NOLI ME TANGERE: THE BIRTH OF THE NATIONAL AWAKENING OF

FILIPINOS

White Paper Requirement for Final Exam

for ELT 311: Survey of Philippine Literature and
English
Submitted to: Jivina V. Lumakang, MAED
University of Mindanao Digos College

By:

KYLA Q. SANTOS
October, 2024
 Introduction

Noli Me Tangere (1887) by José Rizal — The novel is commonly referred to as the
foundation of Philippine national literature and a significant work in the history of Filipino
nationalism. During the Spanish colonial period this novel awakened our national
consciousness, that the abuse and corruption of the government colony, clergy and
sociopolitical structure and system kept Filipinos a slave. Aside from driving Spaniards
away, the novel also contributed intellectually into the creation of the Philippine
Revolution whose aim was to ultimately free itself from colonial rule.

The Latin version of its title, Noli Me Tangere "Touch Me Not," delivers a biblical
reference implying the social ills Rizal diagnosed were very much holy and untouched
by the neocolonial overseers. But unlike his contemporary writers then, Rizal's work was
bold to show and break these taboos portraying the hardships of the Filipino people
under the rule of Spain. In its memorable roll call of characters —— Crisostomo Ibarra,
Maria Clara, Padre Damaso, Sisa ——— Noli Me Tangere examines in full view the
various aspects of these key dynamics between power and influence that allowed for
inequality and injustice to thrive.

Noli Me Tangere is still considered as a landmark of our historical and cultural heritage,
but is largely seen as irrelevant these days by many in contemporary Philippine society,
especially the millennials. It too recognizes the fiction as a relic, that its wisdom does
not always map onto present fights. Moreover, it is a book that in educational contexts is
used as a plot summary and subsequently embedded less socially and politically.

Since Noli Me Tangere is a part of the Philippine school curriculum, students read it at
some point in their schooling life, but for some students they grasp little to no coherent
understanding around the depth and importance of this novel. Unfortunately, the usual
way of teaching the novel focuses more on the narrative and literary value rather than a
close examination of its historical context and its implications for Filipino identity and
nationalism. Hence, the biting commentary of Rizal on colonialism, social inequality and
systemic corruption is not always felt by students in their entirety.

In addition the unspoken fact is that in an age of globalization, where there are
ever-growing foreign cultural impacts affecting our society, the novel may be somewhat
obscure to a younger audience. Its disengagement with the thematics of nationalism,
resistance and social justice meant that Noli Me Tangere is often read as a historical
artifact and not a live word with insights at home giving angles to the country's struggles
for equality and freedom. Through this white paper, we intend to breathe fresh air into
the story of Noli Me Tangere and how it manifests in today's reality and consciousness
as Filipinos.
 Background

José Rizal wrote this novel while he was in Europe, with the main aim of illuminating the
cruelties of the Spanish colonial regime to his fellow Filipinos. The Philippines was then
300 years under Spain and its governance was through the friar-led religious orders and
civil authorities that were notoriously corrupt. It was, in part, inspired by the writings of
Jose Rizal— a reformist intellectual who felt that the Filipino masses were subjugated
not only physically but also mentally and thus believed it necessary for them to
rediscover their national identity and unite against colonial forces.

The novel follows Crisostomo Ibarra, a rich and well-educated Filipino, who returns to
his country after studying. However, Ibarra's idealism and reformist success in quickly
running afoul of the ingrained societal no-goodness within Spanish-colonial society. He
meets injustice, mainly from priests and politicians who are only doing it for their benefit
and it shapes his life until he becomes a victim of lies and treachery. The tragic story of
Ibarra was connected with the stories of other oppressed characters, such as
persecuted Elias and symbolically raped Sisa because Rizal revealed all that is cruel in
colonialism through them.

One of the most important aspects of Noli Me Tangere is its use of allegory. The
characters represent different segments of Filipino society, with Ibarra symbolizing the
educated reformists, Elias embodying the revolutionary spirit, and the friars representing
the oppressive Spanish clergy. The novel’s title, translated as "Touch Me Not," alludes
to the idea of an untouchable social problem—a "cancer" in society that had long been
ignored but needed to be confronted for true reform and progress to occur.

Political and Social Impact

Upon its publication, Noli Me Tangere was widely condemned by Spanish authorities
and the Catholic Church, who saw it as a direct attack on their power. However, the
novel resonated deeply with Filipinos, particularly the educated ilustrados, who began to
view themselves not merely as subjects of Spain but as Filipinos with their own national
identity and destiny.

Rizal’s novel was instrumental in igniting the flames of Filipino nationalism. His call for
peaceful reform and education as a means of achieving social progress inspired other
reformists and revolutionaries, including the leaders of the Katipunan movement that
would later wage war for independence from Spain. Even though Rizal himself
advocated for peaceful change, Noli Me Tangere became a revolutionary text that
fueled the desire for freedom and national dignity.
 Recommendations

To fully appreciate the nationalistic value of Noli Me Tangere, it is essential to rethink the
way the novel is taught and discussed in contemporary settings. By adopting a more
contextualized and dynamic approach, educators can engage students in a meaningful
dialogue about how Rizal’s revolutionary ideas remain relevant today. Here are several
proposed solutions to enhance the study of Noli Me Tangere:

Contextualizing the Novel in Modern-Day Issues

Draw connections between the themes in Noli Me Tangere and current social issues
such as political corruption, social inequality, and the ongoing struggle for Filipino
sovereignty. By linking the novel’s historical critique to contemporary realities, students
can see the relevance of Rizal’s work to their own lives and the current state of Filipino
society.

Nationalism-Focused Curricular Integration

Place greater emphasis on the novel’s role in fostering Filipino nationalism. Rather than
treating it as merely a literary text, it should position Noli Me Tangere as a foundational
document in the history of the Filipino struggle for independence. Encouraging students
to reflect on their role in the continuing evolution of Filipino identity can inspire a
renewed sense of patriotism.

Conclusion

Noli Me Tangere remains a towering symbol of Filipino nationalism and resistance

against oppression. José Rizal’s revolutionary ideas, as expressed through his novel,
continue to inspire the Filipino people to seek justice, equality, and national sovereignty.
In a rapidly changing world, it is crucial to ensure that Rizal’s message of social
consciousness and national pride remains alive, particularly in the minds of young
Filipinos. Through updated teaching strategies that emphasize the novel’s relevance to
contemporary issues, Noli Me Tangere can continue to serve as a powerful tool for
fostering a deeper understanding of Philippine history and national identity.
 REFERENCES

● Schumacher, John N. The Propaganda Movement, 1880-1895: The Creation of a

Filipino Consciousness, the Making of the Revolution. Ateneo de Manila
University Press, 1997.
● Guerrero, León María. The First Filipino: A Biography of José Rizal. National
Historical Institute, 1998.
● Constantino, Renato. The Philippines: A Past Revisited. Tala Publishing
Services, 1975.
● Anderson, Benedict. Under Three Flags: Anarchism and the Anti-Colonial
Imagination. Verso, 2005.