Noli Me Tangere – Book Review

Noli Me Tangere is a great novel written by Dr. Jose Rizal. The word Noli Me Tangere was
transcribed from the bible verse Jhon 20; 13-17. A passionate love story that set against the political
torture, repression and murder. This story was begun when Crisostomo Ibarra fell in love with Maria
Clara. However, it was only a Segway to tell the real story of Dr. Jose Rizal in his time. Many readers
conclude that Ibarra is Rizal himself. He wrote this story to expose the corrupt politics by using the
Catholic Religion because instead of teaching them what is Catholicism, they used it to persecute the
members of Illustrado.

There are many characters from the story that reveals the attitude of many people in his time.
One of them is the main character, Crisostomo Ibarra. A young illustrado who has been studying for 7
years in Europe and suddenly came back to his homeland after he finished his studies. He is very much
like Rizal saying that to achieve freedom, they need to use force. Next is the most faithful, purest and
modest lady in the story, Maria Clara. She portrays the ideal woman partly resembles of Rizal's first love,
Leonora Rivera.

Another character from the story is Padre Damaso. The most powerful person in San Diego
which was the biological father of Maria Clara because of taking advantage of Dona Pia, the mother of
Maria Clara and wife of Capitan Tiago. Padre Salvi is also a priest in San Diego who have lust after Maria
Clara.

Aside from the main characters, there are some supporting characters that make the story more
intense. Elias, a common laborer and also friend of Ibarra which also represents the other side of Rizal.
Pilosopo Tasyo, an old from the story who received multiple awards from his youth but lead his life as a
craziest person in their town. Sisa, the mother of Crispin and Basilio who were disappear. She became
crazy person because of loneliness, grief and frustration finding her sons. She also represents our
motherland. and lastly, Kapitan Tiago, the wealthiest man in town and also the father of Maria Clara.

Noli Me Tangere or Touch Me Not was written to awake the Filipinnos from the immoralities of
the spaniards. Rizal wants us to realize that fighting is not only using bolos, sumpit and lantakas. It is all
about using pen and wisdom. Filipinos should learn to be united in deeds and be educated to argue
rationally.