People always lobk at the El Filibusterismo through the Noli. In terms of structuré, the former is shorter.

It has only 38 chapters, against that of the former. Dr. Rafael Palma, Dr. Blumentritt and Graciano Lopez
Jaena consider the Fili superior to the other, for its “easy and correct dialogue,” its clear phraseology,
vigorous and elegant, as for its profound ideas and sublime thoughts. Lopez Jaena however, was not
contented with the ending of the novel, and advised Rizal to do a third one to give a definite solution to
what he referred to as the “coining of the beautiful day of our redemption.” Mariano Ponce, on the other
hand claimed that the Fili was more superior than the Noli when he said: “It is indeed, excellent, I can
say nothing of your book, but this, it is really marvelous, like all the brilliant productions of your pen. It is
a true twin of the Noli” (110).

The third opinion is best expressed by Zaide (111) when he said that:

The issue of which is the superior novel the Noli or the Fili is purely academic. Both are good novels
from the point of view of history. Both depict with realistic colors the actual conditions of the Philippines
and the Filipinos during the decadent days of Spanish rule.

Rizal attempted to write a third novel as advised by Mariano Ponce, a novel which would consecrate on
the ethical aspect of customs and traditions in the country. It was never finished. It was said that it was
best that he did not finish writing the novel, for there would have been more repercussions.

Prom modem literary point of view, the novels of Rizal can rate as outstanding. One goes through them
experiencing the emotions and the passions of the writer. It is quite a tragedy that Rizal had to worry
about funds for publications of his books. If he did not have that problem, probably his books would
have been written better. Rizal, even then, was a brilliant writer.