Book Review S
Book Review S
SUMMARY
It is set during the late 19th century, the story follows the protagonist, Crisostomo Ibarra, a young Filipino
educated in Europe, as he returns to his homeland. Rizal exposes the oppressive Spanish government, the
corruption of the church, and the social injustices faced by the Filipino people. The book dives into themes
of national identity, colonialism, love, and sacrifice, portraying the difficulties of Filipino society under
colonial rule. With its vivid portrayal of social and political issues, "Noli Me Tangere" stands as a strong
indictment of the abuses of the Spanish empire and a call for societal awareness and change.
I respect the bravery of characters such as Elias, and its so compelling to see the things that happened to
Crisostomo and Maria Clara, which became the reason of Crisostomo’s transition in El Filibusterismo. It is
a very stirring and full of sadness story.
The novel exposes the oppressive nature of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. It highlights the
abuses and injustices committed by Spanish officials and portrays the exploitation of the Filipino people,
both economically and socially. Rizal sheds light on the harsh realities faced by the colonized population
and critiques the oppressive system. It examines the stark class divisions, the exploitation of the lower
classes by the privileged elite, and the marginalization of indigenous people. Rizal critiques the inherent
inequality and highlights the need for social reform and equal opportunities. It showed rampant corruption
within various institutions, including the government, the clergy, and the justice system. Rizal portrays
officials who abuse their power for personal gain and religious figures who manipulate their positions for
selfish purposes. This critique of corruption emphasizes the need for ethical governance and a just society.
Noli Me Tangere confronts the hypocrisy and abuses within the Catholic Church during the colonial era. It
critiques the clergy's materialistic and morally questionable behavior, their exploitation of the faithful, and
their failure to live up to the ideals of their faith. Rizal challenges the authority of the Church and calls for a
more genuine and compassionate spirituality. Lastly, it explores themes of national identity, pride, and
patriotism. It emphasizes the importance of Filipinos reclaiming their cultural heritage, resisting colonial
oppression, and aspiring for independence. Rizal highlights the need for unity and a collective sense of
identity to challenge colonial dominance and shape the nation's future.
CONCLUSION
"I die without seeing dawn's light shining on my country... You, who will see it, welcome it for me...don't
forget those who fell during the nighttime." said by Elias. Looking at this book, we should always strengthen
our patriotism in our country. We should always respect the people who fought to the Spaniards for our
freedom. If you want to read a compelling and satirical stories, this is the book to read for you.