CHAPTER 7
(This is one of the more powerful chapters of Jose Rizal’s El
Filibusterismo. Take note of conversation between Basilio and
Simoun. You simply have got to read the book, folks.)
Basilio is about to leave his mother’s grave when he notices
someone approaching the balete tree. Remember, it is deep in the
night and Filipinos attribute supernatural things to balete trees
which are believed to house evil spirits and other creatures of
middle earth.
The newcomer turns out to be Simoun, the jeweler. He has a spade
and begins digging for the treasure buried thirteen years ago. Basilio
tries to figure out whether Simoun is Elias or Ibarra.
Basilio never did go for the treasure all these years because the
stranger (Elias) told him that he could get the treasure only if no one
else came looking for it. On the night Elias died, Crisostomo Ibarra
(refer to the Noli Me Tangere) went to the forest and helped Basilio
bury Sisa and cremate Elias.
Without waiting to be discovered, Basilio announces his presence
and acknowledges Simoun as the person who helped Basilio bury his
mother, Sisa more than a decade ago. Simoun points a revolver at
Basilio.
(Kids, never startle anyone working in the wee hours of the morning,
near a silent and foreboding balete tree.)
Fortunately for Basilio, Simoun does not pull the trigger even if he
realizes that Basilio’s newfound knowledge jeopardizes the plans of
Simoun. He figures that Basilio will not squeal on him because
Basilio is still a fugitive while Simoun, the rich jeweler, is still in favor
with the government and the frailocracy.
Besides, Simoun reasons that since they are both victims of injustice,
they should help one another.
Simoun reminisces and waxes poetic about that “great and noble
soul” who wished to die for him. He was most likely referring to
Elias. Simoun narrates how he worked hard to save money so that
he could come back to the Philippines to hasten the destruction of
the religio-political system by inciting greed and corruption, among
others.
But before Simoun succeeds in corrupting the government and thus
turn the Filipinos against the powers that be, he points out how
frustrated he is with Basilio’s call for Hispanization and parity rights.
I’m particularly pierced by Simoun’s:
What will you be in the future? A people without character, a nation
without liberty. You are asking to be Hispanized and you do not
blanch with shame when it is denied you!
(Hmmm… do we Filipinos lack a culture that is uniquely ours? Or are
we a confused blend of Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, American and
other cultures? Then again, I guess we still have truly Filipino
qualities. Take language, for example. Does anyone know what
“pitik” is in English? Or what other culture points to far away objects
by pursing their lips? Sheesh.)
Basilio has good intentions, though. He believes that knowing
Spanish can unite the people not only with the Government, but
with other peoples in other islands. Take note of Simoun’s reaction:
Spanish will never be the common language in the country; the
people will never speak it because for the ideas of its mind and the
sentiments of its heart there are no words in that idiom.
(Take note that Rizal’s Spanish-speaking Filipino characters–Doña
Victorina and Doña Consolacion–cannot speak Spanish well.)
Simoun allows Basilio to live hoping this message can be spread to
other students pushing for Hispanization. What follows is a
discussion between Science (or medicine) and Politics (or the
aspiration to be an independent nation). Recall that Basilio studied
to become a doctor and feels that he is powerless to do anything
about the political situation.
Simoun fails to convince Basilio to change his mind so he instead
tries to provoke Basilio by asking about Sisa and Crispin (the dead
younger brother). Basilio explains there is no way he can obtain
justice. Besides, even if Simoun were to provide support, revenge
cannot bring back Basilio’s mom and brother.
Before dawn, Simoun sends Basilio away but invites him to go to
Simoun’s house in Escolta in case Basilio changes his mind and
decides to seek help in avenging his mom’s and brother’s deaths.
The chapter closes with Simoun asking the spirits of Don Rafael (his
father) and Elias to have patience. Simoun explains that while his
means differ from that of Elias, the results will come faster. There is
some foreboding that Simoun will die in his attempt to help the
Philippines gain independence — note that line about him
personally bringing news of freedom to the spirits of his dad and
friend.
(Elias was also for independence of the nation, but he did not
support violent methods. Simoun is Machiavellian in the sense that
he believes that the end justifies the means. Remember that Simoun
uses his wealth to corrupt those in government and to tempt them
to harm the Filipinos. Simoun hopes that this will anger the Filipinos
enough to make them rise up in revolt against the Government. It is
a tactic Elias would never have approved of.)
Soon, it will be Christmas.
Symbolisms
1. The dark forest symbolizes the many secrets kept by Simoun from
the public.
2. Basilio symbolizes the Filipino youth, whom Rizal (through
Simoun) advises to be more nationalistic (i.e., love your own
language, fight for your country’s freedom)
Lessons Learned:
1. People who are so different will cling to their own beliefs. Simoun
wants a bloody revolution, while Basilio prefers to search for
knowledge because this will lead to the attainment of justice.
2. Knowledge is better than politics/nationalism. (Basilio)
3. The above point can be attained only in an environment where
there is neither oppressor nor oppressed. To achieve such an
environment, only has to change the present system even if it
requires a bloody revolution. (Simoun)
4. One’s painful past (Basilio’s) can be set aside by some people.
Others (Simoun), however, will never rest until they have their
revenge.
5. If you cannot stop a corrupt government, then support it and help
it spread its corrupt ways until the oppressed people rise up in
revolt. (Simoun’s strategy)
Points of Note:
Simoun is planning his vengeance for three people: (1) Don Rafael,
(2) Maria Clara, (3) Elias.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why didn't Basilio dig up the treasure by the balete tree
when he frequently paid visits there for 13 years?
Answer: Elias had told him to take the treasure and claim it as his
own if nobody else came. But somebody did come -- Ibarra.
Question: Why did Ibarra bury Sisa's body but burned Elias's?
Answer: It was Basilio's wish to bury his mother's body. And Elias
wanted his own cremated.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Question: Why doesn't Simoun just kill Basilio in order to protect his
secret and keep his true identity hidden?
Answer:
Basilio, like him, is a poor unfortunate soul victimized by the cruel
clutches of the government and the church.
Basilio wouldn't run to the authorities because he himself is a
hunted man.
Basilio ows Simoun -- when Ibarra had helped in treating Sisa's ill
condition and in digging her grave as well.
If things ever came to the worst, it would be Simoun's word against
Basilio's, and it is no doubt that the government would believe
Simoun.
Simoun needs lads like Basilio for his plans of rebellion. And among
all the young men in the town, it is Basilio who understands Simoun
the best.
preoccupied with the thought of becoming a maid. If you recall, Juli
is considered among the prettiest women in the barrio — her
delicate hands imply that she is not used to hard, manual labor.
CHAPTER 8
Please read the actual chapter, ok? You might enjoy the fact the
Rizal’s other observations about Christmas in the Philippines still ring
true today:
Selo’s woes don’t end there. His son, Cabesang Tales, is still missing.
With all these misfortunes, it’s no wonder that Selo discovers he can
no longer speak. Probably a mild stroke?
Women passing by the house notice that Selo is mute. Of course the
bad news quickly spreads through the chismis or gossip network.
What a Christmas, right? Rizal understands a key point of Philippine
entertainment: Suffering sells. (In the next chapter, you’ll meet a
bunch of Pilates; no, not of the calibean type.)
The miracle that Juli expected did not happen — there was no
money at the foot of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. All that
remained there were Juli’s prayers.
* Uncomfortable, jam-packed churches
* Children kissing a long train of relatives
* Instant kiddie performances (sing this, dance, declaim)
* Money meant for kids actually goes to the parents
As a result, Juli resigned herself to serving as Hermana Penchang’s
maid.
…and if you nod and recall a few unflattering moments in your
childhood Christmas past, remember that you’ll become a parent
someday. Hehehe. It’s payback time. (Just kidding)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: How do the friars contribute to the long period of slavery
suffered by the Philippines?
Answer: The friars teach the locals about the importance of
accepting their fate, learning to endure life's hardships, and
believing in the miracles of carved idols. Juli, for instance, put all her
energy in the hope that the Virgin Mary would perform one of her
miracles. When none came, she learned to endure her hopeless
fate.
Apparently, Juli’s mindset shows how the friars controlled the
Philippine population. The friars convinced the people that being a
good Catholic means:

religiously praying and putting complete and total faith on
saints (or their icons)

learning to just accept and bear whatever hardships fate
hands to them
Hmmm… there are many things that make me feel like a modernday Juli. Blame it on readings about Zen (all life is suffering), those
positive thinking gurus (everything that happens is really for the
best), and other non-Catholic sources. I wonder, should Juli have
done something else? Or do her actions pave the way for something
better in the future?
Afterall, if Judas did not betray Christ, would He have been
crucified?
1.
2.
What do you think?
Remember, this was Christmas Day. Old Man Selo (Tandang Selo)
didn’t have any gifts to give to anyone. His granddaughter was going
to become a maid and she didn’t even greet him “Merry Christmas”
(probably out of respect since she knew Selo had nothing, not even
a centavo).
It seems that during Rizal’s time, people greet and expect you to
hand them a Christmas gift. Today in the Philippines, there are still
people who cheerfully greet you “Merry Christmas, Ma’am” and
then pause, and then give you “the expectant look.”
Some Philippine government offices forbid their employees from
greeting anyone “Merry Christmas” lest it be misconstrued (or
rightly construed! hehehe…) as a request for money.
But getting back to the story, either Juli completely forgot to greet
her grandpa, or (more likely) she was just being tactful, or she was
3.
4.
Question: Why do the children fear Christmas instead of wishing for
it to come?
Answer:
They don't want to wake up early to hear mass. The cool breeze is
too good for waking up late.
They are made to wear uncomfortable clothes hardened by starch
and new shoes that are like torture to the feet.
The mass takes too long and the church is too crowded.
They are made to kiss all their relatives (usually going from house to
house to do such) and put up great singing and dancing
performances for them just to earn a few pesos as a gift.
Chapter 9
The town is abuzz with talk about the misfortunes of Selo and his
family, and already a number of people are claiming they are not to
blame.
(Just like Pontius Pilate washing his hands of the matter concerning
Christ’s crucifixion.)
Now take note of the following key points…
[To recap: Cabesang Tales' land was being unjustly taken away, so he
decided to patrol his property. Although he was armed, eventually
his weapons were confiscated. Since he was no longer armed, some
bandits kidnapped him. To raise money for ransom, Juli decided to
become the maid of Hermana Penchang in exchange for a loan.]
Anyway, on to the Pilates of the chapter…
The alferez or lieutenant of the guardia civil said he was merely
following orders when he confiscated the weapons of Cabesang
Tales. It was not his fault if Tales was subsequently kidnapped.
The person grabbing Tales’ land said that if Tales remained at home
(and not patrolled the land), he would not have been kidnapped.
And what about Hermana Penchang, Juli’s new master/mistress?
She does not feel responsible either for Juli’s circumstances. Instead,
she blames Old Man Selo because he does not know how to pray
(and neither did he teach Juli how to pray properly).
Hence, Hermana Penchang took it upon herself to teach Juli; she
also asked Juli to read the book Tandang Basiong Macunat, a late
1800s Tagalog narrative about how Indios should trust only in the
friars and shun learning (because it leads to sin).
It’s funny to read how Hermana Penchang appears scandalized when
Juli does not pause at the “proper” words in the Hail Mary, or when
Juli stresses the wrong syllable in some Latin prayers (i.e., Juli says
menTIbus instead of MENtibus).
In case you’re curious, you’ll find the oremus gratiam… mentibus
(”Let us pray: Pour forth we beseech you…”) prayers at the link
below:
requently Asked Questions:
Question: Why is the chapter entitled "Pilates"?
Answer: Pontius Pilate condemned Christ to the cross even though
he knew Jesus was not guilty of the charges against him. Pilate
merely followed the wishes of the people paid by friends of the thief
Barabas. Afterwards, he washed his hands and claimed that he had
nothing to do with the entire thing. In this chapter, the alferez
knows that the real reason why he had ordered Tales's weapons and
firearms confiscated was only to calm the fears of those working in
the land. But it is because of this move that the cabeza was
abducted, it is why Juli is now working as a servant girl, and it is why
Selo has gone mute. And the alferez claims he is not at fault.
Chapter 10
Simoun visits the house of Cabesang Tales (located between the
towns of San Diego and Tiani). Tales is impoverished, but Simoun
brings food and other necessities, along with cases of jewelry.
(Simoun did this because he wanted to get to know Tales better.)
So, what did Simoun do next..?
Simoun shows off his revolver or pistol to Tales. Soon, the jewelry
buyers arrive: Capitan Basilio (father of Sinang), Capitana Tika (mom
of Sinang), Sinang (and her husband and child), and Hermana
Penchang (who wants to buy a diamond ring for the Blessed Virgin
at Antipolo). It’s some kind of status symbol for them ~ they can say
that they bought jewelry from the adviser of the Capitan Heneral.
Ah, the travails of “branded” fashion…
Simoun opens the two pieces of luggage filled with jewelries of
different types, shapes and histories.
Tales looks at the riches and feels that Simoun is using those to
make Tales feel more miserable about his situation. To think all this
was happening on the eve of Tales’ eviction. All it would take was
but one tiny diamond to ransom Juli from her employer and to
sustain Tales’ old father, Selo, till the end of his days. Tales feels
insulted, to say the least.
(Folks, please read the description of the jewelry. Note also the
“speech” Simoun made in not-so-good Tagalog. He must’ve looked
really weird with his blue-tinted glasses and fiery speech about how
a handful of his jewels can “drown in tears all the inhabitants of the
Philippines!” Geez. Weirdo.)
Some of the jewelry mentioned:
* Necklace of Cleopatra
* Rings found in the ruins of Carthage
* Some treasures brought back by Hannibal after the Battle of
Cannae
* Ring of Sulla
* Earrings found in the villa of Annius Mucius Papilinus in Pompeii
* Sapphire from Ceylon, emeralds from Peru, ruby, turquoises from
Persia, diamonds (black, rosy, green)
* Ring of the Princess of Lamballe
* Pendants to a lady-in-waiting of Marie Antoinette
* Oriental mother-of-pearl
* Others from the Golconda mines
None of the buyers were interested in the old, historical jewels, so
Simoun brought out the modern ones. No appreciation for antiquity,
it seems. How can you blame the buyers? There weren’t even
enough museums at that time.
(This is probably Rizal’s way of showing the lack of “culture”
prevalent in Philippine society at that time. Hmmm… at that time?
Heh.)
Simoun also wanted to buy something, so he asked Cabesang Tales if
he had any jewelry for sale. Sinang reminds Tales about the locket
given to Juli (recall that this locket was given by Maria Clara to a
leper, who gave it to Basilio, who then gifted it to his sweetheart
Juli… Whew!).
Simoun immediately offered Five Hundred Pesos (afterall, that was
the locket of his love, Maria Clara, who had since become a nun). He
alternatively offered any other jewel.
Hermana Penchang reminds Tales that Juli chose to become a
maid/slave over selling that locket, so Tales decides to consult first
with Juli.
Tales goes out to meet his daughter, but along the way sees the friar
and the new tenant of Tales’ land. Those insensitive two laugh at
Tales when they see him. Tales felt as if some guy took his wife to a
private room and laughed at him before entering the room.
Tales does not go to see his daughter. Instead, he follows those two
men.
The following day, Tales is missing. And so is Simoun’s revolver!
In the holster, Simoun finds a note from Tales (aka Telesforo Juan de
Dios). Tales apologized for taking the revolver and explained he
needed it because he was joining the bandits. Aside from the note,
Tales also left–as payment–the locket Simoun wanted.
Simoun muses that he has finally found the man he’s been looking
for: a man of action, a man of integrity, a man who can keep his end
of the bargain.
revolver. Also Simoun sees in Tales a man burning with anger and a
thirst for vengeance -- exactly the person he needs to join him in the
rebellion.
Question: Why is Simoun glad that Selo is arrested by the civil
guards?
Answer: This will further ignite the fire of vengeance burning in
Tales, urging him more to join the planned uprising.
Chapter 11
(When Tales swore that his land will be taken away over his dead
body, his act of gun-stealing shows that Tales doesn’t simply make
threats; he keeps promises.)
he Capitan Heneral tried to hunt in Bosoboso. The accompanying
band probably scared off the prey. The local government officials
wanted to suck up to the Capitan Heneral considered getting
someone to dress up as a deer.
Simoun orders his servants to proceed to Los Baños via the lake. He,
on the other hand, decides to travel on land (along with his precious
gems) because he hopes to meet the bandits so that he can invite
them to his cause (revolution).
After the unsuccessful hunt, the Capitan Heneral returns to Los
Baños.
It was the 31st of December.
Simoun is delighted to discover that the guardia civil have arrested
Old Man Selo. He realizes that this will anger Sales even more.
Check out the following notes…
It turns out that Tales murdered three people the previous evening:
the friar, the new tenant, and his wife. It was a gruesome murder:
their mouths were filled with soil, the wife’s neck was slashed, and
the other two had been shot in the head.Beside the wife’s corpse
was a note with Tales’ name finger-traced in blood.
The Dominicans dominated the schools. They were in fierce
competition with the Jesuits.
The chapter ends with a sarcastic assurance to the citizens of
Calamba that they will not be blamed for the crime committed by
Tales. Rizal was hinting that these citizens were NOT the equivalent
of Tales… for they had suffered more than Tales.
The youth are relying on Padre Irene to support their plan.
But these citizens are like Tales in the sense that they still have not
obtained justice. There is also some reference to Mariano Herbosa,
husband of Rizal’s sister Lucia. Mariano’s eldest daughter was
Delfina Herbosa de Natividad (1879 to 1900) who, at the age of 7,
helped sew the first Philippine flag!
(Mariano died from cholera, but was not buried in the town
cemetery because he did not receive the Last Sacraments. Yeah,
right. How convenient that Rizal’s brod-in-law, because of some
timing issue, had to be buried out of town [on the hillock Lichiria].)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why does Simoun pick Tales's house to stay in?
Answer: According to him, it is the biggest and most prudent house
in the area. However, the real reason is that Simoun wants to find
out more about Tales whom he sees as someone who would
potentially join in his rebellion after all the injustice the man has
suffered.
Question: What do the people get out of buying jewelry from
Simoun?
Answer: They buy jewelry and precious gems hoping to gain prestige
and to elevate their place in society. They would be proud to say
that they had bought jewelry from Simoun, adviser to the Captain
General.
Question: Why is Simoun glad that Tales took his revolver?
Answer: Simoun sees that Tales is a gallant man. He had left his
daughter's scapular -- something he'd never intended to touch
because he didn't have Juli's permission -- in exchange for Simoun's
Padre Sibyla is a rector at UST. The Dominicans are against the plans
to build a school.
Bosoboso has an elevation of 185 meters (606 feet), according to
http://www.calle.com/world/philippines/Bo.html
If you want to see the view 5.7 km (3.5 miles) ESE of Bosoboso,
Southern Tagalog, Philippines, please see:
http://www.confluence.org/confluence.php?id=9813
Why wasn’t the Capitan Heneral able to shoot any deer or birds in
the forest? He had a band that played loud music wherever he went.
What social ill did Rizal describe using the Capitan Heneral? Officials
wanted to ingratiate themselves to those in power. Take note of the
musical band plus the plan to dress someone up as a deer for
er…hunting purposes.
Why was Padre Camorra angry with the card game of the two priests
and the Capitan Heneral? He was not aware that the two priests
were deliberately losing the game to make the Capitan Heneral
happy, so that they may obtain the ruling they want regarding the
school.
Why did Simoun order his servant to transport his gems/jewels via
banca on the lake, while he carried the even more expensive
treasures with him as he traveled on land? He planned to meet the
rebels, and intended to give some of his treasures to the leader of
the bandits or tulisans, as proof that he trusts them. He was even
willing to travel by himself.
What Philippine institution was Rizal making fun of, in hopes that he
wounds or stirs the social conscience of the Filipinos? Sabong or
cockfighting. The size of the arena, money spent on bets rather than
on education or tuition, cages of cocks are sometimes nicer than the
homes of the sabungeros.
Why did Pelaez hint that Padre Camorra has his way with women in
Tiani? The friars threatened the women, and told them that their
brothers/parents would be jailed or banished if they did not yield to
the desires of the friars.
What did Rizal refer to as “contradicting desires” in Chapter 11?
Filipinos want to learn Spanish (but this will enslave them even
more)… while the Spaniards don’t want to grant the wish of the
Filipinos.
Why would Juli eventually fall into the hands of Padre Camorra?
Pelaez was well-aware of what Padre Camorra was capable of doing.
What did Rizal say about the youth of that time? Most of them learn
nothing because (a) They didn’t bring books, (b) The classes were
too big (too many students), (c) Teachers held the students in lowesteem, and (d) There were too many “No Class” days.
Points of Note:
The University of Santo Tomas during the Spanish regime was
situated in Intramuros (Walled City) near the Colegio de San Juan de
Letran today. It was only during the American regime that UST was
relocated to Espanya, Manila. Almost all of the schools back then
were located in Intramuros -- Letran and Ateneo.
Why was Padre Fernandez, a Dominican, in favor of the youth’s plan
to put up a school? He was unlike most Dominicans, and had met a
number of bright students at the University.
Meanwhile, get ready to meet Placido Penitente…
Points of Note:
Teaching during that time was mostly in the hands of the
Dominicans. There is marked rivalry between the Dominicans and
the Jesuits.
Padre Sibyla is the rector of the University of Santo Tomas, and the
Dominicans are not in favor of the plan to build a Spanish
academy. Padre Irene on the other hand is supporting the youth in
their noble endeavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why can't the governor general hunt deer or fowl in the
forest?
Answer: There is a band of musicians following him wherever he
goes.
1.
2.
3.
Question: What social problem does Rizal bring to light during the
hunt?
Answer: Adulation for those in power. The plan to have a man dress
up as a deer is almost put into effect just so the governor general
could shoot one down. Having a band during the hunt is another
proof of such moronic flattery.
Question: Why is Padre Camorra angered at the scene of the two
friars gambling against the governor general?
Answer: He doesn't realize that the two friars are intentionally
letting the governor win in order to keep the official in a good mood,
thereby increasing their chances of winning the general's side on the
matter of putting up a Spanish academy.
CHAPTER 12
The University of Sto. Tomas (UST) during the Spanish period was in
Intramuros, near the College of San Juan de Letran. During the
American period, UST transferred to España in Manila. Practically all
the schools then were in Intramuros — Letran and Ateneo.
Christmas Break was over, and the students were returning to their
schools and dreading their Physics class.
So you might be wondering…
Why did Placido wish to stop his schooling? After four years of
school, he was not known nor noticed by his teachers. He was
disillusioned because he was bright and wished to lean. In his town,
he was admired for his intellect.
What does his name mean? Placid or Peaceful. Penitent, or one who
suffers… “in silence.”
Different students have certain identifying characteristics back then,
based on the school they are from:
Ateneo: These students dress as if they were in Europe, wearing
tuxedos and the like. They walk rather briskly, and always carry
around books and notebooks.
Letran: These students dress in Filipino garments, and are a rather
populous bunch. They are not usually found walking around with
textbooks.
UST: Their clothes are particularly clean and tidy, and they are
always well groomed. They walk with an elegant strut, and instead
of bringing books, they carry around a cane.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why does Placido want to stop his education?
Answer: He has been studying for four years, and yet his teachers
still never notice him despite his hard work.
Question: What does the name "Placido Penitente" mean?
Answer: Placido means quiet and placid; Penitente means one
inflicted with suffering.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Question: What does Rizal say about the education of the average
youth during that time?
Answer: Most of them do not learn much because:
Except for those enrolled in the Ateneo, the students do not bring
textbooks, especially those in the UST.
The classes are overpopulated.
The teachers look down on them.
Classes are frequently cancelled.