JOSE RIZAL’S

Life, Works and Writing

IN SUNNY SPAIN, 1882-85

- May 3, 1882. Rizal left Manila. He went to Spain where he completed his university studies, improved his
knowledge of languages and arts and further developed his God-given talents for greater service to the fatherland.
- The government in Spain was a constitutional monarchy, under which the Spanish people enjoyed individual
liberties, including freedom of speech and freedom of the press.

SECRET DEPARTURE FOR SPAIN

- Rizal’s departure for Spain was kept secret in order to avoid detection by the colonial officials and the friars.
- Paciano gave him 700 pesos. Saturnina later give him a diamond ring which helped him very much during his days
of poverty in Europe.
- A cryptic telegram by Manuel T. Hidalgo from Manila arrived, announcing that the Spanish steamer Salvadora was
scheduled to sail Singapore.
- May 1, 1882. He left Calamba by carromata, reaching Manila after ten hours of travel.
- At sunrise of May 3, 1882. After a hurried breakfast, he boarded the Salvadora which was moored outside the
mouth of Pasig River. Some close friends, including Chengoy (Jose M. Cecilio), were on hand to see him off.

SINGAPORE
- After five days of sailing, the Salvadora reached the English colony of Singapore.
- He particularly admired “the confidence which the natives of Singapore seemed to have in their government”
- Rizal stayed at Hotel de Paz during the two days of his stop-over in Singapore.

FIRST TRIP THROUGH SUEZ CANAL

- In Singapore, Rizal boarded the Djemnah, a French steamer, which was sailing to Europe.
- He tried to speak French with some passengers, but to his surprise the bookish French which he learned in the
Ateneo could not be understood.
- A week after leaving Singapore, the steamer reached Point de Galle
- In the morning of May 18, voyage was resumed, and in the afternoon of the same day the steamer docked at
Colombo, Ceylon
- On May 28, he saw the first time the coast of Africa, which he called “inhospitable but famous land”
- In Aden, Rizal suffered terribly from heat. He observed that it was hotter than his beloved Philippines.
- On June 2, he arrived at the city of Suez, the Red Sea terminal of the Suez Canal.
- It took the Djemnah five days to traverse the Suez Canal. The canal was constructed by the famous Frenchman
named Ferdinand de Lesseps and inaugurated on November 17, 1869.

NAPLES AND MARSEILLES.

- June 11, Rizal reached Naples.
- June 12, the steamer docked at the French harbor of Marseilles.
- He visited the famous places of the city, particularly Chateau d’If, where Dantes, hero of The Count of Monte
Cristo, was imprisoned.

BARCELONA
- At Marseille, Rizal took the train for the last lap of his trip to Spain.
- Rizal continued his tip by rail, finally reaching Barcelona.
- Rizal’s first impression of Barcelona, greatest city of Cataluna and Spain’s second largest city, was unfavorable. He
thought that it was ugly, with dirty little inns and inhospitable residents, because he happened to stay upon his arrival
at a dingy inn situated on an unimpressive narrow street in the “town’s most ugly side” and the staff and guests in
said inn were indifferent to him. Later, he changed his bad impression and came to like the city. He found it to be
really a great city, with an atmosphere of freedom and liberalism.
- Rizal wrote a nationalistic essay entitled Amor Patrio (Love of Country), his first article written on Spain’s soil. He
sent this article to his friend in Manila, Basilio Teodoro, who was a member of the editorial staff of the Diariong
Tagalog, the first Manila daily to have a Tagalog section.
- Rizal’s Amor Patrio, under his pen-name LaongLaan, appeared in print in Diariong Tagalog on August 20, 1882.
Itwaspublished on two texts: Spanish and Tagalog. Spanish text was a Tagalog translation made by M. H. del Pilar.
- The editor of Diariong Tagalog, Francisco Calvo, congratulated Rizal for the article and requested him for some
more articles.
- Rizal wrote the second article for Diariong Tagalog entitled Los Viajes (Travels). His third article, entitled Revista de
Madrid ( Review of Madrid)

RIZAL MOVES TO MADRID.

- Rizal received sad news about the cholera that was ravaging Manila and the province.
- Calamba folks were having afternoon novenas to San Roque and nocturnal processions and prayers so that God
may stop the dreadful epidemic.
- Sad news from the Philippines was the chatty letter of Chengoy recounting the unhappiness of Leonor Rivera, who
was getting thinner because of the absence of a loved one.
 JOSE RIZAL’S
Life, Works and Writing

LIFE IN MADRID.
- On November 3, 1882, Rizal enrolled in the Universidad Central de Madrid (Central University of Madrid) in two
courses----Medicine and Philosophy and Letters.
- He also studied painting and sculpture in the Academy of San Carlos, took lessons in French, German and English
under a private instructor and practiced fencing and shooting in the Hall of Arms of Sanz y Carbonell. He attended
operas and concerts to improve his knowledge of music.
- He lived frugally like an Ilokano, spending his money on food clothing, and books. His only extravagance was the
Spanish lottery.

ROMANCE WITH CONSUELO ORTEGA Y REY.

- Rizal used to visit the home of Don Pablo Ortega y Rey every Saturday evening.
- Two daughters of Don Pablo: Pilar and Consuelo
- Consuelo loved Rizal. She knew Rizal loved her, though he did not say it.
- On august 22, 1883, he wrote a lovely poem entitled A la Senorita C.O y R.
- Rizal did not allow the romance to go on for two reasons;
o he was still engaged to Leonor Rivera and he would not want to be unfaithful to her and
o Eduardo Delete, his friend, was deeply in love with Consuelo, and he did not want to break their friendship
just for a wisp of a girl. Thus in the summer of 1883 he made a quick trip to Paris in order to forget
Consuelo.

“THEY ASKED ME FOR VERSES.”

- Rizal joined the Circulo Hispano Filipino (Hispano-Philippine Circle), a society of Spaniards and Filipinos.
- Upon the request of the members of the society, he wrote a poem entitled Me Piden Versos ( They Asked Me For
Verses)
- In 1883, Rizal joined the Masonic Lodge Acacia in Madrid. His Masonic name was Dimasalang.
- He became a Master Mason in Lodge Solidaridad on November 15, 1890. On February 15, 1892, he became a
Master Mason of Le Grand Orient France in Paris.

RIZAL’S SALUTE TO LUNA AND HIDALGO.

- At the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid in 1884, both Luna and Hidalgo won signal honors for their
country.
- Luna’s canvas “Spoliarium” won first prize (gold medal), while Hidalgo’s “Christian Virgins Exposed to the
Populace” was awarded second prize (silver medal).
- Rizal was invited to give the principal speech , which invitation he readily accepted.

STUDIES COMPLETED IN SPAIN

- He was awarded the degree of licentiate in Medicine by the Universidad Central de Madrid on June 21, 1884. The
next academic year (1884-85) he studied and passed all subjects leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine. “Due
to the fact, however, that he did not present the thesis required for graduation nor paid the corresponding fees, he
was not awarded his Doctor’s diploma.”

PARIS TO BERLIN, 1885-87

- After completing his studies in Madrid, Rizal went to Paris and Germany in order to specialize in ophthalmology.
- He also continued his travels and observations of European life and customs in Paris, Heidelberg, Leipzig, and
Berlin.
- On his way to Paris, he stopped at Barcelona to visit his friend, Maximo Viola, a medical student and a member of a
rich family of San Miguel, Bulacan.
- He worked as an assistant to Dr. Louis de Weckert (1852-1906), leading French ophthalmologist.
- Outside his working days at Dr. Weckert’s clinic, he relaxed visiting the home of the Pardo de Taveras (Trinidad,
Felix, and Paz) and the studio of his Ilokano friend, Juan Luna. Paz Pardo de Tavera later became the wife of Juan
Luna. On the album of this girl, he drew a series of sketches on the story of “The Monkey and the Turtle.”
- He helped Luna by posing a model in several paintings. In Luna’s canvas “The Death of Cleopatra,” Rizal posed as
an Egyptian priest. “The Blood Compact,” Rizal posed as Sikatuna, with Dr. Trinidad Pardo de Tavera taking the
role of Legazpi.

RIZAL AS MUSICIAN.
- In the home of the Pardo de Taveras andi n the Luna studio, every reunion was enlivened with the playing or
singing of the kundiman and other Philippine melodies.
- In a letter dated November 27, 1878, he told Enrique Lete that he “learned the solfeggio, the piano, and voice
culture in one month and half”. He confessed that he could not sing well. “If you could hear me sing,” he wrote to
Lete, “you would say you were in Spain because my voice is like the braying oof the asses.
- He was a flutist in various impromptu reunions of Filipinos in Madrid and Paris.
- It is said that he composed three musical pieces, namely:
o the song entitled “Leonor” which he composed before his departure for Spain,
o “El Canto del Prisionero,” a danza, which he composed during his exile in Dapitan; and
o “AlinMangLahi,” a patriotic hymn.
 JOSE RIZAL’S
Life, Works and Writing

- On February 8, 1886, he arrived in Heidelberg, historic city in Germany famous for its old university and romantic
surroundings. He lived in a boarding house with some German law students.
- Later, Rizal lived with a Lutheran minister, Pastor Karl Ulmer. They had much friendly discussion on the merits of
Catholism and Protestantism.
- In Heidelberg, Rizal worked in the clinic of Dr. Javier Galezowsky (1832-1907), famous Polish ophthalmologist. He
also studied under Dr. Otto Becker, great German authority on ophthalmology.
- On July 31, 1886, Rizal wrote his first letter in German to Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, Director of the Ateneo
of Leitmeritz, Austria.

RIZAL GOES TO LEIPZIG.

- He boarded a train, visited various cities of Germany, and arrived in Leipzig on August 14, 1886.
- He befriended Professor Friedrich Ratzel, a famous German historian.
- Rizal stayed in Leipzig from August 14 to October 29, 1886
- On October 29, he left Leipzig for Dresden, where he met Dr. Adolph B. Meyer, Director of the Anthropological
and Ethnological Museum.

RIZAL WELCOMED IN BERLIN’S SCIENTIFIC CIRCLES.

- He met for the first time Dr. Feodor Jagor, celebrated German scientist-traveler and author of Travels in the
Philippines.

RIZAL’S LIFE IN BERLIN

- He lived in this famous capital of unified Germany for five reasons:
o To gain further knowledge of ophthalmology,
o To further his studies of sciences and languages,
o To observe the conditions of the German nation,
o To associate with the famous German scientists and scholars, and (5) to finish his novel, Noli Me Tangere.
- He enjoyed promenading along Unter den Linden, the most popular boulevard of Berlin, sipping beer in the city’s
inns, and talking with friends with the friendly Berliners.

RIZAL ON GERMAN WOMEN

- The German woman, said Rizal to his sister, is serious, diligent, educated, and friendly. She is not gossipy, frivolous,
and quarrelsome like the Spanish woman. She is not particular about beautiful dresses and expensive jewelries,
though she could dress nicely like any other woman in the world.
- Rizal regretted that in the Philippines, the woman are more interested in how they dress than in how much they
know. He praised, however, the delicacy of feeling, the fine manners, devotion, and hospitality of the Filipino
women, especially those in the provinces who are not yet sophisticated.
- Rizal gave an advice to his sister, Trinidad: “Now that you still young you should strive to read, read, and learn. You
must not allow yourself to be conquered by indolence because it costs so little to cast it off.

RIZAL’S DARKEST WINTER.

- He lived in poverty because no money arrived from Calamba and he was flat broke. The diamond ring which his
sister, Saturnina, gave him was in the pawnshop.

RIZAL’S TOUR OF EUROPE WITH VIOLA, 1887

- Rizal had received Paciano’s remittance of 1,000 pesos which was forwarded by Juan Luna from Paris. He
immediately paid Viola the sum of Php 300 which the latter kindly loaned so that the Noli could be printed.

THE TOUR BEGINS.

- At dawn of May 11, 1887, Rizal and Viola, two brown-skinned doctors on a roaming spree, left Berlin by train.
- Their destination was Dresden, “one of the best cities in Germany.”

DRESDEN
- Rizal, who was interested in botany, studied the “numerous plant varieties of extraordinary beauty and size.”
- Teschen (now Decin, Czechoslovakia) was their next stop-over after leaving Dresden.

FIRST MEETING WITH BLUMENTRITT.

- At 1:30 p.m. of May 13, 1887, the train, with Rizal and Viola on board, arrived at the railroad station at of
Leitmeritz (Litomerice), Bohemia.
- For the first time, the two great scholars ---- Rizal and Blumentritt---- who came to know each other by
correspondence, met in person.
- Blumentritt was a kind-hearted, old Austrian professor. Professor Blumentritt, the genial host, helped Rizal and
Viola get a room at Hotel Krebs, after which he brought them to his home and introduced them to his wife and
family.
 JOSE RIZAL’S
Life, Works and Writing

BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES OF LEITMERIZ.

- The professor’s wife Rosa, was good cook, and she prepared special Austrian dishes which Rizal liked very much.
His children were Dolores (called Doriaby Rizal), Conrad, and Fritz.
- One afternoon he invited them to a beer garden where the best beer of Bohemia was served.
- One of the men in the group was the burgomaster (town mayor) of said town. Rizal talked in fluent German, for
which reason the burgomaster and his friends were amazed. The burgomaster asked Rizal how long it took him to
learn German and Rizal replied: “Eleven months, Sir.”
- On their last night in Leitmeritz, Rizal and Viola, to reciprocate Blumentritt’s hospitality, tendered a banquet ---- a
farewell dinner ---- in his honor at their hotel.
- In a letter to Blumentritt, written in Vienna on May 24, 1887, Rizal expressed his and Viola’s concern for the illness
of Dora, the professor’s little daughter. “……. Poor Dorita! I saw her run after us when the train was leaving! With all
my heart I wish her prompt recovery.”
PRAGUE
- After Leitmeritz, Rizal and Viola visited the historic city of Prague. Rizal and Viola visited the tomb of Copernicus,
the famous astronomer.
VIENNA-
- On may 20, Rizal and Viola arrived in the beautiful city of Vienna, capital of Austria-Hungary.
- Vienna was truly the “Queen of the Danube.”

DANUBIAN VOYAGE TO LINTZ

- On May 25, Rizal and Viola left Vienna on a river boat to see the beautiful sights of Danube River
- He particularly noticed that the passengers on the river boat were using paper napkins during the meals, which was a
novelty to him.
- From Munich, they went to Nuremberg, one of the oldest cities of Germany.
- After Munich, they visited Ulm. The cathedral of this city was the largest and tallest in all Germany.”
- From Ulm, they went to Stuttgart, Baden, and then Rheinfall.
- From Rheinfall, they crossed the frontier to Schaffhausen, Switzerland. They stayed in this city from June 2 to 3,
1887. They continued their tour to Bassel, Bern, and Lausanne.
- After sightseeing in Laussane, Rizal and Vioa left on a little boat, crossing the foggy Leman Lake to Geneva.
- On June 19, 1887, Rizal treated Viola to a blow-out. It was his 26th birthday.
- On June 23, they parted ways ---- Viola returned to Barcelona while Rizal continued the tour to Italy.
- From Geneva, Rizal went to Italy. He visited Turin, Milan, Venice, and Florence. On June 27, 1887, he reached
Rome, the “City of the Caesars.”
- On June 29th, the feast day of St. Peter and St. Paul, Rizal visited for the first time the Vatican, the “City of the
Popes” and the capital of Christendom.
- He was deeply impressed by the magnificent edifices, particularly St. Peter’s Church, the rare work of art, the vast
St. Peter’s Square, the colorful Papal Guards and the atmosphere of religious devotion that pervaded the Vatical.
- Rizal returned to his hotel, very tired. “I am tired as a dog,” he wrote to Blumentritt, “but I will sleep as a God.”

NOLI ME TANGERE by Jose Rizal

Characters of Noli Me Tangere

Juan Crisostomo Ibarra y Magsalin Don Anastacio

Son of Filipino businessman, Don Rafael Ibarra, He He is known as PilosopongTacio. He is pessimist, wise
studied in Europe for seven years and intelligent man
Maria Clara Don TiburcioEspanada
Crisostomo Ibarra’s fiancé, she is the most beautiful and He is a false doctor and the Spanish husband of Dona
widely celebrated girl in San Diego. She is an illegitimate Victorina
daughter of Father Damaso Dona Victorina
Don Santiago Delos Santos “Capitan Tiago” She is a woman is ashamed of being a Filipino
He is considered one of the most hospitable men in the The Alferez
town. He is also known as the father of Maria Clara He is the Chief of Guardia Civil
Elias Dona Consolacion
He is the mysterious friend of Crisostomo Ibarra. He She is the wife of Alferez and passes herself off as a
believes that justice can be obtained through revolution Peninsulares. She is very abusive to Sisa
Friar DamasoVardolagas Sisa
A Franciscan friar and the former parish curate of San A loving mother of Basilio and Crispin
Diego. He is known as notorious character that speaks Crispin
with harsh words and has been a cruel priest during his The younger son of Sisa and died because of being
stay in the town punished from the soldiers. He is accused of stealing an
Friar Hernando de la Sibyla amount of money in the convent where he works with
He is a Filipino friar, a Dominican curate in Binondo, Basilio as a sacristan
described as short and has fair skin Basilio
Friar Bernardo Salvi The eldest son of Sisa
He is the curate of San Diego and the secret admirer of
Maria Clara
 JOSE RIZAL’S
Life, Works and Writing

Chapter 1: A Feast

On the month of October, Kapitan Tiago (whose whole name is Don Santiago de los Santos) is organizing a
luxurious feast. It will be held in his home, which is located in the town of San Diego; more specifically, in
AnloageStreet.The guests arrive that evening, greeted by Tiya Isabel, the cousin of Kapitan Tiago. Padre Damaso, Padre
Salvi, TenyenteGuevarra (captain of the civil guard), and a foreigner with red hair from another country are some of the
important guests that come to the gathering. There is a heated discussion amongst them regarding the ethics of the Filipino
culture, Tobacco monopoly, and the Spaniards' harsh insults against the Filipinos. It was also revealed that Padre Damaso
has been serving as a priest of San Diego for 20 years. TenyenteGuevarra and Padre Damaso gets into an argument, and
Padre Salvi has to calm his fellow priest.Some other prominent figures arrive, such as Don Tiburcio and his wife,
DonyaVictorina.

Chapter 2: Crisostomo Ibarra

Don Crisostomo Ibarra, who has come from 7 years of studying in Europe, arrives at the feast wearing clothes that
obviously seems like they are for mourning, accompanied by the party-planner, Kapitan Tiago. Ibarra is introduced to the
other guests of the party as the son of Kapitan Tiago's deceased friend. Padre Damaso and Ibarra meets, and immediately
Damaso expresses his dislike for Ibarra. Although Ibarra extends a greeting towards the priest, thinking Damaso was a friend
of his father, the priest ignores Ibarra's outstretched hand and says that Ibarra's father was no friend of his.
Applying the Western manners he had learned from Europe, Ibarra goes around and introduces himself to the
various party guests. KapitanTinong, one of the guests, approaches Ibarra and invites him to lunch the next day. Ibarra
declines politely, saying that he has errands that he has to run.
All the guests are called to have lunch.

Chapter 3: The Dinner

Everyone heads to the lunch table to seat themselves. Padre Damaso and Sibyla offer each other the head seat by
the end of the table with fake kindness.Ibarra tells stories of his time spent abroad, where he reveals that he has been to
many countries and has learned a lot of other languages and cultures. Ibarra realizes the feast was prepared in his honor
when he is served the meatiest part of the tinola (A well-known Filipino dish). This enrages Padre Damaso even more, and
the padre starts to taunt Ibarra with his haughty and bitter comments. Ibarra simply remains calm.A while later, Ibarra stands
up to leave. Kapitan Tiago halts him, informing the young man that the love of his life, Maria Clara, will be arriving soon.
Ibarra, however, takes his leave, but promises to come back again the next day.

Chapter 4: The Heretic and the Filibuster

Ibarra is now walking the streets of San Diego when TenyenteGuevarra catches up with him. The Tenyente warns
him to be careful, or else he will end up like his father. Surprised, Ibarra immediately questions TenyenteGuevarra about
the fate of his father. The Tenyente goes on to tell Ibarra that although his father Don Rafael was one of the wealthiest and
most respected men in the town, there were many Spaniards and priests who were angry at Don Rafael. A few months after
Ibarra had left for Europe, Don Rafael and Padre Damaso had a big conflict. Don Rafael's enemies ganged up on him,
accusing him of killing a tax collector, being a heretic and filibuster, insulting the priests behind their backs, and many more.
He was convicted and placed behind bars. TenyenteGuevarra tried to help by getting Don Rafael a good lawyer. When Don
Rafael was about to be set free (the lawyer won the case), he died inside his prison cell due to the sickness he had developed
during his captivity. TenyenteGuevarra ends there, telling Ibarra that Kapitan Tiago will continue the rest of the story next
time. Ibarra rides a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) to his temporary residence, Fonda de Lala.

Chapter 5: A Star in the Dark Night

Ibarra reaches his hotel, Fonda de Lala. He enters his room and sits by the window sill, looking at the vast sky
outside as he ponders about his father's fate. His thoughts are a jumbled mess of sad and conflicted emotions. He observes a
bright house in the far distance, with music and sounds of silverware coming from it. Said house is Kapitan Tiago's house,
where Maria Clara, his daughter, has joined the party. Her beauty is thoroughly described. She is being admired by everyone
in the crowd: Padre Sibyla talks to her animatedly, DonyaVictorina combs her hair, and a certain Franciscan priest named
Padre Salvi, the parish priest of San Diego, cannot take his eyes off of her. Ibarra, with his heavy thoughts, falls asleep, and
wakes up to a new day.

Chapter 6: Captain Tiago

This chapter simply describes Kapitan Tiago. Visit his character page by clicking his name for more detailed
descriptions. Kapitan Tiago is a rich and therefore, influential person in the town of San Diego. He is friends with those who
have positions in the government, and the priests as well. He thinks of himself as a true Spaniard, and not a Filipino. As a
child, he was not sent to school by his father. He was a helper of a Domican priest, who also became his teacher. When his
dad and teacher died, he became a businessman. Donya Pia Alba, a beautiful young woman from Santa Cruz, became his
wife, and the two worked at their business (selling sugar and other products) until they eventually became rich.The couple
also became friends with Don Rafael, the father of Crisostomo Ibarra.
 JOSE RIZAL’S
Life, Works and Writing

When Tiago and Pia were married for six years, they couldn't bear any children. They tried many different superstitious
methods until finally Padre Damaso advised them to go to a holy mass and procession at the town of Ubando. Pia Alba
became pregnant, and Maria Clara was thus born. Pia died right after Maria Clara was born because she was already too
sickly to begin with. Tiya Isabel, Tiago's sister, took care of Maria Clara together with Tiago. Padre Damaso also became
Maria Clara's christened godfather. Maria Clara and Crisostomo Ibarra became childhood friends.

Chapter 7: Rendezvous on the Terrace

Maria Clara and Tiya Isabel attends early morning church, but comes back home right after.Maria Clara is sewing
when she hears a car outside, followed by the voice of Ibarra. In a panic, she goes to her room, where Tiya Isabel helps her
freshen up and makes her look presentable before she faces Ibarra.Ibarra and Maria Clara then has a romantic reunion by
the terrace. Maria Clara asks him if he's forgotten her because of the many girls he might have met abroad, and Ibarra
answers that he can never forget her, for she is always on his mind. Maria Clara then brings out a letter than Ibarra had given
her before he left for Europe. She reads this out loud, and it states Don Rafael's reason for sending Ibarra to another
country: he wanted Ibarra to learn about life from other places so that he may serve the Philippines one day. After Maria
Clara reads the letter, Ibarra remembers that he has something important to do.

Chapter 8: Recollections

As Ibarra is riding a kalesa, he observes that many things around the town had not changed, even after all these
years. He passes a few Talisay trees that he remembers from the past, and the street vendors by the streets. He passes the
carriage of Padre Damaso, who doesn't seem to have noticed him.Ibarra also passes by the sea, and it is then he recalls that
across the vast sea is Europe, whose countries never stop growing and developing.

Chapter 9: Local Affairs

In front of Kapitan Tiago's house is a carriage, where Tiya Isabel and Maria Clara are sitting in, about to leave for
the Beaterio. Padre Damaso, who came to talk to Kapitan Tiago, comes across them before he enters the house to look for
Kapitan Tiago. With a sense or urgency, the Padre and Kapitan Tiago enter a room, the door firmly shut, in order to be
able to talk privately.The scene perspective changes to Padre Sibyla who is hastily making his way to the Dominican convent
known as Puerta de Isabel II. He enters the convent and enters the room of a sickly priest of a much higher rank compared
to he. Sibyla tells the sickly priest of Padre Damaso and Ibarra's encounter with each other the night before. The two talk
more about Ibarra, Maria Clara, and Kapitan Tiago, revealing that Ibarra and Maria Clara have an arranged marriage with
one another, as promised by Kapitan Tiago and Don Rafael, the couple's parents, a long time ago. Back to Padre Damaso.
He exits the room with Kapitan Tiago, warning Tiago to never again keep secrets from him, for he is Maria Clara's
godfather. When the Padre exits, Tiago, who looks worried and conflicted, blows out the candles he had previously lighted,
praying for Ibarra's safe journey.

Chapter 10: San Diego

This chapter describes the town of San Diego.The town of San Diego has a lot of flat plains and mountains, making
farming its primary business. However, because of the Filipino farmers' ignorance, the products they produce are sold at a
very cheap price to the Chinese buyers. Like most towns, San Diego has a legend around it. There used to be an old
Spaniard who came to the town and bought the whole mountain area, using jewelry and clothes to pay for the land. Later on,
he disappeared completely. One day, some farmers who were tending to their kalabaw (carabao) found the Spaniard's
decaying corpse hanging on a balete tree. Ever since then, people have been afraid of entering the mountains.Later on a
mestiso arrived in town, saying that he is the son of the one who died. His name was Saturnino. He occupied the land that
the dead man had, and had a family there. His child was Don Rafael, Crisostomo Ibarra's father. When Saturnino died,
Rafael took over. He made the town flourish, so the farmers and citizens liked him. The priest in charge of the town used to
be an indio, but when he died, Padre Damaso replaced him.

Chapter 11: The Rulers

Who are the caciques? It is not Don Rafael Ibarra, who despite being the richest, and loved by many, still had people
rose up against him.
It is also not Captain Tiago. It is true that he is received by an orchestra each time he goes to San Diego, lavished with gifts,
and offered the finest fruits. But people call him Sakristan Tiago behind his back. It is also not the gobernadorcillo, who
commanded, ordered and driven by the town mayor. His position, after all, was bought for P5,000 but considering the
income he is earning, it was a cheap price to pay. The true caciques of the town are Father Salvi, the town curate, and
Alferez, the head of the civil guards. Father Salvi replaced Father Damaso. Salvi was different than Damaso. While the latter
prefers the use of fist and cane as punishment, Salvi uses fines as punishment of his subordinates. Whenever he preaches,
he always have the doors of the church closed.

The Alferez is the head of the Civil Guards and the husband of Dona Consolacion. His marriage to the woman was
considered a misfortune. Hence, he takes his revenge by beating his wife, ordering his men to drill under the sun, and
getting too drank.
 JOSE RIZAL’S
Life, Works and Writing

The two are considered the rulers of San Diego.

Chapter 12 : All Saints Days

The cemetery of San Diego is at the west side of the town, in the midst of the paddy-fields. In the center rises a large
wooden cross with the inscription INRI. At the foot of the cross is a pile of bones and skulls thrown by grave-diggers. On the
other side of the grave, two grave diggers were digging up a recently buried corpse. One was indifferent about what they were
doing. The other was frightful. The other revealed that a far friar had ordered the corpse to be dug up and buried in the
Chinese cemetery.
An old man then entered the cemetery and went straight to the pile of skulls and bones at the foot of the cross. When he did
not find what he was looking for, he turned to the grave digger and offered him to find the skull of his wife for a silver coin.
The grave digger was uninterested and offered instead, a different skull. The old man rejected the idea and went away,
leaving the grave digger to complete his task.

Chapter 13 : Signs of Storm

When Crisostomo Ibarra went to the cemetery with an old slave of Captain Tiago, they could not find his father, Don
Rafel Ibarra’s grave. It turns out, that the town’s curate had earlier ordered his corpse be exhumed and buried in the
Chinese cemetery. However, the grave-digger revealed that he did not bury Don Rafael Ibarra’s where he was instructed to.
Instead, he dumped his body into the lake. Upon learning this, Crisostomo scolded the grave-digger and left. Not far, he met
the new curate, Father Salvi and immediately interrogated him on what he did to his father’s corpse, thinking that he was the
one who gave the instructions to the grave-digger. Instead, Father Salvi revealed it was Father Damaso who ordered to have
his father’s body dug up and buried in the Chinese cemetery. With that, Crisostomo left him and hurried back to his house.

Chapter 14 :TASIO: Lunatic or Sage

Tasio was a former student of philosophy. His mother feared that once he became learned, he will cease to believe in
God, and that was why she made him stop schooling. Instead, she gave Tasio the choice of leaving college or entering the
priesthood. Tasio instead, left college and got married.
Unfortunately, Tasio lost both his mother and wife within a year. After which, he devoted his time in his books to free
himself from sorrow. So much addicted to his studies that Tasio neglected the fortune that was left for him. For some, he is
Don Anastasio or Tasio the Sage. For the rest of the town people, he is known as Tasio the Lunatic. While the storm is
approaching, Tasio is merrily engaging different people around town. He discussed with the gobernadorcillo about the
dangers of ringing the bell during a storm. Then he turned his attentions to the two Sacristans and invited them for
dinner.And while walking aimlessly on the street, he was invited by Don Filipio Lino, the lieutenant-mayor, and his wife,
Dona Teodora Vina. The three of them talked about Crisostomo Ibarra, Don Rafael Ibarra’s burial, wherein Tasio was one
of the six who accompanied the body. As they continued their discussion, Tasio shared with him what he knew about the
purgatory after saying he does not believe in it. Tasio eventually bade the couple goodbye as the storm becomes stronger.

Chapter 15 : The Sacristans

At the height of the storm, the two brothers who Tasio was speaking to were at the second floor of the church tower.
The boys, age seven and 10, are Crispin and Basilio, sacristans that were ordered by the curate to ring the bell. Up there, the
two boys were talking about the two stolen gold coins which were being blamed on Crispin. The two gold coins are worth
P32.00, which are then worth 160 cuartos Crispin imagined that two gold could buy their mother an umbrella, shoes for
their feet, a hat for his head, and clothes for all of them. He then wish he stole them because he can produce what the curate
is demanding, and that even if the curate beat him to death, Basilio and his mother could have at least some clothes. Basilio
is also worried how their mother would react upon learning but Crispin said he will just show the welts on his back and torn
pockets.
While they were still discussing, the senior sacristan appeared and ordered Basilio to stay until 10 in the evening while
Crispin would not be allowed to go home until what he allegedly stole was returned. The two beg the senior sacristan to
allow them to leave at eight because their mother is expecting them and they haven’t seen her for a week.
The sacristan gave no heed and dragged Crisipin to the stairway and began beating him. Basilio continued to work on the
belfry and after he was done, the rain gradually stopped pouring and the sky began clearing.

Chapter 16 :Sisa

As the people of San Diego sleep peacefully throughout the night, Sisa, the mother of Crispin and Basilio stays awake
waiting for her two children, who she calls as her angels.
Sisa lives an hour’s walk from town. She is the wife of a gambler. Everything she had was taken by her husband to fund her
vice. Often times, her husband beats her. She was attractive once but pain and hunger had caused her cheeks to hollow.
That night, Sisa decided to cook something delicious for her sons. She bought some small fishes, picked some tomatoes
from her garden, and asked some wild boar’s meat and a leg of wild duck from Tasio the Sage. She had even cooked the
whitest of rice. All told, she described the meal as fit for a curate.
Unfortunately, her husband came home and ate almost everything. Sisa, as though she was the one being eaten,
resolved not to eat what was left for there was not enough for the three of them. Before leaving, her husband reminded her
of leaving a peso for him from Basilio’s wage.
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Life, Works and Writing

That night, while waiting for her children, Sisa was deep in thoughts. The dog that she spotted caused her great fear. While
she was deep in thoughts, Basilio came home and called out to her.

Chapter 17 :Basilio

Sisa was shocked to see Basilio bleeding upon reaching home. It turned out Basilio had run away despite being told to
stay until 10 o’clock. Upon reaching town, he was challenged by the soldiers and when he ran, they fired at him, grazing his
forehead. Basilio begged his mother to say he fell from the tree so that no one would know he was chased. Crispin was still
left at the convent and Basilio had no recourse but to tell Sisa about the missing two pieces of gold. However, he did not
mention of the torture Crispin suffered. Sisa was broken-hearted upon learning this and said only the poor have to endure
the suffering. She offered what was left of the meal to Basilio but he only asked for water. Upon learning that their father
came home that afternoon, he instinctively checked his mother’s face for he knew quite well what happens every time their
father comes home. That night, Basilio dreamt Crispin was struck by a rattan cane by the sacristan mayor and rendered
unconscious. His cry was so loud,Sisa had to wake him up. He instead told her something different. Basilio also said he did
not wish to be a sacristan any more. Instead, he will ask Crisostomo Ibarra to hire him to tend his cattle and carabaos.
Crispin, on the other hand, can study with Tasio the Sage. Sisa was pleased with everything she heard from Basilio. However,
she was saddened by the fact that the boy did not include their father in his dreams.

Chapter 18 : Souls in Torment

After Father Salvi celebrated his last mass, the women commented that he must be sick for he did not comment or said
a word when he took off his vestments. Several people, led by Sisters Juana and Ruffa began discussing about plenary
indulgences. They tried to outdo each other by having the most number of indulgences and the best system of obtaining
them. Their discussion was interrupted by the arrival of Sisa. She brought with her the best vegetables she could picked from
her garden. This she put in basket together with some banana leaves and flowers and even pako which the curate likes for
his salad.
When she asked for the Father from the cook, she was told that he’s sick and that Crispin allegedly stole a lot of things
and ran away. The cook was ordered by Father Salvi to report it to the civil guards. Upon learning about this, Sisa broke
down and wept but she was forcefully shove down the stairways and out of the church.

Chapter 19 : A School Master’s Difficulties

The school teacher and Crisostomo Ibarra were standing by the lake. The former was showing Crisostomo where his
father’s body was dumped. When Crisostomo thanked him, the school teacher said he need not do that since he owe Don
Rafael Ibarra a lot of favors. Don Rafael has helped the poor children and Crisostomo wishes to continue what his father
was doing. The education conditions were poor. They hold classes under the convent by the side of the friar’s carriage.
When the student read out loud, they were scolded by the friar.
As a result of the pressure, he got sick. When he recovered and went back, only a few went back to school. He
discovered the town had a new priest. He was encouraged by this fact and translated some of the works into Spanish. He
also taught agriculture, catechism, and Treaties on Manners by Hortensio y Feliza. The new curate, however, ordered him to
focus on teaching religion and the children should first pass an examination to show they had memorize the doctrines,
canticles and catechism, much to his disappointment. Crisostomo however said the teniente-mayor might help him when he
learn about these from Ibarra who’s going to attend the town meeting.

Chapter 20 :The meeting in the town Hall

The town hall is where the officials of the town and its dependent villages gathered for a meeting regarding the
upcoming fiesta of San Diego. The people present are grouped into the old men and the youths.
When the gobernadorcillo arrived to start the meeting, Captain Basilio, requested that he be given the floor first to
propose his plans for the fiesta. Don Felipe followed him and he suggested the town spend three thousand five hundred
pesos for expenses, which would include erecting a theatre, troupe of comedians from Tondo, big bombs and rockets for
fireworks, and fried chickens, capons, and roast pigs to be thrown into the lake. His plans were criticized by both the liberals
and the conservatives. Captain Valentin, the most moderate of the conservatives recommended that the town invent new
shows that are not common nor ordinary, and the money collected from it be use to give prizes and construct a school
house. Captain Valentin’s plans were well received by both parties.
However, the gobernadorcillo informed everyone that they have to follow what the curate wishes: six processions, three
sermons, three high masses, and a comedy from Tondo. Disappointed with it, the group had no choice but to obey fearing
that they might be thrown in jail.

Chapter 21 :The Story of a Mother

Sisa runs all the way home. She wants desperately to save and protect her sons from the danger that she feels is
coming. She comes across the civil guards and finds out that Crispin was nowhere to be found, and that Basilio had
escaped. The guards command Sisa to bring out the friar's money which his sons had stolen. When she cannot produce
it they arrest her. Sisa nearly dies of shame from the piercing stares of the people as she is dragged across town. The
alferez eventually releases her, and she goes searching for her lost sons. Still no sign of them. Sisa becomes insane.
 JOSE RIZAL’S
Life, Works and Writing

Chapter 22 : Lights and Shadow

The following days are spent preparing for the town feast. News spreads fast that Maria Clara will grace the celebration
with her presence, and everyone is excited to catch a glimpse of the beautiful young maiden. Even Friar Salvi, withdrawn as
he is, has changed noticeably since her arrival. Crisostomo Ibarra is away for the last few days visiting the capital. Rumor
has it that he is held in prison for attacking the Friar Salvi on All Souls. When Crisostomo and Maria Clara finally have a
moment to talk, they agree to have a picnic in the forest owned by the Ibarras. The maiden does not want to invite Friar
Salvi, but Crisostomo insists that they could not avoid the priest's attendance. To be rid of whatever animosity there is
between them, Ibarra and Friar Salvi even have a brief talk. On his way home, Crisostomo is approached by Sisa and her
husband who are seeking his help.

Chapter 23 :Fishing

It was the day of the picnic. Early in the morning they go on a boat ride across the lake, headed for the
forest. Everyone is enjoying the fun and excitement; only the boat driver, Elias, remains silent. As requested, Maria Clara
sings a patriotic melody. This stirs the emotions of everyone there, but most especially kindles sadness in the hearts of
Elias and Ibarra. The lake is not a good place for fishing; the crocodile had frightened all the fish away. Elias tries to get
rid of the beast but when it nearly kills him, Crisostomo leaps off the boat and takes on the monster, saving Elias's life.

Chapter 24 :In the Wood

Friar Salvi goes through the mass hurriedly in order to join in the picnic, as Ibarra had invited him. When he
arrives he secretly follows the ladies around as they look for a certain bird's nest. He then proceeds to the picnic area
where the fun is. In the middle of all the colorful amusement, the civil guards arrive in search of Elias. Although they are
unable to capture the man, the commotion they brought with them ends the picnic prematurely.

Chapter 25 : In the house of the Sage

The day after the picnic Ibarra visits the home Tasyo the Philosopher. They talk about a variety of things --
language, history, geography, and nature. They also talk about Elias and how the picnic went the day before. Ibarra
learns that it was Dona Consolacion, the "muse of the civil guards," who ordered Elias's arrest. Crisostomo tells the old
man the reason for his visit -- to ask for advice regarding his plans of building a schoolhouse. Tasyo responds by telling
Ibarra that he had come to the wrong person; that he should rather consult Friar Salvi, the captain, and all the other men in
office. Asking for their advice, Tasyo says, does not necessarily mean that Ibarra has to follow them, only that the latter
must make it seem like he has high regard for their opinion on the matter. Tasyo further advises him to keep his head
down among the friars.

Chapter 26 :The Eve of the Fiesta

Everyone is getting ready for the town fiesta. The streets are bedazzled with colorful buntings, the band is playing
the grandest music, and all the kitchens are busy. Crisostomo Ibarra is busy working out the plans for the new
schoolhouse. His architect, Nol Juan, observes the unique rafter that will be used to put down the cornerstone. A man with
yellowish skin is in charge of building the contraption. Many women and children help out in the project. Even those
that are formerly considered "enemies of the town" extended a hand. Crisostomo Ibarra becomes the role model of the
children -- the person they would want to become when they grow up. Ibarra reports to Tasyo the Philosopher the obvious
success of his new project. The sage in return responds, "If you are greeted with smiles, be more watchful of enemies
hiding in the shadows..."

Chapter 27 :In the Twilight

Word spreads fast across Manila about Ibarra's noble work. Inspired by this, Captain Tiago decides that he wants
to put up a convent, financed by him personally. Maria Clara asks permission to go out with her girlfriends and
Ibarra. Captain Tiago reminds her to come home early because Friar Damaso will be joining them for supper. Along the
way they meet an old leper. Out of pity, Maria Clara gives to the leper her scapular as a gift.

Chapter 28 : Correspondence

A news reporter describes in the papers how the feast in San Diego was grand, fanciful, and unparalleled. Maria
Clara writes to Ibarra, worried because she didn't see him all afternoon. The rumors of him being sick leaves her
extremely troubled. She asks that he visit her the following day.

Chapter 29 : The Morning

The day of the fiesta starts with the sound of gongs and fireworks. Everyone is dressed at his or her best, with all
the ornaments, trimmings, and frills -- everyone, that is, except Tasyo the Philosopher. All the people are excited to hear
mass, curious to know what Friar Damaso's sermon will be about.
 JOSE RIZAL’S
Life, Works and Writing

Chapter 30 : In the Church

The cathedral is fully-packed with churchgoers. Tasyo the Philosopher argues with the maestro regarding the
generous amount of money that Friar Damaso receives for delivering his sermon. The mayor is late, and the mass does
not start until after he arrives. Meanwhile, Maria Clara is seated near the altar; there isn't much people around where she sits
because this has been arranged for her by the sacristans as ordered by Friar Salvi. Ibarra situates himself in one
corner. The sermon finally starts, and Friar Damaso takes his place in the pulpit. He signals to another priest within his
line of sight; this priest dictates the friar's sermon to him.

Chapter 31: The Sermon

Father Damaso starts the sermon in Spanish. When the priest makes a certain gesture in the middle his speech, the
Sacristan thinks that like father Salvi, Damaso wants to go on with the sermon in closed doors. After the sacristan shuts the
church entrance, it becomes so much hotter inside. As father Damaso proceeds with the sermon he goes on to make
insinuations about Ibarra whom he sees seated in one corner. The Priest dictator becomes lost in his reading, since there are
no notes written their regarding such vile accusation against the youth. When time comes to start the second part of the
sermon, which is in tagalong, Father Damaso does not conduct it very well, thinking that none of the natives understands
proper rhetoric. The father overhears a student in the crowd remark that the priest is probably speaking Greek, and
Damaso becomes furious. This ends in a heated argument after the mass. Elias approaches Ibarra right after the sermon
ends and whispers, During the blessing, do not depart from where the parish priest, do not descend down the excavation, do
not approach the cornerstone it is a matter of a life and death.

Chapter 32: The Derrick

Don Juan commends the great workmanship done by the yellowish man on the pulley. When asked where he
learned such the youth replies that he was taught by his father who learned it from Don Saturnino. He then smiles
meaningfully. Elias disguised as a local farmer observes that the yellowish man is seemingly restless and apprehensive as he
holds onto the rope of the pulley bearing the cornerstone. Elias positions himself beside the man in anticipation and winks
at Ibarra to remind the youth of the warning the former gave to him earlier during the mass. Later when Ibarra descends to
the excavation the beam of the pulley suddenly breaks letting loose the cornerstone which crushes the yellowish man to
death but leaves Ibarra unharmed. An unfortunate beginning… Tasyo the philosopher remarks.

Chapter 33: Free Thought

Ibarra heads home to change. Elias arrives. “You saved my life before and now I have returned the favor. There is
no need for you to thank me, sir,’’ the man says to Ibarra. He goes on to remind him not to hint to those people in power
the warning that Elias gave him earlier in the church. Elias explains that I would be better for Ibarra if his enemies thought
he wasn’t ready. Ibarra is stunned; he had no ideas he had enemies. We all have enemies says Elias Disagreement is a part
of life. Elias the confesses to have jumped the yellowish man into the excavation the moment the latter try to make a run for
it.

Chapter 34: The Dinner

Ibarra returns to the schoolhouse. He and the Mayor are seated on either of the long table st dinner. Also in
attendance are Captain Tiago, the Alferez, and the town Captain. Captain Tiyago receives a telegram informing him that the
captain General will be visiting his house. Tiyago excuses himself right way.
The guests observe that Father Damaso is not in attendance. Talk eventually centers on the Priests sermon during the mass.
Only Father Salvi remains silent and motionless in his seat. When Damaso finally arrives the dinner is just about finished.
The priest starts declaring insults with the intention of enraging and Provoking Ibarra but the youth remains prudent the
entire time. However when Damaso starts mocking the name of Don Rafael Ibarra loses his composure and lunges at the
priest holding a knife to his throat. Maria Clara stops Ibarra before he could do further harm to the Father causing the
youth to drop the knife and live room in haste.

Chapter 35: The Comments

News spreads about Ibarra and Friar Damaso eventful encounter. There are even rumors claiming that the Friar is
already dead. There are those who praise Ibarra like Don Felipo and those who find fault in the youth lack of prudence, like
the town captain. Most of their mothers talk among themselves assured that the Ibarras soul is surely condemned to burn in
hell after what he did a man of God. There are other women too who have to who are in his side. Most of the Towns
people think that not only will Ibarra be excommunicated he is also bound. To labeled filibuster.

Chapter 36: The Clouds

Ibarra is excommunicated, as punishment for his cruel and shameful treatment of Friar Damaso. Maria Clara
breaks down in tears, and Captain Tiago visits her in the convent. There, Damaso makes clear to Tiago that the planned
marriage between Ibarra and Maria Clara is to be nullified. The captain general arrives. He calls for Maria Clara, who
stays in solitude insider her room.
 JOSE RIZAL’S
Life, Works and Writing

Chapter 37: His Excellency

The first person the captain General wishes to see is Ibarra .however since the youth is still to be called upon, his
Excellency instead addresses the matter of the youth who had gone to be into a fistfight with Father Damaso the day before
,after he had insulted the sermon . when the general asks where Damaso is, he is told that the Friar is Bedridden in the
convent.
His Excellency then speaks with Maria Clara. He thanks her for having stopped Ibarra from killing the dammed priest, and
asks her to name the reward she would wish to receive for such a noble act.
Ibarra arrives shortly, and confers with the Capitan General. The exchange opinions and ideas, and the General grow very
fond the youth. His Excellency promises to talk with the Archbishop regarding Ibarra’s cases so that the latter’s state of
excommunication may be lifted.
When the General speaks with the Captain Tiago he inquiries about Ibarra’s marriage with Maria Clara, and offer, to be
Godfather during the wedding ceremony.