Summary: Chap 1 – Sa Kubyerta Summary: Chap 2 – Sa Ilalim ng Kubyerta
It is a fine December morning. The steamship Basilio, Isagani, and Don Custodio are deep in
Tabo is sailing on the Pasig River to
Laguna. Passengers on the upper deck talk
about the lake and the long journey. Some
important characters in the novel are
introduced: Simoun the jeweler; Doña Victorina;
the friars Salvi, Irene, Camorra, and Sibyla, Don
Custodio, and Ben Zayb.
Points of Note:
The upper deck of the steamship is for the
elite. Most of the people in this part of the vessel
are Spaniards.
Rizal's first novel, the Noli Me Tangere, ended in
the month of December; its sequel, the El
Filibusterismo, begins in the same
month. However, this is a December thirteen
years later.
Don Custodio is adviser to those working in the
national government; Ben Zayb (anagram for
Ybañez) is a journalist.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: How is the steamship Tabo likened to
the government?
Answer:
1. The manner the ship is divided into two sections
-- the upper and the lower deck -- is similar to how
the government treats the people: rich and poor,
Spaniards and Indios -- without equality and fair
treatment.
2. The slow pace of ship travel is likened to the
country's slow progress despite 300 years of
Spanish rule.
3. Whitewashed walls that cover rust and dirt
symbolize the pretense behind ugly methods and
social unrest in the country.
4. The circular design of the steamer entails that the
government is going in circles, without a sensible
goal or purpose.
5. The use of modern machinery to power the
steamboat is indicative of the union of the Church
and state during that time.
discussion on the lower deck of the steamer
Tabo. The two students tell Don Custodio about
the plan to put up a Spanish academy, and
although the two boys are hopeful that the plan
will be approved, Don Custodio is rather
pessimistic.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why does it seem to be a habit of the
elder people like Don Custodio to always find
hindrances to progress when the youth is always
optimistic in such endeavors?
Answer: The older people have undergone a lot
of failures in their lives -- shattered hopes, lost
dreams -- and these have taught them not to
hope too much. The youth, on the other hand,
have not yet experienced such failures and are
still filled with the burning hope that their plans
will be fulfilled. This way, the nation still pushes
forward towards progress.
Question: Why does Simoun let out a grin when
Isagani tells him that the reason why his
countrymen don't buy jewelry and precious
gems is because they have no need for such
frivolous things?
Answer: If the smile is that of sarcasm, then
that is because Simoun knows Isagani's claim
isn't true. Filipinos love jewelry. If, however, it is
that of appreciation, then that is because
Simoun sees that Isagani has courage and
conviction -- traits that Simoun admires greatly
and is looking for in the Filipino youth. (This is
further explained in the succeeding chapters.)
Question: What is Simoun's way of determining
whether a town is rich or poor?
Answer: The priests. If the friars are Filipinos,
the parish is poor; if they are Spaniards,
rich. When a parish is still in its first stages, not
much money is going in and Filipino priests are
assigned there. The moment the town starts to
progress, Spanish friars take over.
Question: How did Simoun and Basilio meet?
Answer: They meet at Captain Tiago's house,
where Simoun frequently visits.
Summary: Chap 3 – Mga Alamat
The elite passengers of the steamer pass the
time by telling stories and legends of places along
the river. Padre Florentino narrates the legend of
Doña Jeronima in a rather colorful tone, and
Padre Salvi tells the story of a Chinese man who
was attacked by caymans but was saved
because he called upon St. Nicholas to help
him. Moments later, Ben Zayb asks the captain
to point to him the exact spot where a man named
Ibarra was killed during his attempted
escape. Simoun becomes silent and retreats in
deep thought as the captain locates the infamous
region in the water.
Points of Note:
In this chapter we see that the people have
already gotten rid of primitive beliefs revolving
around spirits and monsters, but now replace
them with even more annoying superstitions
about religion.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: How does the conversation end up in
storytelling?
Answer: Simoun starts the entire thing. He
hopes that when they talk of legends, the story of
Doña Geronima will eventually come into the
picture and he wishes to see the expression on
Padre Salvi's face when it is being narrated
because the story somehow relates to how the
damned priest violated Maria Clara in the
convent.
Summary: Chap 4 – Kabesang Tales
Cabesang Tales cultivates a piece of land with his
father and his family. Because of having to
endure hard work and manual labor under the
sun, Tales's wife and eldest daughter die. At the
time of harvest, some men representing a certain
religious order lay claim to the land and demand
from Tales an annual payment of rent. Having no
other choice, Tales accepts the
agreement. However, year after year the rent
keeps going up in incredible increments and
Tales decides he has had enough. He brings the
issue up in court, demanding that the religious
order provide proof of their ownership of the
land. Tales loses the case. Time passes and he
is kidnapped by bandits demanding ransom for
his neck. In the attempt to gather up enough
money to pay for the release of her father, Juli
(Tales's daughter) borrows money from Hermana
Penchang and works for the woman as a servant
in order to pay the debt.
Points of Note:
The scapular that Juli wears is the scapular that
Maria Clara gave to an old leper in the first book,
Noli Me Tangere. The leper gives the scapular to
Basilio after having been healed by the young
doctor, and Basilio then offers it as a gift to Juli.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why is it difficult to be the cabeza de
barangay during those days?
Answer: The cabeza de barangay does nothing
but endure the tedious and rather perilous task of
collecting taxes.
Question: What does Cabesang Tales mean
when he says "To the earth we shall return, and
truly we were naked upon birth"?
Answer: He means to say that we must not fear
death for we all shall die, and we must not fear
poverty either for we all were born poor -- without
clothes.
Question: Why does Cabesang Tales say that if
he loses the case then he will have no need for
children?
Answer: Losing the case would mean losing the
land -- the only inheritance he can leave his
children.
Summary: Chap 5 – Noche Buena ng isang
kutsero
On his way to San Diego, a coachman is
maltreated by the civil guards. He endures this
abuse in silence. They hit him with a rifle after he
tells them he has forgotten to bring his
cedula. They beat him up again. Basilio walks to
San Diego and arrives at Captain Tiago's
house. He hears the news about Cabesang
Tales's kidnapping.
Points of Note:
Basilio is Captain Tiago's confidante.
Crisostomo Ibarra's assets were taken by the
church and the government, some of which were
sold. Captain Tiago bought the forest owned by
the Ibarras.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why does Sinong the coachman say
that there were no civil guards during the days of
the saints?
Answer: Sinong says this after having suffered
much abuse from the civil guards. He says that
Matusalem could not have reached such a ripe
old age if there were civil guards to make anyone
plead death over such unjust painful treatment.
Question: Why is the legend of Bernardo Carpio
a rather believable and convincing story to the
Filipinos?
Answer: This story was spread by the
Spaniards. Bernardo Carpio is a fictional
character derived from a popular tale in Mexico,
who came to the Philippines as a character in a
song, and as the years went by became known
as a local character and identified as king of the
natives. The Spaniards trapped him under a
huge mountain, and for years he has freed
himself little by little. It is said that during the time
of Sinong, only Carpio's right leg remained
trapped. The moment Bernardo Carpio is finally
free, the Filipinos believe that he will be the one
to lead them in rebellion against the
Spaniards. Because of this story that was
engraved into the minds of the natives by the
Spanish, the Filipinos lose their will to hope and
fight for freedom because they believe that only
until Bernardo Carpio is free can they stand a
chance against the foreign rule.
Summary: chap 6 – si basilio
Basilio visits the forest at Christmas Eve. The
wood, formerly owned by the Ibarras, was sold
to Captain Tiago. Basilio visits his mother's
grave by the balete tree in the middle of the
forest. A stranger's (Elias's) grave lay beside
it. He recalls a memory of thirteen years before,
when Ibarra had helped him cremate the two
bodies. With the help of Captain Tiago Basilio is
now studying to be a doctor and plans to marry
Juli, his sweetheart.
Points of Note:
In this chapter Rizal describes the progressive
education provided by the Jesuits in Ateneo
compared to that of the Dominicans, who
dominated most of the schools in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why does Basilio have to go to the
woods in secret?
Answer: He doesn't want anyone to find out
about his past. He is still running from the law
even after 13 years. (Note that Padre Salvi is
still alive).
Question: What is the significance of Basilio
curing the poor old leper?
Answer: During that time leprosy was thought of
as an incurable disease, but Rizal's idea that it
can be cured can be proved by today's medical
advancements.
Summary: chap 7 – si simoun
Basilio is about to leave the wood when he
notices the shadow of a man
approaching. Basilio announces his presence
and is surprised to find out that the stranger is
indeed Simoun the jeweler who, in reality, is
Crisostomo Ibarra in disguise. Simoun tries to
convince Basilio to join him in his plans to
avenge the cruel death of his mother (Sisa) and
his younger brother (Crispin). Basilio, however,
is not completely in favor of this plan, and tells
Ibarra that vengeance would not bring his
family back.
Points of Note:
Simoun is planning his vengeance for three
people: (1) Don Rafael, (2) Maria Clara, (3)
Elias.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why didn't Basilio dig up the treasure
by the balete tree when he frequently paid visits
there for 13 years?
Answer: Elias had told him to take the treasure
and claim it as his own if nobody else came. But
somebody did come -- Ibarra.
Question: Why did Ibarra bury Sisa's body but
burned Elias's?
Answer: It was Basilio's wish to bury his
mother's body. And Elias wanted his own
cremated.
Question: Why doesn't Simoun just kill Basilio
in order to protect his secret and keep his true
identity hidden?
Answer:
1. Basilio, like him, is a poor unfortunate soul
victimized by the cruel clutches of the
government and the church.
2. Basilio wouldn't run to the authorities because
he himself is a hunted man.
3. Basilio ows Simoun -- when Ibarra had helped in
treating Sisa's ill condition and in digging her
grave as well.
4. If things ever came to the worst, it would be
Simoun's word against Basilio's, and it is no
doubt that the government would believe
Simoun.
5. Simoun needs lads like Basilio for his plans of
rebellion. And among all the young men in the
town, it is Basilio who understands Simoun the
best.
Summary: chap 8 – maligayang pasko
No miracles come. Juli cannot gather up
enough cash, and so she goes on to become
Hermana Penchang's servant girl. It is
Christmas Day. Selo, Juli's grandfather, wallows
in misery at the thought of his poor young
granddaughter being so cruelly punished by
fate. In the middle of his depression, the old
man becomes mute.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: How do the friars contribute to the
long period of slavery suffered by the
Philippines?
Answer: The friars teach the locals about the
importance of accepting their fate, learning to
endure life's hardships, and believing in the
miracles of carved idols. Juli, for instance, put
all her energy in the hope that the Virgin Mary
 would perform one of her miracles. When none
came, she learned to endure her hopeless fate.
Question: Why do the children fear Christmas
instead of wishing for it to come?
Answer:
1. They don't want to wake up early to hear
mass. The cool breeze is too good for waking
up late.
2. They are made to wear uncomfortable clothes
hardened by starch and new shoes that are like
torture to the feet.
3. The mass takes too long and the church is too
crowded.
4. They are made to kiss all their relatives (usually
going from house to house to do such) and put
up great singing and dancing performances for
them just to earn a few pesos as a gift.
Summary: chap 9 – ang mga pilato
Rumors about the misfortunes of Selo's family
spread rapidly all over town. People say the
events are not their fault, and they could not
have avoided such circumstances had they
wished to. They also comment, however, that if
Cabesang Tales had only stayed home he
would not have had himself abducted by
bandits. Hermana Penchang, on the other
hand, has an entirely different opinion and says
that the reason why God had allowed such
turmoil to befall Selo's family is because they
had not taught Juli the proper way of saying her
prayers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why is the chapter entitled "Pilates"?
Answer: Pontius Pilate condemned Christ to the
cross even though he knew Jesus was not guilty
of the charges against him. Pilate merely
followed the wishes of the people paid by friends
of the thief Barabas. Afterwards, he washed his
hands and claimed that he had nothing to do
with the entire thing. In this chapter, the alferez
knows that the real reason why he had ordered
Tales's weapons and firearms confiscated was
only to calm the fears of those working in the
land. But it is because of this move that the
cabeza was abducted, it is why Juli is now
working as a servant girl, and it is why Selo has
gone mute. And the alferez claims he is not at
fault.
Summary: Chap 10 – Kayamanan at
Karalitaan
Simoun sells his jewelry at the house of
Cabesang Tales. Simoun shows off his revolver
to the cabeza. The rich people of San Diego and
Tiani gather there to see what precious gems
the can purchase. The following day Simoun
discovers that Tales has stolen his gun. Shortly
after, news spreads about the murder of three
people: the new tenant, his wife, and the friar
administrator. In the crime scene a piece of
paper is found with the word "Tales" written in
blood.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why does Simoun pick Tales's house
to stay in?
Answer: According to him, it is the biggest and
most prudent house in the area. However, the
real reason is that Simoun wants to find out
more about Tales whom he sees as someone
who would potentially join in his rebellion after all
the injustice the man has suffered.
Question: What do the people get out of buying
jewelry from Simoun?
Answer: They buy jewelry and precious gems
hoping to gain prestige and to elevate their place
in society. They would be proud to say that they
had bought jewelry from Simoun, adviser to the
Captain General.
Question: Why is Simoun glad that Tales took
his revolver?
Answer: Simoun sees that Tales is a gallant
man. He had left his daughter's scapular --
something he'd never intended to touch because
he didn't have Juli's permission -- in exchange
for Simoun's revolver. Also Simoun sees in
Tales a man burning with anger and a thirst for
vengeance -- exactly the person he needs to join
him in the rebellion.
Question: Why is Simoun glad that Selo is
arrested by the civil guards?
Answer: This will further ignite the fire of
vengeance burning in Tales, urging him more to
join the planned uprising.
Summary: Chap 11- Los Banos
The governor general enjoys a brief respite in
Los Baños together with his advisers and some
friars. After a long and rather intellectual game
of cards, the governor opens a discussion
regarding the plan of the youth to put up a
Spanish academy and requests his advisers to
express their opinions regarding the
matter. Because of the men's opposing views,
no decision is made whether to approve it or
not. A few moments later the governor general
orders the release of Selo in exchange for his
son, Tales.
Points of Note:
Teaching during that time was mostly in the
hands of the Dominicans. There is marked
rivalry between the Dominicans and the Jesuits.
 Padre Sibyla is the rector of the University of
Santo Tomas, and the Dominicans are not in
favor of the plan to build a Spanish
academy. Padre Irene on the other hand is
supporting the youth in their noble endeavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why can't the governor general hunt
deer or fowl in the forest?
Answer: There is a band of musicians following
him wherever he goes.
Question: What social problem does Rizal bring
to light during the hunt?
Answer: Adulation for those in power. The plan
to have a man dress up as a deer is almost put
into effect just so the governor general could
shoot one down. Having a band during the hunt
is another proof of such moronic flattery.
Question: Why is Padre Camorra angered at
the scene of the two friars gambling against the
governor general?
Answer: He doesn't realize that the two friars
are intentionally letting the governor win in order
to keep the official in a good mood, thereby
increasing their chances of winning the general's
side on the matter of putting up a Spanish
academy.
Summary: chap 12 – placido penitente
Placido Penitente walks glumly to school. He
meets Juanito Pelaez along the way, and talks
with him for a while. Juanito is the favorite of
practically all the teachers, and his father is a
Spanish mestizo. Placido talks to the young man
about his brief vacation to Tiani with Padre
Camorra, and then asks Juanito to help him
catch up with the lessons he missed the days
before.
Points of Note:
The University of Santo Tomas during the
Spanish regime was situated in Intramuros
(Walled City) near the Colegio de San Juan de
Letran today. It was only during the American
regime that UST was relocated to Espanya,
Manila. Almost all of the schools back then
were located in Intramuros -- Letran and Ateneo.
Different students have certain identifying
characteristics back then, based on the school
they are from:
1. Ateneo: These students dress as if they were in
Europe, wearing tuxedos and the like. They
walk rather briskly, and always carry around
books and notebooks.
2. Letran: These students dress in Filipino
garments, and are a rather populous
bunch. They are not usually found walking
around with textbooks.
3. UST: Their clothes are particularly clean and
tidy, and they are always well groomed. They
walk with an elegant strut, and instead of
bringing books, they carry around a cane.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why does Placido want to stop his
education?
Answer: He has been studying for four years,
and yet his teachers still never notice him
despite his hard work.
Question: What does the name "Placido
Penitente" mean?
Answer: Placido means quiet and placid;
Penitente means one inflicted with suffering.
Question: What does Rizal say about the
education of the average youth during that time?
Answer: Most of them do not learn much
because:
1. Except for those enrolled in the Ateneo, the
students do not bring textbooks, especially those
in the UST.
2. The classes are overpopulated.
3. The teachers look down on them.
4. Classes are frequently cancelled.
Summary: chap 13 – ang klase sa pisika
Placide Penitente enters Physics class, in which
Padre Millon is his professor. The discussion
drags on without the use of any laboratory
equipment and other learning aids. The
university had bought a number of instruments,
but these remain kept in glass shelves and are
never used. Placido had already been marked
as absent, and when Padre Millon calls on him
to answer a question, the priest gives him a very
low mark. Placido argues with Padre Millon over
this injustice. The unyielding friar continues
throwing insults at the youth, and Placido
Penitente walks out of the class.
Points of Note:
A few important facts to note about Padre Millon:
1. He is primarily interested in metaphysics and
handles classes in philosophy and theology,
after which he teaches chemistry and physics --
subjects in opposing ends of college education.
2. He only glances at his textbooks during classes
in physics and chemistry (little knowledge is
dangerous), barely believes in what the experts
are saying, and eventually approaches the
subjects in a philosophical manner (he still does
not believe that the earth is round, or that it is
revolving around the sun).
3. He frequently throws insults at his students, and
also about the subjects he is teaching.
4. He habitually throws questions to students, but
does not want to be questioned himself.
5. He lets his students memorize the book word-
for-word, without explaining the lesson.
6. He uses profane language and curses at his
students.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why doesn't Padre Millon conduct his
lectures in proper Spanish?
Answer: He has no respect for his students,
who he thinks are dumb and thick-witted.
Question: What can we say about the character
of Placido, based on the way he is described in
the chapter?
Answer: He exemplifies the common Filipino,
prudent and modest, and willing to endure
difficult circumstances to stay away from
trouble but when filled to the brim, can also
explode like a volcano.
Summary: chap 14 – Sa bahay ng mga
estudyante
Macaraeg tells his friends at the dormitory that
the decision to issue the building permit for the
Spanish academy has been given to a
commission of which Don Custodio is the
leader. The students then come up with plans
and schemes to get the Don on their side and
influence him to decide on their favor. They also
plan to seek the help of Señor Pasta, a lawyer,
and Isagani volunteers to take charge of this
task.
Points of Note:
The goal of the Spanish academy, which the
students are planning to build, is to make sure
that its students learn correct Spanish as early
as the first year, so that it will be easier to
understand subsequent lessons.
Isagani is an honorable and idealistic youth;
Juanito Pelaez is an opportunistic lad who
believes in the saying, "the end justifies the
means."
Macaraeg is different from the rest in that he
puts the welfare of others before himself. Those
who live in his house do so without payment.
Pecson is an intellectual, but a pessimistic one.
He always anticipates failure, and this time, his
predictions prove correct.
Sandoval is the image of a Spaniard who has
not yet turned evil upon his residence in the
Philippines, partly because of his youth and
partly because he surrounds himself with good
Filipino friends who have great love for their
country.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Is there a marked difference between
the youth back in those days and the youth of
today with regards to their attitude and character
as students?
Answer: None. Trouble is inherent to
students. There are those who are studious,
and there are also those who are fond of
truancies.
Question: What does it mean when a man hurls
his gloves to another?
Answer: It means to call someone to a
challenge.
Summary: chap 15- senor pasta
Isagani goes to Señor Pasta and tries to
convince him to support their plans of a Spanish
academy. The lawyer, an intelligent man, is
aware that the friars are not in favor of this
project, and, not wishing to provoke the church,
Pasta decides to side with them against it. He
then tells Isagani that the best thing the lad can
do is to concentrate on his studies and stop
dreaming of such greatly impossible endeavors.
Points of Note:
Señor Pasta is a selfish man, with no regard for
his countrymen. He believes that only when
everyone else fights for the country will he join in
the spirit of nationalism.
Scholars believe that the character of Señor
Pasta was patterned by Rizal after one particular
man who was considered to be the most learned
Filipino during the reign of the Spaniards and
even during the American rule. He also became
chief magistrate of the supreme court of the
Philippine government. Rizal had already died
when this man joined Aguinaldo's rebellion
against the government.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why does Señor Pasta say that the
Philippines is a land of dreams?
Answer: There are hundreds and thousands of
plans for the nation, yet hardly one of them is
realized.
Question: Why doesn't Señor Pasta side with
the students and support the Spanish academy?
Answer: Most of his clients are Spanish
friars. He would lose his clients, his wealth, and
his good name among the Spaniards if he were
to support the planned academy.
Question: What good lesson nonetheless can
be learned from the life of Señor Pasta?
Answer: It is the man's dedication to his
studies. He suffered oppressive treatment just
so he could finish his education, and never
wasted one second in leisure when he could
spend it reading his books.