THOUGHT PAPER

Analytical Perspective on El Filibusterismo

Guidelines:

1. This will be done by pair or by 3’s.

2. Discuss the question and then write a paper on the topic: “Considering the Analytical Perspective of El
Filibusterismo, what are the implications for the understanding of this novel?”

3. The poem analysis will be assessed based on the following criteria:

 complexity of ideas about Rizal’s poem encapsulated in the analysis: 20 points;  creativity and
effectiveness in conveying the ideas and messages: 15 points;
 quality of the written text, clarity of writing and quality of composition: 15 points.

El Filibusterismo is the second novel of Dr. Jose Rizal, a sequel to his great work Noli Me Tangere. It was
also known to the public by its English title as “The Reign of the Greed,” although the book was written in Spanish
and it was published in 1891 in Ghent. In order to fully understand the novel, one must critically decipher the
underlying contexts and interpretations of the celebrated scenes and symbolisms found in the texts.
It was written to present the changes on his view about democracy, freedom, patriotism, and love of
country. Due to this it contrasted the idea and content in Noli Me Tangere, wherein in his second novel he
presented an alternative solution in the emancipation of the Philippines from the Spaniards which is an armed
revolution. Here are the few celebrated events in the novel.

First is the Chapter 1 entitled as “On the Upper Deck”. The story goes in a fine December morning, the
steamship Tabo is cruising in the Pasig Stream to Laguna. Travelers on the upper deck are having a conversation
about the lake and the long travel, later on a few imperative characters are presented. We can learn from the
scene that the upper deck of the steamship is only for the elite and most of them are Spaniards.

Second is Chapter 2: On the Lower Deck, which Basilio, Isagani and Don Custodio are profoundly talking
on the lower deck of the steamer Tabo. The two understudies presented their plan on putting up a Spanish
Academy. The two were positive that this plan will be approved yet Don Custodio unenthusiastic about this idea.
Underneath deck we discover those having a place to the lower rungs of the social ladder.

Chapter 34: La Ultima Razon, as Basilio roams in the streets of Manila holding up for the blast that would
flag the revolution. He passes Calle Analoague, where Jaunita and Paulita’s wedding celebration is going on. After
looking at the surroundings, he assumes that this is the important gathering Simoun told.

Chapter 60 the conclusion, Simoun who was injured and tired appeared in Padre Florentino’s house hiding
from the guardia civil that wants to arrest him. He revealed his true identity after he takes the poison, he is Juan
Crisostomo Ibarra the fugitive and it was all his plan to start a revolution. Yet Padre Florentino lectures him that
freedom cannot be solely attained with violence, only with eduation, constant work and suffering.

One of the most obvious symbolisms in the novel is the beautiful yet dangerous lamp that Simoun gave at
the wedding of Paulita and Juanito. The lamp symbolizes the start of a violent revolution against the Spaniards. As
soon as the wick of the lamp lowers, the nytroglycerine hidden in a secret compartment of the lamp will explode
and kill all the guests that were in there including the governor general, the friars, and the government officials.
The explosion will also be a signal for the followers of Simoun to attack the government buildings in Manila.
 In a thesis written by Camins (1983) entitled “The Socio-Political Symbolism of the Important
Characters in Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo”, it was revealed that the important characters in the
novels are socio-political symbols of Rizal’s society that he used to represent the different sectors of Philippine
society. Camins (1983) noted that Rizal unsend these characters as instruments to awaken the Filipino people and
to remind and inspire them of the importance in taking part of the changes that they want to achieve for the
country. The symbolism of characters in El Filibusterismo are presented in the following:

• Simoun (Chrisostomo Ibarra): He represents the revolutionaries during the time who
supported the idea of holding a violent revolution against the Spanish government.
• Isagani: He is known to be the symbol of the youth whose love for the country is branded as an
idealistic.
• Elias: He is used as a personification of Andres Bonifacio, who is a common Filipino that is not
aware of the injustice but also yearns to be free from the oppressors.
• Makaraig: He represents the Filipino youth who had good dreams for the country. Together with
Isagani, he led the student movement however was still favoured by the friars due to hi social
status.
• Juli: Like Maria Clara, Juli symbolizes the purity and innocence of the lower class women during
their time. She would never sacrifice or give up her ideals.
• Paulita Gomez: She is a representation of a practical woman who chooses the best options for
her future and the type to take advantage of her admirers to get what she wants. Basilio: He
represents the educated Filipino youths who are apathetic to the needs of the society.
• Senior Pasta: Unlike the character of Basilio, he represents the part of the society that only favors
and sympathizes the rich.
• Kabesang Tales: He symbolizes the natices and farmers whose lands were seized by the
Friars.

According to Camins (1983), the symbolisms of the characters does not only represent the people in Rizal’s
time but can still relate to the people and situations in our context. This is why El Filibusterismo is not only a novel
of the past but also Rizal’s reminder for the future.
El Filibusterismo aims to enlighten the Filipino people of its current situation at that time. They want the
natives to fight for their rights and gain our own independency and freedom. This was also one of the crucial
writings of our hero Dr. Jose Rizal. The word “filibustero” which means a person against the Roman Catholic faith.
It was a political book, he started writing it in London in 1890 and he finished it at Belgium on 1891. The “Three
Martyrs” GomBUrZa whom are all Filipino Priest – Fr. Mariano Gomez, Fr. Jose Burgos and Fr. Jacinto Zamora. Rizal
firmly believed that they are victims of cruelty and loss of justice. They were blamed for a crime they didn’t commit
for being the leader of the Cavite Mutiny against the Spanish Government on 1872, and this novel was greatly
dedicated for them.
The evaluation of the novel El Filibusterismo, considering its topic, we can say that this is very different
from his first novel. It had undergone major changes from his point of view about politics, patriotism and freedom.
The main themes of his two novels had influenced this change and attributed to the principles he has used which
is the reforms and revolution. Schumacher (2011) explained that Rizal is a reformist and revolutionary. He even
added that to be a reformist is to engage in a futile tinkering with political and economic structures. While to be a
revolutionary one must use violence to undermine the government. But revolution could also mean as to sacrifice
one’s blood for the people.

The characters Simoun, Elias, Padre Florentino and Crisostomo have shown different solutions for the
conflict and had complimented each other’s idea to conclude a definite process that Rizal had thought of. The first
was Ibarra’s plan on the emancipation of the Philippines through reforms under Spanish Government or
improvements in the system, but it was never favored by the Spaniards. The second was Simoun’s solution of
revolution and armed struggle, yet had failed again for twice and this is where the two characters had contrasted.
As for Rizal, they say that he is in the state of confusion whether he favors revolution or pure independence. The
reader will fail to understand the holistic interpretation of the two novels if they were seen as non-related to each
other. They must also separate the ideas of Rizal and the book and characters itself to avoid misunderstanding.

Padre Florentino represents definitive solution to this problem which is the active but non-violent
resistance. Rizal’s revolutionary goal is the modified definition of it which is action performed against the existing
government and has been the foundation of revolution today. The reforms from the novel must also come within
the voice of the Filipino’s and not from the Spanish government.