A. Author: Dr. Jose P.

Rizal
Title of the Story: Noli Me Tangere
Genre: Historical novel
B. Introduction:
It begins with a reception given by Capitan Tiago at his house in Calle Anloague for the
young and rich Filipino who had just returned after seven years of study in Europe named
as Crisostomo Ibarra. Ibarra was the only son if Don Rafael Ibarra, friend of Capitan Tiago
and a fianc of beautiful Maria Clara, supposed daughter of Capitan Tiago.
C. Analysis of the Story:
C.1. Summary:
The young and idealistic Juan Crisostomo Ibarra returns home after seven years in
Europe. The wealthy mestizo, like his father Don Rafael endeavors for reform primarily in
the area of education in order to eliminate poverty and improve the lives of his
countrymen. Upon learning about his fathers demise the denial of a Catholic burial for his
father Ibarra was provoked to hit Padre Damaso which eventually lead to his
excommunication. The excommunication was later rescinded upon the intervention of the
Governor General.
Padre Salvi, Ibarras mortal enemy accused Ibarra of insurrection. Ibarras letter to his
beloved Maria Clara was used against him. Later in the story, Maria Clara will tell Ibarra
that she did not conspire to indict him. She was compelled to give Ibarras letter in
exchange for the letters of her mother before she was born. Maria Clara found out that the
letters of her mother were addressed to Padre Damaso about their unborn child which
means that she is the biological daughter of the priest and not of her father, Capitan Tiago.
Meanwhile, Ibarra was able to escape the prison with Elias, who also experienced injustice
with the authorities. Ibarra was able to speak with Maria Clara about the letters and
thereafter forgave her. Ibarra and Elias flee to the lake and were chased by the Guardia
Civil. One was shot and the other survives. Upon hearing the news, Maria Clara believed
that Ibarra was dead; she entered the nunnery instead of marrying Alfonso Linares.
The fatally wounded Elias found the child Basilio and his dead mother Sisa. The latter was
driven to insanity when she learned that her children were implicated for theft by the
sacristan mayor. Elias instructed Basilio to dig for his and Sisas graves and there is a
buried treasure which he can use for his education.

C.2 Incentive Moment/ Reversal of Intention:

Crisostomo Ibarra is a well-educated son of Don Rafael Ibarra who really loves his
own land but after he was accused as a mastermind of the rebellion, the love in his heart
Reported by: Flores, Christian Roy T.

Year and Section: BSBA HRDM III-1

become anger and he wants to revenge for all the things that he suffered in spite of the love
and good intention that he gave and showed to his country.
C.3 Literary Devices:
Realism, because most of the scenario in this story is true and based on the
experiences of Rizal during Spanish period. The character preference in this story are the
ordinary or the common people like the family of Sisa, Pedro, Basilio, and Crispin that
represents the desperate life of Filipino family during the Spanish period.
D. Conclusion:
Noli Me Tangere brilliantly described Philippine society with its memorable
characters. The melancholic fate of Maria Clara and the insanity of Sisa characterized the
countrys pitiful state, which was once beautiful, turned miserable. Reading Noli Me
Tangere will open ones mind about oppression and tyranny.

Reported by: Flores, Christian Roy T.

Year and Section: BSBA HRDM III-1