The words “Touch me not” were first uttered by the resurrected Christ himself to Mary Magdalene. The country during Rizal’s time was weak and helpless. People were misguided. Direct and indirect oppressions were everywhere especially those done by friars (depicted by the characters Padre Damaso, Padre Salvi, Padre Camorra, and Padre Sibyla). His novel illustrates, through his characters, Spaniards’ abuse, oppression, greed, and manipulation done to the Filipinos.
Friars became the main oppressors in the novel. Government officials were under these friars and all these represent the ‘superstructures’ of community , in which they continue to spread their power, their abusive manipulations by using the weaknesses of Filipinos to fulfill their own interests. The friars have the greatest power in the community capable of collecting taxes, putting a particular person to death, dictating how towns and communities should be run, and becoming a political leader themselves through the help of course by the Governor Generals and Civil Guards.
Though the main reason why Rizal wrote the novel was to expose oppressions, he, however, did not approve bloody revolution as a primary suggestion for eliminating these oppressions. He addresses revolution as only an alternative if reform is not possible for a shout for independence. Famous Charles Dickens also addresses reform as initial move. This belief was represented through Ibarra himself during his talk with Elias.
Rizal’s ideology about revolution would later spark an uprising led by Andres Bonifacio. Though Rizal never approved the idea of a revolt as a primary action to independence, it was shown in Ibarra’s character that he might do the same if the need arises. Rizal still believed through Ibarra that the Spaniards would reconsider their actions and treat Filipinos fairly, and if Spain wouldn’t do so, he called for revolt as an outright solution.
Noli me Tangere was just a beginning of Rizal’s exposition and call for reform in the Spanish rule. El Filibusterismo, his next, would show how an untimely revolution could be dangerous. Noli’s Ibarra was still somewhat confused of how he’ll be able to tolerate the tyranny shown by the Spaniards especially the friars. He changed a lot in Fili. The change is typical to those who were oppressed by capitalists and authorities who have no other thought but to gain more power and dominion all over the land it colonised.
By: Wennie A. Galamon
Friars became the main oppressors in the novel. Government officials were under these friars and all these represent the ‘superstructures’ of community , in which they continue to spread their power, their abusive manipulations by using the weaknesses of Filipinos to fulfill their own interests. The friars have the greatest power in the community capable of collecting taxes, putting a particular person to death, dictating how towns and communities should be run, and becoming a political leader themselves through the help of course by the Governor Generals and Civil Guards.
Though the main reason why Rizal wrote the novel was to expose oppressions, he, however, did not approve bloody revolution as a primary suggestion for eliminating these oppressions. He addresses revolution as only an alternative if reform is not possible for a shout for independence. Famous Charles Dickens also addresses reform as initial move. This belief was represented through Ibarra himself during his talk with Elias.
Rizal’s ideology about revolution would later spark an uprising led by Andres Bonifacio. Though Rizal never approved the idea of a revolt as a primary action to independence, it was shown in Ibarra’s character that he might do the same if the need arises. Rizal still believed through Ibarra that the Spaniards would reconsider their actions and treat Filipinos fairly, and if Spain wouldn’t do so, he called for revolt as an outright solution.
Noli me Tangere was just a beginning of Rizal’s exposition and call for reform in the Spanish rule. El Filibusterismo, his next, would show how an untimely revolution could be dangerous. Noli’s Ibarra was still somewhat confused of how he’ll be able to tolerate the tyranny shown by the Spaniards especially the friars. He changed a lot in Fili. The change is typical to those who were oppressed by capitalists and authorities who have no other thought but to gain more power and dominion all over the land it colonised.
By: Wennie A. Galamon