Cebu Normal University

College of Arts and Sciences

Osmea Boulevard, Cebu City

NOLI ME TANGERE
Chapter Summary 1 64

Schenley G. Abe
B.S. in Chemistry-Physics III

January 29, 2015

Life and Works of Rizal

TTh (06:00 07:30 PM)

Accepted:

DR. MARILYN LASPIAS

Instructor
Chapter 1

A Social Gathering
Capitan Santiago de los Santos, or Capitan Tiago, hosts a dinner in his house at
Calle Anloague. While waiting for the meals to be served, the guests converse with
one another. In these conversations, the readers are introduced to some of the
novels characters, such as Padre Damaso, Padre Sibyla, Lieutenant Guevara,
Laruja, Doa Victorina de Espadaa, and Don Tiburcio de Espadaa.

Chapter 2
Crisostomo Ibarra
Capitan Tiago enters the sala and introduces Juan Crisostomo Ibarra y Magsalin to
the guests. Crisostomo, he informs them, is the only son of the late Don Rafael
Ibarra, and he has recently arrived from his studies in Europe. Crisostomo is
puzzled when Padre Damaso, whom he thought was a friend of his father, arrogantly
denies that he was ever a friend of Don Rafael Ibarra.

Chapter 3
The Dinner
At dinner over Tinola , the conversation of the guests centers on Crisostomos
travels to several countries. Padre Damaso belittles Ibarras trips, saying that what
he has learned from them can be learned even without leaving the country.
Embarrassed, Ibarra excuses himself from the guests and leaves, even after
Capitan Tiago informs him that Maria Clara is coming to dinner.

Chapter 4
Heretic and Filibuster
While walking towards Plaza Binondo, Crisostomo is approached by Lieutenant
Guevara, to whom Ibarra expresses lament that he himself does not know how his
father died. The Lieutenant narrates the event to him, saying that Don Rafael Ibarra
was imprisoned for killing a Spanish tax collector, for not going to confession, and
for subscribing to the newspaper El Correo Ultramar. He also mentions that Don
Rafael was branded as a heretic, a filibuster, and a subversive. Because of these
accusations, he dies while in prison.

Chapter 5
A Star in a Dark Night
Ibarra goes to the Fonde de Lala hotel. He is troubled by the visions of his father
being unjustly imprisoned and dying without seeing him. He imagines the anguish
and grief suffered by his father while he is studying and traveling in Europe. In the
house of Capitan Tiago, meanwhile, Maria Clara arrives, and is admired by all
guests, especially Padre Damaso.

Chapter 6
Capitan Tiago
Capitan Tiago is one of the richest landowners in Binondo, Pampanga and Laguna.
Aside from owning large tracts of lands, he also provides zacate, monopolizes the
opium business, and holds a contract for feeding the prisoners in the Bilibid prison.
Since he has had no child with his wife, Doa Pia, Padre Damaso advises the Doa
to attend the mass at Obando. She eventually conceives a child, whom they name
Maria Clara, in honor of the Virgin of Salambao and Sta. Clara. Capitan Tiago and
the late Don Rafael later agree to arrange the marriage of their children.

Chapter 7
An Idyl on an Azotea
Crisostomo Ibarra visits Maria Clara at Calle Anloague. They speak privately at the
azotea, about the years that they have not seen each other. Ibarra strives to prove
his love for Maria Clara by showing her the old leaves that had been given by the
girl seven years earlier, while they had gone swimming with his mother. Maria
Clara, in return, reads an old letter written by Ibarra before leaving for abroad.

Chapter 8
Recollections

Ibarras carriage passes through the busiest district of Manila, and what he sees
disturbs him. He observes that the countrys condition remains unchanged from
when he left it seven years ago. He finds no progress achieved and reforms
implemented by the government. He sees that the roads have not been paved and
that the Puente de Barcas has been destroyed by neglect. Afterwards, seeing the
Arroceros Cigar factory, the Botanical Garden, and the Bagumbayan bring back fond
memories.

Chapter 9
Local Affairs
This chapter features the three conversations between Padre Damaso and Capitan
Tiago, between Padre Sibyla and an unmanned priest, and between the the
Governor-General and his men. Angry at not being informed of the arranged
marriage between Crisostomo and Maria Clara, Padre Damaso now wants to stop
the marriage planned for the lovers. Capitan Tiago obeys the priest, and
extinguishes the candles that were lit for Ibarras journey to San Diego. Padre
Sibyla and an unnamed priest discuss the dangerous implication to the country of
Crisostomo Ibarras foreign education. The Governor-General reveals to his men
that he is unhappy with the situation in the Philippines but that he is helpless in
changing the conditions of the country.

Chapter 10
The Town
San Diego, a town along the Laguna Lake, produces sugar, rice, coffee, and fruit,
which are sold to Chinese merchants. Aside from its meadows and paddy fields, the
town has a forest with old trees and tropical vegetation that had been purchased by
a Spaniard who was the great grandfather of Juan Crisostomo Ibarra.

Chapter 11
The Rulers
Two persons virtually rule the town of San Diego: Padre Bernardo Salvi and the
Alferez of the Guardia Civil, Padre Salvi is described as a thin, sickly, and silent friar
and,unlike Padre Damaso, he is more inclined to impose fines on his subordinates.

The Alferez has a wife named Doa Consolacion. Because of his bad marriage to
the doa, he is frequently drunk and compels his soldiers to drill under the hot sun.

Chapter 12
All Saints
Two gravediggers converse in the San Diego cemetery. One of them mentions that
he was ordered by a fat curate to dig up the body of a person buried in the
cemetery, and to rebury it in the Chinese cemetery. But since it was raining, he just
dumped the body into the river. Tasio the sage arrives at the cemetery,
unsuccessfully searching for the skull of his dead wife.

Chapter 13
Signs of Storm
Crisostomo Ibarra and a servant arrive at the San Diego cemetery to look for the
grave of his father, Don Rafael Ibarra. After failing to locate the grave, his servant
asks the gravedigger for help. The gravedigger replies that he had dug up the body
of the don and planned to bury it in the Chinese cemetery, as instructed by Padre
Damaso. Since it was raining, however, he says, he threw the body into the river.
Angered upon hearing the account, Crisostomo leaves. At the cemetery gate, he
meets Padre Salvi and attacks the Curate, whom he mistakes for Father Damaso.

Chapter 14
Tasio: Lunatic or Sage
After leaving the cemetery, Tasio the sage wanders about the street aimlessly. He
sees two boys aged ten and seven, and tells them that their mother has prepared a
meal for them to be taken when they get home. Don Filipo invites Tasio to his
house, and a discussion on the existence of purgatory follows. Tasio thinks that the
place called purgatory does not exist since neither the bible nor Jesus Christ
mentions it.

Chapter 15

The Sacristans
Crispin and Basilio are sacristans of the church at San Diego. The two are worried
since the Sacristan Mayor and the Curate has accused Crispin of stealing two gold
pieces and he was to remain in the church until the money is returned. Crispin also
complains about the frequent beating and whipping that he receives. After ringing
the church bells, the Sacristan Mayor beats Crispin to make him confess his crime.

Chapter 16
Sisa
Sisa waits for her two sons, Crispin and Basilio. Knowing that they are hungry, she
prepares a meal consisting of duck leg, wild boars meat, tomatoes and five pieces
of fish. Her husband arrives, and eats all the food, leaving only three pieces of fish.
She patiently waits for Crispin and Basilio and is surprised when, during the night,
only Basilio arrives.

Chapter 17
Basilio
Basilio arrives home, wounded from a gunshot fired at him by the Guardia Civil.
Basilio tells his mother that Crispin has stayed behind in the convent because the
curate accused him of stealing two gold pieces. In his dream, Basilio sees Crispin
being beaten up and killed by the Curate and the Sacristan Mayor.

Chapter 18
Souls in Torment
In the convent, some women converse about purgatory and the number of plenary
indulgences that they have acquired. Sisa arrives, bringing with her vegetables to
appease the Curate into forgiving her son Crispin. A sacristan tells her that Crispin
is not in the church, and that the Guardia Civil are now searching for her two sons,
after the Curate reported them to the authorities for stealing.

Chapter 19
A Schoolmasters Difficulties
Ibarra converses with a schoolmaster who was helped by his father. The
schoolmaster narrates the obstacles that he encountered in teaching the children.
He informs Ibarra that the town lacks facilities such as a school building and
necessary equipment. His work is also hindered by the stubbornness of the former
town Curate, Padre Damaso.

Chapter 20
The Meeting in the Town Hall
The town officials meet in the town hall to discuss the fiesta celebration. The
council approves the proposal of Don Filipo, but the Gobernadorcillo tells them that
the curates alternate proposal must be followed instead. Although the council
objects to the Curates proposal, they are powerless to stop implementation of the
plan. Don Filipo and Tasio the sage go home dejected.

Chapter 21
The Story of a Mother
Sisa arrives at her house and finds the Guardia Civil looking for her sons. After
vainly searching for Crispin and Basilio, the Guardia Civil decide to arrest Sisa in
order to compel her sons to surrender and return the money they have stolen. Due
to the anguish and public humiliation Sisa suffers, she becomes insane.

Chapter 22
Lights and Shadows
Maria Clara converses with Ibarra near a window overlooking the lake. Ibarra invites
Maria Clara, her friends, and Padre Salvi to a picnic in the woods. Maria Clara is
delighted, and Padre Salvi accepts the invitation to prove that he has no ill feelings
towards Ibarra.

Chapter 23
Fishing
Ibarra and Maria Clara, together with their friends go fishing at the lake. To
entertain them, Andeng plays the harp, while Maria Clara sings a sad love song. In
one of the fish cages, the men discover that the fishing nets have entangled a
crocodile. Elias, followed by Ibarra, jumps into the lake, successfully killing the
crocodile.

Chapter 24
In the Wood
Padre Salvi passes near a stream, while going to the picnic organized by Ibarra. He
hears some voices, hides behind a tree, and spies on Maria Clara and her friends
while they bathe. After the Alferez leaves the picnic, the guardia civil arrives at the
picnic, looking for Elias, the boatman who had throw an alferez into the mudhole
and assaulting Padre Damaso.

Chapter 25
In the House of the Sage
Ibarra consults Tasio the sage about the school building that he plans to build. The
sage advises Ibarra not to pursue his project, else he incur the ire of the friars and
other government officials, who would do everything in their power to ruin him.

Chapter 26
The Eve of the Fiesta
It is the eve of the fiesta, and people are busy preparing food, while or Juan
supervises the workmen laying the cornerstone and building the foundation of the
proposed school building. Some individuals volunteer to contribute toward the
construction of the school, some promise to pay the teacher, while others offer their

services for free. Ibarra remains optimistic that his endeavor will succeed, while
Tasio advises him to be cautious.

Chapter 27
In the Twilight
Maria Clara and Ibarra, together with their friends, go for a walk. They meet a leper.
In an act of compassion, Maria Clara gives her locket to the sick man.

Chapter 28
Correspondence
This chapter features the three letters between a correspondent and his friend,
between Capitan Martin and Luis Chiquito, and between Ibarra and Maria Clara. The
correspondent vividly describes to his friend the fiesta and the many events that
have taken place in San Diego. Capitan Martin narrates to Luis Chiquito the good
fortune of Capitan Tiago in winning a game of cards. Maria Clara reveals that she is
worried that Ibarra is sick, and sends Andeng to make some tea for her sweetheart.

Chapter 29
The Morning
A procession is held during the last day of the fiesta, where the people parade the
images of San Diego de Alcala, St. Francis, and the Virgin. The people in the
procession are greeted by the sound of firecrackers, songs, and religious prayers.

Chapter 30
In the Church
The noisy and disorderly parishioners try to push one another while dipping their
hands in the holy water. The people are waiting for the sermon of Padre Damaso,
when they notice that the Alcaldes uniform looks similar to the costume worn by
one of the actors in a play.

Chapter 31
The Sermon
In his sermon, Padre Damaso reprimands some natives who, after receiving
education in Manila and in Europe, are now contented in not kissing the hands of a
friar and not offering him the honor due his rank. Padre Damaso declares that these
individuals would get what they deserve and that God would punish them for their
wicked acts. At the end of the sermon, Elias approaches Ibarra, and warns him that
his life is in danger.

Chapter 32
The Derrick
Ibarra, the Alcalde, and other individuals, go to the site of the proposed school to
lay the cornerstone of the building. The Alcalde throws some mortar on the stone,
followed by the curate and Alferez. When it is Ibarras turn, the derrick suddenly
falls apart, dropping the heavy block of stone. Fortunately Ibarra is unhurt, the only
casualty being the yellowish man who operates the machine.

Chapter 33
Free Thought
Elias visits Ibarra at his house and informs him that many enemies are out to ruin
him, as confirmed by the incident with the derrick. Because of Ibarras education
and beliefs, Elias says, many people would want him dead. Elias affirms that he is
only paying his debt, since Ibarra saved him from being killed by the crocodile.

Chapter 34
The Dinner
At dinner, Padre Damaso belittles Ibarra for building a school. Ibarra remains silent,
but when Padre Damaso insults his fathers honor, Ibarra lunges at the curate with a
knife in hand, threatening to kill him. Fortunately Maria Clara intervenes.

Chapter 35
Comments
The town discusses the incident between Padre Damaso and Ibarra. The town
captain criticizes Ibarra for his lack of self-control, while others opine that Ibarra will
be branded as a filibuster and will be excommunicated by the Church. Don Filipo
and Capitana Maria, however, both agree that Ibarra did the right thing in protecting
his fathers honor and memory.

Chapter 36
The First Cloud
Arriving from the convent, Capitan Tiago tells Maria Clara and Tia Isabel that he has
agreed to break his daughters wedding engagement to Ibarra. Capitan Tiago adds
that Maria Clara must forget Ibarra, since she would now marry a relative of Padre
Damaso.

Chapter 37
His Excellency
The Governor-General converses with Ibarra about the dinner incident. He assures
Ibarra that he will be protected by the government from the evil intentions of the

friars and religious corporations. The Governor-General promises that he would talk
to the archbishop regarding Ibarras excommunication, while advising Capitan Tiago
not to break his daughters engagement to Ibarra.

Chapter 38
The Procession
Another procession is held, where the town displays the images
of St. John, St. Francis, San Diego, and the Virgin. Tasio sees the ragged and poor
clothing of the saints and sarcastically remarks that the saints would be ashamed if
they would see the lifestyle of their fellow servants of God.

Chapter 39
Doa Consolacion
Doa Consolacion, the Alferezs wife, calls Sisa to sing, but proceeds to maltreat her
by whipping her when she refuses to dance. The Alferez arrives, stops the whipping
and calls his servant to feed and clothe the insane woman,who is to be treated by a
doctor hired by Ibarra.

Chapter 40
Right and Might
Maria Clara, her friends, Don Filipo, and Padre Salvi are watching a play when Ibarra
arrives to joins them. Padre Salvi orders Don Filipo to prohibit Ibarra from watching
the play, since he has been excommunicated, and his presence would corrupt the
people. Padre Salvi walks out when Don Filipo refuses to prevent Ibarra from
watching the play.

Chapter 41
Two Visits

Elias informs him that Maria Clara is sick with fever. A man named Lucas then
arrives, asking for money for his brother who was killed in the derrick. Ibarra tells
him to come back that afternoon since he is meeting with a sick person.

Chapter 42
The Espadaas
Don Tiburcio de Espadaa and his wife Victorina, together with Linares, a distant
relative of Padre Damaso, arrive at the house of Capitan Tiago to treat Maria Clara.
Doa Victorina speaks highly of Linares, telling Capitan Tiago that he has come to
the Philippines to seek work and to find a wife. The fake doctor Espadaa
prescribes some medicines for Maria Clara, as they wait for Padre Damaso to arrive.

Chapter 43
Plans
Linares introduces himself to Padre Damaso as the godson of his brother-in-law.
Linares says that he graduated with a law degree from a university and that he has
come to the Philippines to find work and to look for a wife. Upon hearing this, Padre
Damaso calls Capitan Tiago. Lucas, meanwhile, approaches Padre Salvi to ask for
help, being the brother of the yellowish man killed when the derrick collapsed.

Chapter 44
An Examination of Conscience
Padre Salvi mentions that Padre Damaso will be transferred to a town in Tayabas.
Since Maria Clara is still sick, the Curate suggests that Maria Clara makes her
confession. Tia Isabel agrees with the Curate, and prepares Maria Clara for her
confession. After hearing Maria Claras confession, Padre Salvi exits the room
looking gloomy, with his forehead covered with perspiration.

Chapter 45
The Hunted

Elias goes to Tanauan, Batangas, to converse with Capitan Pablo, the leader of some
bandits. Elias asks Capitan Pablo to stop committing violent acts against the
government, since they can get the help of Ibarra in obtaining justice and
implementing some reforms for the country.

Chapter 46
The Cockpit
At the cockpit arena, Lucas approaches Bruno and Tarsilo, recruiting them to attack
the town barracks. Lucas declares that aside from joining the attack organized by
Ibarra against the barracks, they can exact their revenge on the members of the
guardia civil who killed their father.

Chapter 47
The Two Seoras
Doa Victorina and Don Tiburcio pass by the house of the Alferez, as Doa
Consolacion mocks and ridicules Doa Espadaa and her crippled husband. The
two women start exchanging insults and almost get into a fight that is averted by
the arrival of the Alferez and Padre Salvi. To defend her honor, Doa Victorina asks
Linares to challenge the Alferez to a duel.

Chapter 48
The Enigma
Ibarra wishes to inform Maria Clara that his excommunication is lifted, but upon
arriving at her house, he sees Maria Clara with Linares. He is invited to come into
the house, but he visits instead the site of the school building, asking the
supervisor, or Juan about its progress.

Chapter 49

The Voice of the Hunted

Elias meets Ibarra at the lakeside. He narrates the conversation he has had with
Capitan Pablo. Elias says that, Ibarra, because of his education and position in
society, can ask the Spanish government to implement radical reforms such as
fewer privileges for religious corporations, security for a citizen and more respect for
a mans dignity. Ibarra objects, saying that such institutions as the priesthood,
religious corporations, and the Guardia Civil, are necessary evils that must be
tolerated by the society.

Chapter 50
Elias' Story
Elias narrates his story and the misfortunes of his ancestors. His great grandfather,
he recounts, woks as a bookkeeper for a Spaniard, when he is accused of arson, and
is flogged and paraded in the streets of Manila. Shamed and disgraced, his wife
becomes a prostitute, while one of the sons becomes a notorious bandit. The other
son travels from town to town until he is hired as a laborer, and marries a rich
woman. Elias and his sister are born of this marriage, and both are educated in
Manila. But when their familys past surfaces, they lose everything. Eliass sister
commits suicide, while he roams the provinces as a hunted and lonely man.

Chapter 51
Exchanges
Padre Salvi informs Linares, Maria Clara, and Capitan Tiago that Ibarras
excommunication has been lifted, and the last obstacle to be hurdled is for Ibarra to
ask for forgiveness from Padre Damaso. Ibarra asks Sinang if Maria Clara is angry
with him and insists that he wants to speak to Maria Clara.

Chapter 52
The Cards of the Dead and the Shadows
Three men are in the cemetery waiting for Lucas. They discuss their impending
attack on the barracks and the church, which they believe is organized by Ibarra.
Lucas arrives and instructs them to attack the church and the barracks,

shouting Viva Don Crisostomo. Elias, after following Lucas, learns about the attack
that will implicate Ibarra.

Chapter 53
Il Buon D Si Conosce Da Mattina
Don Filipo visits Tasio the sage, whos ill. He tells Tasio that he has resigned from his
position because he is fed up with the Gobernadorcillos ineptitude. Tasio praises
the dons action, saying that resistance must be used not only against the
Gobernadorcillo but against all persons who abuse their authority.

Chapter 54
Revelations
Padre Salvi warns the Alferez about an impending attack on the town. He informs
the Alferez to ready his men and to send four soldiers to guard the church. Elias
alerts Ibarra on the imminent attack on the town that will be blamed on him. He
helps Ibarra dispose of some letters that could implicate him. In one of these
letters, Elias discovers that Ibarras great grandfather was the Spaniard who had
accused his great grandfather of arson.

Chapter 55

The Catastrophe
Ibarra enters Capitan Tiagos house, as soon as he hears shots fired near the
convent. Ibarra returns to his house, and is arrested by the Guardia Civil. Seeing
what has happened, Elias enters Ibarras house, and intentionally sets a fire to
destroy any evidence that could implicate Ibarrra in the failed attack.

Chapter 56
Rumors and Beliefs

Rumors circulate in the terrified town, after the eventful night. Some people
assume that Don Filipo and Crisostomo Ibarra have been arrested by the Guardia
Civil, while others think that some bandits were caught in the night.

Chapter 57
Vae Victis!
The Guardia Civil imprison the individuals implicated in the failed attack. They
torture Tarsilo to obtain a confession from him and to make him disclose the
mastermind of the failed attack. But Tarsilo remains silent up to his death.

Chapter 58
The Accursed
The crying relatives of those arrested wait outside the barracks of the Guardia Civil.
Ibarra, together with the other prisoners, are led out of their cells to be transported
to the provincial capital. Along the way, Ibarra is cursed, stoned, and ridiculed by
the people, blaming him for their misfortunes and hardships.

Chapter 59
Patriotism and Private Interests
The people of Manila discuss the failed rebellion falsely blamed on Ibarra. The friars
praise Padre Salvi for alerting the authorities about the rebellion, while others
criticize the Jesuits, who declare that Ibarra had been educated at the Ateneo.

Chapter 60
Maria Clara Weds
Capitan Tiago invites guests and visitors to celebrate the impending marriage of
Maria Calara and Linares. Maria Clara goes to the azotea, where she sees
Crisostomo leaping out from a boat. She asks Crisostomo for forgiveness since she

is about to be married to someone else, but declares that she would never forget
her vow of faithfulness to him.

Chapter 61
The Chase on the Lake
Two boatloads of Guardia Civil pursue Elias and Ibarra on the lake. Elias jumps into
the river to mislead the pursuers, thus saving Ibarra.

Chapter 62
Padre Damaso Explains
Maria is distraught when she learns that Ibarra has been killed, while trying to
escape. Out of desperation, Maria Clara asks Padre Damaso to break her marriage
engagement and to permit her to enter the nunnery. After vainly arguing with Maria
Clara, Padre Damaso gives his permission.

Chapter 63
Christmas Eve
Basilio returns to San Diego to look for his insane mother. Upon seeing her in the
town, he runs after her until they enter the forest owned by the Ibarras. Sisa dies,
after eventually recognizing her son. When Basilio regains consciousness, Elias
orders him to cremate his him and his mother.

Chapter 64
Epilogue
Padre Damaso is reassigned as parish priest to a distant province but is found dead
the day after. Maria Clara enters the Sta. Clara nunnery, where Padre Salvi regularly
preaches and holds an important office. Capitan Tiago stops going to church, and is

now addicted to opium and gambling. The Alferez who has been promoted as a 2nd
lieutenant, goes back to Spain, leaving his wife, Doa Consolacion, behind. Doa
Victorina still tries to live the life of a Spanish woman, while her cousin Linares dies
of dysentery. Two Spanish guards see an insane nun standing at the top of the Sta.
Clara convent during a raging storm. When the authorities try to investigate the
nuns case, the abbess prohibits the inquiry, invoking the name of Religion and the
Holy Statutes.

Two Spanish guards saw an insane nun standing at the top of the Sta. Clara convent
during a raging storm. When the authorities tried to investigate, the abbess
prohibited the inquiry invoking the name of Religion and the Holy Statutes.

Source:
http://www.kapitbisig.com/philippines/noli-me-tangere-the-social-cancer-by-dr-jose-rizal-booknotes-summary-in-english-chapter-summaries-of-noli-me-tangere_852.html