Summary
Highlights
El Filibusterismo is introduced as the sequel to Noli Me Tángere, written in Spanish by Dr. Jose Rizal. It is less romantic and more focused on revolution and rebellion compared to its predecessor. The novel is dedicated to the GOMBURZA (Father Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora).
Rizal began writing El Filibusterismo in October 1887 in Calamba. He revised the plot and chapters in London and then moved to Brussels, Belgium, due to the high cost of living. The book was completed on March 29, 1891, in Biarritz, France, and was eventually published in Ghent, Belgium, on September 18, 1891.
The main characters are introduced: Simoun, who is actually Crisostomo Ibarra from Noli Me Tángere, disguised as a wealthy jeweler planning a rebellion. Basilio, an aspiring doctor and Simoun's ally. Isagani, a poet and Basilio's best friend. Cabesang Tales, a former barangay captain who becomes a revolutionary. Don Custodio, a famous journalist. Paulita Gomez, Isagani's girlfriend. Father Florentino, Isagani's godfather and a secular priest. Juli, Basilio's girlfriend. Ben Zayb, a journalist. Quiroga, a Chinese businessman. The Governor-General, the highest official in the Philippines. And Padre Salvi.
The story revolves around Simoun, Crisostomo Ibarra in disguise, who returns to the Philippines as an affluent jeweler. He gains influence with the Governor-General and secretly plans a revolution to seek revenge against the Spanish officials and rescue Maria Clara from the convent. He smuggles arms and recruits followers from the exploited natives, including Basilio and Cabesang Tales. Simoun actively encourages corruption and oppressive government policies to fuel the citizens' anger and desire for revolt.
Simoun's initial planned revolt fails when he learns of Maria Clara's death in the nunnery and decides not to give the signal. A second plan is devised for the wedding reception of Juanito Pelaez and Paulita Gomez. Simoun plants explosives, disguised as a kerosene lamp, intended to kill the friars and government officials present. The explosion is meant to signal the revolutionary troops to attack government buildings in Manila.
During the reception, Simoun gives the explosive lamp to the newlyweds and leaves a mysterious note signed by Crisostomo Ibarra. Isagani, Paulita's rejected lover, is outside. Basilio warns him about the lamp. When Father Salvi identifies Ibarra's handwriting, guests panic. As Father Irene tries to turn the flickering wick, Isagani rushes in, grabs the lamp to save Paulita, and throws it into the river, where it explodes, thus thwarting Simoun's second plan.
Simoun's revolutionary plot is discovered, and he is hunted by the Guardia Civil. He is seriously wounded but escapes with his jewelry chest, finding shelter in Padre Florentino's home. Learning of the impending arrest, Simoun takes poison to avoid capture. In his dying moments, he confesses his true identity and his plan for revenge to Padre Florentino, who absolves him of his sins. The story concludes with Padre Florentino throwing Simoun's treasures into the sea, hoping they will only be used for good when the right time comes.