what is the main message of noli me tangere essay

Literature Review Blog

Philippine Literature: Understanding The Message Behind Noli Me Tangere

April 16, 2022 June 7, 2022

Noli Me Tangere, one of the most well-known Filipino novels, is a work of fiction written by Jose Rizal. It was first published in 1887 and it is considered to be the most important novel in Philippine literature. It tells the story of two friends: Juan Crisostomo Ibarra and Elias who are both from wealthy families.

The novel was written in Spanish and English for different audiences. The Spanish version was meant for Spaniards residing in the Philippines while the English version was meant for an international audience. Noli Me Tangere has been translated into over 20 languages and it has been adapted into films and TV series as well as musicals.

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An Analysis of Noli Me Tangere and what it says about Philippine Culture

Noli Me Tangere is a novel by Jose Rizal that is considered an important part of Filipino culture. Its main theme is the oppression of the Filipino people by Spanish colonialists. It also touches on many other themes such as class struggle, education, and religion.

We can see how much this novel has impacted Philippine culture when we look at how it has influenced literature in the country to this day. The book has given rise to many films, TV series, and even comics that have been made in its likeness.

Hidden messages in noli me tangere

Noli Me Tangere is translated to “Touch Me Not” in English. It was published in Berlin, Germany in 1887. This novel was written by Jose Rizal as a response to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines and its brutal treatment of Filipinos.

This novel is about Crisostomo Ibarra who returns from his studies abroad, but he has an accident on his way home and goes into hiding for seven years before he can return to his family again. The novel is a chronicle of the life and times of Ibarra from his birth to death, including his struggles and dreams, his intense friendships as well as the ways he reconciles with society. The novel is not linear. The first six chapters are told in chronological order, but chapter 7 is set in 1892 and tells the story of Ibarra’s youth. You can read a summary of the novel here – Noli Me Tangere Buod 2022.

Noli me Tangere is also considered one of the most important novels in Filipino literature because it paved the way for Philippine independence from Spain and America.

The Mechanism Behind Noli Me Tangere’s Success as a Novel in Philippine History

Noli Me Tangere served as a catalyst for the Philippine Revolution against Spain. The novel is considered as a masterpiece of Filipino literature and has been translated into many languages.

The novel was able to spark the revolution because it was written in Filipino, which was then the national language of the Philippines. This made it accessible to more people who could understand and relate to its message, which encouraged them to take action against Spain’s colonial rule over them.

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The Social Cancer

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• Internet Archive - "The Social Cancer"

The Social Cancer , novel by Filipino political activist and author José Rizal , published in 1887. The book, written in Spanish, is a sweeping and passionate unmasking of the brutality and corruption of Spanish rule in the Philippines (1565–1898).

The story begins at a party to welcome Crisóstomo Ibarra back to the Philippines after seven years of studying in Europe . His father, Don Rafael, passed away shortly before his return, and Crisóstomo soon learns that he died in prison after accidentally killing a tax collector and being falsely accused of other crimes by Father Dámaso, the longtime curate of the church in Crisóstomo’s hometown of San Diego. Crisóstomo returns to San Diego, and his fiancée, María Clara, joins him there. After the schoolmaster tells him that Father Dámaso and the new curate, Father Salví, interfere with his teaching, Crisóstomo decides to build a new modern school in San Diego.

On a picnic with María Clara, Crisóstomo goes on a fishing boat and helps the pilot, Elías, kill a crocodile. Elías later warns Crisóstomo that there is a plot to murder him at the ceremony for the laying of the school’s cornerstone , and indeed, as Crisóstomo is placing mortar for the cornerstone , the derrick holding the stone collapses. Although Crisóstomo escapes injury, the derrick operator is killed. At a dinner later, Father Dámaso insults the new school, Filipinos in general, Crisóstomo, and Don Rafael. An enraged Crisóstomo attacks him, but María Clara stops him from killing the priest. Later her father breaks off her engagement to Crisóstomo and arranges for her betrothal to a young Spanish man, Linares.

Father Salví plots with Lucas, the brother of the deceased derrick operator, to organize a strike on the barracks of the Civil Guard and to convince the attackers that Crisóstomo is their ringleader. Father Salví then warns the head of the Civil Guard of the impending assault. When the attack fails, the rebels say that Crisóstomo was their leader, and he is arrested. Elías helps Crisóstomo escape from prison, and they flee by boat on the Pasig River with members of the Civil Guard in pursuit. Elías dives into the river to distract the pursuers and is mortally wounded. It is reported that Crisóstomo was killed, and a distraught María Clara insists on entering a convent.

In the novel’s dedication, Rizal explains that there was once a type of cancer so terrible that the sufferer could not bear to be touched, and the disease was thus called noli me tangere (Latin: “do not touch me”). He believed that his homeland was similarly afflicted. The novel offers both a panoramic view of every level of society in the Philippines of the time and droll satire . Its description of the cruelty of Spanish rule was a catalyst for the movement for independence in the country. It later came to be regarded as a classic of Philippine literature, though it is more frequently read in English or Tagalog translation than in its original Spanish.

Understanding the Themes of the Filipino Novel "Noli Me Tangere"

• Celine Bernadette Francisco
• Categories : Literature study guides and chapter summaries
• Tags : Homework help & study guides

Freedom From Spain

“Noli Me Tangere,” the first novel written by the Philippine’s national hero Jose Rizal, mirrors its creator’s persistence in attaining freedom from the Spaniards. True enough, as Rizal aimed to redeem the country and its people by exposing the barbarity, greed, cruelty and ignorance of the Spanish colonizers, his work reflected the struggles of the Tagalogs — being the first to project such a bold account of living in the 1800s in the Philippines. Likewise, as “Noli Me Tangere” portrays the different aspects of gaining independence, Jose Rizal focuses on social climbers, abusive power, family devotion, self sacrifice, and purity and faithfulness.

Social Climbers

Representing the various classes of society during the late 1800s in the Philippines, Jose Rizal includes personalities such as Doña Victorina and Capitan Tiago. These characters, indeed, show how people tend to associate with higher classes of society, specifically the Spaniards and the illustrados (“learned” ones) and mestizos . Capitan Tiago, in this instance, portrays this character as he gives friars lumps of money as ecclesiastical donations and even invites the parish curate at his home every dinner. Aside from that, he also supports the government’s tax increases, leading to his title of gobernadorcillo , the highest post a non-Spaniard can attain.

Meanwhile, Doña Victorina’s character in the novel shows an obsession in becoming Spanish. She does this by covering her face with too much makeup, dressing just like Spanish women, speaking Spanish (though incorrectly), and basically promotes the “colonial mentality” as she prefers being just like a Spaniard when in fact she is a Filipino.

Abusive Power

Having been colonized by Spaniards since the 1500s, the author depicts the Filipinos suffering abuse from civil guards, friars and other government officials. Using their power to mistreat civilians, the civil guards harass them because of simple causes, such as not rendering the customary salute, not being able to show identification cards, etc. The same goes with friars who commercialize religion through simony and plenary indulgence. Government officials, likewise, make use of their power to control those whom they believe would be detrimental to the Spanish rule. Just as Crisostomo Ibarra, the main character in the novel, experiences this through the death of his father (Don Rafael), this theme in “Noli Me Tangere” comes to life.

Family Devotion

Never forgetting the positive qualities of the Filipinos, Jose Rizal still highlights devotion to one’s family through Crisostomo Ibarra, Maria Clara and Sisa. With the death of Don Rafael, Ibarra’s father, Crisostomo traces all means to seek for justice. This is also true with Maria Clara, an obedient daughter to Capitan Tiago. Consenting to her father’s request that she marry a Spaniard (as requested by Padre Damaso), Maria Clara adheres to this (but gets very ill afterward). Sisa, on the other hand, definitely shows her devotion to her family by doing everything to serve her family. Considering her children (Basilio and Crispin) as her treasures, she endures the trials she goes through just to keep them secure.

Self Sacrifice

Just as Jose Rizal sacrificed himself for his country, “Noli Me Tangere” also conveys this message all throughout its text. Starting off with Sisa’s never-ending sacrifices for her children, she withstands her husband’s beatings and even takes on the journey of finding her sons, thereby showing her real love as a mother.

Purity and Faithfulness

Maria Clara portrays purity and faithfulness as she remains true to her love for Crisostomo Ibarra. Even though she is engaged to a Spaniard, she still does not submit herself to him because of her undying love for Ibarra. Thus, she prefers to become a nun and hence dies afterward when Padre Salvi rapes her.

Another very evident theme in the novel turns out to be patriotism. Portrayed by Crisostomo Ibarra and Elias, these two men earnestly desire for independence from the oppressors. Although different in their means for seeking reform, they both profess their goals.

Since Elias resolves for a revolt against the Spaniards, he finds all means to lead a revolution against the friars, civil guards and government officials. Believing that God will bring forth justice over Filipinos depicts patriotism by all means.

All in all, “Noli Me Tangere” shall forever remain as one of the most powerful tools the Philippines has ever had to spread awareness on the “social cancer” and to fight for independence. As Jose Rizal used various themes to spread the word regarding the battle against abusive power, injustice, false religious claims and other inappropriate dealings with innocent people, the cause Rizal started more than a hundred years ago shall endure.

Gagelonia, Pedro A. Rizal’s Life, Works, and Writings. National Bookstore, Inc., 1974.

Jose Rizal University. “Noli Me Tangere: Mga Tauhan”, https://www.joserizal.ph/no02.html

Image Credit : Jose Rizal on a Mug by Michael Francis McCarthy under CC BY 2.0

Noli Me Tangere

Noli Me Tangere is a Latin phrase that means “Touch Me Not”. In this novel, Rizal described in detail the sufferings of his countrymen under the Spanish rule.

Jose Rizal wrote the first sections of his novel Noli Me Tangere in 1884 in Madrid, Spain when he was still studying medicine. Rizal continued with this novel in Paris, France after he finished his medicine course. Jose Rizal finished the last sections of the novel in Berlin, Germany. Rizal drew his inspiration in writing Noli Me Tangere from a book entitled Uncle Tom’s Cabin which was authored by Harriet Beacher Stowe. Uncle Tom’s Cabin is about the life of  Negro slaves under the hands of powerful white Americans. The book centered on the sufferings, maltreatment and hardships experienced by the Negro slaves and compared the sad plight of the slaves with the unfair treatment experienced by his countrymen under the Spanish rule.

Jose Rizal first thought of gathering the written experiences of his countrymen against the Spanish rule and compile it with his thoughts to complete the book but later changed his mind and wrote the book just by himself. Rizal also consulted his friend Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt on the issues he tackled in the book and the need to write about those issues.

Touch Me Not

Noli Me Tangere is a Latin phrase that means “ Touch Me Not.”  This phrase is mentioned in the Bible in the book of St. John the Baptist.

Rizal described the state of the country under the Spaniards as a disgrace, which provided more hardships to the life of the Filipinos. The detailed story about the sufferings of his countrymen were meant to awaken the Filipinos to the truth that was adversely affecting the society and which had not been talked about by the people most probably due to fear with the ruling Spaniards.

Ibarra and Elias

The main character of Rizal’s epic novel is Crisostomo Ibarra, a lad who studied in Europe. Ibarra’s wish was to build a school to ensure the bright future of the youth of his hometown. Ibarra was helped by a pilot and farmer named Elias who opened the eyes of Crisostomo Ibarra to know more of his country and its present problems.

Kapitan Tiyago, Maria Clara and Padre Damaso

Also one of the most important characters of the novel was Kapitan Tiyago who was described as a businessman who hails from Binondo. He was the step father of Maria Clara who was the conservative girlfriend of Crisostomo Ibarra. Maria Clara is the lady who also hails from the town of San Diego and was a child borne out of an affair between the Dona Pia Alba and Padre Damaso. Padre Damaso is a Franciscan priest who served for a long time as the head priest of the town of San Diego. He was replaced by Padre Salvi who had a secret admiration for Maria Clara.

Other Characters

The other characters of Jose Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere are Sisa, Basilio, Crispin, Pilosopo Tasyo, Alperes, Dona Victorina, Dona Consolacion, Kapitan Basilio, Don Saturnino, Don Rafael Ibarra, Mang Pablo, Dona Pia, Lucas, Linares, Don Filipo, Tarsilo at Bruno, Kapitana Maria, Padre Sibyla, Albino, Tinyente Guevarra, Iday, Sinang, Victoria at Andeng.

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Historical Context and Time  

     The Spanish colonial era of the Philippines can be traced all the way back to 1565 when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established a permanent Spanish settlement in Cebu City (Barrows, 1914, p. 127-130). The Spanish colonial era lasted a little more than three centuries, placing Noli Me Tangere , which was published in 1887, closer toward the end of the Philippines’ Spanish colonial era. Before reading any further, it should be noted that in this exhibit, the term “Spanish authorities” is used to refer to the Spanish clergy comprised of friars of the following faiths: Augustinians, Franciscans, Jesuits, Dominicans, and Recollects; as well as state figures who were Spanish. The Spanish authorities centralized their government in by establishing an archdiocese in Manila (Boquet, 2017). Not only did this central placement of power for the Spanish authorities explicitly unite the church and state in advancing Spanish administration, it also granted them stable rulership over both the Philippines’ cultural and political affairs. 

     Upon the Spaniards’ arrival to the Philippines, one of their initial objectives was to convert Filipinos to Christianity. So, churches and abbeys grew to become an important space of socialization within the everyday lives of Filipinos. Not only was the Church integral to building Filipino communities, the Church also controlled the country’s printing presses, which allowed them to embed religion within the country’s literature (Boquet, 2017). Dominican friars also established educational institutions where they strictly controlled curricula and heavily emphasized religious themes (Boquet, 2017). The Spanish authorities also took on civil administration roles that concerned the nation’s finances and infrastructure building (Boquet, 2017). A provincial taxation system was built that “extorted” Filipino civilians and didn’t use the collected fees for the betterment of the Filipino people in any way, shape, or form (Lala, 1898, p. 62-63). The Spaniards also exploited Filipino labourers to build churches and other religious buildings meant to serve the friars (Boquet, 2017). The Spanish friars who were assigned to specific municipalities to serve as civil administration went on to become powerful landowners who were known to persecute their townships’ locals (Boquet, 2017). With the Filipino people being oppressed and exploited by the Spanish and Spanish-speaking elite, many lower-class Filipinos were increasingly becoming resentful of the discrimination and persecution they faced.

     The very idea of Noli Me Tangere was conceived by Rizal at a meeting in Madrid among other Filipino patriots. Rizal proposed that a book that detailed the Philippines’ dismal condition under Spanish authorities and had Filipino artists’ drawings would be good propaganda for their cause (Craig, 1913, p. 121). In 1885, Rizal finishes ¼ of the novel while living in Paris, France (Craig, 1913, p. 126). On February 21, 1887, Rizal finishes writing his first novel ever, the Noli , in Berlin, Germany—the same city where the novel’s eventually published (Nery, 2012, p. 33).

     Being one of the most active patriots in demanding Philippine political reform while living in Spain, Rizal grew in popularity and was viewed “as the intellect, the inspiration, and the energy behind the cause” of Filipinos fighting for independence against the Spanish authorities (DeStephano, 2015, p. 118). In letters to his friends Gregorio del Pilar, Ferdinand Blumentritt, and Mariano Ponce, Rizal further reveals that the Noli was written for his country, his fellow Filipinos, and most especially for the purpose of inspiring passion among his people (Guerrero, 2012, p. 145). He had hoped to ignite this passion by exposing the sociopolitical conditions of the Philippines under Spanish rule that have impoverished and dehumanized the Filipino people through the Noli’s satirical critique of the Spanish friars and state figures. 

     However, perhaps inspired by his time living in Spain as suggested by Craig (1913, p. 130), Rizal also makes known his fellow Filipinos’ general shortcomings and role in the Spanish authorities’ corrupt rule over their country by showcasing their tendency to be hypocritical and docile through specific parts of the novel (e.g. Ibarra’s father being abandoned by everyone when he’s charged with a number of accusations). Rizal reveals another purpose of the novel to his readers in its dedication section: 

“ Palibhasa'y nais co ang iyong cagaling̃ang siyáng cagaling̃an co rin namán, at sa aking paghanap ng̃ lalong mabuting paraang sa iyo'y paggamót, gágawin co sa iyo ang guinágawà ng̃ mg̃a tao sa úna sa canilang mg̃a may sakít: caniláng itinátanghal ang mg̃a may sakít na iyan sa mg̃a baitang ng̃ sambahan, at ng̃ bawa't manggaling sa pagtawag sa Dios ay sa canilá'y ihatol ang isáng cagamutan. ” -Rizal (1886/1909, p. 20-21)

In English, this roughly translates to:

“Because I wish for your wellbeing, which is our wellbeing, and in my search for a better course of treatment for you, I will do for you what those that have come before us have done for their sick: they present their sick at the steps of the church, and with everyone’s call upon God might they be prescribed a cure.”

Here, he implores Filipinos to use the Noli to both educate themselves on the Philippines’ condition and help determine a cure for their country’s societal ailments.

     More than this, however, Rizal also meant for the Noli to become a canonical text within Philippine literature and build a foundation for nationhood upon which Filipinos could finally recognize themselves as one nation rather than the scattered municipalities they’ve been separated into by Spanish authorities. Dr. Maximo Viola recalls Rizal claiming that most of the characters he included in the Noli “were his relatives and friends” (Guerrero, 2012, p. 139). Blumentritt was also told by Rizal that the Noli was meant to demonstrate Philippine society within “the last ten years” that preceded the novel’s publishing (Guerrero, 2012, p. 139). This demonstrates how Rizal purposely built his first novel upon the Filipino people and the country’s history in order for Philippine canon to authentically represent the nation that was yet to be. This alone was reason enough for Guerrero (2012, p. 139) to declare the novel “the first real Filipino novel.” Additionally, Rizal explicitly writing the novel for the Filipino people not only expressed his desire for the national community to join in on the discourse of their nation’s condition; it emphasized his purpose to build a national community in this way: a Filipino people united through patriotism.

     As soon as the novel was published, Rizal was adamant about smuggling copies of the Noli into the Philippines and disseminating it among Filipinos. This is demonstrated in Rizal’s communication with Mariano Ponce that reads, “Try to send copies of the Noli Me Tángere to the Philippines by all the means at your command. I think the book will do good there. Even if the copies are not paid for!” (Guerrero, 2012, p. 146). Rizal was well aware of the backlash that awaited him as mentioned in a letter to his friend, Ferdinand Blumentritt, “The regime and the friars will probably attack my book…” (Guerrero, 2012, p. 151). Just as Rizal had predicted, the Spanish authorities, indeed, ended up attacking the novel. On August 30, 1887, the Dominican Archbishop Pedro Payo, backed by a specially organized council at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), alerted Governor General Emilio Terrero about Rizal’s novel that was “heretical, impious and scandalous in its religious aspect, and unpatriotic, subversive of public order and harmful to the Spanish Government and its administration of these islands, in its political aspect” (Guerrero, 2012, p. 152). Terrero referred the matter to the friars and parish of the Board of Censorship, only to be followed by Friar Salvador Font who issued an official report that recommended the novel's censorship on December 29, 1887 (Guerrero, 2012, p. 152). Around the same time, Terrero had telegraphed Rizal to express his interest in both the author and the infamous novel (Craig, 1913, p. 136). Nothing officially came of the Manila censors’ report on the Noli and so Terrero, worried about Rizal’s safety, assigned the author a bodyguard named José Taviel de Andrade (Craig, 1913, p. 136-137). 

     The Spanish authorities turned to extrajudicial oppression following the lack of response to the official issue of censorship. For example, in Manila, Laureano Viado’s house was inspected by police officers where they discovered copies of the Noli (Guerrero, 2012, p. 152). The medical student was imprisoned without hearing along with his landlord afterwards (Guerrero, 2012, p. 152). Two months following the Manila censors’ recommendation and with Rizal leaving the country, the Noli was promptly censored in 1892 (Guerrero, 2012, p. 152). Circulation of the novel became restricted following its prohibition, but even so, it quickly became famous. The Noli’s reputation spread by word of mouth and became famous because of rumours surrounding the text—not necessarily because of the text itself (Claudio, 2018, p. 42). Rizal’s novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo , were so popular that neighbourhoods would bury the censored texts in gardens (Craig, 1913, p. 185). The ruse was so elaborate that when the books were being removed from the garden to be read, a dance would be used to distract the rare few informants (Craig, 1913, p. 185). With absolutely no regard for civilians’ private property, Spanish authorities persisted in searching houses while civilians simply dealt with “a hole in the ground, the inside of a post,” repaired hollowed out walls, or even set fires in order to preserve their banned texts (Craig, 1913, p. 185).

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• Noli Me Tangere

Noli Me Tangere Essay: How to Write Reflection Paper

By: Angelina Grin

Writing a reflection of Noli Me Tangere, on one of the most acclaimed Filipino works, can be taunting. Especially in the case of Noli Me Tangere, a book that served as an eye-opening work to many from the day it was released and is being used even nowadays to instill nationalism in young Filipinos.

About José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere

Rafael ibarra, teniente guevarra, maria clara de los santos, kapitan tiago or capitan tiago, basilio and crispin, padre damaso verdolagas, padre salvi bernardo, padre sibyla hernando, doña victorina, alfonso linares, independence.

Translated from Latin to English as ”Touch Me Not,” this famous Philippine literature piece by José Rizal was written in 1887 and made a radical change in the Philippines’ history.

The story’s protagonist is Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, who returned home from a seven-year stay in Europe. He’s brimming with ideas of improving his country and helping his fellow Filipinos but was confronted by the Catholic Church and the Spanish government. Not only were his ideas and plans questioned by the friars and the Spaniards, but also by his fellow citizens who were naive about the cruelty and abuse of the regime.

The novel criticized the happenings in the country that was then under the Spaniards. It has a sequel titled El Filibusterismo, alternatively known as The Reign of the Greed and The Subversive or The Subversion.

Important Characters in the Novel

Rafael Ibarra is Crisostomo’s father. His death was the reason for his son to come back to the Philippines. Don Rafael died in prison because of Padre Damaso’s accusations of heresy and subversion.

A lieutenant of the Guardia Civil and Don Rafael’s friend. Crisostomo learned of his father’s death from him. Teniente Guevarra respects both father and son for their moral compass, even if it means going against the church.

She’s the love interest of Crisostomo, who ends up going to a nunnery when she refuses to marry Alfonso Linares. Maria Clara symbolizes the Philippines.

Don Santiago De Los Santos is the father of Maria Clara and is an influential businessman in San Diego. Kapitan Tiago finds it hard to follow the friars’ orders because he betrothed his daughter to Crisostomo.

After Crisostomo saved him from a crocodile, he swore to protect the young man. He’s a fugitive who wears disguises and discovers plots against the protagonist, and does what he can to stop them from happening.

She’s the mother of Basilio and Crispin, who had gone insane when her children went missing. A once beautiful lady who endured a tragic life, Sisa symbolizes the suffering of the Motherland from the colonizers.

Sisa’s sons represent the Filipino children who are victims of ignorance, poverty, and the Spanish authorities’ cruelty.

He’s the former curate of San Diego and is the birth father of Maria Clara through raping Doña Pia Alba. An arrogant and cruel priest, he did his best to stop Maria Clara from marrying Crisostomo.

A prominent figure in the town of San Diego, along with the alferez of the Guardia Civil. He’s been lusting over Maria Clara and is a deceptive priest.

Crisostomo’s former teacher and the parish priest of Binondo, Manila. He’s aware of the cruelty of the other friars but doesn’t do anything about it.

The wife of Don Tiburcio de Espadaña, a quack doctor. She’s an ambitious Filipina who looks down at her fellow Filipinos.

A young Spanish lawyer who Padre Damaso wanted Maria Clara to marry.

Main Ideas of the Novel

To write an A+ reflection about Noli Me Tangere , you must be aware of the main ideas it conveys.

Rizal firmly believed that education is important in fighting off oppression. Filipinos’ ignorance and naivety made them easy to be manipulated and targeted for cruelty.

Education paved the way for Crisostomo to build a school for the youth and to be heard by other influential people. However, even with his good intention, Crisostomo was undoubtedly still unaware of just how grave the oppression his fellow Filipinos faced until Elias showed it to him.

Another highly educated character in the novel was Tasio. Although having acquired education, he was ousted by society because of different ideals.

The novel indicated how power was abused and how people would do anything to get it. Noli Me Tangere also showed that not all who are in prison are sinners, like Don Rafael, who was instead a victim of those in power.

The tug of power between the church and the government is also obvious in the novel. A reality the Philippines faced when it was under the Spaniard’s rule.

Religion is a significant topic in the novel because, despite its divine presentation, it was used to control others and profit off other people’s weaknesses.

The Spaniards and friars used Catholicism to instill hierarchy and took advantage of the Filipinos through their faith and ignorance, even if they themselves didn’t carry out the teachings.

Padre Damaso held a revered position as a former curate and was looked up to by people who take their religion seriously. But he raped Doña Pia Alba and sent Don Rafael to prison for his personal vendetta.

Padre Salvi, although a priest, lusted after Maria Clara and didn’t respect his priesthood. He only became a priest to hold power, not to save souls.

Capitan Tiago pretends to be a devoted Catholic by being close to the friars but actually just does it to have more connections and power.

On the other hand, there are also those who are serious about their faith yet aware of the unreasonable demands of the church. Don Rafael, Crisostomo, and Elias have strong faith.

Filipinos are known for their filial piety, a family value that’s still alive in their culture. Because of this, sons and daughters respect their parents and often feel obligated to do as they are told. Sometimes, even at the cost of their own happiness.

The story started with Don Rafael’s death, making Crisostomo go back to honor him through building a school.

Maria Clara also honors her family through being the model Filipina and taking their advice, even almost marrying someone she doesn’t love to make her family happy.

Basilio’s first thought was to come back to his mother, Sisa, when he was shot at by the Guardia Civil.

The protagonist of Noli Me Tangere went through many sacrifices as he believed they are all for a better future for his country and countrymen.

Literature is a mirror of culture, and Rizal penned just what he had hoped his fellow Filipinos would do for the Philippines to be free - sacrifice.

One of the most intriguing lines in the novel is ”Sacrifice today for a useful tomorrow,” found in Crisostomo’s letter to Maria Clara before he went away to study in Europe.

Sacrifice was also seen through Elias, who died while trying to fight for his countrymen. Through Crisostomo talking to Basilio, Rizal reminded every reader to never forget those who fell and sacrificed themselves for the Filipino people and their country.

After its publication, Noli Me Tangere sparked Filipino nationalism that ultimately led to the Philippine Revolution in 1896.

The novel incited Filipinos’ desire for independence. Rizal hoped that there would be a revolution without the shedding of blood and for his country to gain independence. But Noli Me Tangere did the opposite and instead incited a revolution that ended with the Spaniards ceding sovereignty of the Philippines to another colonizer, the United States.

Did the revolution start because Filipinos realized the cruelty they were living in or simply because the others were joining it? The real intention of others who joined the revolution was put into the spotlight when using the novel as a reason to revolt. Were they doing it for the Philippines or because they admire Rizal?

This criticism highlights most of the Filipino revolutionists’ failure to have an education. Asking whether they actually knew what they were fighting for and not only because they needed to survive.

Because of the portrayal of how Catholicism was used in the novel, many questioned if Rizal had any hidden agenda.

In some of his letters to Fr. Pablo Pastells, a Jesuit teacher, during his exile, Rizal delved into “what little has been left to me by the shipwreck of faith.” Rizal believed in God but was no longer a practicing Catholic during his time.

Because of this, some see Noli Me Tangere as Rizal’s way of destroying their faith and that its intention is not solely for the Philippines to fight back but to dismantle Catholicism as well.

José Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” is a novel that not only sparked discussions but also urged the Filipino society to take action in the fight for independence. While some supported it, others criticized the author’s intentions. While the symbolism of the novel is a field to explore, one thing is clear: José Rizal’s masterpiece has become a turning point in the history of the Philippines.

To craft an effective "Noli Me Tangere" reaction paper, it's essential to follow a structured approach. Begin by reading the novel thoroughly and taking detailed notes on key themes, characters, and notable passages that resonate with you. Identify the central issues and conflicts portrayed by Rizal, such as the oppression of the Filipino people under colonial rule, social inequality, and the struggle for justice.

Develop a clear thesis statement that encapsulates your overall reaction to the novel. This statement will serve as the guiding thread throughout your essay, helping you maintain a focused and coherent argument. When discussing specific passages or events from the novel, provide context and analysis to support your points. Consider how Rizal's narrative techniques, symbolism, and character development contribute to the overall impact of the story. Lastly, draw connections between the themes and messages of the novel and contemporary issues, demonstrating the enduring relevance of Rizal's work in today's society. By adhering to these steps, you can create a thoughtful and compelling reaction paper that engages with the novel's complexities and its lasting impact.

By composing a personal reflection essay, you can immerse yourself in this literary masterpiece and better understand how its themes relate to your life and current events. Using the guidelines in this article, you can write a powerful “Noli Me Tangere” reflection essay that does justice to the novel by delving into its deep themes and demonstrating its continued relevance.

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I enjoyed reading the article, and I think it gave me some useful insights on how to write a reflection essay about the novel. However, I wish the article had examples of reflection essays from other students. It would have been nice to see how they applied everything that the article suggested.

I think this article was a great introduction to the novel. It covered the main message and significance of it, as well as the main plot and characters. It’s just enough to know what is noli me tangere all about..

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Dr Rizal’s noble intention never attracted the indigenous people of the idea he was promoting, it did however attracted those Filipino meztisos who were insulates vying for the same birth rights as those of the peninsulars, thus, the revolution, the indigenous were along for the ride not understanding what they were fighting for. It hasn’t change, get a good look at the political structure, do the Filipino know what is at stake when they cast their vote? Up to this day I have yet to see a Filipino who truly love the Philippines. Even the revolutionary leaders of the time never really love the country, if he did, Emilio Aguinaldo that is he would have never sold out the country for P400,000.00 and leave in exile, hence, the pact agreed upon between the revolutionary at Buan-na-Bato and the Spaniards never materialized. Compare that with Venezuela’s Simon Bolivar who was offered the same deal as Emilio, Simon chose to continue to fight the Spaniards, ended up liberating six countries from Spanish rule.

Joseph M Calderon Jr

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What is the main message of the Noli Me Tangere?

Table of Contents

• 1 What is the main message of the Noli Me Tangere?
• 2 What was Rizal’s purpose in writing Noli Me Tangere?
• 3 What is the story about the Revolution According to Raymundo Mata?
• 4 What Filipino values are reflected in Noli Me Tangere?
• 5 What was the novel that was read by the persona in the excerpt The Revolution According to Raymundo Mata?
• 6 Who is the author of the novel read by the persona in the excerpt The Revolution According to Raymundo Mata?
• 7 What was the purpose of Noli Me Tangere?
• 8 Why does Tasio die alone in Noli Me Tangere?

Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere tells us that we should reflect on our actions and beliefs for our country. The theme of the novel is to promote nationalism and to accept change in ourselves is still applies to us today.

What was Rizal’s purpose in writing Noli Me Tangere?

The preface of the “Noli me tangere” states the purpose of its author, which was no other than to expose the sufferings of the Filipino people to the public gaze, as the ancients did with their sick so that the merciful and generous might suggest and apply a suitable care.

What is the impact of Noli Me Tangere in our national identity?

Noli Me Tangere gave us power, it was the seed that gave us the idea to stop being ignorant and it aroused our need for independency and freedom. Rizal’s writing was created to fuel the growing nationalism that will help the Filipinos break free from the shackles of abuse.

What is the story about the Revolution According to Raymundo Mata?

About The Revolution According to Raymundo Mata Gina Apostol’s riotous second novel takes the form of a memoir by one Raymundo Mata, a half-blind bookworm and revolutionary, tracing his childhood, his education in Manila, his love affairs, and his discovery of writer and fellow revolutionary, Jose Rizal.

What Filipino values are reflected in Noli Me Tangere?

Understanding the Themes of the Filipino Novel “Noli Me Tangere”

• Freedom From Spain.
• Social Climbers.
• Abusive Power.
• Family Devotion.
• Self Sacrifice.
• Purity and Faithfulness.
• Patriotism.

What is the effect of Noli Me Tangere to the Filipino?

Social impact After publication, Noli me Tangere was considered to be one of the instruments that initiated Filipino nationalism leading to the 1896 Philippine Revolution. The novel did not only awaken sleeping Filipino awareness, but also established the grounds for aspiring to independence.

What was the novel that was read by the persona in the excerpt The Revolution According to Raymundo Mata?

Noli Me Tángere Once the protagonist reads Rizal’s illicit novel Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not) gifted to him by a priest named Pío Valenzuela, he begins his quest to find the national hero.

Who is the author of the novel read by the persona in the excerpt The Revolution According to Raymundo Mata?

on The Revolution According to Raymundo Mata, a novel by Gina Apostol – On the Seawall.

How is Noli Me Tangere Rizal related to the Philippine Revolution?

What was the purpose of Noli Me Tangere?

Why does tasio die alone in noli me tangere.

Where did Noli Me Tangere go to school?

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Noli Me Tángere

42 pages • 1 hour read

Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not)

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Chapters 7-12

Chapters 13-18

Chapters 19-24

Chapters 25-30

Chapters 31-36

Chapters 37-42

Chapters 43-48

Chapters 49-54

Chapters 55-60

Chapters 61-63

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tiago’s Artwork

Tiago’s artwork, specifically the oil self-portrait that hangs on his wall, is described as “[...] stiff, straight, and as symmetrical as the tasseled mace he holds in his stiff, ring-covered fingers. The portrait seems to say, “So, look how well dressed and dignified I am!”” (7). José Rizal uses this portrait to illustrate the upper class’s politics—traditional and conservative. It is not experimental and by extension, not progressive. The story that the painting tells is of a straightforward man. Through his narrator, Rizal positions himself as a critic of the upper class, his very novel an antithesis to Tiago’s linear, shallow art.

The novel’s title— Noli Me Tángere —refers to a specific type of facial cancer. As a symbol, cancer is a disease of the spirit, something akin to vice. The wealthy use vice—gambling, cockfighting, and opium abuse—as a means to exploit the lower class. Cancer also symbolizes the system of governance that allows oppression of the Indigenous population. By extension, it symbolizes the hypocrisy of the friars who use people’s faith against them. In all instances, trust and societal values erode and are replaced with skepticism and hostility.

Related Titles

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Noli Me Tangere

By josé rizal, noli me tangere rizal and the philippine revolution.

Though José Rizal was not directly involved in the Philippine Revolution, his writings are often cited as part of the inspiration for it, and while Noli Me Tángere is set before the revolution, understanding the revolution can help one comprehend the issues at hand in the novel. The Philippine Revolution lasted from 1896 to 1898 and diminished Spanish influence in the Philippines, but did not fully eliminate outside influence from the islands. Rizal was the most prominent member of the Propaganda Movement, a movement led by writers of Filipino descent in Europe who used literature to criticize their society. Historians have argued that the revolution truly began with the construction of the Suez Canal in 1869, which gave some Filipinos access to Europe and new ideas of freedom. Like Rizal, many Filipinos returned home from Europe opposing Spanish rule.

In 1872, a small revolt, the Cavite Mutiny, set off the revolutionary cause. The small mutiny was rapidly crushed by the Spanish, and it was used as an excuse for increased repression of revolutionary activity. This repression, however, only made the revolutionary cause stronger. Three priests, José Burgos, Jacinto Zamora, and Mariano Gómez, were accused of working with the mutineers and executed, and they became martyrs to the revolution.

In 1892, Andres Bonifacio founded a clandestine revolutionary society, the Katipunan, in Manila, and in the next four years, membership rose to over 100,000. Once the Spanish discovered the organization in 1896, Bonifacio called for armed rebellion. Though Rizal had never advocated for such a thing himself, he was executed for treason late that year, which further outraged Filipinos. In the beginning of 1897, leadership of the revolution passed to Emilio Aguinaldo, who had Bonifacio shot for supposed sedition. Yet Aguinaldo was unable to defeat the Spanish militarily. At the end of 1897, the pact of Biak-na-Bato temporarily ended the conflict, exiling Aguinaldo and other revolutionary leaders to Hong Kong and promising significant reforms to Spanish rule. Aguinaldo bought arms in Hong Kong, while the promised reforms did not materialize.

After the Spanish suffered a military defeat in 1898, Aguinaldo returned to the Philippines and fought against the United States, who now controlled the islands. This conflict is known as the Philippine-American War.

Noli Me Tangere Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Noli Me Tangere is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What do the guards take from Sisa? * 1 point a. a cow b. her sons c. a hen d. a horse

Rushing home, Sisa found Basilio missing and was arrested by the Guardia Civil in order to get her sons to surrender.

Binanggit ni Don Rafael sa kanyang huling ipinadalang liham sa kanyang anak na nag-aaral noon sa Europa na huwag itong mag-alala at magtaka kung hindi na raw ito makakasulat sa kanya dahil magiging abala ito sa mga gawain. Ano ang tunay na dahilan kung

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Bakit pinuntahan ni Elias SI crisostomo ibarra sa kanyang laboratoryo

Pumunta si Elias kay Ibarra para balaan siya na may pakana laban sa kanyang buhay.

Study Guide for Noli Me Tangere

Noli Me Tangere study guide contains a biography of José Rizal, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

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• Noli Me Tangere Summary
• Character List

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