Noli Me Tangere (The Social Cancer)

• Where was the first half of Noli Me Tangere written?

  Madrid, Spain
• What years did Dr. José P. Rizal write the first half of Noli Me Tangere?

  1884-1885
• When did Rizal start writing the second half of Noli Me Tangere?

  February 21, 1887
• In which city did Rizal finish writing Noli Me Tangere?

  Berlin, Germany
• How many chapters are in Noli Me Tangere?

  63 chapters
• Who is the protagonist of Noli Me Tangere?

  Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra y Magsalin
• What is Ibarra's background?

  He is the mestizo son of Filipino businessman Don Juan Crisostomo Ibarra and studied in Europe for seven years.
• Who is Ibarra's fiancée?

  María Clara
• How is María Clara described in the novel?

  She is the most beautiful and widely celebrated girl in San Diego.
• Who is Kapitán Tiago?

  Don Santiago de los Santos, the richest man in Binondo.
• What is Padre Dámaso's role in the story?

  He is a Franciscan friar and the former parish curate of San Diego known for his cruelty.
• Who is Elías in Noli Me Tangere?


  He is Ibarra's mysterious friend and ally.
• What is the significance of Pilósopong Tasyo in the novel?


  He is a talented philosophy student whose mother is superstitious and wealthy.
• Who is Doña Victorina?


  She is an ambitious Filipina who mimics Spanish ladies.
• What is the fate of Narcisa in the story?

  Narcisa is the deranged mother of Basilio and Crispín who cannot protect them from their father.
• What happens to Crispín in Noli Me Tangere?


  Crispín is unjustly accused of stealing money and is killed by Father Salví and the head sacristan.
• How does Basilio cope with the loss of his brother Crispín?


  Basilio faces the dread of losing his brother and his mother's descent into insanity.
• Who is Salomé in the story?


  Salomé is Elías' sweetheart who lives by the lake.
• What is Padre Salvi's relationship with María Clara?


  He is a secret admirer of María Clara.
• What is the summary of the dinner scene in Noli Me Tangere?

  • Crisóstomo Ibarra returns to San Diego after studying in Europe.
  • Kapitán Tiago hosts a reunion party in Manila.
  • Ibarra encounters old friends and Padre Dámaso, who treats him with hostility.
• What does Lieutenant Guevarra reveal to Crisóstomo Ibarra?


  • He reveals the events leading to Rafael's death.
  • He informs Ibarra of Padre Dámaso's role in his father's demise.
  • Ibarra decides to forgive and not seek revenge.
• What happens during the picnic in Azotea?

  • Crisóstomo and María Clara flirt and reminisce.
  • María reads Ibarra's farewell letter about his father's wishes.
  • They promise to meet again during the town fiesta.
• What does Crisóstomo discover at Don Rafael's grave?

  • He learns that his father's remains were exhumed.
  • The gravedigger defied the priest's order and threw the body into the lake.
  • Padre Salvi arrives, and Crisóstomo confronts him about the transfer.
• What is Ibarra's aim regarding education?

  • He wants to build a school using his family wealth.
  • He believes in modern education over the friars' teachings.
  • He aims to serve his country as his father wished.
• How does Crisóstomo gain support for his school project?

  • He receives massive support, even from Spanish authorities.
  • Don Anastacio, a local philosopher, advises him.
  • Plans for construction are set to begin during the town fiesta.
• What event occurs during the picnic involving Elías?

  • A crocodile threatens Crisóstomo and María Clara.
  • Elías jumps into the water to save them.
  • They subdue the crocodile together, and Elías feels indebted to Crisóstomo.
• What happens during the luncheon with Padre Dámaso?

  • Padre Dámaso gatecrashes the luncheon and insults Crisóstomo.
  • Crisóstomo strikes Dámaso unconscious after he insults Rafael's memory.
  • María Clara intervenes to plead for mercy.
• Who is Linares and what is his relationship with María Clara?

  • Linares is a new suitor for María Clara.
  • He is a peninsular Spaniard, unlike Crisóstomo.
  • Crisóstomo is excommunicated but has the excommunication lifted.
• What does Elías reveal to Crisóstomo about a revolutionary group?


  • Elías shares information about a revolutionary group planning an uprising.
  • He managed to delay their plans to speak with Crisóstomo first.
  • They secretly sail out into the lake to discuss the matter.
• Who is the new suitor introduced in the story?

  Linares
• Why was Crisóstomo excommunicated from the church?


  He was excommunicated but had it lifted through the governor general's intercession
• What is the significance of Padre Salví's presence around María's house?

  It indicates his influence and possible ulterior motives regarding María
• How does Elías view Crisóstomo's influence with the government?


  He sees it as a potential asset for his revolutionary group
• What does Elías reveal to Crisóstomo during their secret meeting?

  There is a revolutionary group planning an uprising
• What tragic event affected Elías's grandfather?


  He was accused of arson and shunned by the community
• How did Elías's family situation change after his grandfather's accusation?

  His family fell into poverty and his mother turned to prostitution
• What does Crisóstomo believe he can change in society?

  He believes he can effect change through his school building project
• What urgent news does Elías bring to Crisóstomo one evening?


  A rogue uprising is planned for that night
• What connection does Elías have to Don Pedro Eibarramendia?

  Don Pedro accused Elías's grandfather of arson, leading to his family's misfortunes
• What happens to Crisóstomo after the uprising occurs?

  He is arrested and framed for the uprising