book report noli me tangere

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Noli Me Tangere

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on José Rizal's Noli Me Tangere . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Noli Me Tangere: Introduction

Noli me tangere: plot summary, noli me tangere: detailed summary & analysis, noli me tangere: themes, noli me tangere: quotes, noli me tangere: characters, noli me tangere: symbols, noli me tangere: theme wheel, brief biography of josé rizal.

Historical Context of Noli Me Tangere

Other books related to noli me tangere.

• Full Title: Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)
• When Written: The 1870s.
• Where Written: Spain
• When Published: 1887
• Literary Period: Victorian Era
• Genre: Political Fiction and Political Satire
• Setting: San Diego, Spanish Philippines
• Climax: A group of bandits (secretly organized by Father Salví) attacks San Diego’s military barracks. Father Salví frames Ibarra as their ringleader, and Ibarra is imprisoned and accused of treason.
• Antagonist: The foremost antagonists are Father Dámaso and Father Salví, though there is reason to believe the true antagonistic force in Noli Me Tangere is the corruption and unchecked power colonialism has bestowed upon the church and all its friars.
• Point of View: Third-person omniscient

Extra Credit for Noli Me Tangere

Execution. As the common story goes, when José Rizal was executed by firing squad, he asked to face his shooters. Because traitors were customarily shot in the back so that they fell face-first to the ground, his request was denied. When the bullets hit his back, though, he tried with all his power to twist around, such that he died looking at the sun.

Persecution. Although he came from a wealthy family, José Rizal was no stranger to the oppressive ways of the Spanish government. When he was a young boy, for example, his mother was falsely accused of poisoning a neighbor. As a result, she was imprisoned for more than two years.

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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.

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

Discussion Questions

Summary and Study Guide

Noli Me Tángere (1887)—which translates to “Touch Me Not” in Latin—is a novel written by Filipino writer José Rizal. The novel tells the story of Don Crisóstomo Ibarra , a young man of Filipino and Spanish descent who returns to the Philippines after a seven-year trip to Europe. Upon his return, and because he is now old enough to better understand the world, Ibarra sees the oppression wrought on the Indigenous population by Spanish colonialism. As Ibarra attempts to do something about this, he finds himself confronting forces that view him as a direct threat to their power—and who will do whatever it takes to retain it. A sequel to the novel, El Filibusterismo , was published in 1891.

Noli Me Tángere is predominantly narrated in the third person, with occasional shifts to first-person plural. The narrative follows a generally linear plot with occasional shifts that provide historical context . It also tends toward the satirical, especially when the narrator describes members of the wealthy ruling class. At times, the novel depicts the brutality of oppression realistically, hence it is sometimes graphic.

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This guide is based on the Kindle edition of the novel, translated by Harold Augenbraum and published by Penguin Books in 2006.

Content warning: This guide contains references to violence, which is depicted in the source text. 

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Plot Summary

Noli Me Tángere begins at a dinner party hosted by Captain Don Santiago (Tiago), a wealthy resident of Manila. Guests assembled at the party include other members of the upper class as well as friars of both the Dominican and Franciscan orders. During dinner, Don Crisóstomo Ibarra arrives—the party being his first stop post-returning from Europe. He is there to visit his fiancée María-Clara , Santiago’s daughter. However, the celebratory atmosphere soon turns tense as one of the friars, Father Dámaso , becomes angry at Ibarra’s arrival. After the party, Ibarra learns that his father, Don Rafael, died while in prison and Father Dámaso had his corpse exhumed and removed from the Christian cemetery (i.e., dumped into a river). The dramatic tension between Ibarra and Dámaso forms the central conflict.

As Ibarra reacclimates himself to his homeland, he looks to apply his progressive ideals to make life better for the citizens of San Diego. After meeting with a school teacher, Ibarra’s first act is to build a school. While he gains support from the local government, the religious order within the town views the project with suspicion. They begin to see Ibarra as a threat to their power—with Dámaso in particular seeing him as a rival who must be put in his place.

Ibarra and María-Clara’s relationship dates back to childhood. However, Dámaso is the godfather of María-Clara and opposes the marriage. He wishes to drive the two apart and eventually achieves. He arrives uninvited to a dinner party hosted by Ibarra and dishonors the memory of his late father, which baits the latter into retaliation. Ibarra physically attacks Dámaso, holding him at knife point and threatening to kill him. María-Clara intervenes and prevents Ibarra from completing the deed, but the damage is done. As punishment for the assault, Ibarra is excommunicated and thus, the couple’s engagement is annulled.

The Captain General, the King’s representative in the Philippines, intercedes on Ibarra’s behalf. Once again, Dámaso and his colleague Father Salví are disgruntled and see the Captain General’s respect for Ibarra as a threat to their power. Salví’s role in the novel becomes more prominent after this incident, as he works on a scheme to take down Ibarra once and for all.

Ibarra befriends Elías , a fellow Filipino who is involved with a subversive group planning an uprising. Because Elías is knowledgeable of the town’s underground, he is able to warn Ibarra of the attempts to have him framed and killed. Their friendship is unusual as they are not of the same class, but they have mutual respect for each other—and this respect enables them to strengthen their alliance.

Through no fault of his own, Ibarra’s life is turned upside down by the same forces that claimed the life of his father. As the novel comes to a close, the progress that Ibarra advocated for is put on hold. However, Dámaso suffers a private defeat as María-Clara holds a secret against him, one that would destroy his reputation in town. Dámaso is eventually moved out of San Diego and with him out of the way, the possibility of reform is made more possible than ever.

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Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere: the Novel That Sparked a Revolution

• by Amiel Pineda

Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere is a novel that critiques Spanish friars and the injustices faced by Filipinos during colonial rule.

The character Juan Crisostomo Ibarra represents the educated class in the story.

This novel sparked Filipino nationalism and inspired resistance against oppression.

It continues to influence writers worldwide, advocating for societal change and justice.

Noli Me Tangere is considered a masterpiece that showcases Filipino resilience and spirit.

Key Takeaways

• Rizal critiqued Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.
• His writings symbolized Filipino nationalism and resistance against tyranny.
• Rizal’s works inspired anti-colonial sentiments and the fight for independence.
• His writings fostered a sense of empowerment and national identity among Filipinos.
• Rizal’s writings played a significant role in sparking the Philippine Revolution .
• This elevated Rizal to national hero status in the Philippines.

Historical Context of Noli Me Tangere

Jose Rizal’s novel, Noli Me Tangere , was written in the late 19th century under Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. The novel highlighted the injustices and brutalities faced by Filipinos under Spanish colonization. Through vivid characters and events, Rizal depicted the oppressive Spanish friars and the struggles of Filipinos seeking justice and independence.

Noli Me Tangere sparked Filipino nationalism and resistance against colonial oppression. Rizal’s portrayal of the harsh realities under Spanish rule resonated with the Filipino people, inspiring a desire for societal change and reform . The novel played a significant role in fueling a movement towards liberation and self-determination during a period of upheaval and strife in the Philippines.

Character Analysis: Juan Crisostomo Ibarra

In Jose Rizal’s novel ‘Noli Me Tangere,’ Juan Crisostomo Ibarra symbolizes the educated Filipino class advocating for reforms under Spanish colonial rule. Ibarra’s return from Europe signifies enlightenment and a desire for change in the Philippine context. Through his character, Rizal critiques the oppressive colonial system and corrupt friars, highlighting Filipino struggles during that period.

Ibarra’s experiences reflect Rizal’s critique of Spanish colonial rule and social inequalities in the Philippines. His character embodies hope for progress and the courage to speak out against injustice, resonating with Filipinos aiming for a better future. Juan Crisostomo Ibarra represents the resilience and determination of Philippine society against colonial oppression.

Themes of Colonial Oppression

Jose Rizal’s novel ‘Noli Me Tangere’ vividly depicts themes of colonial oppression in the Philippines under Spanish rule. The novel critiques the exploitative power dynamics of the Spanish colonial regime, emphasizing the systemic abuse faced by Filipinos.

Key themes include exploitation, injustice, and discrimination, showcasing the harsh realities endured by Filipino society. For example, the novel showcases instances of Filipinos being exploited for labor and resources, facing unjust treatment in the legal system, and encountering discrimination based on social status.

Through these themes, ‘Noli Me Tangere’ serves as a poignant critique of colonial oppression, shedding light on the dehumanizing effects of Spanish rule in the Philippines.

Impact on Filipino Nationalism

The novel ‘Noli Me Tangere’ had a significant impact on Filipino nationalism .

Written by Jose Rizal , it contributed to shaping the Filipino identity and fostering anti-colonial sentiments.

By exposing the injustices of Spanish rule, the novel inspired resistance and unity among the people.

This played a crucial role in the movement for independence.

Filipino Identity Formation

Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere influenced Filipino national identity by:

• Revealing Spanish colonization injustices.
• Fostering Filipino nationalism and resistance to colonial rule.
• Connecting with readers through Filipino character depictions.
• Motivating Filipinos to unite for rights and independence.
• Leaving an enduring mark on Philippine literature, culture, and historical awareness.

Anti-Colonial Sentiment Influence

Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere sparked anti-colonial sentiment and nurtured Filipino nationalism . The novel shed light on systemic abuses by Spanish friars and civil authorities , fueling a desire for independence .

This led to advocacy for political change among the Filipino middle class. Noli Me Tangere was a catalyst for the Philippine Revolution , a pivotal moment in the country’s history. Its impact on Filipino nationalism was profound , driving the fight against colonial oppression and shaping the quest for sovereignty .

Symbolism and Imagery in the Novel

Symbolism and imagery in Noli Me Tangere serve to represent societal roles and issues through its characters.

Crisostomo Ibarra symbolizes the educated Filipino elite, reflecting the aspirations and struggles of his social class in colonial Philippines.

Elias embodies sacrifice and resistance against oppression, showcasing the resilience of the Filipino people.

Doña Victorina represents the desire for social climbing and status, while Sisa and Maria Clara depict the challenges faced by Filipino women during that time.

These symbols deepen the narrative, allowing exploration of societal dynamics and themes in the novel.

Reception and Controversies Surrounding Noli Me Tangere

A public outcry emerged over ‘ Noli Me Tangere ‘ for challenging Spanish colonial rule and the Catholic Church in the Philippines, leading to controversy. The novel faced significant political backlash from colonial authorities and clergy.

Despite these challenges, ‘Noli Me Tangere’ resonated with Filipinos seeking social change and independence. It became a symbol of resistance and a catalyst for revolution.

Public Outcry Over Noli

Noli Me Tangere incited public outcry in the Philippines by criticizing Spanish colonial rule and the Catholic Church. The novel was censored and banned for challenging authority. It garnered praise for exposing social injustices and advocating reforms.

Controversies around the book fueled nationalist sentiments and anti-colonial movements. Its reception contributed to its recognition as a groundbreaking literary work in Philippine history.

Political Backlash and Noli

Jose Rizal’s novel ‘Noli Me Tangere,’ written in 1887, faced resistance and bans in Spanish territories for criticizing colonial rule and the Catholic Church. The novel highlighted social injustice and abuse of power under Spanish colonialism.

Corrupt friars and abusive colonial officials were depicted, sparking debates and discontent among Filipinos. Despite censorship, the book gained underground popularity as a symbol of resistance.

This political backlash fueled nationalist sentiment, contributing to the Philippine Revolution and inspiring Filipinos to fight for independence.

Noli Me Tangere’s Influence on Philippine Literature

Noli Me Tangere significantly influenced Philippine literature by shaping national identity and resistance against colonial oppression. Here are five key points highlighting its impact:

• Genre Fusion: The novel blended melodrama, satire, and political discussions to address societal injustices and advocate for reform.
• Nationalism: By shedding light on colonial abuses and social issues, the novel indirectly fostered nationalism and empowerment among Filipinos.
• Jose Rizal’s Legacy: Rizal’s execution following the novel’s themes elevated him to a national hero in the Philippines, cementing the book’s significance in the country’s literary and historical heritage.
• Catalyst for Revolution: Noli Me Tangere’s critique of Spanish colonial rule and the Catholic Church’s exploitation fueled the Philippine Revolution, leading to the fight for independence.
• Literary Influence: The novel remains a cornerstone of Philippine literature, inspiring generations of writers to address social and political issues in their works.

How Did Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere Influence Traditional Filipino Tattoo Art?

Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere has had a significant impact on traditional Filipino tattoo symbolism . The novel’s portrayal of national identity and resistance against oppressors has inspired many tattoo artists to incorporate these themes into their designs, contributing to the rich and meaningful tradition of traditional Filipino tattoo symbolism.

Legacy of Noli Me Tangere in Modern Society

The enduring influence of Noli Me Tangere is seen in its resonance with contemporary social issues and adaptation in various media forms. This novel by José Rizal sparked a revolution in the Philippines and continues to be relevant globally, including in the United States.

The themes of social injustice and colonial oppression in the book reflect struggles in today’s societies, especially in post-colonial and national sovereignty debates. Crisostomo Ibarra represents the ongoing fight against oppression and the pursuit of societal change, inspiring activism in modern times.

Noli Me Tangere remains a key part of Philippine literature education, conveying powerful messages and advocating against injustice for audiences worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of noli me tangere.

Noli Me Tangere symbolizes resistance against colonial oppression in the Philippines. It criticizes Spanish exploitation of Filipinos. José Rizal’s execution for revolutionary themes highlights the novel’s significant impact on Philippine history.

Did Jose Rizal Cause the Spanish Revolution?

Rizal’s influence on the Spanish Revolution was indirect but significant . His writings, such as ‘Noli Me Tangere,’ stirred controversy and fueled nationalist sentiments among Filipinos. While not directly causing the revolution, Rizal’s impact on Filipino identity and resistance to colonial rule was profound .

What Is Rizal’s Idea of Revolution?

Rizal’s perspective on revolution shifted over time. Initially cautious, he later embraced revolutionary ideals. His writings demonstrate a nuanced understanding of societal change, merging nationalism, reform, and the call for transformative action.