SAMPLE REFLECTION PAPER

CHAPTER 39 (Last Chapter)

“The End”

A REFLECTION PAPER

In Partial Fulfilments of the requirements

In the Subject BSCPE – G302

Rizal’ life and works.

To be Submitted to:

Sir Gerald Paras

Submitted by:
 Umpad, Christian Rhey A.

Date of Submission: 27/11/23

ABSTRACT

In the final chapter of El Filibusterismo, the wounded and disillusioned Simoun seeks refuge in Padre

Florentino's beach house. He reveals his identity as Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, and confesses his plan for a

violent revolution against the Spanish colonial government. Padre Florentino gently rebukes Simoun's

path of violence, advocating for a more gradual approach through education and moral integrity. Simoun

succumbs to a self-inflicted poison, finding peace in Padre Florentino's words and the priest's offer of

redemption. The novel concludes with Padre Florentino's reflection on the nation's uncertain future,

symbolized by the vast and enduring sea.

CHAPTER 39: The End

In the solitary retreat by the seashore, Padre Florentino, with open windows, played his harmonium,

producing melancholic tunes that blended with the roar of the waves and the rustling of the nearby trees.

The long, mournful notes echoed the sadness in his heart. He paused his playing and gazed at the sea, its

vast expanse devoid of ships or sails, offering no inspiration. A distant islet, silhouetted against the

horizon, only amplified the loneliness. Infinity, at times, was despairingly silent. The old man pondered
the enigmatic smile that Simoun had given upon receiving the news of his imminent arrest. What did that

smile signify?

Simoun, wounded and exhausted, sought refuge in Padre Florentino's humble abode. The priest, upon

seeing the jeweler's condition, immediately offered him aid and comfort. As the sun began to set, casting

long shadows across the beach, Simoun, with a heavy heart, revealed his identity: he was Juan

Crisostomo Ibarra, the man presumed dead after the tragic events of Noli Me Tangere.

Simoun recounted his disillusionment with the oppressive Spanish colonial government, confessing his

plan to incite a violent revolution to overthrow their rule. He had adopted the persona of Simoun, the

wealthy jeweler, seeking to infiltrate the highest echelons of society and expose their corruption. Yet, his

efforts had been met with resistance and despair, leaving him disillusioned and jaded.

Padre Florentino listened intently; his heart filled with compassion for the tormented soul before him. He

gently rebuked Simoun's path of violence, arguing that true freedom cannot be achieved through

bloodshed and vengeance. Such actions would only perpetuate the cycle of oppression and suffering.

Instead, Padre Florentino advocated for a more gradual approach, emphasizing the importance of

education, hard work, and moral integrity in shaping a just and independent society. True freedom, he

asserted, lies not in overthrowing external powers but in cultivating the inner strength and virtue

necessary for self-governance.

Simoun's physical wounds paled in comparison to the deep emotional scars that marred his soul. The

years of disillusionment and bitterness had taken their toll, leaving him a man consumed by vengeance

and despair. Yet, in Padre Florentino's presence, he found a glimmer of hope, a chance for redemption.

As the poison he had ingested began to take its effect, Simoun's life ebbed away. In his final moments, he

found solace in Padre Florentino's comforting words and the priest's offer of forgiveness. The revolution

he had envisioned would not come to pass through violent means, but perhaps, in the seeds of education

and moral integrity sown by the likes of Padre Florentino, a true transformation would take root.

With Simoun's passing, Padre Florentino stood alone by the seashore, the vast expanse of the sea

mirroring the nation's uncertain future. The path to freedom was long and arduous, yet not without hope.

As the waves crashed against the shore, their relentless rhythm echoed Padre Florentino's unwavering

belief in the resilience of the Filipino spirit.

Characters Involved:

Simoun (Juan Crisostomo Ibarra)

Padre Florentino

Chapter Summary:

In the final chapter of El Filibusterismo, Simoun, wounded and exhausted, seeks refuge in the home of

Padre Florentino. He reveals his identity to the priest, admitting that his years of plotting and corruption
were driven by a deep desire for revenge and revolution. However, he ultimately fails in his plans and is

left to face the consequences of his actions.

Implied Topic Covered in this Chapter:

The chapter explores the themes of disillusionment, the futility of violence, and the transformative power

of forgiveness. Simoun's tragic end serves as a stark reminder of the destructive path that vengeance can

lead to.

Interpretation of Your Junior High School Teacher for this Chapter:

My junior high school teacher interpreted this chapter as a call for Filipinos to find more peaceful and

constructive ways to achieve social change. She emphasized the importance of understanding and

addressing the root causes of injustice rather than resorting to violence.

Personal Reflection:

This chapter left a profound impact on me. Simoun's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of letting

anger and bitterness consume you. It is a reminder that true change comes from within, from

understanding and compassion, not from hatred and violence.

Comparison with Noli Me Tangere:

Both Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo are scathing critiques of Spanish colonial rule in the

Philippines. However, they differ in their approach to social commentary. Noli Me Tangere focuses on

exposing the injustices of the system, while El Filibusterismo delves into the psychological and moral

consequences of oppression.

The Intended Messages of Both Novels:

Both novels aim to awaken the Filipino people to the realities of their situation and inspire them to fight

for freedom and independence. They also serve as a powerful indictment of the evils of colonialism and

the corrupting influence of power.

Differences between the Two Novels:

Noli Me Tangere is more optimistic in tone, while El Filibusterismo is characterized by a sense of

disillusionment and despair. This reflects the changing political and social landscape of the Philippines in

the years between the publication of the two novels.

How does El Filibusterismo impact our current society?

In essence, El Filibusterismo continues to shape and influence Philippine society in significant ways. Its

themes of social justice, political activism, and national identity remain relevant to contemporary issues,

making it a timeless and enduring literary masterpiece.

Is the novel too radical for the national hero? Why or why not?

The novel El Filibusterismo has been the subject of debate over its radical content and whether it

accurately reflects the views of Jose Rizal, the Philippines' national hero. Some critics argue that the

novel's portrayal of violence and revolution goes against Rizal's peaceful and reformist ideals. They point

to his writings, such as Noli Me Tangere and his letters, which advocate for education, non-violence, and

gradual social change. On the other hand, others argue that El Filibusterismo is a natural progression of

Rizal's thoughts, reflecting his growing disillusionment with the Spanish colonial government and his

belief that more radical measures might be necessary to achieve true freedom. They point to the novel's

exploration of themes like corruption, abuse of power, and social injustice, which are still relevant today.

Ultimately, whether El Filibusterismo is too radical for the national hero is open to interpretation. The

novel is a complex and multifaceted work that reflects Rizal's evolving thoughts and the difficult political

climate of his time. It is a valuable piece of Philippine literature that continues to spark debate and inspire

generations of Filipinos.

Do you believe that radicalism can bring change to the country? Why or why not?

Radicalism can bring about change in a country, but it's crucial to balance the potential benefits against

the potential risks. While radicalism can challenge the status quo and introduce innovative solutions, it

can also lead to disruption, violence, and instability.

The appropriateness of radicalism depends on the country's unique circumstances. In some cases, it may

be the only path to meaningful change, particularly when facing severe problems or a repressive

government. However, it may be more harmful than beneficial if the people are unwilling to embrace

radical change or if the risk of violence is too high.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue radicalism should be made after carefully considering the country's

specific circumstances, the severity of its problems, the people's willingness for change, and the potential

for violence.

Did Jose Rizal really change his thoughts about his purpose for change in the Philippine society?

Why or why not?

Jose Rizal's stance on how to change Philippine society evolved over time. In his youth, he was a staunch

advocate for peaceful reforms, believing that education and non-violent means were the best way to

achieve social progress.

However, as he witnessed the continued oppression and injustice under Spanish colonial rule, he became

increasingly disillusioned with this approach. He began to see the need for more radical measures,

including revolution, to overthrow the oppressive colonial government.

This shift in Rizal's thinking is evident in his later writings, such as El Filibusterismo, where he openly

criticizes the Spanish colonial government and explores themes of violence and revolution. While he
never fully abandoned his belief in peaceful reforms, he came to recognize that sometimes more drastic

action is necessary to bring about meaningful change.

Rizal's changing views on social change reflect the complex and evolving political landscape of his time.

As he grew older and more experienced, he realized that the challenges facing the Philippines required a

more nuanced approach than he initially believed. His willingness to adapt his thinking to the changing

circumstances demonstrates his pragmatism and his deep commitment to the betterment of his country.

References (in APA format):

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