Chapter Summaries of “Noli Me Tángere”

Noli Me Tángere (1887)—which translates to “Touch Me Not” in Latin—is a novel written by Filipino writer José
Rizal. The novel tells the story of Don Crisóstomo Ibarra, a young man of Filipino and Spanish descent who
returns to the Philippines after a seven-year trip to Europe. Upon his return, and because he is now old enough to
better understand the world, Ibarra sees the oppression wrought on the Indigenous population by Spanish
colonialism. As Ibarra attempts to do something about this, he finds himself confronting forces that view him as a
direct threat to their power—and who will do whatever it takes to retain it.

Chapter 1
A Social Gathering
Capitan Santiago de los Santos, or Capitan Tiago, hosts a dinner in his house at Calle Anloague. While waiting
for the meals to be served, the guests converse with one another. In these conversations, the readers are
introduced to some of the novel’s characters, such as Padre Damaso, Padre Sibyla, Lieutenant Guevara, Laruja,
Doña Victorina de Espadaña, and Don Tiburcio de Espadaña.

Chapter 2
Crisostomo Ibarra
Capitan Tiago enters the sala and introduces Juan Crisostomo Ibarra y Magsalin to the guests. Crisostomo, he
informs them, is the only son of the late Don Rafael Ibarra, and he has recently arrived from his studies in
Europe. Crisostomo is puzzled when Padre Damaso, whom he thought was a friend of his father, arrogantly
denies that he was ever a friend of Don Rafael Ibarra.

Chapter 3
The Dinner
At dinner over Tinola , the conversation of the guests centers on Crisostomo’s travels to several countries.
Padre Damaso belittles Ibarra’s trips, saying that what he has learned from them can be learned even without
leaving the country. Embarrassed, Ibarra excuses himself from the guests and leaves, even after Capitan Tiago
informs him that Maria Clara is coming to dinner.

Chapter 4
Heretic and Filibuster
While walking towards Plaza Binondo, Crisostomo is approached by Lieutenant Guevara, to whom Ibarra
expresses lament that he himself does not know how his father died. The Lieutenant narrates the event to him,
saying that Don Rafael Ibarra was imprisoned for killing a Spanish tax collector, for not going to confession, and
for subscribing to the newspaper El Correo Ultramar. He also mentions that Don Rafael was branded as a
heretic, a filibuster, and a subversive. Because of these accusations, he dies while in prison.

Chapter 5
A Star in a Dark Night
Ibarra goes to the Fonde de Lala hotel. He is troubled by the visions of his father being unjustly imprisoned and
dying without seeing him. He imagines the anguish and grief suffered by his father while he is studying and
traveling in Europe. In the house of Capitan Tiago, meanwhile, Maria Clara arrives, and is admired by all guests,
especially Padre Damaso.

Chapter 6
Capitan Tiago
Capitan Tiago is one of the richest landowners in Binondo, Pampanga and Laguna. Aside from owning large
tracts of lands, he also provides zacate, monopolizes the opium business, and holds a contract for feeding the
prisoners in the Bilibid prison. Since he has had no child with his wife, Doña Pia, Padre Damaso advises the
Doña to attend the mass at Obando. She eventually conceives a child, whom they name Maria Clara, in honor of
the Virgin of Salambao and Sta. Clara. Capitan Tiago and the late Don Rafael later agree to arrange the marriage
of their children.

Chapter 7
An Idyl on an Azotea
Crisostomo Ibarra visits Maria Clara at Calle Anloague. They speak privately at the azotea, about the years that
they have not seen each other. Ibarra strives to prove his love for Maria Clara by showing her the old leaves
that had been given by the girl seven years earlier, while they had gone swimming with his mother. Maria
Clara, in return, reads an old letter written by Ibarra before leaving for abroad.

Chapter 8
Recollections
Ibarra’s carriage passes through the busiest district of Manila, and what he sees disturbs him. He observes that
the country’s condition remains unchanged from when he left it seven years ago. He finds no progress achieved
and reforms implemented by the government. He sees that the roads have not been paved and that the Puente
de Barcas has been destroyed by neglect. Afterwards, seeing the Arroceros Cigar factory, the Botanical Garden,
and the Bagumbayan bring back fond memories.

Chapter 9
Local Affairs
This chapter features the three conversations between Padre Damaso and Capitan Tiago, between Padre Sibyla
and an unmanned priest, and between the the Governor-General and his men. Angry at not being informed of
the arranged marriage between Crisostomo and Maria Clara, Padre Damaso now wants to stop the marriage
planned for the lovers. Capitan Tiago obeys the priest, and extinguishes the candles that were lit for Ibarra’s
journey to San Diego. Padre Sibyla and an unnamed priest discuss the dangerous implication to the country of
Crisostomo Ibarra’s foreign education. The Governor-General reveals to his men that he is unhappy with the
situation in the Philippines but that he is helpless in changing the conditions of the country.

Chapter 10
The Town
San Diego, a town along the Laguna Lake, produces sugar, rice, coffee, and fruit, which are sold to Chinese
merchants. Aside from its meadows and paddy fields, the town has a forest with old trees and tropical
vegetation that had been purchased by a Spaniard who was the great grandfather of Juan Crisostomo Ibarra.

Chapter 11
The Rulers
Two persons virtually rule the town of San Diego: Padre Bernardo Salvi and the Alferez of the Guardia Civil,
Padre Salvi is described as a thin, sickly, and silent friar and,unlike Padre Damaso, he is more inclined to impose
fines on his subordinates. The Alferez has a wife named Doña Consolacion. Because of his bad marriage to the
doña, he is frequently drunk and compels his soldiers to drill under the hot sun.

Chapter 12
All Saints
Two gravediggers converse in the San Diego cemetery. One of them mentions that he was ordered by a fat
curate to dig up the body of a person buried in the cemetery, and to rebury it in the Chinese cemetery. But
since it was raining, he just dumped the body into the river. Tasio the sage arrives at the cemetery,
unsuccessfully searching for the skull of his dead wife.

Chapter 13
Signs of Storm
Crisostomo Ibarra and a servant arrive at the San Diego cemetery to look for the grave of his father, Don Rafael
Ibarra. After failing to locate the grave, his servant asks the gravedigger for help. The gravedigger replies that
he had dug up the body of the don and planned to bury it in the Chinese cemetery, as instructed by Padre
Damaso. Since it was raining, however, he says, he threw the body into the river. Angered upon hearing the
account, Crisostomo leaves. At the cemetery gate, he meets Padre Salvi and attacks the Curate, whom he
mistakes for Father Damaso.

Chapter 14
Tasio: Lunatic or Sage
After leaving the cemetery, Tasio the sage wanders about the street aimlessly. He sees two boys aged ten and
seven, and tells them that their mother has prepared a meal for them to be taken when they get home. Don
Filipo invites Tasio to his house, and a discussion on the existence of purgatory follows. Tasio thinks that the
place called purgatory does not exist since neither the bible nor Jesus Christ mentions it.

Chapter 15
The Sacristans
Crispin and Basilio are sacristans of the church at San Diego. The two are worried since the Sacristan Mayor
and the Curate has accused Crispin of stealing two gold pieces and he was to remain in the church until the
money is returned. Crispin also complains about the frequent beating and whipping that he receives. After
ringing the church bells, the Sacristan Mayor beats Crispin to make him confess his crime.

Chapter 16
Sisa
Sisa waits for her two sons, Crispin and Basilio. Knowing that they are hungry, she prepares a meal consisting
of duck leg, wild boar’s meat, tomatoes and five pieces of fish. Her husband arrives, and eats all the food,
leaving only three pieces of fish. She patiently waits for Crispin and Basilio and is surprised when, during the
night, only Basilio arrives.

Chapter 17
Basilio
Basilio arrives home, wounded from a gunshot fired at him by the Guardia Civil. Basilio tells his mother that
Crispin has stayed behind in the convent because the curate accused him of stealing two gold pieces. In his
dream, Basilio sees Crispin being beaten up and killed by the Curate and the Sacristan Mayor.

Chapter 18
Souls in Torment
In the convent, some women converse about purgatory and the number of plenary indulgences that they have
acquired. Sisa arrives, bringing with her vegetables to appease the Curate into forgiving her son Crispin. A
sacristan tells her that Crispin is not in the church, and that the Guardia Civil are now searching for her two
sons, after the Curate reported them to the authorities for stealing.

Chapter 19
A Schoolmaster’s Difficulties
Ibarra converses with a schoolmaster who was helped by his father. The schoolmaster narrates the obstacles
that he encountered in teaching the children. He informs Ibarra that the town lacks facilities such as a school
building and necessary equipment. His work is also hindered by the stubbornness of the former town Curate,
Padre Damaso.

Chapter 20
The Meeting in the Town Hall
The town officials meet in the town hall to discuss the fiesta celebration. The council approves the proposal of
Don Filipo, but the Gobernadorcillo tells them that the curate’s alternate proposal must be followed instead.
Although the council objects to the Curate’s proposal, they are powerless to stop implementation of the plan.
Don Filipo and Tasio the sage go home dejected.
 Chapter 21
The Story of a Mother
Sisa arrives at her house and finds the Guardia Civil looking for her sons. After vainly searching for Crispin and
Basilio, the Guardia Civil decide to arrest Sisa in order to compel her sons to surrender and return the money
they have stolen. Due to the anguish and public humiliation Sisa suffers, she becomes insane.

Chapter 22
Lights and Shadows
Maria Clara converses with Ibarra near a window overlooking the lake. Ibarra invites Maria Clara, her friends,
and Padre Salvi to a picnic in the woods. Maria Clara is delighted, and Padre Salvi accepts the invitation to
prove that he has no ill feelings towards Ibarra.

Chapter 23
Fishing
Ibarra and Maria Clara, together with their friends go fishing at the lake. To entertain them, Andeng plays the
harp, while Maria Clara sings a sad love song. In one of the fish cages, the men discover that the fishing nets
have entangled a crocodile. Elias, followed by Ibarra, jumps into the lake, successfully killing the crocodile.

Chapter 24
In the Wood
Padre Salvi passes near a stream, while going to the picnic organized by Ibarra. He hears some voices, hides
behind a tree, and spies on Maria Clara and her friends while they bathe. After the Alferez leaves the picnic, the
guardia civil arrives at the picnic, looking for Elias, the boatman who had throw an alferez into the mudhole and
assaulting Padre Damaso.

Chapter 25
In the House of the Sage
Ibarra consults Tasio the sage about the school building that he plans to build. The sage advises Ibarra not to
pursue his project, else he incur the ire of the friars and other government officials, who would do everything in
their power to ruin him.

Chapter 26
The Eve of the Fiesta
It is the eve of the fiesta, and people are busy preparing food, while Ñor Juan supervises the workmen laying
the cornerstone and building the foundation of the proposed school building. Some individuals volunteer to
contribute toward the construction of the school, some promise to pay the teacher, while others offer their
services for free. Ibarra remains optimistic that his endeavor will succeed, while Tasio advises him to be
cautious.

Chapter 27
In the Twilight
Maria Clara and Ibarra, together with their friends, go for a walk. They meet a leper. In an act of compassion,
Maria Clara gives her locket to the sick man.

Chapter 28
Correspondence
This chapter features the three letters between a correspondent and his friend, between Capitan Martin and
Luis Chiquito, and between Ibarra and Maria Clara. The correspondent vividly describes to his friend the fiesta
and the many events that have taken place in San Diego. Capitan Martin narrates to Luis Chiquito the good
fortune of Capitan Tiago in winning a game of cards. Maria Clara reveals that she is worried that Ibarra is sick,
and sends Andeng to make some tea for her sweetheart.
 Chapter 29
The Morning
A procession is held during the last day of the fiesta, where the people parade the images of San Diego de Alcala,
St. Francis, and the Virgin. The people in the procession are greeted by the sound of firecrackers, songs, and
religious prayers.

Chapter 30
In the Church
The noisy and disorderly parishioners try to push one another while dipping their hands in the holy water. The
people are waiting for the sermon of Padre Damaso, when they notice that the Alcalde’s uniform looks similar
to the costume worn by one of the actors in a play.

Chapter 31
The Sermon
In his sermon, Padre Damaso reprimands some natives who, after receiving education in Manila and in Europe,
are now contented in not kissing the hands of a friar and not offering him the honor due his rank. Padre
Damaso declares that these individuals would get what they deserve and that God would punish them for their
wicked acts. At the end of the sermon, Elias approaches Ibarra, and warns him that his life is in danger.

Chapter 32
The Derrick
Ibarra, the Alcalde, and other individuals, go to the site of the proposed school to lay the cornerstone of the
building. The Alcalde throws some mortar on the stone, followed by the curate and Alferez. When it is Ibarra’s
turn, the derrick suddenly falls apart, dropping the heavy block of stone. Fortunately Ibarra is unhurt, the only
casualty being the yellowish man who operates the machine.

Chapter 33
Free Thought
Elias visits Ibarra at his house and informs him that many enemies are out to ruin him, as confirmed by the
incident with the derrick. Because of Ibarra’s education and beliefs, Elias says, many people would want him
dead. Elias affirms that he is only paying his debt, since Ibarra saved him from being killed by the crocodile.

Chapter 34
The Dinner
At dinner, Padre Damaso belittles Ibarra for building a school. Ibarra remains silent, but when Padre Damaso
insults his father’s honor, Ibarra lunges at the curate with a knife in hand, threatening to kill him. Fortunately
Maria Clara intervenes.

Chapter 35
Comments
The town discusses the incident between Padre Damaso and Ibarra. The town captain criticizes Ibarra for his
lack of self-control, while others opine that Ibarra will be branded as a filibuster and will be excommunicated
by the Church. Don Filipo and Capitana Maria, however, both agree that Ibarra did the right thing in protecting
his father’s honor and memory.

Chapter 36
The First Cloud
Arriving from the convent, Capitan Tiago tells Maria Clara and Tia Isabel that he has agreed to break his
daughter’s wedding engagement to Ibarra. Capitan Tiago adds that Maria Clara must forget Ibarra, since she
would now marry a relative of Padre Damaso.
 Chapter 37
His Excellency
The Governor-General converses with Ibarra about the dinner incident. He assures Ibarra that he will be
protected by the government from the evil intentions of the friars and religious corporations. The Governor-
General promises that he would talk to the archbishop regarding Ibarra’s excommunication, while advising
Capitan Tiago not to break his daughter’s engagement to Ibarra.

Chapter 38
The Procession
Another procession is held, where the town displays the images of St. John, St. Francis, San Diego, and the
Virgin. Tasio sees the ragged and poor clothing of the saints and sarcastically remarks that the saints would be
ashamed if they would see the lifestyle of their fellow servants of God.

Chapter 39
Doña Consolacion
Doña Consolacion, the Alferez’s wife, calls Sisa to sing, but proceeds to maltreat her by whipping her when she
refuses to dance. The Alferez arrives, stops the whipping and calls his servant to feed and clothe the insane
woman,who is to be treated by a doctor hired by Ibarra.

Chapter 40
Right and Might
Maria Clara, her friends, Don Filipo, and Padre Salvi are watching a play when Ibarra arrives to joins them.
Padre Salvi orders Don Filipo to prohibit Ibarra from watching the play, since he has been excommunicated,
and his presence would corrupt the people. Padre Salvi walks out when Don Filipo refuses to prevent Ibarra
from watching the play.

Chapter 41
Two Visits
Elias informs him that Maria Clara is sick with fever. A man named Lucas then arrives, asking for money for his
brother who was killed in the derrick. Ibarra tells him to come back that afternoon since he is meeting with a
sick person.

Chapter 42
The Espadañas
Don Tiburcio de Espadaña and his wife Victorina, together with Linares, a distant relative of Padre Damaso,
arrive at the house of Capitan Tiago to treat Maria Clara. Doña Victorina speaks highly of Linares, telling
Capitan Tiago that he has come to the Philippines to seek work and to find a wife. The fake doctor Espadaña
prescribes some medicines for Maria Clara, as they wait for Padre Damaso to arrive.

Chapter 43
Plans
Linares introduces himself to Padre Damaso as the godson of his brother-in-law. Linares says that he
graduated with a law degree from a university and that he has come to the Philippines to find work and to look
for a wife. Upon hearing this, Padre Damaso calls Capitan Tiago. Lucas, meanwhile, approaches Padre Salvi to
ask for help, being the brother of the yellowish man killed when the derrick collapsed.

Chapter 44
An Examination of Conscience
Padre Salvi mentions that Padre Damaso will be transferred to a town in Tayabas. Since Maria Clara is still sick,
the Curate suggests that Maria Clara makes her confession. Tia Isabel agrees with the Curate, and prepares
Maria Clara for her confession. After hearing Maria Clara’s confession, Padre Salvi exits the room looking
gloomy, with his forehead covered with perspiration.
 Chapter 45
The Hunted
Elias goes to Tanauan, Batangas, to converse with Capitan Pablo, the leader of some bandits. Elias asks Capitan
Pablo to stop committing violent acts against the government, since they can get the help of Ibarra in obtaining
justice and implementing some reforms for the country.

Chapter 46
The Cockpit
At the cockpit arena, Lucas approaches Bruno and Tarsilo, recruiting them to attack the town barracks. Lucas
declares that aside from joining the attack organized by Ibarra against the barracks, they can exact their
revenge on the members of the guardia civil who killed their father.

Chapter 47
The Two Señoras
Doña Victorina and Don Tiburcio pass by the house of the Alferez, as Doña Consolacion mocks and ridicules
Doña Espadaña and her crippled husband. The two women start exchanging insults and almost get into a fight
that is averted by the arrival of the Alferez and Padre Salvi. To defend her honor, Doña Victorina asks Linares
to challenge the Alferez to a duel.

Chapter 48
The Enigma
Ibarra wishes to inform Maria Clara that his excommunication is lifted, but upon arriving at her house, he sees
Maria Clara with Linares. He is invited to come into the house, but he visits instead the site of the school
building, asking the supervisor, Ñor Juan about its progress.

Chapter 49
The Voice of the Hunted
Elias meets Ibarra at the lakeside. He narrates the conversation he has had with Capitan Pablo. Elias says that,
Ibarra, because of his education and position in society, can ask the Spanish government to implement radical
reforms such as fewer privileges for religious corporations, security for a citizen and more respect for a man’s
dignity. Ibarra objects, saying that such institutions as the priesthood, religious corporations, and the Guardia
Civil, are necessary evils that must be tolerated by the society.

Chapter 50
Elias' Story
Elias narrates his story and the misfortunes of his ancestors. His great grandfather, he recounts, woks as a
bookkeeper for a Spaniard, when he is accused of arson, and is flogged and paraded in the streets of Manila.
Shamed and disgraced, his wife becomes a prostitute, while one of the sons becomes a notorious bandit. The
other son travels from town to town until he is hired as a laborer, and marries a rich woman. Elias and his
sister are born of this marriage, and both are educated in Manila. But when their family’s past surfaces, they
lose everything. Elias’s sister commits suicide, while he roams the provinces as a hunted and lonely man.

Chapter 51
Exchanges
Padre Salvi informs Linares, Maria Clara, and Capitan Tiago that Ibarra’s excommunication has been lifted, and
the last obstacle to be hurdled is for Ibarra to ask for forgiveness from Padre Damaso. Ibarra asks Sinang if
Maria Clara is angry with him and insists that he wants to speak to Maria Clara.

Chapter 52
The Cards of the Dead and the Shadows
Three men are in the cemetery waiting for Lucas. They discuss their impending attack on the barracks and the
church, which they believe is organized by Ibarra. Lucas arrives and instructs them to attack the church and
the barracks, shouting Viva Don Crisostomo. Elias, after following Lucas, learns about the attack that will
implicate Ibarra.

Chapter 53
Il Buon Dí Si Conosce Da Mattina
Don Filipo visits Tasio the sage, who’s ill. He tells Tasio that he has resigned from his position because he is fed
up with the Gobernadorcillo’s ineptitude. Tasio praises the don’s action, saying that resistance must be used
not only against the Gobernadorcillo but against all persons who abuse their authority.

Chapter 54
Revelations
Padre Salvi warns the Alferez about an impending attack on the town. He informs the Alferez to ready his men
and to send four soldiers to guard the church. Elias alerts Ibarra on the imminent attack on the town that will
be blamed on him. He helps Ibarra dispose of some letters that could implicate him. In one of these letters,
Elias discovers that Ibarra’s great grandfather was the Spaniard who had accused his great grandfather of
arson.

Chapter 55
The Catastrophe
Ibarra enters Capitan Tiago’s house, as soon as he hears shots fired near the convent. Ibarra returns to his
house, and is arrested by the Guardia Civil. Seeing what has happened, Elias enters Ibarra’s house, and
intentionally sets a fire to destroy any evidence that could implicate Ibarrra in the failed attack.

Chapter 56
Rumors and Beliefs
Rumors circulate in the terrified town, after the eventful night. Some people assume that Don Filipo and
Crisostomo Ibarra have been arrested by the Guardia Civil, while others think that some bandits were caught in
the night.

Chapter 57
Vae Victis!
The Guardia Civil imprison the individuals implicated in the failed attack. They torture Tarsilo to obtain a
confession from him and to make him disclose the mastermind of the failed attack. But Tarsilo remains silent
up to his death.

Chapter 58
The Accursed
The crying relatives of those arrested wait outside the barracks of the Guardia Civil. Ibarra, together with the
other prisoners, are led out of their cells to be transported to the provincial capital. Along the way, Ibarra is
cursed, stoned, and ridiculed by the people, blaming him for their misfortunes and hardships.

Chapter 59
Patriotism and Private Interests
The people of Manila discuss the failed rebellion falsely blamed on Ibarra. The friars praise Padre Salvi for
alerting the authorities about the rebellion, while others criticize the Jesuits, who declare that Ibarra had been
educated at the Ateneo.

Chapter 60
Maria Clara Weds
Capitan Tiago invites guests and visitors to celebrate the impending marriage of Maria Calara and Linares.
Maria Clara goes to the azotea, where she sees Crisostomo leaping out from a boat. She asks Crisostomo for
forgiveness since she is about to be married to someone else, but declares that she would never forget her vow
of faithfulness to him.
 Chapter 61
The Chase on the Lake
Two boatloads of Guardia Civil pursue Elias and Ibarra on the lake. Elias jumps into the river to mislead the
pursuers, thus saving Ibarra.

Chapter 62
Padre Damaso Explains
Maria is distraught when she learns that Ibarra has been killed, while trying to escape. Out of desperation,
Maria Clara asks Padre Damaso to break her marriage engagement and to permit her to enter the nunnery.
After vainly arguing with Maria Clara, Padre Damaso gives his permission.

Chapter 63
Christmas Eve
Basilio returns to San Diego to look for his insane mother. Upon seeing her in the town, he runs after her until
they enter the forest owned by the Ibarras. Sisa dies, after eventually recognizing her son. When Basilio
regains consciousness, Elias orders him to cremate his him and his mother.

Chapter 64
Epilogue
Padre Damaso is reassigned as parish priest to a distant province but is found dead the day after. Maria Clara
enters the Sta. Clara nunnery, where Padre Salvi regularly preaches and holds an important office. Capitan
Tiago stops going to church, and is now addicted to opium and gambling. The Alferez who has been promoted
as a 2nd lieutenant, goes back to Spain, leaving his wife, Doña Consolacion, behind. Doña Victorina still tries to
live the life of a Spanish woman, while her cousin Linares dies of dysentery. Two Spanish guards see an insane
nun standing at the top of the Sta. Clara convent during a raging storm. When the authorities try to investigate
the nun’s case, the abbess prohibits the inquiry, invoking the name of Religion and the Holy Statutes.

Two Spanish guards saw an insane nun standing at the top of the Sta. Clara convent during a raging storm.
When the authorities tried to investigate, the abbess prohibited the inquiry invoking the name of Religion and
the Holy Statutes.

Source:
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