THE NOVEL’S ORIGIN

•The title of the book is a Latin phrase taken by

Rizal from the Bible himself, meaning "Touch me
not".
• Further earlier translations led to use
English titles such as An Eagle Flight
(1990) and The Social Cancer (1912)
however, disregarding the true
symbolism of the Novel's title.
 THE NOVEL’S HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
1. Spanish Colonial Rule in the Philippines
• By the time José Rizal wrote Noli Me Tangere (published in 1887), the Philippines had been
under Spanish colonial rule for more than 300 years.
2. Abuse of Power by the Friars
• Religious orders not only controlled parishes but also vast lands and education.
3. Social Injustice and Inequality
• The novel reflects the stratified colonial society.
4. Rise of the Propaganda Movement
• Rizal was part of the Propaganda Movement, a group of Filipino expatriates in Europe seeking
reforms through peaceful means.
5. Rizal’s Experiences and Influences
• Rizal based many events and characters on real experiences and people.
6. Censorship and Reaction
• Upon publication, Noli Me Tangere was banned by Spanish authorities in the Philippines for being
subversive and anti-clerical.
• The bleak winter of 1886 in Berlin was Rizal’s darkest
winter because no money arrived from Calamba and he
was flat broke. It was memorable in the life of Rizal for two
reasons:
(1) it was a painful episode for he was hungry, sick and
despondent in a strange city; and
(2) it brought him great joy after enduring so much sufferings
because his first novel, Noli Me Tangere came off press in
March, 1887.
• Rizal wrote the first half of the Noli from 1884-1885 while he
was in Madrid, Spain studying Medicine. From time--to-time,
while in Paris, he is completing the book.

• Vicente Blasco Ibañez –a well-known

political activist and writer/journalist
agreed to proofread the novel.

• The Noli Me Tangere was eventually

published on March 21, 1887 by the
cheapest publisher Rizal found in Berlin,
the BERLINER - ACTIEN
-GESSELSCHAFT, SETZERINNEN -
SCHULE DE LETTE VEREINES.
 The Noli and its Goals
[Link] the Truth About Colonial Society
[Link] Awareness and Nationalism
[Link] Peaceful Reform, Not Violence
[Link] Voice to the Voiceless
[Link] the Power of the Friars
 The Noli Me Tangere Cover
Silhouette of a Cross/Crucifix
Filipina

Rizal's Signature

Pomelo
Blossoms & Bamboo Stalks
Upper Triangle Laurel Leaves
This represents
Rizal's past life.
Chain

Burning Torch
Lower Triangle Flogs (Suplina)
This represents
Rizal's current
situations. Whip

Sunflower Helmet of a
Guardia Civil

Shoes
Feet
Hairy Legs
THE CHARACTERS AND THE
SUMMARY: JUAN CRISOSTOMO IBARRA Y MAGSALIN
• A young, idealistic Filipino who returns from
Europe to improve his country through education.
• Represents Rizal’s vision of reform and peaceful
change.

MARÍA CLARA DE LOS SANTOS

Y• Ibarra’s
ALBAfiancée; beautiful, modest, and the ideal
Filipina woman.
• Symbolizes the oppressed Filipina and the country
itself.
• Later revealed to be the illegitimate daughter of
Padre Dámaso.
DÁMASO VERDOLAGAS
• A corrupt and arrogant Franciscan friar.
• Symbol of Spanish religious hypocrisy and
abuse of power.
• He interferes in Ibarra’s plans and personal life.

DON SANTÍAGO DE LOS

SANTOS
• A wealthy and influential Filipino who
wants to please the Spanish authorities.
• Symbolizes the Filipino elite who
cooperate with colonizers for personal
gain.
 DON ANASTACIO
• An old scholar labeled as a madman.
• Symbolizes wisdom and enlightenment,
misunderstood by society.

ELIÁS
• A mysterious, courageous man who helps Ibarra.
• Represents the Filipino masses and the idea of revolution.
• Believes in radical change rather than slow reform.
NARCISA
• A poor, loving mother who goes mad after her
sons are taken and abused by authorities.
• Represents the suffering of Filipino mothers
under colonial injustice.

DOÑA VICTORINA DE LOS REYES DE

ESPADAÑA
• A Filipina who pretends to be Spanish and looks
down on her fellow natives.
• A satirical figure representing colonial mentality.
Other Characters:
❖ Tiya Isabel – the cousin of Capitan Tiago who took care of
Maria Clara in her growing years after her mother’s death.
❖ Idáy, Siniang, Victoria and Neneng – the friends of Maria
Clara in San Diego. Idáy is a beautiful girl who plays harp.
❖ Andeng - Foster sister of Maria Clara who cooks well. She is
the caretaker of Kapitan Tiago's house in San Diego.
❖ Doña Consolacíon, La Musa De Los Guardias Civiles Y
Esposa Del Alférez - once a laundry woman who worked for
the town Alferez.
❖ Doña Pía Alba – She is the mother of María Clara and the
wife of Kapitán Tiago. She died after giving birth to María
Clara.
❖ Capitana Ticâ and Capitan Basilio – The parents of
Siniang
❖ Albino – an ex-theological student who became disillusioned
with the Catholic church and who was in love with Siniang.
❖ Crispin and Basilio – the children of Sisa who served as
sacristans in San Diego Church
❖ Padre Salvi - He replaced Padre Damaso as a curate
❖ Padre Sibyla - A Dominican priest and former teacher. He
was also a teacher of Ibarra and a very helpful one to Padre
Damaso especially during anomalies.
❖ Pedro – The father of Crispin and Basilio and the
irresponsible husband of Sisa.
Chapter 1: A Social Gathering
• Don Santiago de los Santos (Capitán Tiago)
hosts a lavish dinner party at his home in
Binondo, Manila. The gathering includes
prominent figures such as Padre Dámaso,
Padre Sibyla, Lieutenant Guevarra, Señor
Laruja, and other notable guests. The
conversations touch on various topics,
including the perceived indolence of the
native Filipinos (Indios) and the recent
transfer of Padre Dámaso from his parish in
San Diego.
Chapter 2: Crisostomo Ibarra
• Capitán Tiago introduces his guest of honor, Don
Crisóstomo Ibarra, who has just returned from
seven years of study in Europe. Ibarra is warmly
received by most, but Padre Dámaso reacts
coldly, denying any friendship with Ibarra's late
father, Don Rafael.

Chapter 3: The Dinner

• During the dinner, a subtle power struggle unfolds between
Padre Dámaso and Padre Sibyla over seating arrangements.
Ibarra is served the best parts of the chicken dish, tinola, while
Padre Dámaso receives the less desirable parts, further
souring his mood. When Ibarra shares his experiences from
Europe, Padre Dámaso dismisses them, leading Ibarra to
leave the dinner early.
 Chapter 4: Heretic and Filibuster
• Ibarra walks through the streets, reflecting on the
changes in Manila. He encounters Lieutenant
Guevarra, who reveals that Ibarra's father died in
prison, accused of being a heretic and filibuster. Don
Rafael's downfall was precipitated by conflicts with
the clergy and envious individuals.

Chapter 5: A Star in the Dark Night

• Ibarra, staying at a hotel, is lost in thought about his father's
unjust death. Across the river, a party continues at Capitán
Tiago's house, where María Clara, Ibarra's betrothed, is
present. A pale Franciscan friar, later identified as Padre
Salví, watches her from a distance, hinting at his secret
affections.
Chapters 6–10: Personal Histories and Reunions
• Chapter 6: Capitán Tiago's wealth and background are detailed,
including his marriage to Doña Pia Alba and the birth of María Clara, who
is raised by Tía Isabel after her mother's death.

• Chapter 7: Ibarra visits María Clara; they reminisce about their childhood
and reaffirm their love.

• Chapter 8: Ibarra reflects on Manila's changes and his commitment to

improving the Philippines.

• Chapter 9: Ibarra arrives in San Diego and is warmly welcomed by the

townspeople.

• Chapter 10: The history of San Diego is recounted, including the arrival
of Ibarra's grandfather
Chapters 11–20: Unveiling Injustices
• Chapter 11: The town prepares for a grand fiesta.
• Chapter 12: A sermon is delivered, highlighting the friars'
influence.
• Chapter 13: Ibarra visits his father's grave but finds it missing.
• Chapter 14: Ibarra learns from the gravedigger that his father's
body was exhumed and thrown into the river.
• Chapter 15: Crispín and Basilio, young sacristans, suffer abuse
from church authorities.
• Chapter 16: Sisa searches for her missing sons.
• Chapter 17: Sisa is arrested and loses her sanity.

• Chapter 18: Ibarra plans to build a school in San Diego.

• Chapter 19: Ibarra discusses educational reforms with the
schoolmaster, who reveals the friars' interference in teaching.

• Chapter 20: A meeting is held to discuss the town's fiesta

preparations.
Chapters 21–30: Rising Tensions
• Chapter 21: Ibarra faces opposition from Padre Salví regarding the
school.

• Chapter 22: Elias warns Ibarra about a plot against him.

• Chapter 23: Ibarra saves a man from a crocodile, gaining public

admiration.

• Chapter 24: Ibarra is invited to a picnic by María Clara.

• Chapter 25: During the picnic, Elias shares his tragic family history.
• Chapter 26: Ibarra and Elias discuss plans for reform.

• Chapter 27: María Clara shows compassion to a leper; Sisa

appears, further descending into madness.
• Chapter 28: The town's preparations for the fiesta continue.

• Chapter 29: Ibarra is honored during the fiesta.

• Chapter 30: Ibarra and María Clara spend time together,

deepening their bond.
Chapters 31–40: Confrontations and Conflicts
• Chapter 31: Padre Dámaso delivers a sermon criticizing Ibarra indirectly.
• Chapter 32: Ibarra is warned of a potential assassination attempt.
• Chapter 33: Ibarra confronts Padre Dámaso, nearly attacking him but is restrained.
• Chapter 34: Ibarra is excommunicated by the Church.
• Chapter 35: María Clara falls ill due to the stress of Ibarra's excommunication.
• Chapter 36: Ibarra seeks to reconcile with the Church.
• Chapter 37: Ibarra and María Clara meet secretly.
• Chapter 38: Elias warns Ibarra about further threats.
• Chapter 39: Ibarra continues his efforts to build the school.
• Chapter 40: Ibarra's school project faces sabotage.
Chapters 41–50: Deceptions and Discoveries
• Chapter 41: Ibarra's enemies plot against him.
• Chapter 42: Elias uncovers a conspiracy targeting Ibarra.
• Chapter 43: Ibarra is accused of inciting rebellion.
• Chapter 44: Ibarra is arrested and imprisoned.
• Chapter 45: María Clara is devastated by Ibarra's arrest.
• Chapter 46: Elias plans to help Ibarra escape.
• Chapter 47: Ibarra escapes from prison with Elias's help.
• Chapter 48: Ibarra hides in the mountains.
• Chapter 49: Elias burns Ibarra's documents to protect him.
• Chapter 50: Ibarra and Elias plan their next move.
Chapters 51–60: Sacrifices and Revelation
• Chapter 51: Ibarra is presumed dead after a chase.
• Chapter 52: María Clara mourns Ibarra's supposed death.
• Chapter 53: Elias continues to evade capture.
• Chapter 54: Ibarra's enemies celebrate his downfall.
• Chapter 55: Ibarra is arrested during a gathering; Elias burns Ibarra's house to destroy
evidence.
• Chapter 56: Elias reflects on his past and the injustices he has faced.
• Chapter 57: Tarsilo is tortured and dies without implicating Ibarra.
• Chapter 58: The townspeople blame Ibarra for the failed uprising.
• Chapter 59: María Clara learns about Ibarra's escape.
• Chapter 60: María Clara reveals to Ibarra that she was forced to betray him to protect her
mother's letters, which reveal Padre Dámaso as her biological father.
Chapters 61–64: Final Fates
• Chapter 61: Elias helps Ibarra escape by boat but is wounded during a
confrontation with the authorities.
• Chapter 62: María Clara, believing Ibarra to be dead, decides to enter
the convent. Padre Dámaso pleads with her to reconsider but ultimately
consents.
• Chapter 63: Basilio finds his mother, Sisa, who dies in his arms. A
wounded Elias arrives, instructs Basilio to burn their bodies, and hints at
buried treasure for Basilio's future.
• Chapter 64 (Epilogue): Padre Dámaso is reassigned and later found
dead. María Clara becomes a nun, with Padre Salví holding influence
over her convent. Capitán Tiago succumbs to opium and gambling. The
Alférez returns to Spain, leaving Doña Consolación behind. Doña
Victorina continues her pretentious lifestyle, while Linares dies of
dysentery.