CRISOSTOMO
IBARRA
(SUMMARY)
CRISOSTOMO IBARRA
Chapter 2 of Noli Me Tangere is titled
"Crisóstomo Ibarra." The chapter introduces
the main protagonist, Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra,
who has just returned to the Philippines after
spending seven years studying in Europe. He
is described as a handsome, well-dressed,
and confident young man with progressive
ideas shaped by his experiences abroad.
CRISOSTOMO IBARRA
At Captain Tiago's party, Ibarra is warmly
greeted by the guests, many of whom are
curious about his travels and education.
Father Dámaso, a prominent Spanish friar,
behaves condescendingly toward Ibarra, even
making belittling remarks about his father's
memory. Despite this, Ibarra remains
composed and respectful, showing his
upbringing and manners.
CRISOSTOMO IBARRA
The chapter highlights Ibarra's optimistic
outlook and hope for the future of his country.
However, it also foreshadows the challenges he
will face as he tries to implement reforms and
promote progress in a society heavily
influenced by the colonial authorities and the
Catholic Church. The tension between Ibarra
and Father Dámaso hints at the deeper
conflicts that will unfold in the story.
CHAPTER 3: THE
DINNER
(SUMMARY)
THE DINNER
Chapter 3 of Noli Me Tangere is titled
"The Dinner." The chapter continues
at Captain Tiago's gathering, where
the guests are seated for a grand
meal. The atmosphere is lively, but
beneath the surface, there are hints of
social and political tension.
CRISOSTOMO IBARRA
During the dinner, different conversations take
place, revealing more about the characters and
the society they live in. Father Dámaso
continues to speak arrogantly and offensively,
making harsh comments about Ibarra’s father,
Don Rafael. He criticizes Don Rafael's liberal
beliefs and accuses him of being an enemy of
the Church, despite Don Rafael’s good
reputation among the townspeople.
CRISOSTOMO IBARRA
Ibarra listens politely but is visibly hurt by the
disrespectful remarks about his late father.
Before things escalate, another priest, Father
Sibyla, intervenes to change the subject,
attempting to maintain the peace. The chapter
ends with Ibarra excusing himself from the
gathering, feeling uneasy and emotional due to
the memories of his father and the priest’s
insults.
CRISOSTOMO IBARRA
This chapter further develops the themes
of colonial and ecclesiastical power, with
Father Dámaso representing the Church's
authority and its influence over Filipino
society. It also shows Ibarra’s inner
struggle and the challenges he faces as he
returns to a society shaped by conflicting
interests and injustices.
