NOLI ME TANGERE

(Touch Me Not)
Novel by Jose Rizal

1-64 Chapter Summary

Submitted by:
Marichris C. Doctor
BSED 2 English

Submitted to:
Gloria Dela Cruz
Instructor
 CHARACTERS
1. Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra y Magsalin (Ibarra)
Ibarra, a wealthy young mestizo who has recently returned to the Philippines after studying in
Europe for seven years, is sophisticated, highly esteemed, and idealistic. Because of his liberal
education and connections, the priests of San Diego are all wary of him.

2. María Clara
A woman of high social standing, she is thought to be the daughter of Capitan Tiago and
goddaughter of Father Dámaso. She is actually the biological daughter of Father Dámaso, the
product of a scandalous relationship between the old priest and Capitan Tiago's wife.

3. Father Dámaso
Father Dámaso is an elderly, power-hungry, and shamelessly corrupt Spanish priest who has spent
nearly two decades among the native Filipinos. He is deeply racist, as well as petty and vindictive,
and he has no qualms about using his considerable power to ruin the lives of those who have
wronged him, no matter how minor the offense.
4. Elías
Elas, a mysterious character, is a man on the run from the law who, despite his strong religious
convictions, resents both the Spanish colonial government and the Catholic Church.

5. Father Salví
A younger, more cunning Spanish priest who assumes control over Father Damaso's post as friar
curate of San Diego. He is in many regards more dangerous that his precursor as he is a more gifted
strategist who uses his religious role for political influence as well as personal vendettas.

6. Captain Tiago (Don Santiago de los Santos)

Capitan Tiago is a rarity in that he is a wealthy Filipino who is native-born. He keeps close ties with
high-ranking members of the Catholic Church, despite actually having no respect for religion, and
shamelessly joins in others' racist insults against his own people. His primary concern is to marry off
his daughter, María Clara, to an affluent man from an influential family.

7. The Ensign
The nameless head of the Civil Guard of the township of San Diego. A man of Spanish descent, he is
in a constant bitter feud with Father Salví to gain power in the town.

8. Doña Consolación
The pugnacious wife of The Ensign, Doña Consolación is an older Filipina woman who is ashamed
of her heritage and pretends to be unable to speak Tagalog, her own native language.

9. Don Rafael Ibarra

Crisóstomo Ibarra's father is posthumously mentioned in the novel. A critic of the corrupt practices
of the Spanish friars, he earns the ire of the vitriolic Father Dámaso, who accuses him of sedition and
heresy.

10. Crispín
A young boy studying to be a church caretaker, Crispin and his brother Basilio work ceaselessly to
send support money to their beleaguered mother, Sisa.

11. Basilio
Basilio is Crispin's older brother. Like his younger brother, he works as a sexton.

12. Doctor Tiburcio de Espadaña

A fraud and a hustler, the Spaniard who calls himself Doctor Tiburcio de Espadaña was actually a
customs officer who was dismissed from his post shortly after arriving in the Philippines.

13. La Doctora Victorina de los Reyes de Espadaña

A brazen and determined Filipina social climber, Doña Victorina is the spouse of the counterfeit
doctor, Tiburcio de Espadaña.

14. Lt. Guevara

A morally upright man of Spanish descent who holds both Crisóstomo Ibarra and the late Don
Rafael in high esteem, he is also the lieutenant of the Civil Guard.

15. Linares
Dr. de Espadaña's nephew, a respectable young Spanish man. Like his uncle, he has forged
credentials and hopes to climb through the social ranks.

16. The Schoolmaster

A teacher that Don Rafael housed, thus allowing him to suitably attend to the task of instructing
students; he informs Crisóstomo Ibarra of the sorry state of education of San Diego since the passing
of his father.

17. Don Filipo (Filipo Lino)

Don Filipo Lino is a representative of the younger, less religiously shackled generation of movers
and shakers in San Diego, and he also serves as the vice mayor of the town.

18. The Mayor

Nothing more than a marionette of the Catholic priesthood, the unnamed mayor of San Diego is very
conservative and bows down to the religious officials of the town.

19. The Yellow Man

An assassin tasked to kill the younger Ibarra, his plot to murder the young man is thwarted by the
cunning Elias. He is given this moniker for his permanently sallow, jaundiced complexion.

20. Sisa
The long-suffering mother of sextons-in training Crispin and Basilio, she goes mad upon the loss of
her sons. Impoverished and married to a violent drunkard, she is allied only with her sons. She
wanders the town, clothes tattered and hair disheveled, calling out for her sons. When she actually
does meet Basilio, she cannot recognize him.

21. Father Sibyla

A priest serving in the Binondo district in the city of Manila, Father Sibyla serves as a foil to the
otherwise largely corrupt Father Dámaso and the perverse Father Salví as he is rational and calm.

22 Aunt Isabel
A cousin of Capitan Tiago who raised Maria Clara as her own child after her mother's untimely
death.

22. Old Tasio (Don Anastasio)

An old man who previously studied philosophy and is believed to be crazy by most of the
community. He respects Ibarra and gives him valuable advice, and also helped Ibarra's father before
him.

SETTING

The setting is 19th century in the Philippines during the latter years of the country as Spain's only
colony in Asia.

THEME
Themes of Colonialism, Religion, and Power

Noli Me Tangere, José Rizal's political novel, examines how Spain's colonization of the Philippines
allowed the Catholic church to dominate and rule the region. Colonialism created tensions that,
roughly a decade after Rizal's novel was published, led to the Philippine Revolution, a revolt against
Spain's oppressive religious and governmental bodies. Rizal demonstrates the shocking extent to
which the Catholic friars have commandeered the country's politics and culture, manipulating the
lives of Filipino citizens in an attempt to assert authority and influence through Ibarra, the book's
protagonist who returns to the Philippines after spending seven years in Europe. Thus, Rizal depicts
the Catholic priests' corruption and unchecked power, which stems not from actual religious zeal, but
rather from a love of supremacy enabled and encouraged by colonization.

The abuse of power by the Spanish friars is evident early in Noli Me Tangere. When Ibarra returns
from seven years in Europe, he discovers that his father, Don Rafael, who openly criticized the
church and refused to go to confession, had a falling out with the friars in San Diego. The friars
slandered his name and did everything they could to undermine his influence because of his views
on the church and his commitment to helping poor children attend secular schools. He died in prison
after the church labeled him a "heretic and subversive." To make matters worse, Ibarra learns that
the insufferable Father Dámaso ordered Don Rafael's body exhumed from the Catholic cemetery.
Chapter 1: A Social Gathering
Capitan Tiago, or Santiago de los Santos, hosts a dinner in his home on Calle Anloague. Guests con-

verse with one another while waiting for their meals to be served. Readers are introduced to some of the

novel's characters during these conversations, including Padre Damaso, Padre Sibyla, Lieutenant Gue-

vara, Laruja, Doa Victorina de Espadaa, and Don Tiburcio de Espadaa.

Chapter 2: Crisostomo Ibarra

Capitan Tiago enters the sala and greets the guests with Juan Crisostomo Ibarra y Magsalin. He informs

them that Crisostomo is the only son of the late Don Rafael Ibarra, and that he has just returned from

studying in Europe. Crisostomo is perplexed when Padre Damaso, whom he mistakenly believes is a

friend of his father, arrogantly denies ever knowing Don Rafael Ibarra.

Chapter 3: The Dinner

The guests' conversation over Tinola centers on Crisostomo's travels to various countries. Padre Damaso

belittles Ibarra's trips, claiming that what he has learned can be learned without leaving the country.

Ibarra, embarrassed, excuses himself from the guests and departs, even after Capitan Tiago informs him

that Maria Clara is coming to dinner.

Chapter 4:

While walking towards Plaza Binondo, Crisostomo is approached by Lieutenant Guevara, to whom

Ibarra laments that he has no idea how his father died. The Lieutenant recounts the events to him, stating

that Don Rafael Ibarra was imprisoned for murdering a Spanish tax collector, refusing to go to

confession, and subscribing to the newspaper El Correo Ultramar. He also mentions Don Rafael being

labeled a heretic, a filibuster, and a subversive. He dies in prison as a result of these allegations.

Chapter 5: A Star in a Dark Night

Ibarra makes his way to the Fonde de Lala hotel. His visions of his father being wrongfully imprisoned

and dying without seeing him trouble him. He imagines his father's anguish and grief while he is

studying and traveling in Europe. Meanwhile, Maria Clara arrives at Capitan Tiago's house, where she is

admired by all guests, particularly Padre Damaso.

Chapter 6: Capitan Tiago

Capitan Tiago owns some of the most valuable real estate in Binondo, Pampanga, and Laguna. Aside

from owning large tracts of land, he also sells zacate, controls the opium trade, and has a contract to feed

the inmates at the Bilibid prison. Padre Damaso advises the Doa to attend Obando mass because he has

no child with his wife, Doa Pia. She conceives a child, whom they name Maria Clara after the Virgin of

Salambao and Sta. Clara. Later, Capitan Tiago and the late Don Rafael agree to arrange their children's

marriage.

Chapter 7: An Idyl on an Azotea

Crisostomo Ibarra stops by Calle Anloague to see Maria Clara. They talk privately at the azotea about

how they haven't seen each other in years. Ibarra tries to demonstrate his feelings for Maria Clara by

showing her the old leaves given to him by the girl seven years ago while they were swimming with his

mother. Maria Clara, on the other hand, reads an old letter written by Ibarra before departing for the

United States.

Chapter 8: Recollections

Ibarra's carriage travels through Manila's busiest district, and what he witnesses disturbs him. He notices

that the country's state has not changed since he left it seven years ago. He discovers that the

government has made no progress or implemented any reforms. He notices that the roads have not been

paved and that the Puente de Barcas has been neglected. Seeing the Arroceros Cigar factory, the

Botanical Garden, and the Bagumbayan afterwards brought back fond memories.

Chapter 9: Local Affairs

This chapter includes three conversations: Padre Damaso's with Capitan Tiago, Padre Sibyla's with an

unmanned priest, and the Governor-with General's his men. Padre Damaso, enraged at not being

informed of Crisostomo and Maria Clara's arranged marriage, now wishes to halt the lovers' marriage.

Capitan Tiago follows the priest's orders and extinguishes the candles lit for Ibarra's journey to San

Diego. Padre Sibyla and an unnamed priest discuss the potentially dangerous consequences of

Crisostomo Ibarra's foreign education for the country. The Governor-General admits to his men that he

is dissatisfied with the situation in the Philippines, but that he is powerless to change the situation.

Chapter 10: The Town

Sugar, rice, coffee, and fruit are produced in San Diego, a town along Laguna Lake, and sold to Chinese

merchants. In addition to its meadows and paddy fields, the town has a forest with old trees and tropical

vegetation that was purchased by a Spaniard who was Juan Crisostomo Ibarra's great grandfather.

Chapter 11: The Rulers

Padre Bernardo Salvi and the Alferez of the Guardia Civil virtually rule the town of San Diego. Padre

Salvi is described as a thin, sickly, and silent friar who, unlike Padre Damaso, is more likely to impose

fines on his subordinates. Doa Consolacion is the Alferez's wife. He is frequently drunk as a result of his

bad marriage with the doa and forces his soldiers to drill in the hot sun.

Chapter 12: All Saints

In a cemetery in San Diego, two gravediggers talk. One of them mentions being ordered by a fat curate

to dig up the body of a person buried in the cemetery and rebury it in the Chinese cemetery. However,

because it was raining, he simply dumped the body into the river. Tasio the sage arrives at the cemetery,

looking for his late wife's skull.

Chapter 13: Sign of Storms

Crisostomo Ibarra and a servant visit the San Diego cemetery in search of his father, Don Rafael

Ibarra's, grave. When his servant is unable to locate the grave, he approaches the gravedigger for

assistance. The gravedigger responds that he dug up the don's body and intended to bury it in the

Chinese cemetery, as instructed by Padre Damaso. However, he claims that because it was raining, he

threw the body into the river. Crisostomo storms out after hearing the story. He meets Padre Salvi at the

cemetery gate and assaults the Curate, whom he misidentifies as Father Damaso.

Chapter 14: Tasio: Lunatic or Sage

Tasio the sage wanders aimlessly through the street after leaving the cemetery. He notices two boys,

ages ten and seven, and informs them that their mother has prepared a meal for them to eat when they

return home. Don Filipo invites Tasio to his home, where they have a debate about the existence of

purgatory. Tasio believes that purgatory does not exist because it is not mentioned in the Bible or by

Jesus Christ.

Chapter 15: The Sacristans

Crispin and Basilio work as sacristans in the San Diego church. The two are concerned because Crispin

has been accused of stealing two gold pieces by the Sacristan Mayor and the Curate and has been

ordered to remain in the church until the money is returned. Crispin also complains about his beatings

and whippings. After the phone rang. As the church bells ring, Crispin is beaten by the Sacristan Mayor

to force him to confess his crime.

Chapter 16: Sisa

Sisa is waiting for her two sons, Crispin and Basilio. Knowing they are hungry, she prepares a meal of

duck leg, wild boar's meat, tomatoes, and five pieces of fish. Her husband arrives and consumes all of

the food, leaving only three pieces of fish. She patiently awaits Crispin and Basilio, but is surprised

when only Basilio arrives during the night.

Chapter 17: Basilio

Basilio returns home, having been shot by the Guardia Civil. Crispin has stayed behind in the convent,

according to Basilio, because the curate accused him of stealing two gold pieces. In his fantasy. Basilio

witnesses the Curate and the Sacristan Mayor beating and killing Crispin.

Chapter 18: Souls in Torment

Some women in the convent talk about purgatory and the number of plenary indulgences they have. Sisa

arrives, bringing vegetables with her to persuade the Curate to forgive her son Crispin. Crispin is not in

the church, according to a sacristan, and the Guardia Civil are looking for her two sons after the Curate

reported them for stealing.

Chapter 19: A Schoolmaster's Difficulties

Ibarra talks to a schoolteacher who was assisted by his father. The schoolmaster recounts the difficulties

he faced while teaching the children. He informs Ibarra that the town is in need of facilities such as a

school building and necessary equipment. Padre Damaso, the former town Curate, is also a stumbling

block to his work.

Chapter 20: The Meeting in the Town Hall

The town officials gather in the town hall to plan the fiesta. Don Filipo's proposal is approved by the

council, but the Gobernadorcillo informs them that the curate's alternate proposal must be followed

instead. Although the council objects to the Curate's proposal, they lack the authority to prevent the plan

from being implemented. Don Filipo and Tasio the Sage are disappointed and return home.

Chapter 21: The Story of a Mother

Sisa returns home to find the Guardia Civil searching for her sons. After searching in vain for Crispin

and Basilio, the Guardia Civil decide to arrest Sisa in order to force her sons to surrender and return the

money they stole. Sisa goes insane as a result of the anguish and public humiliation she endures.

Chapter 22: Lights and Shadows

Maria Clara and Ibarra talk near a window with a view of the lake. Ibarra arranges a picnic in the woods

for Maria Clara, her friends, and Padre Salvi. Padre Salvi accepts the invitation to demonstrate that he

has no ill will toward Ibarra.

Chapter 23: Fishing

Ibarra and Maria Clara go lake fishing with their friends. Andeng plays the harp for them while Maria

Clara sings a sad love song. The men find a crocodile entangled in one of the fish cages. Elias jumps

into the lake, followed by Ibarra, killing the crocodile.

Chapter 24: In the Wood

Padre Salvi walks past a stream on his way to Ibarra's picnic. He hears voices, hides behind a tree, and

observes Maria Clara and her friends bathing. The guardia civil arrives at the picnic after the Alferez has

left, looking for Elias, the boatman who has thrown an alferez into the mudhole and assaulted Padre

Damaso.

Chapter 25: In the House of the Sage

Tasio the Sage advises Ibarra on the school building he intends to construct. The sage advises Ibarra not

to pursue his project because it will enrage the friars and other government officials, who will do

everything in their power to bring him down.

Chapter 26: The Even of the Fiesta

On the eve of the fiesta, people are busy preparing food, while or Juan supervises the workers laying the

cornerstone and constructing the foundation of the proposed school building. Some people volunteer to

help pay for the school's construction, while others promise to pay the teacher and offer their services for

free. Tasio advises Ibarra to be cautious, while Ibarra remains optimistic.

Chapter 27: In the Twilight

Maria Clara and Ibarra go on a walk with their friends. They encounter a leper. Maria Clara, out of

compassion, gives her locket to the sick man.

Chapter 28: Correspondence

This chapter contains three letters: one from a correspondent to a friend, another from Capitan Martin to

Luis Chiquito, and another from Ibarra to Maria Clara. The correspondent vividly describes the fiesta

and the many events that took place in San Diego to his friend. Capitan Martin tells Luis Chiquito about

Capitan Tiago's luck in a card game. Maria Clara expresses concern for Ibarra's health and orders

Andeng to make some tea for her sweetheart.

Chapter 29: The Morning

On the final day of the fiesta, people parade images of San Diego de Alcala, St. Francis, and the Virgin.

The sound of firecrackers, songs, and religious prayers greet the procession's participants.

Chapter 30: In the Church

While dipping their hands in the holy water, the rowdy parishioners try to push each other. People are

waiting for Padre Damaso's sermon when they notice that the Alcalde's uniform resembles that of an

actor in a play.

Chapter 31: The Sermon

Padre Damaso chastises some natives in his sermon who, after receiving education in Manila and

Europe, are now content with not kissing the hands of a friar and not showing him the respect due to his

rank. Padre Damaso declares that these people will receive their just deserts and that God will punish
them for their evil deeds. Elias approaches Ibarra at the end of the sermon to warn him that his life is in

danger.

Chapter 32: The Derrick

Ibarra, the Alcalde, and others travel to the proposed school site to lay the cornerstone. The Alcalde,

followed by the Curate and Alferez, pours mortar on the stone. When it's Ibarra's turn, the derrick

collapses, dumping the heavy stone. Ibarra is unharmed, with the only casualty being the yellowish man

operating the machine.

Chapter 33: Free Thought

Elias pays Ibarra a visit at his home and informs him that many enemies are plotting his demise, as

evidenced by the incident with the derrick. Many people, according to Elias, would want Ibarra dead

because of his education and beliefs. Elias insists that he is only repaying Ibarra for saving him from the

crocodile.

Chapter 34: The Dinner

Padre Damaso mocks Ibarra for constructing a school at dinner. When Padre Damaso insults his father's

honor, Ibarra lunges at him with a knife, threatening to kill him. Maria Clara, thankfully, steps in.

Chapter 35: Comments

The town talks about the incident involving Padre Damaso and Ibarra. The town captain criticizes Ibarra

for his lack of self-control, while others believe he will be labeled a filibuster and excommunicated by

the Church. Don Filipo and Capitana Maria, on the other hand, both agree that Ibarra did the right thing

by defending his father's honor and memory.

Chapter 36: The First Cloud

Capitan Tiago returns from the convent and informs Maria Clara and Tia Isabel that he has agreed to

break his daughter's engagement to Ibarra. Capitan Tiago goes on to say that Maria Clara must forget

Ibarra because she is now marrying a relative of Padre Damaso.

Chapter 37: His Excellency

The Governor-General talks about the dinner incident with Ibarra. He assures Ibarra that the government

will protect him from the friars' and religious corporations' evil intentions. The Governor-General

promises to discuss Ibarra's excommunication with the archbishop, while also advising Capitan Tiago

not to break his daughter's engagement to Ibarra.

Chapter 38: The Procession

Another procession takes place, during which the town displays images of St. John, St. Francis, San

Diego, and the Virgin. Tasio notices the saints' ragged and ill-fitting clothing and quips sarcastically that

the saints would be ashamed if they saw the lifestyle of their fellow servants of God.

Chapter 39: Doña Consolacion

Doa Consolacion, the Alferez's wife, summons Sisa to sing, but then whips her when she refuses to

dance. When Alferez arrives, he stops the whipping and orders his servant to feed and clothe the insane

woman, who will be treated by an Ibarra-hired doctor.

Chapter 40: Right and Might

Ibarra arrives to join Maria Clara, her friends, Don Filipo, and Padre Salvi as they watch a play. Padre

Salvi orders Don Filipo to keep Ibarra away from the play because he has been excommunicated and his

presence would corrupt the people. When Don Filipo refuses to prevent Ibarra from watching the game,

Padre Salvi walks out.

Chapter 41: Two Visits

Elias tells him that Maria Clara has a fever. Then a man named Lucas appears, requesting money for his

brother, who was killed in the derrick. Ibarra tells him to return that afternoon because he has an

appointment with a sick person.

Chapter 42: The Espadañas

Don Tiburcio de Espadaa and his wife Victorina arrive at Capitan Tiago's house to treat Maria Clara,

along with Linares, a distant relative of Padre Damaso. Doa Victorina praises Linares, telling Capitan

Tiago that he came to the Philippines to look for work and a wife. While they wait for Padre Damaso,

the imposter doctor Espadaa prescribes some medications for Maria Clara.
Chapter 43: Plans

Linares introduces himself as the godson of his brother-in-law to Padre Damaso. Linares claims to have

a law degree and has come to the Philippines to look for work and a wife. Padre Damaso summons

Capitan Tiago after hearing this. Meanwhile, Lucas approaches Padre Salvi for assistance, claiming to

be the brother of the yellowish man who was killed when the derrick collapsed.

Chapter 44: An Examination of Conscience

Padre Damaso will be transferred to a town in Tayabas, according to Padre Salvi. Because Maria Clara

is still sick, the Curate suggests that she confess. Tia Isabel concurs with the Curate and gets Maria Clara

ready for her confession. Padre Salvi leaves the room, his face gloomy and perspiring, after hearing

Maria Clara's confession.

Chapter 45: The Hunted

Elias travels to Tanauan, Batangas, to meet with Capitan Pablo, the bandit leader. Elias requests that

Capitan Pablo refrain from committing violent acts against the government because they can enlist

Ibarra's assistance in obtaining justice and enacting reforms for the country.

Chapter 46: The Cockpit

Lucas approaches Bruno and Tarsilo at the cockpit arena, recruiting them to attack the town barracks.

Lucas declares that, in addition to joining Ibarra's attack on the barracks, they can exact vengeance on

the guardia civil members who killed their father.

Chapter 47: The Two Señoras

As Doña Consolacion mocks and ridicules Doña Espadaa and her crippled husband, Doña Victorina and

Don Tiburcio pass by the Alferez's house. The two women begin exchanging insults and are on the

verge of a fight when Alferez and Padre Salvi arrive. Doña Victorina asks Linares to challenge the

Alferez to a duel in order to defend her honor.

Chapter 48:The Enigma

Ibarra wishes to inform Maria Clara that his excommunication has been lifted, but when he arrives at her

home, he finds her with Linares. He is invited into the house, but instead goes to the school building site,

where he asks the supervisor, or Juan, about its progress.

Chapter 49: The Voice of the Hunted

Elias runs into Ibarra at the lake. He describes his conversation with Capitan Pablo. According to Elias,

Ibarra can ask the Spanish government to implement radical reforms such as fewer privileges for

religious corporations, security for citizens, and more respect for a man's dignity because of his

education and position in society. Ibarra objects, claiming that institutions such as the priesthood,

religious corporations, and the Guardia Civil are necessary evils that must be tolerated by society.

Chapter 50: Elias' Story

Elias tells his story as well as the misfortunes of his forefathers. His great grandfather, he recounts, is

working as a bookkeeper for a Spaniard when he is accused of arson and is flogged and paraded through

the streets of Manila. Shamed and disgraced, his wife becomes a prostitute, and one of his sons becomes

a notorious bandit. The other son travels from town to town until he is hired as a laborer and marries a

wealthy woman. Elias and his sister are the children of this marriage, and both are educated in Manila.

But when their family's past is revealed, they lose everything. Elias's sister commits suicide, leaving him

to roam 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 only thing left for Ibarra to do is ask Padre Damaso for forgiveness. Ibarra inquires of

Sinang whether Maria Clara is upset with him and insists on speaking with her.

Chapter 52: The Cards of the Dead and the Shadows

Three men are waiting for Lucas at the cemetery. They plan their attack on the barracks and the church,

which they believe is being planned by Ibarra. Lucas arrives and orders them to attack the church and

barracks while shouting "Viva Don Crisostomo!" After following Lucas, Elias learns about the attack

that will implicate Ibarra.

Chapter 53: II Buon Dí Si Conosce Da Mattina

Don Filipo pays a visit to Tasio the sage, who is ill, and informs him that he has resigned from his

position due to the Gobernadorcillo's incompetence. Tasio applauds the don's actions, stating that

resistance must be used not only against the Gobernadorcillo, but also against all those who abuse their

positions of authority.

Chapter 54: Revelations

Padre Salvi warns the Alferez of an impending attack. He tells Alferez to gather his troops and send four

soldiers to guard the church. Elias warns Ibarra about an impending attack on the town, which will be

blamed on him. He assists Ibarra in disposing of some letters that could lead to his indictment. In one of

these letters, Elias learns that Ibarra's great grandfather was the Spaniard accused of arson.

Chapter 55: The Catastrophe

When Ibarra hears shots fired near the convent, he rushes into Capitan Tiago's house. When Ibarra

returns home, he is apprehended by the Guardia Civil. When Elias discovers what has happened, he

enters Ibarra's home and sets fire to any evidence that could implicate Ibarrra in the failed attack.

Chapter 56: Rumors and Beliefs

Following the eventful night, rumors are circulating in the terrified town. Some believe Don Filipo and

Crisostomo Ibarra have been apprehended by the Guardia Civil, while others believe bandits were

apprehended during the night.

Chapter 57: Vae Victis!

The individuals involved in the failed attack have been imprisoned by the Guardia Civil. They torture

Tarsilo in order to obtain a confession and force him to reveal the mastermind of the failed attack.

Tarsilo, however, remains silent until his death.

Chapter 58: The Accursed

Crying relatives of those detained gather outside the Guardia Civil barracks. Ibarra and the other

prisoners are led from their cells and taken to the provincial capital. The people curse, stone, and ridicule

Ibarra along the way, blaming him for their misfortunes and hardships.
Chapter 59: Patriotism and Private Interests

People in Manila talk about the failed rebellion that was falsely blamed on Ibarra. The friars applaud

Padre Salvi for alerting the authorities to the rebellion, while others criticize the Jesuits for claiming that

Ibarra attended the Ateneo.

Chapter 60: Maria Clara Weds

Capitan Tiago invites guests and visitors to celebrate Maria Calara and Linares' upcoming marriage.

Maria Clara visits the azotea and sees Crisostomo leap from a boat. She begs Crisostomo's forgiveness

because she is about to marry someone else, but she vows to him that she will never forget her vow of

faithfulness.

Chapter 61: The Chase on the Lake

On the lake, two Guardia Civil boats are pursuing Elias and Ibarra. Elias jumps into the river to deceive

the pursuers and save Ibarra.

Chapter 62: Padre Damaso Explains

Maria is devastated when she learns that Ibarra was killed while attempting to flee. Maria Clara begs

Padre Damaso to break her marriage engagement and allow her to enter the nunnery out of desperation.

Padre Damaso grants permission after futilely arguing with Maria Clara.

Chapter 63: Christmas Eve

Basilio goes back to San Diego in search of his insane mother. When he sees her in town, he follows her

until they reach the Ibarras' forest. Sisa dies after finally realizing who her son is. When Basilio regains

consciousness, Elias orders that his father and mother be cremated.

Chapter 64: Epilogue

Padre Damaso is transferred to a distant province as parish priest, but he is found dead the next day.

Maria Clara enters the Sta. Clara nunnery, where Padre Salvi regularly preaches and holds an important

office. Capitan Tiago abandons his faith and becomes addicted to opium and gambling. The promoted

Alferez returns to Spain, leaving behind his wife, Doa Consolacion. While her cousin Linares dies of
dysentery, Doa Victorina continues to attempt to live the life of a Spanish woman. Two Spanish guards

notice an insane nun standing on the Sta. During a raging storm, Clara convent. When the authorities

attempt to investigate the nun's case, the abbess forbids it, citing Religion and the Holy Statutes.

Two Spanish guards noticed an insane nun standing on the Sta. During a raging storm, Clara convent.

When the authorities attempted to conduct an investigation, the abbess forbade it by citing the name of

Religion and the Holy Statutes.