Noli Me Tangere

• Noli Me Tangere translated as Touch me not.
• Noli Me Tangere a novel written by José Rizal which served as an eye opener and wake up call to the Filipinos during his time. It was published on the year 1887.
• Rizal also purposely designed the title to be placed diagonally so that it can divide an upper and lower triangle.
• Upper triangle represents Rizal's past life.
• Silhouette of a Filipina believed to be Maria Clara or as the "InangBayan" to whom Rizal dictates the novel.
• Cross/Crucifix represents the Catholic faith as it rises above InangBayan and Filipinos (shows dominance).
• Cross/Crucifix also symbolizes sufferings and death.
• Pomelo Blossoms & Laurel Leaves represent faith, honorand fidelity, which are the values Rizal aspires to be embodied by Filipinos.
• Pomelos are used to scent their air commonly during prayers and cleansing rituals.
• Laurel leaves are used as crowns during Greek Olympics for honoring the best.
• Burning torch refers to the Olympic torch-pertains to the awakening of Filipino consciousness.
• Burning torch also sheds light on the text of the manuscript.
• Sunflower symbolizes a new beginning.
• Sunflower is compared to the happiness of which appears to be always bowing down.
• Lower triangle represents Rizal's currents situations.
• Feet symbolizes the power of the friars.
• Feet is placed on the base of the triangle (foundation) because without friars, the Filipinos cannot stand on their own.
• Shoes represents wealth.
• Shoes is also the footprints left by friars in teaching Catholicism.
• Hairy legs symbolizes the Legend of the Wolf.
• Hairy legs means the wolf shape shifts just like how friars hide their true nature and character.
• Helmet of a Guardia Civil represents the arrogance of those in authority.
• Whip represents the abuses and cruelties done by the Spaniards and friars as depicted in the novel.
• Flogs (Suplina) is used for self.
• Flogs (Suplina) flagellation-just like the whip, this also symbolizes the cruelties of the Guardia Civil.
• Chain symbolizes slavery and imprisonment.
• Rizal's Signature shows that Rizal experienced and witnessed the ills and abuses that happened during his time.
• Bamboo stalks represents Filipino resiliency.
• Bamboo stalks despite the sufferings, Filipinos can still stand tall and firm.
• Maximo Viola was considered the savior of the Noli due to the financial assistance he gave Rizal for the printing of the novel.
• Friars are considered as the enemy of progress and reform according to Rizal.
• The banning of the Noli Me Tangere was recommended by Permanent Commission on Censorship.
• Kapitan Tiago is the character that represents rich Filipinos who chose to be allies of Spanish officials to preserve their wealth.
• Por Telefono reply to Fr. Font's critique of the Noli, Rizal wrote the essay.
• Doña Patrocinio - pomposity in rivalry.
• Sisa - Lack of concern in society
• Capitan Tiago - Cacique mentality
• School Master - Intellectual dissatisfaction
• Doña Victorina - Paragon of colonial mentality
• Don Rafael Ibarra - Rich landlord with social conscience