Summary
Highlights
Dr. Jose P. Rizal's writings, especially 'Noli Me Tángere' and 'El filibusterismo', were crucial in uniting Filipinos against Spanish rule. El Filibusterismo, published in 1891, sees Crisostomo Ibarra return as Simoun, a cynical jeweler who believes in violence and sabotage to achieve revolution, a stark contrast to the idealism of its predecessor.
The story begins on a steamboat traveling up the Pasig River, symbolically divided into decks for the rich and Spanish (top) and natives and poorer Chinese (bottom). Key characters introduced include Simoun, Doña Victorina, Paulita Gomez, Ben Zayb, Padre Salvi, Padre Camorra, Padre Irene, Juanito Pelaez, Isagani, and Basilio (son of Sisa from Noli Me Tángere).
Simoun, bitter and cynical, believes only violence can overthrow the Spanish government. He smuggles firearms and plots revolution. Basilio, now a medical student, visits his mother Sisa's grave, where he encounters Simoun (Ibarra). Simoun tries to enlist Basilio, highlighting past injustices. Basilio is hesitant, focused on his love for Huli, who becomes a servant to pay her father's ransom. Basilio is also part of a student group advocating for a Spanish language school.
After their plan for a Spanish school is approved (though they can't manage teaching), students celebrate. Rebellious posters appear at the university, leading to arrests, including Basilio and the student leader. Basilio, having no one to vouch for him (Capitan Tiago dies), remains imprisoned. Huli attempts to secure his release, but her visit to Padre Camorra ends tragically, leading her to jump from a window.
Simoun eventually secures Basilio's release, and a now embittered Basilio joins Simoun's rebels. Paulita Gomez leaves Isagani for Juanito Pelaez. Simoun orchestrates the wedding by offering a loan to Paulita's father. His grand plan involves a nitroglycerin-filled lamp at the wedding, designed to explode and signal a general rebellion in Manila. Basilio, however, warns Isagani of the plot.
Isagani, upon hearing Basilio's warning, acts quickly when the lamp dims, tossing it into the river. This thwarts Simoun's plan, exposing him as a traitor. He is chased by the Guardia Civil. The premature rebel attacks are also crushed. Wounded, Simoun seeks refuge with Padre Florentino, where he ultimately takes poison to avoid capture.
On his deathbed, Simoun confesses his true identity and his motives to Padre Florentino, revealing his entire story, including his past as Ibarra and his vengeful plans. After his full confession, Simoun dies.