Chapter 17: El Filibusterismo A Revolution that Failed

Rizal Left BRUSSELS for GHENT on July 5, 1891 He left Belgium because of the cheaper cost of printing in GHENT and to evade the enticing attraction of Petite Suzanne. He met JOSE ALEJANDRINO of Pampanga and EDILBERTO EVANGELISTA of Manila who were studying engineering at the University of Ghent. o He stayed in Ghent, where Edilberto Evangelista stayed, and led a life of near starvation there. F. MEYER-VAN LOO PRESS the printing house he found to publish his novel on an installment basis. With the financial assistance of VALENTIN VENTURA, the publication of the book was completed on September 18, 1891. o Copies of the Ghent edition were sent to Hong Kong, since they were smuggled in the Philippines.

Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo Noli Me Tangere: 1. was a romantic novel, a work of the heart and a book of feeling; 2. was dedicated to his motherland; 3. consists of 64 chapters; and 4. Rizal advocated peaceful reforms through CRISOSTOMO IBARRA. El Filibusterismo 1. was a political novel, a work of the head, a book of the thought; 2. dedicated to the GOMBURZA; 3. consists of 38 chapters; and 4. Advocated a revolution in effecting reforms in Filipino Society through SIMOUN. One common trend in both novels is the awakening of the Filipinos to the idea that they belong to one nation, to make them realize they have a motherland to love, whose welfare should be their paramount concern

o focused towards seeking of reforms in our society during the Spanish regime o both depicted the actual conditions in the Philippines during the time of Rizal o Both were instrumental in the awakening the spirit of Filipino nationalism, which paved the way for the outbreak of the Revolution of 1896 and the disintegration of the Spanish colonial empire.

Synopsis of the Fili Simoun rode the steamer TABO, plying the Pasig river to Laguna de Bay. He was very mysterious, yet many considered him influential due to his unlimited influence to the governor-general. Basilio, on the other hand, was returning to San Diego, his native town. When he arrived, he went to his mothers grave and saw Simoun whom he recognized as Ib arra ( a person who many had thought to have died during the chase in the lake). Scared that Basilio might reveal his identity, Simoun planned to finish him, however, remembering his grievances, he instead shared his true intention to Basilio to destroy the brutal system that had destroyed him. Simound used his influence to promote corruption and illegal activities, which consequently, accustomed the poor to the idea of death, detest for the government, and desperation to rise up in arms against the government. Meanwhile, Basilio, who was pressing for assimilation (HISPANIZATION) was promoting Hispanization programs such as spreading the Spanish language and the appeals for loyalty to and confidence in the colonial government. o Simoun saw this as death of the people, destruction of national identity, and institutionalization of tyranny in the country. Simoun prodded Basilio to help him, however, he was not convinced but was told that door was left open if he ever changes his mind. Simoun had made preparations for a revolution. However, when everybody was all ready for the uprising and was only waiting for the signal from Simoun, he became

dumbfounded when he found out about the demise of Maria Clara at the convent of Sta. Clara. Out of his dejection and depression, the revolution did not take place. On the other hand, the young students were pressing for an academy for teaching the Spanish language, which was rejected by the administrators of the university, despite the all-out support of Fr. Fernandez. After which, they sought the help of Don Custodio (wished by Pepay, his favorite dance). The next day, anti-friar posters were posted at the foors of the university, and the students associated were arrested. Eventually, all were released from prison except for Basilio, who was jailed for a number of months to uphold the prestige of authority. When he was released, he presented himself to Simoun, ready to follow his orders. During the wedding feast of the Governor General and Paulita Gomez, Simoun planned to blow up the site (inside were the Governor-general, the friars, and other high officials). However, when Basilio had seen that the lamp has already been in place, he wandered off and met Isagani, whom he warned to stay clear off the area because of the explosives. When Isagani found out what was happening and realizing that Paulitas life is in danger, he immediately rushed into the house, grabbed the lighted lamp and hurled it into the nearby river. Perpetrators of the raid were then arrested. Simoun, on the other hand, was able to escape and took refuge in the home of Fr. Florentino. Upon learning the whereabouts of Simoun, Lt. Perez sent word of his arrest, however, Simoun took poison before the priest was able to stop him. Before he died, he divulged his secret to the kind-hearted priest.

Symbolic Interpretation of the FILI SIMOUN the portion of the Filipino society which, tired of oppressors rule wanted that rule to be overthrown at all cost, but had no systematic plan for the new society, if the old one is overthrown

MARIA CLARA represents the friar-dominated culture, which is now ripe for revolution. Simoun and Maria Clara, not even meeting between the two years since they parted 13 years ago is significant. Although Simoun wanted very much to see and possess her, he was not permitted to do so. Symbolicallyspeaking, it is Rizals refusal to recognize the friar-dominated Filipino culture that could still be reinvigorated through the infusion of new elements into its anemic bloodstream.

SENOR PASTA the idealist turned mercenary; represent that Filipinos who have abandoned their noble social ideals and have become thoroughly self-seeking opportunist, serving only the interest of those who have hired them.

ISAGANI a young student who is inspired by high ideals for his country but at critical moment apparently and unwittingly forgets those ideals for selfish reasons; represents the untested and unreliable idealism of a segment of the educated Filipino youths of the time.

PAULITA GOMEZ the Filipino women which is enlightened but which is itself thoroughly bereft of love of country and of a desire for social good. BASILIO a medical student who, despite of extreme sufferings undergone by his family as a result of clerical perfidy and cruelty, refuses to entertain any revolution though even in the face of rampant social injustices, could be made to symbolize the educated Filipinos which has been so brutalized that it has become insensible to the social welfare.

PLACIDO PENITENTE another who has been disillusioned by the state of affairs he finds himself as a student, entertains the desire to go abroad. He represents those elements in the Philippine society which had not yet been infused with a national sentiment or social conscience.

DON CUSTODIO a typical Spanish official in the country who occupies several positions despite the absence of qualification, believes that any idea that does not come from him deserves no consideration. He represents those who find pleasure in developing a feeling of inferiority among the people.

STORY OF CABESANG TALES a victim of land grabbing by the friars, became desperate and joined the outlaws for personal revenge. He died of fever and found no justice in the courts. It depicts the patterns of suffering in El Filibusterismo.

JULI innocent looking and unaffected daughter of Cabesang tales and sweetheart of Basilio, who took her own life because of her love for honor and chastity rather than surrender her womanhood to the mundane desire of FR. CAMORRA.

THE SCHOOL MASTER rusticated as a rebel for having experimented teaching Spanish language to young children against the wishes of the Spanish friars, was pardoned due to Simouns influence, and became his gunpowder expert.

The Message of Fili That the present system of government in the Philippines through corrupt officials, dominated by the friars can be lead to the downfall of Spain. As Filipinos had desired assimilation for a long time, Spain should grant it. Should Spain not accede to the clamor of assimilation, the people may eventually prefer to die rather than endure the miseries any longer. Violent means to effect changes would thus become inevitable to achieve their goal.

The Reluctant Revolutionary and His Concept of Independence INDEPENDENCE is the solution to the miseries of the people under Spanish rule. o SIMOUN: Instead of aspiring to be a mere province, aspire to be a nation, develop an independent, not colonial mentality. There are no tyrants where there are no slaves. o BASILIO: Science can redeem man from social and other forms of persecution. o SIMOUND: Patriotism will always be a virtue in oppressed people. On the question as to why God abandoned Simoun despite his efforts, from the viewpoint of FR. FLORENTINO, he was abandoned because he employed methods unacceptable to God: If our country is someday to be free, it will not through vice, it

will not be through the corruption of its sons Redemption presupposes virtue; virtue, sacrifice; and sacrifice, love. Why Filipinos suffers if God is a God of justice: If Filipinos will not be courageous enough to protest and proclaim their rights, be willing to sacrifice, and shed off their silence in the face of oppression and tyranny, then they dont deserve to be given free dom. Rizal was a reluctant revolutionary; He that the Filipinos of his time were not ready for a revolution as they were not ready for independence.

Rizal After the Fili After the publication, he no longer shared the views of the reforms, that reforms in the country will be granted by the Spanish government. Thus, Rizal became a separatist, he left to God the attainment of independence. He returned to the Philippines to share the misfortunes of his family.