El Filibusterismo

• Start: Rizal began writing in October 1887 in Calamba during his first homecoming

  amidst family oppression.
• Progress: He revised in London (1888), continued in Paris, and finished in Brussels due

  to fewer distractions and lower living costs.
• Completion: Completed on March 29, 1891, in Biarritz.
• Printing Struggles: Faced financial issues; manuscript almost burned out of despair.

  Printing was completed on September 18, 1891, with the help of Valentin Ventura.
• Preservation: Original manuscript given to Ventura, bought by the Philippine

  government in 1925 for 10,000 pesos, now in the National Library.
• Definition: "Filibustero" means subversive, revolutionary, or seditious. Rizal first heard

  it in 1872 during the execution of Gomburza, three Filipino priests wrongly accused of

  involvement in the Cavite Mutiny.

  • Dedication: Rizal dedicated El Filibusterismo to Gomburza, condemning their unjust

  execution and calling them victims of the evil he aimed to combat.

  • Errors: Rizal misstated the priests' ages and execution date in his dedication.
• Sequel to Noli Me Tangere: Continues the story of Crisóstomo Ibarra, now disguised as

  Simoun, a wealthy jeweler planning revenge.
• Simoun, a wealthy jeweler planning revenge.

  • Main Plot: Simoun, seeking revenge and revolution, plans to incite a revolt against

  Spanish rule.
• Characters: Features characters from Noli Me Tangere, like Basilio, Father Salví, and

  María Clara.
• Conflict: Simoun's schemes include encouraging corruption and planning terroristic acts

  to incite rebellion.
• Climax: Simoun's plan to bomb a wedding fails when Isagani, learning of the plot,

  throws the bomb into the river.
• Resolution: Simoun, wounded and exposed, takes poison. He confesses his true identity

  and plans to Father Florentino, who absolves him. The priest throws Simoun's treasures

  into the sea, hoping they will be used for good in the future.
• Simoun's Plan for Revenge: Simoun, previously known as Crisostomo Ibarra, returns to the Philippines after being falsely accused of rebellion and left for dead. Disguised as a rich jeweler, he secretly plots a revolution to overthrow the Spanish government and

  avenge the injustices suffered by himself and his loved ones.
• Basilio's Journey: Basilio, the son of Sisa and a character from the previous novel, has

  grown up and is now a medical student. He discovers Simoun's true identity and is drawn

  into his plans. Basilio's personal journey reflects the challenges faced by students and the

  importance of education in fighting oppression.
• Student Activism: Isagani, Basilio's friend, is part of a group of students who want to

  establish a Spanish language academy to promote education. They face various obstacles,

  including opposition from the colonial authorities and betrayal within their ranks.
• Kabesang Tales' Struggle: Kabesang Tales, a former village head, turns into a bandit

  after losing his land to the friars. His story highlights the plight of Filipino farmers and

  the harsh realities of colonial rule.
• Simoun's Grand Plan: Simoun plans to incite a massive uprising by detonating a bomb

  during a lavish wedding attended by prominent Spanish officials. However, Isagani, still

  in love with his ex-girlfriend Paulita who is at the wedding, discovers the plot and throws

  the explosive lamp into the river, preventing the disaster.
• Fight Against Injustice: The novel portrays the Filipino people's struggle against the

  oppression and corruption of Spanish rule. It highlights the importance of standing up for

  one's rights and fighting for justice.
• Power of Education: Rizal emphasizes the significance of education in empowering

  individuals and transforming society. The students' efforts to establish an academy

  symbolize the hope for a brighter future through knowledge and learning.
• Sacrifice and Heroism: Characters like Simoun, Basilio, and Isagani demonstrate

  bravery and selflessness in their fight for freedom. Their sacrifices underscore the high

  cost of seeking change and the importance of courage in the face of adversity.
• In the end, Simoun's revolution fails, and he is gravely injured while escaping from the

  authorities. He seeks refuge with Father Florentino, a kind priest. Before dying, Simoun

  confesses his true identity and motives to the priest, who then throws Simoun's remaining

  treasures into the sea, symbolizing the futility of revenge and the hope for a new beginning for

  the Philippines.
• 1. Simoun (Crisostomo Ibarra)

  • Description: Disguised as a wealthy jeweler, he plans a revolution to avenge the injustices he suffered and the fate of Maria Clara.

  • Importance Today: Represents the struggle against oppression and the fight for justice.

  In today's society, he symbolizes activists and revolutionaries who fight against

  corruption and for human rights.
• 2. Basilio

  • Description: Son of Sisa, taken in by Captain Tiago, now a graduating medical student.

  Discovers Simoun's identity and befriends him.

  • Importance Today: Embodies the value of education and perseverance. Reflects the

  importance of mentorship and resilience in overcoming life's hardships.
• 3. Isagani

  • Description: Idealistic student planning to set up a new school, deeply in love with

  Paulita Gomez. Thwarts Simoun's bomb plot.

  • Importance Today: Represents youthful idealism and the quest for a better future.

  Highlights the importance of education and reform in society.
• 4. Kabesang Tales

  • Description: Former barangay head turned bandit after being oppressed by the friars.

  Father of Juli and Tano.

  • Importance Today: Symbolizes resistance against injustice and the fight for land rights.

  Reflects modern-day struggles of farmers and indigenous peoples against exploitation.
• 5. Don Custodio

  • Description: A journalist who married into high society, involved in the decision about

  the Academia de Castellano.

  • Importance Today: Represents individuals who gain power through connections rather

  than merit. Highlights issues of nepotism and corruption in contemporary politics.
• 6. Paulita Gómez

  • Description: Isagani's girlfriend, later marries Juanito Pelaez.

  • Importance Today: Represents societal pressures and the role of women in society.

  Reflects the struggle for personal freedom and happiness.
• 7. Macaraig

  • Description: Wealthy student leader pushing for the establishment of the Academia de

  Castellano.

  • Importance Today: Embodies student activism and the pursuit of educational reforms.

  Highlights the role of youth leadership in societal change.
• 8. Father Florentino

  • Description: Isagani's godfather, a secular priest living in solitude.

  • Importance Today: Represents moral integrity and spiritual guidance. Reflects the role

  of religious leaders in advocating for justice and ethical behavior.
• 9. Juli

  • Description: Basilio's girlfriend, daughter of Kabesang Tales, commits suicide after an

  attempted rape by Father Camorra.

  • Importance Today: Symbolizes the plight of women and the fight against gender-based

  violence. Highlights the need for gender equality and protection of women's rights.
• 10. Juanito Pelaez

  • Description: A favored student, later marries Paulita Gómez.

  • Importance Today: Represents privilege and the effects of favoritism in educational

  institutions. Reflects the consequences of social inequality.
• 11. Doña Victorina

  • Description: A pretentious woman of Indio heritage, aunt of Paulita Gómez, searching

  for her runaway husband.

  • Importance Today: Highlights issues of identity and self-acceptance. Reflects societal

  pressures to conform to higher social statuses.
• 12. Father Camorra

  • Description: Lustful parish priest who attempts to rape Juli.

  • Importance Today: Symbolizes the abuse of power by religious leaders. Highlights the

  need for accountability and reforms within religious institutions.
• 13. Ben-Zayb

  • Description: A self-important journalist.

  • Importance Today: Represents media bias and the responsibility of journalists. Reflects

  the importance of truthful and unbiased reporting in society.
• 14. Placido Penitente

  • Description: Intelligent student who struggles with his studies due to his temper.

  • Importance Today: Embodies the challenges faced by students under oppressive

  educational systems. Highlights the importance of educational reform.
• 15. Hermana Penchang

  • Description: Wealthy gambler who employs Juli.

  • Importance Today: Represents the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy. Reflects

  issues of social inequality and labor rights.
• 16. Tiburcio de Espadaña

  • Description: Lame husband of Doña Victorina, hiding from her.

  • Importance Today: Reflects issues of domestic abuse and the struggle for personal

  freedom.
• 17. Father Irene

  • Description: Captain Tiago's spiritual adviser, forges his will to deny Basilio any

  inheritance.

  • Importance Today: Represents corruption within religious institutions. Highlights the

  need for integrity and justice.
• 18. Quiroga

  • Description: Chinese businessman hiding Simoun's weapons.

  • Importance Today: Symbolizes the role of immigrants in society and the complexities

  of business ethics.
• 19. Don Timoteo Pelaez

  • Description: Juanito's father, a wealthy businessman and Simoun's partner.

  • Importance Today: Represents business interests and the impact of economic power on

  society.