El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of

Chapter 20 (The Arbiter) si don custodio

Summary:
Don Custodio ponders over his stand on the proposal made by the students in the
university. He mulls over it, weighing both sides. He is torn over this decision because
on one hand, he wants to please the friars but on the other, he also wants to help the
students learn and study Spanish. As obvious as it is, the friars and the students are on
opposite ends of the line and their opinions cannot be reconciled. In his desperation,
Don Custodio consults a number of trusted people including Senor Pasta and Pepay the
dancer. They, however, are unable to give him any help. After a considerably long
period of contemplation, Don Custodio finally arrives at a decision.

Points of Note:
Don Custodio, a thinker and a man of intelligence, consults Senor Pasta and
Pepay. The former gives him worthless advice, while the latter does nothing but dance
and ask money from him.
The first paragraph of this chapter, which states that the problem regarding the school is
about to come to an end because it is being addressed by Don Custodio is a direct
opposite of the truth about what is really going on.
Don Custodio, considering all his responsibilities stacking over one another, is proof that
during those days, the Spaniards were lacking in trusted officials.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of

Chapter 21 (Manila Types) mga anyo ng
taga-maynila
Summary:
People all over Manila gather at the theater to watch Les Cloches de Corneville, a
French performance. Only one person, of Spanish blood, seems to have no interest in
going inside the theater. His name is Camarroncocido. He comes from a prominent
Spanish family, however is dressed rather poorly like a peasant and keeps wandering in
the streets. He occupies himself by putting up posters of upcoming shows in the
theater. As he approaches the Teatro de Variadades, he spots suspicious-looking men
and finds out that Simoun is ordering them to go through measures to put a stop to a
civil unrest.

Points of Note:
Camarroncocido is a name that means scalded shrimp because his skin is rosy
red. He is a Spaniard who does not give much importance to his Spanish
roots. Although he is considered to be blue-blooded given that he comes from an elite
Spanish line, he ends up doing menial tasks the moment he enters Philippine
territory. Camarroncocido is an exact opposite of Don Custodio who, despite being a
common man in Spain, came to the Philippines to take advantage of his roots and use it
to gain power.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of

Chapter 22 (The Performance) ang palabas
Summary:
A number of humorous incidents take place at the show. For one, Juanito Pelaez tries
to impress Paulita by pretending to understand French. His act is discovered, however,
after he fails to translate some French lines correctly. Padre Irene attends the show in
disguise. He applauds one of the actresses, whom he particularly likes. Don Custodio
is also at the theater, claiming as an excuse that he was there to judge whether or not
the performance was to be considered indecent. While the show is going on, the
students then find out about Don Custodios decision regarding the school of Spanish.

Points of Note:
The term Filipino Time isnt really Filipino time per se. This attitude of being late was
taken from the Spaniards who ruled the country during that time. In Rizals novels, it is
very obvious that the audiences all come early, save for the high-ranking Spanish
officials to arrive late on purpose just so they could have all the attention and make a
grand entrance.

Don Custodio is not seated with Pepay. It is not honorable for a Don to be seated with
a dancer.

Tadeo is the kind of audience that should not be seen in shows such as this. He is one
who does not see anything other than the faults of the performers on stage. Juanito
Pelaez as well is the kind not to be tolerated. He is one of those people who use the
little knowledge that they have in order to make themselves look good, but instead end
up embarrassing themselves even more. Dona Victorina and Paulita on the other hand,
were even dumber than the two boys, because they let themselves be fooled by their
acts. They are both like blind women who depend on blind men to guide them.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of

Chapter 23 (A Corpse) isang bangkay
Summary:
Basilio is studying at Captain Tiagos house. Simoun arrives and tries to convince the
youth to join in the revolution that the jeweler is planning. However, all his efforts are in
vain and Basilio refuses to take any part in it. Simoun then further explains that the
revolution is a necessary step if he were to rescue Maria Clara from the
nunnery. Basilio then tells him that the lady is dead. Simoun leaves Captain Tiagos
house deeply grieved and tormented.

Points of Note:
The last paragraph of this chapter is a very beautiful flow of poetry that plays through
the mind of Basilio as he ponders over what had happened to Maria Clara in the
convent, and how there could have been no miracle to have ever stopped it.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of

Chapter 24 (Dreams) mga pangarap
Summary:
Isagani meets Paulita Gomez at the Luneta. At that moment, the sun is setting behind
the mountains of Maribeles. In their conversation, Isagani shares his visions of
progress and social and economic development for his country. He talks to Paulita
about his plans to expand the railways, to improve commercial trade, and to somehow
achieve mutual cooperation between the Philippines and Spain. To his dismay,
however, Paulita tells him that his visions are nothing but unattainable dreams.

Points of Note:
This chapter compares two different kinds of youth: One who loves his country, and
another who loves himself. This is also a very good avenue to study the dynamics of
two hearts that yearn for two very different things the hearts of Isagani and Paulita.

This chapter also describes Rizals vision of the improvement and development of the
cities of Quezon and Mandaluyong, which today have become very progressive towns.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of

Chapter 25 (Smiles and Tears) tawanan at
iyakan
Summary:
The university students organize a feast at the Panciteria Macanista de Buen Gusto in
honor of Don Custodio because of his decision regarding the Spanish academy. They
are fourteen in all, including Sandoval. They paid for the entire place, so that it would
be exclusively for them and no other customers could get in. As Don Custodio had
decided, the Spanish academy would have to be supervised by the Dominican order
and they, the students, simply had to gather and collect financial contributions for the
proposed school.
El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of
Chapter 26 (Pasquinades) mga paskil
Summary:
Basilio reports to the hospital but is a little confused when he sees other students acting
as if there were no classes that day. One of the students informs him that there were
found seditious and revolutionary posters at the walls of the university, and that these
posters had implicated the student organization. The government has also demanded
the arrest of all the members of the student organization, as well as those who took part
in the celebration at the panciteria. Basilio goes to Macaraegs house to loan some
money, however both of them are arrested by the authorities.

Points of Note:
Basilio is a doctor in training, having his practicum at the hospital.

During those days, Filipinos who finish are not given the title of Doctor. Instead, they
are only given a degree. However, they can still cure the sick and practice medicine.

Basilio has strived long and hard not to get involved in matters of politics because of his
ugly experiences as a child. This time, however, it seems he can no longer escape it.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of

Chapter 27 (The Friar and the Filipino)) ang
prayle at ang estudyante
Summary:
Isagani is summoned by Padre Fernandez. The priest wants to talk to him about his
involvement in the celebration held at the panciteria. Their discussion, however,
focuses on the ways by which the friars conduct education. According to Isagani, the
friars are intentionally delivering antiquated education to keep the Filipinos from aspiring
for freedom and civil liberties. He argues further that those who yearn for such dreams
are immediately labeled as filibusters, revolutionaries, and rebels. In response to the
youths claims, Padre Fernandez says that not all friars are backward and are against
the idea of educating the natives and the people. Education, he says, can only be given
to minds that are ready and deserving.

Points of Note:
Isagani is still in his first year at the University of Santo Tomas. He came from Ateneo
de Manila.

During that time, the population of the Filipinos was roughly 8 million.

The Dominican order is one of the groups that hold the authority to educate the youth
during that time. After the Jesuits left Philippine soil, the Dominicans took over the job
completely. The University of Santo Tomas and the College of San Juan de Letran are
under Dominican administration. The Ateneo de Manila, on the other hand, is run by
the Jesuits.

Similar to what happened with Senor Pasta, Padre Fernandez could not win an
argument with Isagani.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of

Chapter 28 (Tatakut) - pagkatakot
Summary:
Rumor and gossip fill the city streets and corners. Practically everywhere, people are
talking about the seditious posters in the walls of the university. People say that the
students who were arrested were shot and deported to far-off places; they also say that
some luckier members of the student organization had conspired with thieves and
bandits as well as with certain German vessels in a plot to overthrow the government.

Points of Note:
This chapter is a clear description of the image of a fearful society, and how this fear
causes more damage than an actual battle. Here we see how news grows bigger and
bigger through word of mouth.

What is called the city of Manila during those days is the Walled City or Intramuros.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of

Chapter 29 (Exit Capitan Tiago) -ang huling
pati ukol kay kapitan tiyago
Summary:
Capitan Tiago dies, and is given a decent burial. Padre Irene is the executor of his
will. His riches are divided among Santa Clara, the pope, the Archbishop, and other
religious organizations. Twenty pesos is left for the matriculation of the students. Padre
Irene suggests this so that it will appear that he is on the side of the students. Capitan
Tiago removes from his will the twenty-five pesos intended for Basilio for the youths
inability to recognize his indebtedness to the old man, but Padre Irene decides to give it
to him still, and says that it will come from the friars own pockets.

Points of Note:
Everything that is stipulated in Capitan Tiagos last will and testament is fabricated by
Padre Irene. This way, the church gets the most out of the riches of the deceased, and
his loved ones and relatives are greatly bereaved, and deprived even of their rightful
inheritance.
It can be observed that even in his garments Padre Irene has gone overly frugal.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of

Chapter 30 (Juli) si huli
Summary:
Juli is deeply troubled by the news of Basilios capture and imprisonment. People
convince her to approach Padre Camorra and ask him to intercede for the youth. Juli is
afraid to follow their advice and approach the friar because he is known to be frisky and
quite fond of women. However, when news reaches Juli that Basilio is about to be
killed, the young lady is compelled to go and ask the friars help.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of

Chapter 31 (The High Official) ang mataas
na kawani
Summary:
A high official, who believes Basilio is innocent, attempts to convince the governor-general to release the
youth. His efforts, however, are in vain. The governor-general responds, insisting that it is necessary for
innocent people to suffer to restore order and to teach the people to submit to authority once and for
all. Because of this, the high official lets go of his office and returns to Spain.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of

Chapter 32 (Effect of the Pasquinades) ang
bunga ng mga paskil
Summary:
Juanito Pelaez, together with Pecson and Tadeo, is suspended from classes at the university because of
the seditious posters. Tadeo burns his books in anger, and Juanito gets involved in his fathers business
to keep himself occupied. Still in prison, the poor Basilio learns about Julis death. Meanwhile, Simoun
tries to befriend Don Timoteo Pelaez, whose son Juanito is engaged to be married to Paulita Gomez, and
who is now busy making preparations for the wedding.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of

Chapter 33 (La Ultima Razon) ang huling
matuwid
Summary:
Basilio is released from jail. After regaining his freedom the youth immediately goes to Simoun and asks
the jeweler to help him start a revolution. Simoun is greatly pleased that he had gotten the youth to finally
join him. He tells Basilio to meet with Cabesang Tales at a certain time and place so that they could
acquire the guns and rifles hidden in Quirogas warehouse. Meanwhile, Simouns job is to place a
dynamite-laden lamp at an important gathering one that would explode to signal the attack.

Points of Note:
Simoun had previously approached Basilio and had asked the youth to join him in his plan of revolt. That
was some time in April, near the close of the semester.

The students were taken to prison at the middle of April.

Basilio was in jail for three and a half months.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of

Chapter 34 (The Wedding) ang kasal ni
paulita
Summary:
Basilio wanders around the streets of Manila, waiting for the explosion that would signal the start of the
revolution. He passes Calle Anloague, where Juanito and Paulitas wedding celebration is going
on. After surveying the ornate decorations, the guards stationed at the entrances, and the important and
prominent visitors present at the feast, Basilio assumes that this could be the crucial gathering Simoun
was talking about.

Points of Note:
From Simouns house in Escolta, Basilio goes to Anloague where Capitan Tiagos house was.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of

Chapter 35 (The Fiesta)- ang piging
Summary:
Simoun discreetly yet nonchalantly places the lamp at the center of the house where the guests are
gathered. Basilio watches him from a distance. As the youth is about to leave the place, he sees Isagani
and tries to convince his friend to leave. Basilio tells him to get as far away from the house as possible,
and explains that there is about to be an explosion any minute that would kill all the guests and everyone
within a considerable distance. Isagani, in a rare act of love and loyalty to his beloved Paulita, quickly
rushes to the house and throws the lamp into the river below, stopping the explosion.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of

Chapter 36 (Ben Zayb's Afflictions) mga
kapighatian ni ben zayb
Summary:
From Capitan Tiagos house, Ben Zayb runs to his abode to write about the shocking events that have
transpired. In his writing, he makes the governor-general, Padre Irene, Don Custodio, and Padre Salvi
look like heroes. He also wishes the governor-general a safe journey. Meanwhile, the governor-general
prohibits anyone from talking about the events that have taken place at the wedding celebration of Paulita
and Juanito Pelaez. According to rumors, a band of thieves had attacked a friars house. The robbers
who are caught describe to the authorities the man who supposedly ordered them to attack the town after
the signal is given. Their description indisputably leads to Simoun.

Points of Note:
In this chapter Rizal gives light to the false and biased method of delivering news during those days.

This is the first time that Simouns disguise is compromised. This is the first time that he is suspected. All
the clues lead to him and all the fingers are pointing at him.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of

Chapter 37 (The Mystery) ang hiwagaan
Summary:
Isagani, Sensia, Capitana Loleng, Capitan Toringoy, and Chichoy discuss the events of the previous
night. Chichoy says that Simoun the jeweler is the mastermind behind all that had transpired, and that he
was responsible for plotting to kill all the guests at the wedding feast. Chichoy also adds that the lamp
was supposed to start the fire, ignite the gunpowder, and set off the explosion.

El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of

Chapter 38 (Fatality) kasawiang-palad
Summary:
The soldiers escort a group of prisoners. Suddenly, they are ambushed. Carolino, one of the civil
guards, is the long-lost son of Cabesang Tales. He fights the bandits bravely and fiercely, finishing off the
leader of the thieves with a spear, and killing an old man who is part of the group. He surveys the dead,
and realizes that the old man he had killed is in fact Tandang Selo, his grandfather.

Points of Note:
Siberia in Russia hand long been the place where convicted felons were thrown out and
punished. According to Rizal, the cold Russian climate is an even more effective punishment than what
is given to those captured by the civil guards walking around the searing hot ground chained and
without footwear, enduring the mockery thrown at them by passers-by.

In this chapter Rizal describes not only the dimwittedness of the civil guards, but also their cruelty towards
their fellowmen.

The civil guards, apart from their leaders, are mere Filipinos. (The people who shot Rizal are a group of
Filipino soldiers).

Tano, like many others, had become one of the civil guards. After serving in Carolinas, he joined the
guardia civil. Thats how he got his name Carolino which means from Carolinas.

This chapter is similar to the chapter Noche Buena in Noli Me Tangere, in terms of its underlying and
predominant emotion that of reunion after a long separation of two family members, which meets a
tragic end. This chapter is a manifestation of the irony of fate.
El Filibusterismo: Summary and Analysis of
Chapter 39 (Conclusion)- ang katapusang
kabanata
Summary:
Simoun, wounded and exhausted, goes to the house of Padre Florentino to hide from the civil guards who
are sent to arrest him and take him into custody. Simoun drinks a poison, then reveals his true identity to
Padre Florentino that he, Simoun the jeweler, is in fact Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, the fugitive believed to
have died in the river years ago. He admits that everything is his futile attempt to corrupt the government
and the society so that he could start a revolution to free the country from the bonds of Spain. Padre
Florentino corrects Simoun, telling him that freedom cannot be won by violence and the shedding of
innocent blood but by proper education, hard work, and long-suffering.

Points of Note:
Both the last chapter of the Noli and the last chapter of the El Fili are untitled.

The sun is about to set when Simoun reveals his true identity and life story to Padre Florentino.