Lawrence Jason Gagtan

Module 1: Reading and Revolution

MOTIVATION:
1. What do you know about the publication of Noli Me Tangere and how it affected the
Philippines?
The publication of "Noli Me Tangere" by Jose Rizal in 1887 had a profound impact on the
Philippines. The novel exposed the social ills and injustices of Spanish colonial rule, sparking a
sense of national identity and awakening a spirit of resistance among the Filipino people. It
played a significant role in the movement for Philippine independence and inspired the
revolution against Spanish colonial rule. The novel's themes of patriotism, social justice, and the
fight against oppression continue to resonate in the Philippines to this day.
2. Do you think that novels in the Philippines are as important as they used to be when the Noli
was published in 1887? Are people still inspired by novels?
Yes, novels in the Philippines continue to be important and influential. While the impact of a
specific novel like "Noli Me Tangere" by Jose Rizal in 1887 was significant in shaping the
country's history and inspiring change, contemporary Filipino novels also play a crucial role in
reflecting and shaping society. People are still inspired by novels, as they provide insights into
human experiences, provoke critical thinking, and offer perspectives on social, political, and
cultural issues. Novels continue to be a powerful medium for storytelling and connecting
people to the world around them.
3. What is it about reading long texts, such as short stories or novels that makes it different
from reading tweets and Facebook status posts? What is the importance of literature for the
Facebook generation?
Reading long texts like short stories or novels allows for deeper immersion, character
development, and complex themes, unlike tweets or Facebook posts. Literature offers a chance
to slow down, think critically, and empathize with diverse perspectives, which is crucial for the
Facebook generation's understanding of the world.
PRE-READING:
Family Tree
Map your family tree. Try to find out who your relatives are as far back as your great-great-
grandfather, if possible. Draw your family tree, and beside the names of your relatives, make a
sketch of the historical events that happened in their lifetime. Is it possible to trace your
ancestors from the times of Rizal before 1898? Post your family tree on the walls of your
classroom, and stroll around in order to see everyone else's family tree.
Essay
Lawrence Jason Gagtan

In a short one-page essay, imagine what the life of your ancestor would have been like during
the Philippine Revolution. Judging from your family tree, create an educated guess. Do you
think he/she would have been a Spaniard, a Chinese, or a Filipino? Would he/she have been
from the upper class or the lower class? Imagine what his/her life would have been like during
that time. Read your essay aloud in class.
BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE:
When people write about Noli Me Tangere in the history books, they always mention how
Andres Bonifacio was inspired to revolution, and that it was the ideological fire that forged the
Katipunan. However, it was not just Andres Bonifacio who was inspired by the novel, but
countless other Filipinos who felt, for the very first time, that Jose Rizal was articulating what
they felt about the Philippines. According to the poet and writer J. Neil Garcia (2011), before
Rizal wrote Noli Me Tangere, there was no real concept of the Philippine nation; that the novel
was a "myth-making project," a "means of imagining the special communal fantasy that was the
nation." When Rizal wrote the Noli, the concept and dream of the Philippine nation was born.
When you think about it, it is interesting that the seeds of Philippine nationhood came from a
novel. Although some people may say that literature is not important, during those times,
literature was important enough for people to imagine a nation and be willing to fight for it.
In the excerpt of Gina Apostol's novel, The Revolution According to Raymundo Mata, the
"revolutionary act of reading" is explored through the eyes of a young man, a high school
student from the Ateneo. Reading it makes you imagine what it would have been like to be
alive during those heady days of revolution. In this excerpt, he reads the book Noli Me Tangere
by Jose Rizal, which was given to him by his friend, Father Gaspar, a Filipino priest.

The Revolution According to Raymundo Mata

[Excerpt] by Gina Apostol
It was a bolt, a thunder bolt. A rain of bricks, a lightning zap. A pummeling of mountains, a
heaving, violent storm at sea-a whiplash. A typhoon, an earthquake. The end of the world. And I
was in ruins. It struck me dumb. It changed my life and the world was new when I was done.
And when I raised myself from bed two days later, I thought: it's only a novel. If I ever met him,
what would my life be? I lay back in bed. But what a novel! And I cursed him, the writer-what
was his name for doing what I hadn't done, for putting my world into words before I even had
the sense to know what the world was. That was his triumph-he'd laid out a trail, and all we had
to do was follow in his wake. Even then, I already felt the bitter envy, the acid retch of the
latecomer artist, the one who will always be under the influence, by mere chronology always
slightly suspect, a borrower never lender be. After him, all Filipinos are tardy ingrates. What is
the definition of art? Art is reproach to those who receive it. That was his curse upon all of us. I
Lawrence Jason Gagtan

was weak, as if drugged. I realized: I hadn't eaten in two days. Then I got out of bed and boiled
barako for me.
Later it was all the rage in the coffee shops, in the bazaars of Binondo. People did not even hide
it crowds of men, and not just students, not just boys, some women even, with their violent
fans-gesticulating in public, throwing up their hands, putting up fists in debate. Put your
knuckles where your mouth is. We were loud, obstreperous, heedless. We were literary critics.
We were cantankerous: rude and raving. And no matter on which side you were, with the
crown or with the infidels, Spain or spolarium, all of us, each one, seemed revitalized by spleen,
hatched from the wombs of long, venomous silence. And yes, suddenly a world opened up to
me, after the novel, to which before I had been blind.
Still, I rushed into other debates, for instance with Benigno and Agapito, who had now moved
into my rooms. Remembering Father Gaspar's cryptic injunction- "throw it away to someone
else," so that in this manner the book traveled rapidly in those dark days of its first printing,
now so nostalgically glorious, though then I had no clue that these were historic acts, the act of
reading, or that the book would become such a collector's item, or otherwise I would have
wrapped it in parchment and sealed it for the highest bidder, what the hell, I only knew holding
the book could very likely constitute a glorious crime-in short, I lent it to Benigno.
GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. Why did the Noli Me Tangere have such a big impression on the narrator? Could you relate to
the narrator's experience of reading? Why or why not?
The Noli Me Tangere is a novel exploring the injustices and abuses suffered by the Filipino
people under Spanish colonial rule. Though only a story, this novel had a profound impact on
the narrator because it widened his perspective on the Spaniards and the issues of his society
to the point, he hadn’t eaten for 2 days. He was envious because he wished he had thought of
such a thing before anyone else. As for me I can’t really relate to the narrator as of yet. I
haven’t encountered any media life changing or eye opening.
2. Have you ever felt the same about a book that you had read? What book was it? Why did it
leave such a huge impression on you?
Well, I have read a book that affected me but not as grand as the narrator’s response. It’s a
manga called Vinland Saga and it explores a boy named Thorfinn in a Viking era who watches
his father get murdered. He then grows up to be vicious, unforgiving and wrathful and swears
to avenge his father. However, the murderer of his father was killed but not by Thorfinn which
changes him. He spent his whole life chasing after his father’s killer but now that he died,
Thorfinn has no purpose anymore. This story explores the themes of forgiveness and
humbleness and shows that you don’t need a weapon to be a warrior which left a huge
impression on me.
Lawrence Jason Gagtan

3. What does the line, "Art is a reproach to those who receive it" mean? Should art be a
reproach? Should we relate art to society? Explain your views.

The line "Art is a reproach to those who receive it" suggests that art challenges and criticizes
those who experience it. It means that art is a reflection of society, forcing people to confront
uncomfortable truths or question their beliefs. Art can be a reproach, as it has the power to
provoke thought, inspire change, and reflect the complexities of human experience. Art is linked
to society because it also reflects the values, struggles, and aspirations of a culture.

4. When you read about how so many people were affected by the novel Noli Me Tangere,
what was your reaction? Do you think a book can ever elicit such a strong response in the
Philippines?
The novel was a spark for many debates and uprising for many Filipinos who were abused. I’m
not surprised to see such a reaction among many repressed Filipinos as it was inspired them to
take back their individualism and rights and have a sense of nationalism for once. The book was
a product of its time and it served its purpose well.
5. When the narrator says that the act of reading was a historic act, what did he mean? Do you
think this is true even today?
The narrator suggests that the act of reading the novel was a historic act because it sparked
debates, influenced people's behavior, and brought about a new awareness of the world. Even
today, reading continues to shape our understanding of the world, influence our perspectives,
and inspire discussions and actions.
6. During those times, do you think you would have been moved to fight against the
government after reading the novel?
I’d say I would have been moved. If I was exploited and used for labor in my own country, I’d be
enraged and would do something about it.
7. They say that the act of reading gives people more empathy and makes them more critical
and reflective. Do you think this is true?
Yes, it's true. Reading exposes people to different perspectives, critical thinking and reflection
and experiences, which can help them understand others and themselves better.
8. Given this excerpt, what do you think is the importance of literature to society? Is this still
applicable today?
Literature is important to develop skills and inspire change, just like how the people back in the
colonial times were inspired to change due to Noli Me Tangere
9. Why is the Noli Me Tangere, a book that was banned in the past, now a required reading in
Philippine schools? Why did the Catholic Church go against making the Noli a requirement?
Lawrence Jason Gagtan

Because it is considered a significant piece of literature that played a crucial role in shaping the
country's history and national identity. Apparently, The Catholic Church initially opposed making
the Noli Me Tangere a requirement due to its portrayal of the church and the clergy in the
novel. Rizal's work criticized the abuses and corruption within the church during that time, which
led to tensions between the church and the author. However, over time, the novel has been
recognized for its historical and cultural importance, and its inclusion in the curriculum is seen as
a way to educate students about their country's past and encourage critical thinking about
social issues.

10. Do you think there should ever be a time when certain books should be banned? Why or
why not?
I don’t think any book that can be used for academics or entertainment should be banned.
Other than Satanic books, I believe mostly every book holds a certain amount of truth to its
weight and its information can be useful however controversial they may seem.
AFTER READING:
Small Group Activity
With a small group, create a poster showing the relationship between reading, and revolution
in the past, and the importance of reading and society in the present day. On a piece of paper,
write the title of your poster and your insights about the importance of reading and nurturing a
nation of readers. Display the poster around your classroom, and look at the posters made by
the rest of the class.
EVALUATION:
Write a short essay entitled Readers and Society Today. Try to answer the following questions
in your essay:

 Is reading still an important activity today? Why or why not?

 Is the experience of reading literature more important than googling information on the
Internet? Why or why not?

Readers and Society

In today's society, reading remains an important activity. It helps people develop critical
thinking, empathy, and creativity. By reading, individuals can gain knowledge, broaden their
perspectives, and escape from the stresses of everyday life.
The experience of reading literature is valuable because it allows readers to immerse
themselves in different worlds, empathize with diverse characters, and ponder complex ideas.
While the internet provides quick access to information, the depth of understanding and
Lawrence Jason Gagtan

emotional connection that literature offers cannot be easily replicated. Reading literature
encourages deep reflection and contemplation, which are essential for personal growth and
understanding of the human experience.
In conclusion, reading continues to be a vital activity in today's society, and the experience of
reading literature holds a unique value that cannot be replaced by simply googling information
on the internet.
ENRICHMENT:
Playing with the Form (Metafiction)
Imagine that you are Benigno in the story, and that you are a very religious Catholic who
believes that the Philippines should be under Spain. Write his imagined reaction to reading Noli
Me Tangere, and show whether or not there would be a shift in his perspective. Try writing it as
a diary entry and make it seem as if it was written in ancient times, either through the use of art
or any other methods you can think of. Afterward, paste this "diary entry" on a piece of paper,
and pretend that you are the historian who found it. Write the observations and conclusions of
the "historian." Pass the "false artifact" to your teacher.

Dear Diary,
Today, Raymundo Mata lent me a book called "Noli Me Tangere" by Jose Rizal. I have heard of
this novel before, and I know that it criticizes the Spanish rule in the Philippines. I am a devout
Catholic, and I firmly believe that the Philippines should remain under Spanish control. I have
always been taught that Spain is our benevolent mother country, and that their presence brings
order and civilization to our land.
As I read through the pages of this novel, I cannot deny the power of Rizal's words. The
injustices and abuses suffered by our people under Spanish rule are vividly depicted, and it
pains me to see the suffering of our fellow Filipinos. I cannot help but feel a sense of unease
and doubt creeping into my heart. Could it be that there are truths in this novel that I have
been blind to all this time?
The characters in the story are so real, their struggles so palpable. I find myself questioning my
beliefs and the teachings I have held dear for so long. Could it be that there is more to our
situation than what I have been led to believe? I am torn between my loyalty to Spain and the
undeniable truths that Rizal presents in his novel.
I must pray and seek guidance from the church. I cannot let the words of this novel sway me
from my faith and my convictions. But I cannot deny that a seed of doubt has been planted in
my mind, and I fear that it may grow into something I cannot ignore.
Yours faithfully,
Lawrence Jason Gagtan

Benigno

Summary of Noli Me Tangere

"Noli Me Tangere" is a novel written by Filipino national hero Jose Rizal. It tells the story of a
young man named Crisostomo Ibarra who returns to the Philippines after studying in Europe.
The novel explores the injustices and abuses suffered by the Filipino people under Spanish
colonial rule, and it criticizes the corruption and hypocrisy of the ruling class. The title "Noli Me
Tangere" is Latin for "Touch Me Not," and it alludes to a biblical passage. The novel played a
significant role in the Philippine struggle for independence from Spain.