CH9 Content and Context

• Rizal's second novel, El Filibusterismo, is a story set in the twilight years of the Spanish colonial government of the Philippines.
• El Filibusterismo was first translated into English by Charles Derbyshire in 1912 under the title, The Reign of Greed.
• The El Filibusterismo according to the translator "represents Rizal's more mature judgment on political and social conditions in the islands, and in its graver and less hopeful tone reflects the disappointments and discouragements which he had encountered in his efforts to lead the way to reform."
• Rizal started writing El Filibusterismo as a sequel to the Noli Me Tangere after he returned to Europe in February 1888.
• Rizal continued working on El Filibusterismo and made some revisions while he was in London in 1888.
• Rizal was able to complete El Filibusterismo after three years when he was in Biarritz, France on March 29, 1891.
• In September 1891, the book was published with the help of his friend, Valentin Ventura.
• Filibustero means dangerous patriot who will soon be hanged, or a presumptuous fellow.
• The Spanish colonial government defined "filibuster" as "someone who works for the separation of our overseas provinces."
• El Filibusterismo deals with subversion; it pictures the lives of people under an oppressive regime; narrates the struggles of every Filipino in fighting for independence.
• El Fili is dedicated to Gomburza, the three priests who were accused of being filibusters in 1872.
• Filibustero (19th century context) -translated as “subversive;” a patriot who was usually associated with revolutionary activities.
• Guardia civil –police/military force assigned by the colonial government to maintain peace and order.
• Cabeza de barangay –head of the barangay.