RIZAL

Intro

Conceptual Framework

Machiavelli's the Prince- tracy

Content of Discussion

*Main point of literature

*Archetypes (based sa pdf na )

*Connection ng literature sa noli at el fili (parang similarities ng literature sa noli at el fili)

Rizal also knew Niccolo Machiavelli and had read Machiavelli’s The Prince. According to

Pocock (1997), Rizal “recognizes the dangers that newly independent countries fall into.” That’s

why he only wanted to ask for reforms and changes because he believed that the Philippines

needed Spain and that both countries can work together for progress.

Jose Rizal was a well-read man and behind every great, intelligent man is the support of even

greater books and literature that has, in one way or another, profoundly affected their mind and

way of thinking. His preference shows his nationalistic spirit and his desire for intellectual and

political reform from the Spanish regime.

The themes in Machiavelli’s The Prince are similar to some of the characters’ principles. For

example, Machiavelli’s idea of self-preservation and self-interest (Chapter 3, 1515) is like

Simoun’s way of thinking. “Let the unfit perish and only the strongest survive!” (Chapter 7,

Rizal as translated by Derbyshire, 1912)

Machiavelli’s The Prince discussed how “it is better to be feared than loved.” The revolutionary

archetype in The Prince is in the perspective of the leader. According to Machiavelli, the abuses

“must be done at once” so that the people may easily recover from them and they will have no

chance to harbor rebellious thoughts. The favors and good deeds, however, “must be done slowly

and not at once so their impact would last longer.” If ever the ruler does not follow Machiavelli’s

rule and does the abuses for a long time, the people will begin to revolt to displace their leader.

This chapter will also focus on the ways in which Noli, as a romanticized love story filled with
Machiavellian plots, works to simultaneously critique Spanish colonial rule while revealing the need to
dismantle heteropatriarchal ideologies embedded in the nationalist and cultural discourse.

victim of duplicity and a Machiavellian Plot because they were victims of injustice and a
betrayal that they don’t deserve. They believed that in doing good, they will reap a better
outcome but it was the other way around. Instead, they were betrayed and plotted that
drawn both of them to so much confusion and at first disbelief. Both were charged of a
crime they didn’t really commit much to the disappointment that some of their trusted
friends and comrades were the ones doing the selfish motive: to pull them down and
eventually fall into their traps.

 Simoun is Machiavellian in the sense that he believes that the end justifies the means. Remember that
Simoun uses his wealth to corrupt those in government and to tempt them to harm the Filipinos. Simoun
hopes that this will anger the Filipinos enough to make them rise up in revolt against the Government. It is
a tactic Elias would never have approved of.)

Soon, it will be Christmas.

Symbolisms
1. The dark forest symbolizes the many secrets kept by Simoun from the public.

2. Basilio symbolizes the Filipino youth, whom Rizal (through Simoun) advises to be more nationalistic
(i.e., love your own language, fight for your country’s freedom)

Simoun allows Basilio to live hoping this message can be spread to other students pushing for
Hispanization. What follows is a discussion between Science (or medicine) and Politics (or the aspiration
to be an independent nation). Recall that Basilio studied to become a doctor and feels that he is
powerless to do anything about the political situation.
Simoun fails to convince Basilio to change his mind so he instead tries to provoke Basilio by asking about
Sisa and Crispin (the dead younger brother). Basilio explains there is no way he can obtain justice.
Besides, even if Simoun were to provide support, revenge cannot bring back Basilio’s mom and brother.

Before dawn, Simoun sends Basilio away but invites him to go to Simoun’s house in Escolta in case
Basilio changes his mind and decides to seek help in avenging his mom’s and brother’s deaths.

The chapter closes with Simoun asking the spirits of Don Rafael (his father) and Elias to have patience.
Simoun explains that while his means differ from that of Elias, the results will come faster. There is some
foreboding that Simoun will die in his attempt to help the Philippines gain independence — note that
line about him personally bringing news of freedom to the spirits of his dad and friend.

http://buod.elfilibusterismo.com/2011/08/el-fili-chapter-7-simoun.html