ALYSSA A. FUENTEBELLA
NOLI ME TANGERE by Dr. Jose rizalTranslation by SOLEDAD
LACSON-LOCSIN
Chapter I: A GATHERINGCharacters:1) Don Santiago de los
Santos/Capitan Tiago - hosted a dinner at Anloague St.2) Teniente -
soldier3) Padre Sibyla - a Dominican priest, parish priest of
Binondo; former university professor of San Juan de letran4) Padre
Damaso - Franciscan priest; parish priest of San Diego for twenty
years5) Doctor de Espanada - old hobbled Spaniard6) Doctora Dona
Victorina - wife to Espanada; a Filipina7) Senor Laruja - one of
the guestsSummary: A dinner party is being hosted by Capitan
Tiagoin his Anloague St. Residence in Binondo. The social parasites
of his time were all busy preparing themselves for the big event.
The chapter deals with the conversations of the guests, among them:
Padre Damaso, a Franciscan, who had been a parish priest of San
Diego for twenty years; Padre Sibyla, a young parish priest of
Binondo; a young blond man who came to the coun try to observe. The
conversation gets heated up when the topic of the death and burial
of a worthy man in San Diego was touched. According to the
Tenienete, the said dead man was buried in the cemetery by the
assistant parish priest. But upon the arrival of the parish priest,
Fathen Damaso from his vacation. He ordered the exhumation of the
dead body and had it buried somewhere else.Reaction People
belonging to the alta sociedad attended a dinner just to observe
and discuss events and exchange ideas. In short, dinners like these
are meant to ridicule, to compare.Chapter 2: CRISOSTOMO
IBARRACHARACTERS:1) Padre Sibyla2) Capitan Tiago3) Crisostomo
Ibarra4) Padre DamasoSummary: The distinguished guest of the
dinner, Crisostomo I barra , was introduced by Kapitan Tiago to his
other guests. He just arrived from his seven yearstudy in Europe.
He was wearing a black suit and his looks and presence commanded
attention among the guests especially Padre Damaso. Ibarra made
mention about Padre Damaso being his father;s close friend ( though
sarcastically) and in which the latter denied. It was the Teniente
who welcomed him and had but nice words for Ibarras late
father.Reaction: The main characters of the story, Crisostomo
Ibarra is introduced here. Here in this chapter we could feel the
animosity between Ibarra, the former by acknowledging the latter as
his fathers best friend though he knows that it was the latter who
had his fathers body exhumed and buried other than in the towns
cemetery.
Chapter 3 The DINNERCharacters -1) Padre Sibyla - the Dominican
priest2) Teniente3) Dona Victorino4) Padre Damaso5) Senior
LarujaSummary: When dinner was called, both Padre Sibyla and Padre
Damaso proceeded towards the head of the table which is customarily
reserved for the esteemed guest. After realizing that they were
both contenders of the same seat, they both praised each other and
pretended to offer the coveted seat to each other whoever was
worthy of it. In the end Padre Damaso conceded and gave the seat to
Father Sibyla after telling him that he is the parish priest of the
district and he deserves the seat. They forgo tabout the owner of
the house, who was left with no seat at the dinner table.
Conversations during the dinner turned sour hen Padre Damaso didnt
get the choice cuts of the tinola rather, he got a bare neck and a
hard wing. During the dinner, the guests interviewed: how long he
was away from the country, the countries he visited in Europe.
Ibarra mentioned that the prosperity or misery of the people is
dependent on the liberties or concerns and consequently to the
sacrifices or selfishness of its ancestors. This made the
Franciscan friar to conclude that going out of the country to study
and spending much and learning little in return is just a waste of
money.Reaction: The colonizers, the Spanish for that matter would
prefer that the Indios/Filipinos should not leave the country to
study because otherwise, the atrocities thay have done, the Indios
might reach the Spanish monarch. Also Filipinos who have gone to
Europe to study has become subversives.
Chapter 4: A HERETIC AND A SUBVERSIVE Characters: Crisostomo
Ibarra Teniente
Summary: While walking towards the Binondo plaza, Ibarra met the
teniente general along the way. The latter warned Ibarra to be
careful and to learn from his father. Ibarra asked the Teniente
what happened to Don Rafael, his father and how he died. Accord to
the Teniente, Don Rafael was the richest man in the province, well
loved and respected but there were those who hated and envied him.
There was this ignorant Spaniard, an ex artillery man who was the
collector of vehicles who was the butt of joke because he wasnt
able to read and write. He hit with his case one of the boys, who
derided him nd Don Rafael saw this. He reprimanded the man, but
accidentally pushed him which caused his death after hitting his
head on a rock. Don Rafael was imprisoned because his detractors
ine by one threw false accusations at him . It was at the prison
that he got sick and died.
Reaction: You cannot please everybody. No matter how well loved
you are, there will always somre people who will envt you to wish
for you r downfall. That was what happened to Don Rafael.
Chapter 5 : A STAR IN THE DARK NIGHT
Characters:1) Ibarra2) Padre Damaso3) Padre Sibyla4) Dona
Victorina5) Beautiful maidn6) Franciscan priestSummary: Ibarra
stayed in the confines of his room, oblivious of the merry making
across his room. He was preoccupied with his thoughts, that he
could have seen a beautiful maiden who was the center of attention
of the people around her. Ibarra was trying to picture the
condition of his father in his final hours in his prison cell.. He
could see an old man lying on the disgusting floor, all alone. He
could hear the clangjng of the chain and the moans behind the walls
and the old man was calling his name. While outside his room, there
was a star in the sky that provided light in the darkness of the
nights.Reaction: The mystery of the death of Ibarras father is
beginning to shed light. Little by little, Ibarra seem to
understand the fate of his father. Like a star in the darkness of
the night, he could see a light at the end of the tunnel, so to
speak.
Chapter 6: CAPITAN TIAGOCharaacters: 1) Capitan Tiago, - rich
merchant2) Don Patrocino - widow, in constant competition with
Capitan Tiago3) Dona Pia Alba wife of Capitan Tiago4) Aunt Isabel
sister Capitan Tiago, took care of Ma, Clara5) Ma. Clara daughter
of Capitan TiagoSummary:Capitan Tiago is an only son of a wealthy
but greedy sugar merchant of Malabon who wouldnt even spend a
centavo for his only sons education. It was thru a good Dominican
priest who took him in as a servant in exchange for an education.
When both his father and the priest ddied, he had to stop schooling
and dedicated himself to business. Togther with Dona Pia Alba, a
beautiful young woman fro Sta. Cruz, whom he married, established a
thriving business in the sugar, coffee and indigo industries.It is
in San Diego where they lived that they became friends with Padre
Damaso and Don Rafael Ibarra, the richest businessman in town. They
were childless for six years, despite performing pilgrimages,
novenas to the saints and the Virgin Mary. It was thru Padre
Damasos advice that they dance at Obando on the feast day of St.
Pascual to ask for a son. It was thru this devotion that Pia Alba
conceived and gave birth not to a son but to a daughter.But
unfortunately, the mother died after giving birth because of an
infection. The baby was named Ma. Clara and was described to have
not gotten any features from Capitan Tiago except her small roun d
ears. Ma. Clara grew up with love and smiles not only not only from
her family but from the friars as well especially Padre Damaso who
made up many feasts for her. Her playmate was the son of Don
Rafael, Crisostomo. Both separated when they turned around twelve
when Ma.Clara was sent to the convent and Crisostomo to Europe to
study.
Reaction: In the minds of some people, there must be a doubt
regarding the paternity of Ma. Clara though they didnt openly
expressed it. Based on Ma. Claras features, one couldnt find a
feature that would link her to capitan Tiago though tia pia said
she might have gotten her fathers ears which is negligible. Proof
also, is the fondness of the friars especially Padre Damaso on Ma.
Clara.
Chapter 7: IDYLL IN AN AZOTEACharacters:1) Crisostomo Ibarra2)
Maria Clara3) Capitan Tiago4) Tia IsabelSummary: Ibarra paid
Ma.Clara a visit and they talked and reminisced the good old days
in the latters verandah. Ibarra showed Ma. Clara the wilted sage
leaves she gave him and which he saved as a constant reminder of
Ma. Clara. Ma. Clara on the other hand read the first and last
letter Crisostomo ever wrote her. In his letter he expressed his
love for Ma. Clara but he had to put asidehis love in favour of his
country by studying in Europe. When he left, Capitan Tiago
comforted Ma. Clara y telling her to light4 reales worth of candles
to guide Ibarra in his journey to San Diego.
Reaction: Distance and absence cant deter the feelings of two
people in love. Despite seven years of no communication, they kept
their love alive by keeping with them the souvenirs they had for
each other as a constant reminder. For Capitan Tiago, everything
has a price. He has to pay his way for his prayers in order to be
heard.
Chapter 8: MEMORIESCharacters:1) Ibarra2) Capitan TinongSummary:
Traversing thru the streets of Manila brought back memories ot
Ibarra, back to his childhood days. Passing thru Malate, Ermita, he
was oblivious of the happenings around him. But seeing the isolated
hill of Luneta caught his attention. It was there where an old
priest died and his words kept ringing in his ears Not all that
glitters is gold.
Reaction:Old memories have brought Ibarra back from his reverie.
His real purpose in coming back is his love and duty to his
country.
Chapter 9: SOME COUNTRY MATTERSCHARACTERS:1) Padre Damaso
Franciscan priest2) Tia Isabel3) Ma. Clara4) Capitan Tiago5) Padre
Sibyla - a Dominican priest6) Old priestSummary: The characters are
all talking about Ibarra. Padre Damaso is worried that Ibarra is
going to marry Ma. Clara so he talked with Capitan Tiago about
this. Padre Sibyla and the old priest were also talking about
Ibarra and his forthcoming marriage to Ma. Clara. They also talked
about the altercation between Ibarra and Padre Damaso during the
dinner at Capitan Tiago house.Reaction: This just shows how great
the influence of the friars to the lives of the early Filipinos.
When Padre Damaso reprimanded Capitan Tiago about the affair
between Ibarra and Ma. Clara, he willingly consented to the whims
of the friar. Proof is, he put off the candles he offered to the
saints who would protect Ibarra on his journey. That means that
whatever the friars will order him to do, he would follow without a
glitch.Chapter 10: THE TOWNCharacters:1) Old Spaniard - great
grandfather of Crisostomo Ibarra2) Don Saturnino -Spanish mestizo;
father of Rafael Ibarra3) Don Rafael - father of Crisostomo4) Padre
DamasoSummary: This chapter refers to the ancestors of Crisostomo
Iabarra, from the old Spaniard who claimed properties in San Diego,
to Don Saturnino his son and Crisostomos grandfather, to Don
Rafael, his father. Legend says that the soul of the old Spaniard
had been haunting the forest where he was found hanging from the
tree due to suicide. Anybody who roam the forest have stories to
tell like stones thrown at them coming from nowhere. This also
tells us how well loved Don Rafael was by the peasants and also how
Padre Damaso became the parish priest of San Diego.
Reaction: Even in those days, people are believers of ghosts and
any untoward incidents are attributed to these wandering
spirits.Chapter 11: THE SOVEREIGNS: DIVIDE AND RULECharacters:1)
Don Rafael2) Capian Tiago3) Gobernadorcillo4) Alferez of the
Guardia Civil5) Padre Salvi young, silent Franciscan6) Sacristan
mayor7) Dona Consolacion wife of the AlferzSummary: There are
speculations as to who are the most powerful persons in San Diego.
At first it was a toss between Don Rafael, the richest man or
Capitan Tiago who has debtors at the palm of his hand. Or was it
also Padre Salvi, the parish priest or the Alferez? The parish
priest and the Alferez are always at odds with each other. When
Padre Salvi closed the doors of the church on the Alferez, the
latter beat the sacristan made him clean his barracks. Upon larning
this, Padre Salvi released his goats and sheep to graze in the
Alferez garden.Reaction: Even in those days, people would compete
with one another for power. No wonder, it had been carried up to
the present.
Chapter 12: ALL SAINTS DAYCharacters: GravediggersSummary: Two
gravediggers are digging a hole in the cemetery. One of them is the
official gravedigger, digging a hole with a corpse in it and
throwing the bones like a gardener disposing stones and twigs. The
official gravedigger was telling his companion how he was ordered
to exhume a twenty day old corpse to have it transferred to a
Chinese cemetery. But because it was raining and the coffin came
loose with half of the body exposed, the corpse did not make it to
the Chinese cemetery. People were coming to the cemetery searching
for their dead while the digger finished his job.Reaction: The
tradition of visiting the dead on All Saints Day dates back to the
Spanish rule. People respected authority that even if it defies the
mores of society like exhuming a twenty dy old corpse, one follows
the orders of the superiors.Chapter 13: A GATHERING
STORMCharacters:1) Ibarra - looking for his fathers grave2) Old man
servant - his marker was the big wooden cross3) Gravedigger - who
took the corpse from the cemetery4) Padre Salvi parish priest of
San Diego after Padre DamasoSummary: Ibarra with his man servant
went to the cemetery in search of the tomb of hi father, Don
Rafael. They were surprised to learn from the gravedigger that
their marker, a big cross wherein next to it was Don Rafaels tomb
was burned down. Ibarras astonishment turned in to anger when
learned from the gravedigger that his fathers body was exhumed
twenty days after it was buried upon the orders of the parish
priest. According to the gravedigger, he was told to transfer the
body to the Chinese cemetery. But because the coffin broke down and
was heavy, he threw the body into the water.Reaction: There are
people who have no dispositions in life who just follow orders
without thinking of the consequences of their actions. Such is the
case of the gravedigger who just followed the orders of the priest
without considering the loved ones who were left behind.Chapter 14:
TASIOCharacters:1) Tasio son of a rich woman, when both his mother
and wife died, engrossed himself in reading books and vices; thus
neglecting his fortune2) Gobernadorcillo3) Don Filipo - teniente
mayor4) Dona Teodora Vina - wife of Don FilipoSummary: Philosopher
Tasio to the well educated and tasio the mad man to the badly
brought up because of his rare insights and strange ways of dealing
with other men. That is how people know him. It was a stormy night,
and he saw two boys, aged ten and seven years old, sacristanes of
the convent. He warned them not to toll the bells during a storm
especially if there is a thunderbolt and they could get hurt. He
passed thru the house of Don Filipo wherein he had a discussion
with the wife regarding purgatory.Reaction: Tasio is often
misinterpreted but if one would just know him well, one would
appreciate his brilliant ideas.Chapter 15: The ALTAR
BOYSCharacters:1) Crispin and Basilio sons of Sisa, sacristans of
the convent , accused of stealing by the parish priest2) Sacristan
mayor head of the sacristans
Summary:Despite the storm, Basilio was waiting for his salary so
he can give it to his mother. Basilio, together with his younger
brother Crispin were accused of stealing by the parish priest. They
were told they can only go home after 9 in the evening. But Crispin
was taken away by the Sacristan mayor upon the orders of the priest
wherein his frail body received more beatings. Basilio managed to
escape and left his brother at the convent who was held
prisoner.
Reaction: The friars were abusive of their powers. Even without
evidence they would find suspects that they can blame. They were
unworthy of their cause, priests at that! They would pick on
hapless individuals who they can be the recipients of their
wrath.
Chapter 16: SISACharacters:1) Sisa - waiting for her two sons to
arrive2) HusbandSummary: While the people were asleep after
offering mass and rosaries for their dead, Sisa prepared the best
dinner she could afford for her two sons she had been expecting to
arrive that night. But her indolent of a husband came ahead of her
sons and ate the dinner she prepared for her sons. She prayed for
the safety of her sons.Reaction: Even in those days , there exists
women who can be shot in afiring squad because of martyrdom. That
is Sisa. Despite the indolence and the bad habits of his husband,
she still sticks with him.
Chapter 17: BASILIOCharacters:1) Sisa2) Basilio
Summary:A bleeding Basilio arrived at his mothers hut. He told
her that he escaped from the convent while Crispin was left behind.
He also told her mother that they were accused by the priest of
stealing hence they received beating from the sacristan mayor. They
were not to be released until they produced the stolen
money.Reaction:The sacristan mayor is as ruthless as his master. He
could have empathized with the sacristans, Basilio and Crispin.
Chapter 18: SOULS IN ANGUISHCharacters:1) Padre Salvi - parish
priest2) Sister Sipa, Sister Rufa and Sister Juana - female
parishioners3) Old man parishioner4) Sisa mother of Basilio and
Crispin5) Cook, servantsSummary: The female parishioners noticed
that Padre Salvi was not his usual self. He was sick, irritable and
went directly to the parochial house after the mass. The women were
comparing to each other how many indulgences they have gained, how
they can gain more. They were also talking about Purgatory and how
many indulgences they have offered for the dead when Sisa with her
basketful of vegetables on her head came. She went directly to the
kitchen and gave the vegetables to the cook and asked if she could
talk with Padre Salvi. When told that the priest was sick, she
asked the servants about Basilio and Crispin. They told her that
both of them have escaped after stealing many things and the
guardia civil were after them. She rushed out of the house
crying.Reaction: People look at indulgences as something they can
gain thru money, thru the efforts of others and claim them as their
own. They think that gaining indulgences is just like buying
something from the store, or paying others to make sacrifices for
you that you can deposit in order to save your soul from going to
Purgatory. They have been made to believe by the friars with this
wrong information, and people with little faith are easily
misled.
Chapter 19: THE TRAVAILS OF A SCHOOLMASTERCharacters:1)
Crisostomo Ibarra went to the lake to see where his fathers corpse
was thrown 2) Youth - accompanying Ibarra; a schoolteacher whom Don
Rafael Ibarra helped in his education
Summary:The school teacher showed Ibarra the lake where his
fathers remains were thrown. The school teacher told him how
grateful he is of Don Rafael who supported the school children of
his time. Now that that he is a teacher himself, he told Ibarra how
the system works. It is customary to whip the students if they
committed mistakes and he observed that the children did not
perform well. The children once whipped found comfort in other
students who were also whipped and suffered. But after reading the
books of Tasio, he gained new ideas and his perspectives changed.
He modified the old system and made learning a pleasant experience
by suppressing the beatings. The children began to have confidence
in themselves and performed better. But this strategy reached the
attention of the friars and he was summoned and was told to revert
back to the old system. Even the parents confronted him and told
him to return back to the whippings so that their children will be
disciplined. He had no choice and that is what the teacher did. The
students were deeply hurt and depreciated and only a fifth
continued to study.
Reaction:Spare the rod and spoil the child. Though this is
partly true, this doesnt apply to all. When the schoolteacher
stopped corporal punishment, he noticed that there was serenity of
spirit, the children had confidence and esteem in themselves. I
believe that the friars were not concerned that the children learn.
In fact they want the Filipinos to remain as Indios so that they
will continue to rule in terror in our country. Whipping the
children would suppress their hunger for learning and that would be
beneficial for the conquerors.
Chapter 20: THE MEETING IN THE TOWNHALL
Characters:1) Don Filipo - Teniente mayor; head of the Liberal
party2) Capitan/ Gobernadoncillo - head of the town3) Capitan
Basilio - adversary of the late Don Rafael4) Capitan Valentin a
conservative5) Cabesa de barangay village chief6) TasioSummary: The
town and barrio officials who are composed of the elders and the
young men had a meeting at the session hall regarding the budget
for the coming fiesta. Both represent the conservative and the
liberal respectively. They dont see each other eye to eye. Don
Filipo knows that whatever they propose, they will be rejected by
the elders as the latter hate them. A plan was made that Don Filipo
(upon advise of Tasio) be the one to present the project of the
enemies as he knows that he will be rejected. Then the Cabesa will
be the one to present their project and the elders will accept it
to spite Don Filipo.So went the plan. Everything was going well
until Tasio made mention of the wants of the priest for the fiesta.
The plan was ruined as the elders agreed to give in to the demands
of the priest. Tasio blamed themselves, Don Filipo for not
protesting and he for forgetting about the priest which could mean
extra expenses.Reaction: Their political system is no different
than the ones we have today. There is also a majority and a
minority and the one with the most votes win regardless of how
irrelevant or stupid the subject being decided upon, is.
Chapter 21: A MOTHERS STORYCharacters:1) Sisa - who just came
from the convent looking for Crispin2) Guardia civil who came to
Sisas hut in search for the stolen money Summary: On her way home
from the convent Sisa saw 2 guardia civil coming from her hut.
Seeing her, the two guards asked for her sons and for the stolen
money. When she could not produce neither, they brought her to the
Alferez at the barracks. But while on the way, Sisa felt she was
being undressed by the stares of the passers by. The Alferez
ultimately released her upon the orders of the priest who accused
her sons. She went home, and saw a torn shred from Basilios shirt.
She wandered out of the house and began calling for Basilio and
Crispin. The following day, one could see Sisa roaming aimlessly,
smiling, singing and talking to herself. She has lost her
senses!Reaction: During the Spanish period, the friars can accuse
and imprison anybody without a fair trial. The friars were the
judges themselves who accuse, convict and pass judgment as they
please.
Chapter 22: LIGHTS AND SHADOWCharacters:1) Maria Clara - who
came to San Diego for the fiesta2) Tia Sabel - accompanied her
niece to SanDiego3) Women of San Diego - who did nothing but gossip
about the people in San Diego4) Crisostomo Ibarra - came to visit
Ma. ClaraSummary: When Ma. Clara and Tia Sabel arrived in San
Diego, tongues of the women started wagging. Ibarra himself came
and he and Ma. Clara talked near the window by the lake. They were
whispering to each other and they were planning to leave at dawn
for a countryside fiesta given by their friends. Ma. Clara
expressed her concern regarding Father Salvis stares and voice
which makes her uncomfortable. She doesnt want him to join them for
the fiesta but Ibarra said that he has tobe invited as customary of
the country. And so, Padre Salvi showed interest of joining them
when told and invited about the fiesta. Reaction: Even in those
times, hypocrisy was not uncommon. To follow the norms , one has to
conform to the dictates of society. In this case, in as much as Ma.
Clara doesnt like the presence of the priest, she had no choice but
to accept the fact that it is customary to invite him, being her
guest in her house.
Chapter 23: THE FISHING EXCURSIONCharacters:1) Ma.Clara went to
the lake with her riends2) Sinang, Victoria, Iday and Neneng -
friends of Ma. Clara3) Ibarra came with his male friends4) Albino
ex seminarian friend5) Tia Sabel and mothers accompanied Ma. Clara
and her friends6) Andeng Ma. Claras foster sisterSummary: Ma.Clara
together with Tia Sabel, Andeng,her four friends and their mothers
met Ibarra and his male friends at the lake. There they rode a
banca,watched the herons atop the bamboo stakes, played the harp
and sang songs. They went to the fish pens to catch fish. But what
seemed to be a happy affair could have ended into a disaster.
Instead of fishes, they were able to catch a crocodile which pulled
the helmsman of the boat down to the depths of the lake. If not for
Ibarra who jumped into the water followed by the fisherman and his
son, the helmsman could have died. It was also in this lake that
Don Rafaels body was thrown. But in the end they were able to catch
fishes which they cooked and ate for lunch and they had a good
time. Reaction:Fate could play tricks. It was on the same lake that
Don Rafaels body was thrown and it could have been Crisostomos
burial ground if he didnt survive the ordeal with the
crocodile.
Chapter 24: IN THE WOODS
Characters:1) Padre Salvi - had mass and had confessions2)
Chapter 25: ELIAS and SALOMECHARACTERS:1) Elias - being hunted
by the guardia civil because of his altercation with Padre Damaso2)
Salome - 17 year old young girl who lives alone in the forest and a
friend of EliasSummary: If only the guardia civil had look
thoroughly into the forest, they could have found the man they were
looking for. Deep in the forest, along the shores of the lake,
surrounded by flowers is a hut wherein a friend of Elias live.
Elias frequents that hut because Salome lives there alone. The
young girl whiles away her time by sewing while waiting for the
arrival of Elias in the afternoon who brings her firewood, bananas
and fish. Salome asked Elias about the lunch, the people who were
there. Salome also expressed her concern on Elias living alone when
she leaves the place to join her relqtives in Mindoro.Reaction:
There are suppressed feelings between Elias and Salome. Salome is
hoping for a more than friends relationship with Elias. Elias
doesnt want Salome to suffer the same bad luck that he has. If only
they would fight together, they could surpass the misfortune that
Elias is in. But with the kind of justice system, proving that
Elias is innocent will be but futile.
Alyssa A. FuentebellaFeb. 27, 2012E01Lit 13Noli Journal
Continuation (Chapters 26-64)
Chapter 26: IN THE PHILOSOPHERS HOMECharacters:1) Crisostomo
Ibarra paid tasio a vis2) Tasio3) Dona Consolacion wife of the
Alferez
Summary: Crisostomo paid Tacio a visit. His purpose was to ask
advice regarding his plan to open a school. He is hoping that his
sacrifices will bear fruits. He is concerned whether the friars
will support his cause, had a lot of questions regarding his
opening of the school. They have discussed a lot of things
including the implementation of reforms by Spain, knowing about the
abuses of the friars and the reforms which are rendered null by the
government. Ibarra received no encouragements but rather
discouragements about his project. Tacio also made mention of how
Dona Consolacion got even with Ibarra for not inviting her to the
picnic by disrupting it with the arrival of the guardia civil
lookin g for the helmsman, Elias.
Reaction:During the Spanish period, the government had no say.
It merely followed the orders of the church, specifically the
friars. The people cannot complain because they have no voice. Any
reforms ordered by Spain are rendered null by the friars. People
then have to seek the approval of the church. That was how Tacio
discouraged Ibarra in his proposed project. But that didnt dampen
the spirits of Ibarra who was bent on pursuing his school project
which was his gift to Ma.Clara.
Chapter 27: The Eve of the Feast
Characters:1) Senor Juan - master builder, carpenter, locksmith,
painter, sculptor all rolled into one; in-charge in the cornerstone
and construction of the school.2) Townsfolk - all busy in the
preparation for the fiesta3) School master and thirty children
weaving wreaths4) Senor Ibarra - sponsor of the school
projectSummary:The townsfolk are all busy in the preparation of the
town fiesta: the windows are decked with banners, the maidens of
the house are preparing the food, the servants go back and forth,
up and down carrying chinaware. The floors of the houses were
scrubbed until they shone like mirrors, the tables have been decked
with ornaments and with food, venerable lamps, crocheted
mantelpieces and antique crystal trays were brought out for the
occasion. At the plaza, the stage had been built for the shows,
while the children are waiting for the arrival of the orchestra and
the bands. Not far from Ibarras house is where a mass of men are
digging for the foundation of the school, a project of Ibarra. The
day after the fiesta would be its cornerstone ceremony.
Reaction:The fiesta is a big celebration in honour of the towns
patron saint. It is a break from the day to day activity which is a
much awaited occasion. Apart from the fiesta is the preparation for
the cornerstone ceremony of the school. Despite the warning of
Tacio, Ibarra proceeded with his plan of opening a school amidst
the approval of everyone including the parish priest who
volunteered to do the blessing. But he also remembered the words of
Tacio: to watch out for enemies in sheep clothing!
Chapter 28: At NightfallCharacters:1) Capitan Tiago preparing a
lavish feast fotr the fiesta2) Ibarra came to San Diego for the
fiesta and for the cornerstone laying of his school.3) Ma. Clara
came with Tia Isabel for the fiesta.4) Victoria and Sinang- went
for a walk with Ma. Clara and friends.5) Capitan Basilio donated a
sum for the salary of another teacher for the future school.6)
Leper 7) Sisa Summary:Capitan Tiago was busy preparing for a lavish
feast for the fiesta for the reasons that: being a Manilanenyo, he
has to outshine his provincial counterparts and also because of his
future son in law Ibarra who had received accolades for his school
project in San Diego.When Ibarra, Ma. Clara and friends were
walking around town, they saw a leper who had a basket where people
could put their alms. Ma. Clara, who pitied him, gave the gold
locket that her father just gave her. They also saw Sisa, the
madwoman who held on to the leper calling on her 2 lost
sons.Reaction:Fiesta is not only merriment and eating. It is also
the celebration of the feast day of the patron saint. This is
manifested by the preparations of the church: the celebration of
the mass and the procession. The accompanying feasting on delicious
foods, the shows on the stage plaza, the orchestra, the house
preparations and the fireworks are all icing on the cake. The main
event is the feast day of Our Lady of Peace, the patroness of San
Diego.
Chapter 29: LettersCharacters:1) Correspondent a writer of a
journal in Manila who wrote about the days activities during the
fiesta.2) Capitan Martin wrote to his friend Luis Chiquito 3) Ma.
Clara wrote a letter to Crisostomo IbarraSummary:The content of the
letter of the correspondent addressed to the Director was mostly
his observations during the fiesta: from the Augustinian and
Dominican priests who graced the mass, to the prominent men from
the nearby towns, to the wealthy men from Manila and to the Chinese
and Indios who waited for the solemn celebration. He also made
mention of their gracious host, the wealthy Indio, Capitan Tiago
and his beauteous daughter Ma. Clara. Capitan Martin on his letter
to his friend Luis was about who won and who lose money at Cabeza
Manuels house. Ma. Claras letter to Ibarra was more of her concern
for the latter who was not feeling well. Reaction:The chapter was
more on activities during the fiesta at San Diego in the eyes of
the correspondent and that of Capitan Martin. It is vividly
described and it makes the readers feel that they themselves were
part of the celebration itself.Chapter 30: The MorningCharacters:1)
Philosopher Tasio was dressed with his usual attire despite the
occasion2) Teniente Mayor commented on Tasio looking sad3) Don
Filipo one of those who met Tasio along the way4) Padre Salvi -
priest who will officiate the mass5) Padre Damaso who will deliver
the sermonSummary:It was the last day of the fiesta and the feast
day of San Diego and the people were looking their best. The
churchyard was full with people, the band was playing, the bells
pealed, candles were lit. The high mass was to begin and Padre
Salvi was the celebrant with Padre Damaso who caught a cold the
night before had begged off not to say the sermon. The old
housekeeper nursed him back to health and he also gave up his
favourites like fried chicken and laguna cheese just to be able to
do his chore. The people also agreed that they cannot find such an
eloquent preacher other than Padre Damaso.Reaction:People in those
days could be pious in their ecclesiastical obligations if they
choose to. Celebrating the fiesta with delectable dishes and much
revelry is not what makes one much closer to the Creator than
anybody else. There is so much hypocrisy that even the religious
friars enjoy the adulation of the people rather than please the
Almighty above!
Chapter 31: In the ChurchCharacters:1) Tacio - commented on how
much Padre Damaso was being paid for his sermon2) Prefect of the
Third Order - reacted on how Tasio compared the sermon with a
comedy show3) Alcalde Mayor, Capitan Tiago, Ibarra, Ma. Clara and
the townsfolk - all in the church to hear the mass4) Padre Salvi
and Padre Damaso - mass celebrant and preacher
respectivelySummary:The church was full with people, each would dip
a finger into the holy water which was now mud colored. People
could hardly breath, the air was warm and reeked with human stench.
To hear the preacher was worth the trouble. Tasio commented how
expensive the sermon would be: two hundred fifty pesos for just one
mass and for just one man! Everbody was awaiting for the mass to
start: the alcalde, Capitan Tiago, Ibarra and Ma. Clara were all in
their respective places assigned to them. Those with no seats had
to squat on the floor.Reaction:That is how obsessed people were to
hear the most eloquent preacher, Padre Damaso that despite their
inhumane condition, had to squeeze thru just to listen what the
reputable priest had to say. The priests undoubtedly enjoyed the
admiration accorded them.
Chapter 32: The SermonCharacters:1) Padre Damaso who delivered
his tirade full of insults and curses.2) Townsfolk - who came to
hear Padre Damasos sermon3) Elias who secretly whispered to Ibarra
a warning about the latters life being at stake.Summary:Padre
Damaso started his sermon with words taken from the book of Esdras
II, chapter 9 verse 20. The first part to be delivered in Spanish
and the second to be delivered in Tagalog. His rhetoric was more of
praises for the patron saint San Diego and that of St. Francis of
which order he belonged. He unleashed a series of insults and
curses which was directed to whoever would be socked with the
truth. His tirade was so tiring and boring that it drove some of
its listeners to dose off. He spoke of the sinners who do not go to
confession, of arrogant and affected mesticillos or insignificant
half breeds of which Ibarra belonged, of pseudo-philosophers and so
on. When the sermon was over, it was at this point that Elias
approached Ibarra secretly from behind and whispered not to go down
into the excavation as his life would be at stake.Reaction:People
who considered themselves much holier than the others, in this case
the friars, thought that they were much better than them. They
believed they have the right to insult or curse or accuse other
people of their faults without first looking at themselves. They
tend to be self righteous and morally right when what they have
done is exactly the opposite.
Chapter 33: The HoistCharacters:1) Jaundiced man one of the
workers who was unfortunate to die when the cables snapped.2) Senor
Juan - master builder, mason, carpenter, in charge of the
cornerstone laying3) Ibarra - the last to go down the pit to lay
the mortar4) Alcalde Mayor, Father Salvi, Ma. Clara, Capitan
Tiago,Alferez,Tasio, Notary Public, Spanish employees , students -
onlookers5) Elias - the one who warned Ibarra earlier to be
carefulSummary:The jaundiced man was proud of what he had done: he
had built a mechanical device a crane and not a simple tripod to
hoist down the huge mass of granite from above. He was proud of
what he has done and he was the one in charged of calibrating inch
by inch the ascent and descent of the granite. At the start of the
ceremonies, the alcalde, the municipal officials, the friars except
Father Damaso and the Spanish employees were there. When the
mementoes: manuscripts, medals, coins etc were placed in the
crystal container, he designated the notary public to be the one to
put at the pit in the hollowed out granite. The guests then took
turns to put mortar over the granite surface so that the other
granite hanging over the pit would adhere to the one lying at the
bottom of the pit. It was the alcalde who threatened not to have
the stone lowered if Ibarra himself will not do his share of
putting the mortar. Ibarra hesitantly followed but he was aware of
the warning of Elias. While he was at the pit and the jaundiced man
who was in control of the other granite was bending over the pit, a
loud thud was heard, the cables snapped followed with a frightful
crash. Lucky for Ibarra but unfortunately for the jaundiced man who
was the victim of the crash who died on the spot.Reaction: Never
trust a wolf in sheeps clothing as the saying goes. Ibarras project
was accepted with much enthusiasm. Little did he know that behind
this passion was envy, anger and hatred by people who secretly
abhorred him.Chapter 34: Free ThinkerCharacters:1) Ibarra - was
paid a visit by Elias2) Elias warned Ibarra of his unknown
enemies.Summary:Elias went to Ibarrass house dressed like a peasant
and told the latter of how he learned about the plan to kill
Ibarra. He asked Ibarra to tell no one about the warning he gave
him for the latters own protection. He learned about the plot when
the jaundiced man presented himself before the master builder to
direct the work of laying the cornerstone for not so big a salary.
The night before the ceremony, he heard him talking with someone
else about this one will not be eaten by the fishes unlike his
father. Elias told Ibarra that he held the jaundiced man down when
he wanted to escape after letting the granite fall down supposedly
on Ibarra. When the soil collapsed, the jaundiced man fell down to
the pit and was the one buried beneath the timber. Reaction:Ibarra
knew that Elias was no ordinary man. Because of the injustices
brought to him by man, Elias does not trust the existence of human
justice and the superiority of certain classes of society over
others. He believes that one has to do good and not evil, to
correct and not to destroy. Chapter 35: The LuncheonCharacters:1)
Alcalde- seated at the head of the table2) Ibarra host of the
luncheon3) Ma. Clara, Alferez, gobernadorcillo, friars, employees -
guests4) Capitan Tiago received a telegram about the coming of the
Capitan General5) Padre Damaso who came in late for the luncheon
and who did nothing but malign the memories of Ibarras
father.Summary:The guests had varied views of different topics
while dining at Ibarras house. One table was discussing whether it
is better that his son become a doctor rather than a priest.
Another table was discussing about the coming of the Capitan
General who preferred to stay at Capitan Tiagos house. A table with
students were chatting happily. All these were disrupted with the
arrival of Padre Damaso who did nothing but make allusions directed
at Ibarra: about self inflated mesticillo who spoils his workers;
about not knowing how to construct a school; about a father who
died in prison because of Gods intervention . The mere mention of
the memories of Ibarras father being sullied angered the latter and
struck the friar on the head almost knocking him down. Out of rage,
Ibarra subdued the friar with an iron grip and told everyone that
his father was an honourable man who made sacrifices for him and
for the good of his country, who opened his doors to Padre Damaso
and called him friend yet slandered, persecuted and desecrated his
grave and now dishonoured his memory. If not for Ma. Clara, he
could have buried the knife on Padre Damasos neck. Reaction:What
started as a flourishing discussion during luncheon ended in an
almost bloody altercation between Padre Damaso and Ibarra if not
for the intervention of Ma. Clara. Ibarra had been avoiding any
confrontation and had been keeping his silence despite what Padre
Damaso had done and said to him. But when the memory of his father
was being tarnished, he lost himself and almost killed the
friar.
Chapter 36: The CommentsCharacters:1) Capitana Maria - a
supporter of Ibarra who wants her sons to defend their fathers
memory2) Capitana Tinay - would not like to have her son study in
Europe3) Sister Rufa a believer in Padre DamasoSummary:The news of
the incident between Ibarra and Padre Damaso spread across town.
There were many comments, views according to their moral values.
Capitana Maria was one with Ibarra in saying that her sons should
defend their fathers memory and she would allow her sons to travel
if she had the money. Capitana Tinay on the other hand would rather
have her son by her side rather than learn while Sister Rufa will
always believe in the priest. Some believe that Ibarra will be
charged as a pliebastero.Reaction:Different views, different
opinions. More were compelled that Ibarra will be charged as a
pliebastero. Though most believe that Ibarra was right, nobody
would stand for their convictions. They know that they cant beat
the friars, the latter being rich and united and the former being
poor and divided.Chapter 37: The First CloudCharacters: 1) Capitan
Tiago busy preparing his house for the arrival of the Capitan
General2) Tia Sabel - comforting Ma. Clara because of Ibarras being
excommunicado3) Ma. Clara forbidden by her father to speak with
IbarraSummary:Capitan Tiagos household was busy with the
forthcoming arrival of the Capitan General. Meanwhile, Capitan
Tiago returned after his talk with Padre Damaso. He told Ma. Clara
and Tia Sabel that the friar ordered him to cancel Ibarras and Ma.
Claras engagement otherwise he will be damned in this life and
afterlife. The friar had even arranged for his relative from Spain
to be Ma. Claras betrothed. This bothered Ma. Clara and she feared
for her father being excommunicated.Reaction:The friars powers
extend not only the spiritual but the physical as well. Here, Padre
Damaso ordered Capitan Tiago to cancel the betrothal of his
daughter to Ibarra otherwise he will be excommunicated. Not only
that, the friar even arranged for a relative to be Ma. Claras
fianc. Unsuspectingly, both Capitan Tiago and his daughter are not
aware that the friar is practicing his filial affection on Ma.
Clara.Chapter 38: His ExcellencyCharacters:1) Capitan General -
Governor General of the Philippine Islands2) Capitan Tiago - had
the honour to host His excellencys visit3) The friars: Sibyla,
Salvi, Manuel Martin - came to paid their respects4) Alcalde, Senor
Alcalde, Aide 5) Ma. Clara who was introduced by her father6) Don
Crisostomo Ibarra - called by His excellencySummary:His Excellency
was looking for Padre Damaso among the friars who paid him a visit
and was told that the latter was sick and lying in bed. His
treatment of the friars was cold. He was happy to meet Ma. Clara
and thanked her. He also met Ibarra, who has impressed him with the
formers love for his motherland. He told Ibarra that he is inspired
with interest and a desire that his governments flaws does not
prejudice the latter. Ibarra challenged the Capitan general to see
the poor shanties in the town. The latter gave Ibarra the assurance
that nobody will touch him and he will talk to the Archbishop about
his being excommunicado. His Excellency congratulated Capitan Tasio
not only for his daughter but also of his future son in law,
Ibarra. Reaction:The Capitan General had heard of the atrocities of
the friars and he was not happy with it. He was impressed with
Ibarras love and patriotism for his country but he could see that
despite the latters aspirations for his motherland, he would not be
successful in pursuing his dreams because of the people who run the
country. He must have been referring to the friars, who though a
big help are busy enriching themselves. So as not to discourage
Ibarra of what to expect, he advised him to leave the country for
Europe. He was happy for Ibarra for being Ma. Claras fianc. The
former had found an ally in the person of His Excellency!Chapter
39: The ProcessionCharacters:1) Capitan General - left for the
Gobernadorcillos house to view the procession with his aides,
Capitan Tiago, Ibarra,Alcalde and the Alferez.2) Tasio - the
philosopher making comments especially on seeing the statue of St.
Francis3) Townsfolk - bystanders and others joining the
processionSummary:The Capitan General together with his aides,
Capitan Tiago, Ibarra, Alcalde and the Alferez went to the house of
the Gobernadorcillo to view the procession. One of the onlookers
was Tacio who made comments of the statues of the saints that
passed by. Of all the icons, it was St. Francis, the patron of the
Franciscans who had the most decorated, well lighted palanquin with
an accompanying music. This was followed by Mary Magdalene, San
Diego and the Virgin Mary. When the image of the Virgin passed by
the house of Capitan Tiago a voice full of melody and tenderness
was heard. The voice brought melancholy to those who hear. The song
was more of a lamentation.Reaction:Even in processions, there is
competition among idols depending on the people who support them.
Take the case of St. Francis who was elaborately dressed, well
lighted and decorated with lanterns.Chapter 40: Dona
ConsolacionCharacters:1) Dona Consolacion wife of the Alferez who
did not go to mass that day because her husband prohibited her.2)
Sisa detained at the headquarters so as not to cause trouble during
the procession3) Alferez - a corporal then when he married his wife
who was a laundressSummary:Dona Consolacion stayed in the house
amid the merriment outside her home otherwise the alferez would
kick her back to her hometown. She was sitting in her armchair
dressed in her shabby clothes of blue flannel blouse and faded
skirt with scarf around her head and with cigar in hand. She
thought of herself as a beauty queen much better than Ma. Clara,
but her husband thought otherwise. Her obnoxious attitude keeps
others at bay. Meanwhile Sisa was detained at the headquarters so
as not to disturb the procession but when she heard the sad singing
of Ma. Clara, she too began to sing in her sweet melancholic voice.
Dona Consolacion heard her sang and had her brought before her. She
had a whip which she used on Sisa when the latter would not dance
upon her order. When the Alferez arrived, she took pity on Sisa and
have her taken cared by the servants. He reprimanded his wife for
writing the Alcalde that he allowed illegal gambling in town ( her
revenge on her husband for not letting her attend the mass). This
led to their usual ramble which is not peculiar in their many years
of marriage.Reaction:The marriage of the Alferez and Dona
Consolacion was definitely not made in heaven! It has been marred
by many years of brawls, insults and curses which had been carried
on since the day they first married when the Alferez was a corporal
then who married the laundress. Chapter 41: Right and
MightCharacters:1) Don Filipo - Teniente mayor; present at the
plaza2) Tasio - whom Don Filipo had a talk at the plaza3) Ma. Clara
and Sinang - were at the plaza to watch the show4) Ibarra who came
later after accompanying the Capitan General and sat beside his
betrothed5) Padre Salvi - reprimanded Don Filipo regarding Ibarras
presence6) Civil guards - who ordered Don Filipo to stop the play
as the alferez and his wife could not sleep after beating each
other7) Elias - who dispersed the angry mobSummary:The play brought
Ma. Clara, Sinang Padre Salvi and the townsfolk to the plaza to
watch. The arrival of Ibarra brought whispers and murmurs and
people were looking at him and the parish priest. Padre Salvi
approached Don Filipo and talked to him about not allowing Ibarra
to watch the show as this could mean, giving danger a chance. Don
Filipo told him that he cannot throw out Ibarra as he is one of the
biggest contributors and doesnt disturb the order and the peace.
The priest had no choice but to leave with his companions. Two
soldiers approached Don Filipo and asked him to stop the show as
the Alferez and his wife had just a fight and couldnt sleep. When
the latter declined, the soldiers ran after the musicians with
clubs in their hands to put a stop to the show. This brought
pandemonium to the crowd. Don Filipo saw a group of people who were
up to something that he asked for help from Ibarra to contain the
crowd. Ibarra saw Elias who was observing the commotion with
indifference and told him to do something. Elias was lost himself
among the crowd and slowly the people dispersed and was just in
time as the soldiers have arrived with their rifles and bayonets.
The noise of the tumult in the plaza sent Padre Salvi back to the
plaza and looked for Ma. Clara. When he saw that the latter was
already safe in the house only did he relaxed. The next day, the
news correspondent wrote the heroic acts of Padre Salvi in
dissolving the angry mob.Reaction:The pastime of the people was
watching plays like comedya. Such shows bring the people together.
Such enjoyment could be marred by persons like the Alferez who
because of petty fights with his wife have ordered the show to be
stopped. He may be the head of the guardia civil but there are
still people like the Teniente Mayor, Don Filipo who makes a stand
in not letting the whims of the Alferez be followed. The Alferez
may have the power and might but the people have the right.Chapter
42: Two VisitorsCharacters:1) Ibarra - couldnt sleep and was alone
in his study2) Elias came to bid Ibarra farewell and told him that
Ma. Clara was sick3) Lucas the brother of the man who died during
the cornerstone layingSummary:Ibarra had two visitors: first, it
was Ibarra and second, it was Lucas, the brother of the man who
died during the cornerstone laying. Ibarra came to bid Ibarra
goodbye as he was going to Batangas and to tell him that Ma. Clara
is sick . When asked how he was able to disperse the angry mob,
Elias told Ibarra that he knew the brothers who led the rally. He
talked to them to dissuade the others, or else they would suffer
the same fate their father underwent, that is dying from beatings
by the civil guards. The second visitor was Lucas who came to ask
Ibarra for money as payment for the death of his
brother.Reaction:Elias is always present just when he is needed. He
saved Ibarra from death and he was able to dissolve the mob thereby
preventing bloodshed. But then, he is about to move to Batangas and
that would mean leaving Ibarra vulnerable to his detractors.
Meanwhile, Lucas is a good for nothing guy who is out to collect
money for the death of his brother who died because of his own
wrongdoings.Chapter 43: The Espadana CoupleCharacters:1) Ma. Clara
lies in her sick bed after the tumult at the plaza2) Andeng,
Sinang,Victoria keeping ma. Clara company while talking about Dr.
Espadana3) Capitan Tiago and Tia Sabel had Dr. Espadana couple
fetched to take a look on the sick Ma. Clara4) Dr. Tiburcio de
Espadana a Spaniard and a con doctor who charges exorbitant fees5)
Dr. Dona Victoriana de Espadana - wears ill fitting European
costumes, married to Dr. Tiburcio6) Senor Linares de Espadana -
nephew of Dr. Tiburcio who came to the Philippines to supposedly be
the administrator of Dona Victorinas properties while they are in
Spain.Summary:
Ma. Clara was still sick in bed hence Capitan Tiago summoned Dr.
Tiburcio de Espadana who came with his eccentric wife Dona
Victorina and their nephew from the Peninsula, Don Alfonso Linares
de Espanada. Dona Victorina who is 45 years old but claims to be
32, was quite pretty and with a good figure in her youth, according
to her. She had many Filipino admirers, including Capitan Tiago but
she was determined to find a Spaniard for a spouse but no one ever
dared ask for her hand. Time passed by and she had to content
herself with the only Spaniard available and who could meet her
needs, Don Tiburcio de Espadana. Don Tiburcio on the other hand
came to the Philippines as a customs officer but was dismissed
after 15 weeks from his arrival because of a fractured leg. Having
no job, his fellow Spaniards told him to go to the provinces and
pretend to be a doctor. As a doctor, he charged exorbitantly and
because of this, was considered a great physician. The Board of
Medical Examiners found out that he was a fraud but was allowed to
practice medicine for the reason that Indios are gullible and so
that he could earn money for his fare back to Spain. When his
practice went down, he heard of Dona Victorina and he asked to be
presented to her. Thus their love story began. She dominated her
husband and had him practiced Medicine and Surgery and had a marble
of Don Tiburcio de Espadana, Specialist in all diseases carved.
Hence Capitan Tiago chose him to treat his daughter. Don Linares on
the other hand, a nephew of Don Tiburcio, came to the country to be
the administrator of the latters property when the couple would go
to the Peninsula. The trip did not pushed thru but, Don Linares was
already bound for the Philippines.Reaction:Dona Victorina is the
typical Filipina nowadays: a pretentious woman who dislikes her
real nature and pretends to be somebody else. A wolf in
sheepsclothing. Don Tiburcio unlike his countrymen, is the
submissive type who goes with the sway of the breeze. Whatever his
wife says, goes!Chapter 44: PlansCharacters:1) Padre Damaso -
beneath the rough and coarse exterior is a tender heart.2) Ma.
Clara still sick in bedSummary:When Padre Damaso visited and saw
then poor Ma. Clara on bed, he could not control himself and was
filled with grief. People around thought that he must love his
goddaughter that much! He was introduced to the young Linares. When
he learned that the latter came to the country to find a job and a
wife, he already had an idea who he is going to marry off to
Linares. On the other hand, Lucas approached Padre salvi and made
up stories about his being kicked by Ibarra. The parish priest
noticd that he was just out for the money, he shooed him
off.Reactions:Actions speak louder than words, as the saying goes.
Padre Damasos attitude could have given him off, but the people who
gave no malice to his reaction just thought that he must loved his
goddaughter that much!Chapter 45: An Examination of
ConscienceCharacters:1) Ma. Clara - still sick in bed; advised by
Padre Salvi to have confession and communion2) Capitan Tiago
offered masses and alms for his daughters recovery3) Dona Victorina
- attributed Ma. Claras health improvement to the concoction given
by her husband.4) Padre Salvi - insisted that Ma. Clara undergo
examination of conscience for her recovery5) Tia Sabel - recited
the commandments to Ma. Clara, needed prior to the latters
confessionSummary:Ma. Clara suffered a relapse after her confession
and uttered only the name of her mother she had never known. Masses
and alms were offered and her fever subsided. Don Tiburcio
attributed himself to have cured her with his marshmallow syrup,
lichen and milk concoction. Padre Damasos transfer to a Tayabas
parish was brought up. On the other hand, Padre Salvi told Capitan
Tiago that having confession have helped Ma. Clara recover but this
was contested by Dona Victorina who insisted that it was her
husband who healed her. Ma. Clara was prepared that night for an
examination of conscience so that she could receive communion on
the next day. Reactions:It is human nature to admit ones
participation if it is a good deed. Take the case of Ma. Clara
whose health improved after her father offered masses and alms.
Padre Salvi not to be outdone, claimed that it was the examination
of conscience and communion that healed the sick woman. Dona
Victorina meanwhile claims that it was the concoction of her
husband Don Tiburcio that healed Ma. Clara.Chapter 46: The
FugitivesCharacters:1) Capitan Pablo - lost his 2 sons who were
wrongly accused; is now seeking revenge for the injustices done to
them.2) Elias - had long been convinced to join the group of
banditsSummary: Elias went to the forest where the bandits headed
by Capitan Pablo and his armed men of 12 15 were staying. Elias
paid the old man a visit after he had heard what happened to the
latter. Capitan Pablo was full of vengeance and had told Elias what
drove him to be fugitive: his daughter was molested by a friar and
his two sons confronted the perpetrator. The friar for fear of
retaliation accused both sons with crimes they did not commit. One
son was accused of theft, tortured and hanged by the hair. The
other son was arrested by the guardia civil because the former had
forgotten to bring his residence certificate, hence, maltreated,
harassed and this drove him to commit suicide because of his
injuries. Capitan Pablo was remorseful for doing nothing to help
his children hence vowed revenge. Elias pacified him and told the
old man that vengeance will beget retaliation especially against
the innocent people who will unjustly accused. He was able to
convince Capitan Pablo to postpone any armed violence as he will
ask for the help of Ibarra to bring their complains to the Capitan
General.Reaction: A tooth for a tooth, as the saying goes was
practiced during the Spanish period. Filipinos have high tolerance
for pain, insults and other negative emotions but if these emotions
have reached its tolerable and acceptable levels, these have the
tendency to burst like a volcano spewing hot magma and scorching
anything along the way. After the death of his sons did he realize
how coward he had been in defending them. This time, he is like a
dragon spitting fire on the people who had wronged him.Chapter 47:
The Cockpit:Characters:1) Capitan Basilio - one of the cockfight
aficionados2) Lucas - scar face, whose brother died at the
cornerstone laying and had been recruiting the 2 brothers in
joining thebandits.3) Capitan Tiago came with his cocks: Lasak (red
and white)4) Tarsilo and Bruno - brothers who were at the cockpit
whose father died of 100 lashes by the guardia civil5) Pedro -
Sisas husband; present at the cockpitSummary: If Spain has a
bullfight for a pastime, Filipinos have their local version, the
cockfight. Afficionados and enthusiasts would find their way to the
cockpit during Sundays ( a passion introduced by the Spaniards)
wherein the rich go to entertain themselves while the poor risk
their hard earned money in the hope of doulbling it. Here in San
Diego, the likes of the Gobernadorcillo, Capitan Pablo, Capitan
Basilio and Capitan Tiago are frequent clients of the cockpit. They
place heavy bets on their cocks including the house they live in.
There are also spectators who place their bets on the cocks that
are most likely to win. Lucas, the brother of the dead construction
worker had been convincing the 2 brothers, Tarsilo and Bruno to
accept his proposition but the 2 were bent on placing their bets on
the cock. Both brothers were thinking of the fate of their sister
if ever they join Lucas and his group. But when the 2 lose, they
looked for Lucas and told him they will join him in exchange for
money that they will place for bets.Reaction: Engaging in
cockfights is as addictive as opium. This is one of the things the
Spaniards have passed on to us. A favourite pastime for indolent
Filipinos who entrust their fates on the victories of the winning
cocks. The cockpit is also a place for illegal transactions under
the guise of gambling. Lucas was at the wrong place at the right
time (wherein gamblers who have lost would be needing money to try
their luck again.) such was the deal Lucas offered and took
advantage of the losers who would try their luck again by giving
them money in exchange for accepting his proposal in joining the
uprising.Chapter 48: Two LadiesCharacters:1) Dona Victorina - felt
insulted when Dona Consolacion looked down at her with contempt2)
Dr. De Espadana - hapless husband of Dona Victoria3) Dona
Consolacion - whose stares atarted it all.4) Alferez - joined in
the word war between the two ladies5) Linares - threatened by Dona
Victoria to challenge the Alferez in a duel6) Ma. Clara, Sinang and
Victoria 7) Padre Salvi pacified the 2 warring couplesSummary: Dona
Victorina, elegantly dressed with ribbons and flowers on her silk
gown took a walk around town with her husband, Dr. De Espadana. She
made negative comments on the houses of the Indios, their attitudes
and expected to be looked up and commented on her elegant costume.
When she passed by the house of the Alferez, Dona Consolacion was
at the window who examined her from head to toe, spat and turned
her head away. This made Dona Victorina furious and demanded a
reason for the Donas reaction. An exchange of angry words, each
with their dirty lines brought out into the open. The mention of
her being a laundrywoman made Dona Consolacion furious. She in turn
accused her as a discarded rag. The arrival of the Alferez further
added sparks and if not for Padre Salvi who pacified the 2 couples,
it would have ended in an exchange of blows. Dona Victorina plucked
out her husbands dentures ( in her rage) for not defending her.
Upon arrival at Capitan Tiagos house, she ordered Linares to
challenge the Alferez to a duel, if not, she will tell Capitan
Tiago about the lies he created about himself and not to allow him
to marry Ma. Clara.Reaction: Dona Victorina and Dona Consolacion
both ith eccentric character, insecure as personsand charlatans,
the former trying to deny her real race and the latter rising above
her laundry woman status to become a high officials wife. The two
ladies met, and all hell break loose as each throw her dirty linens
to each other. Dona C accused Dona V of having affairs before her
husband and the latter insulted the formers sensibilities by
sarcastically reminding her of her humble beginnings as a laundry
woman.Chapter 49: The EnigmaCharacters:1) Ibarra paid an unexpected
visit to Ma. Clara to tell her about his reconciliation with the
church2) Linares - was with Ma. Clara when Ibarra came3) Ma. Clara
still pale and weak when Ibarra came to visit4) Nor Juan - the
architect of the prop0sed building5) Elias - an undocumented
labourer of the school building who came to see IbarraSummary: Don
Crisostomo, upon arrival, immediately went to the home of Ma. Clara
to tell her the good news. His being ex communicado had been lifted
with no less by the Archbishop himself. He was shocked to see
Linares with Ma. Clara at the latters balcony. When he left, there
was doubt or was it betrayal or rejection that he felt upon seeing
Linares and Ma. Clara? He went straight to his project site where
he saw Elias working among the labourers. The latter told Ibarra
that he wants to talk with him at the lake because of some
important matters.Reaction: Ibarra had mixed feelings when he saw
Linares with Ma. Clara. He must have felt betrayed ( his absence
had made Ma. Clara forget him?) doubt of Ma. Claras feelings for
him or even rejected (maybe Ma. Clara doesnt love him anymore?)
Such thoughts were unanswered as he had no time to talk and be
alone with Ma. Clara.
Chapter 50: The voice of the persecutedCharacters:1) Ibarra -
met with Elias by the shore and told the latter to bring him to the
town with the bell tower because that was the excuse he gave to the
Alferez who wanted to accompany him.2) Elias - had expressed the
sentiments of the outlawsSummary: While they were at the boat,
Elias told Ibarra what the outlaws wanted: radical refporms in the
armed forces, in the clergy and in the administration of justice.
They wanted respect for human dignoity, less power to the military,
less privilege for those in power. Ibarra couldnt understand the
plight of the oppressed having lived a sheltered life, schooled in
a Jesuit school, grew up in Europe and only saw the bright side of
life. Ibarra defended the missionaries and expressed his love for
his mother country and the Philippines and charged those seeking
for reforms as criminals. Elias was discouraged with Ibarras
reaction and reminded him of the misfortunes that befell the
latters family: his fathers death, Ibarras persecution.Reaction:
Ibarra may have defended the oppressors and charged those seeking
for reforms as criminals, for it is unknown to him what the
Spaniards have done to his countrymen. He was blind to what was
happening to the real world having lived a sheltered and
comfortable life. Elias has yet to open Ibarras eyes to the
realities of the brutalities of the oppressors.Chapter 51: The
family of EliasCharacters:1) Grandfather of Elias - charged with
arson by his Spanish merchant emp;oyer2) Grandmother of Elias -
resorted to prostitution in order to support her husband and son;
had 2 sons, the eldest became a bandit, the second was kind
hearted3) Balat - uncle of Elias; older son of his grandmother; a
highwayman/bandit whose body was dismembered and his body parts
were thrown separately4) Younger brother - Elias father; fled and
moved to a town where nobody knew him; made good and had a small
business5) Twin sister of Elis and Elias - brought up by his
maternal grandfather after te9r mother died; educated in exclusive
schoolsSummary: Sixty years ago, the paternal grandfather of Elias
was charged with arson by his Spanish merchant employer. He was
punished by being tied to a horse and dragged around town while
being beaten by the people. His poor wife had to resort to
prostitution in order that they survive. His grandfather couldnt
stand the misery, hence hanged himself leaving behind 2 sons. The
oldest of the 2 sons named Balat became a bandit while the second
son was kind hearted. When Balat was captured, his body was cut
into pieces, and this caused the death of his mother upon seeing
his decapitated head. Th e second son fled the place where they
lived and found a place where no one knew his history and started
life anew. He had a small business when he met and fell in love
with a young woman. His past was revealed when he asked the womans
hand for marriage. The womans father accused and had him arrested.
The young woman gave birth to twins: a girl and a boy, named Elias.
The twins were brought up in a comfortable life by their maternal
grandfather after their mothers death. They were sent to exclusive
schools. A distant relative who had a rift with Elias told the
latter of his fathers dark past. It was later found out that the
old servant who had been with Elias was his real father. The twins
gave up their inheritance, fled home with their father. It was thru
his father that Elias found out about the formers painful past. His
father died while his sister who was broken hearted fled home and
was later murdered and her body found in an abandoned ricefields.
When Elias asked what he will tell to the bandits, Ibarra told them
to wait before they act and he is not in favour of doing evil to
correct evil.Reaction: Elias family suffered a lot, from his
grandfather who was wrongly accused, to the sons and to his
grandson Elias. It was as if, the wrong accusations had been passed
from one generation to the next. They lived a hunted life and just
when Elias father could have had a different future did his life
turned upside down again. The people then have the tendency to
remember the bad and to forget the good. Despite the painful past
gone by, people tend to accuse and to judge people not of who they
are today but who they were in the past.Chapter 52:
ChangesCharacters:1) Linares - received a letter from Dona
Victorina asking if he had already challenged the Alferez to a duel
and if not, threatened to tell Capitan Tiago his lies 2) Padre
Salvi - came to Capitan Tiagos house with the news of Ibarras being
ex communicado lifted.3) Capitan Tiago told about the good news
regarding Ibarra4) Ma. Clara, Sinang 5) Ibarra - came in to talk to
Sinang and arrage for a meeting with Ma. ClaraSummary: Linares
received a letter from Dona Victorina threatening him to arrange a
duel with the Alferez or else she will tell Capitan Tiago about the
lies he created about himself. Padre Salvi arrived and brought the
news that Ibarra was no longer ex communicado and admitted that he
had misjudged him. He almost spilled the bills regarding Ma. Claras
paternity by referring Padre Damaso as the father and later
correcting himself by saying that Padre Damaso as a spiritual
father. Meanwhile, Ibarra talked to Sinang and arranged for a
meeting with Ma. Clara.
Reaction: First impressions could change as in the case of Padre
Salvi who later expressed admiration for Ibarra for making amends.
It seems that Padre Salvi knows the secret regarding Ma. Claras
paternity and Capitan Tiago and Ma. Clara are unaware of
this.Chapter 53: The Card of the Dead and the shadowsCharacters:1)
Shadows - in the cemetery talking with one another2) Lucas met
Elias and played a game of cards with him at the cemetery3) Elias
met Lucas, lighted matches while playing a game of card with
himSummary: Three shadows met at the cemetery and were talking if
Elias would join the group. Ibarras name was also mentioned. Elias
came, and met Lucas for the first time. They lighted matches while
playing a deck of cards and the one who lose will leave the
cemetery. On the other hand, 2 guardia civil are patrolling the
streets near the church. They were talking about capturing Elias
who was in town and whose features they do not know. When Lucas
emerged from the shadows, he pretended that he was going to offer
mass for the next day and denied having seen or having known Elias.
When another shadow emerged, he too was apprehended and when asked
where he was going, he told the guards that he was after the scar
faced man named Elias who beat his brother. The guards ran to the
direction where Lucas disappeared.Reaction: The civil guards are
easily fooled or they could just be too naive not to spot the
difference between the truth from the lies. If they will not
investigate themselves the real identity of the person they are
after, they could accuse and punish the wrong person.Chapter 54: A
Good Day is Foretold by the MorningCharacters:1) Sisters of the
Confraternity - having different versions about the lighted candles
seen at the cemetery2) Shepherd saw men with salakots but was not
believed by the Sisters of the Confraternity3) Don Filipo - visited
Tasio to seek for advise4) Pilosopong Tasio lies on his sick bed
while giving advise to Don FilipoSummary: The lights in the
cemetery the night before gave the people something to talk about:
the sisters of the confraternity had different versions. Among the
speculations, it was the shepherd who was correct in saying that he
saw 2 persons in salakots. On the other hand, Don Filipo paid the
sick Tasio a visit. The former consulted the latter regarding his
resignation and felt bad with the gobernadorcillo for releasing the
soldiers he had apprehended. Tasio advised him that the struggle
was not against the gobernadorcillo but on the abuses of his power,
his failure of his duties and to make the people aware of such
injustices. Reaction: Sometimes the truth can come from people we
neglect to listen to. The Sisters of the Confraternity thought they
were much holier than the shepherd who just spoke the truth of what
he saw. On the other hand, Tasio was sending feelers to Don Filipo
on how people could be made aware of the abuses and to fight back
against such injustices.Chapter 55: DiscoveryCharacters:1) Padre
Salve - hurried to the Alferez house to warn him of an impending
ambush of the barracks and the parish house2) Alferez - thought
that Padre Salvi came because of Linares who challenged him in a
duel.3) Elias - went to Ibarra to warn him that a conspiracy had
been planned and was attributed to Ibarra in order to destroy
him.4) Ibarra - told to destroy any papers that would implicate him
in the conspiracySummary: A woman confessed to Padre Salvi that the
parish house and the barracks would be attacked at 8:00 on that
evening. He immediately warned the Alferez who thought he came
because of the duel between him and Linares. He told him to be
ready. On the other hand, Elias went to Ibarra to warn him of the
conspiracy against the Spaniards of which was attributed to him..
He told him to burn any documents that could implicate him. He
helped Ibarra with the papers when he saw the name of Don Pedro
Eibarramendia. When he learned that Don Pedro was Ibarras great
grandfather, he got mad, and told the latter that it was Don Pedro
who calumniated his grandfather and caused his familys misfortunes.
Reaction: If Ibarra had escaped death from the cornerstone laying,
his enemy will not rest until he gets even with him, whatever
Ibarra has done to him, if any. Added to this conspiracy, Ibarra
has another problem, this time with Elias who had saved him several
times from harm. Thou Ibarra may be innocent of his great
grandfathers faults, Elias could not forget the person who had
caused the misfortunes of his own family. Chapter 56:
CatastropheCharacters:1) Capitan Tiago, Linares and Tia Isabel -
are having supper2) Ma. Clara expecting a visit from Ibarra3) Padre
Salvi pacing restlessly in the living room4) Ibarra went to visit
Ma. Clara when a volley of shots were heard5) Alferez - had Ibarra
arrested6) Elias - burned the documents in Ibarras studySummary:
Capitan Tiago, Linares and Tia Isabel were having dinner, while
Ma,. Clara was in the living room waiting for Ibarra and Padre
Salvi was pacing back and forth. When Ibarra arrived, a volley of
shots were heard and after a while, the Alferez came running to the
house to inform them that everything was under control. Ibarra went
back to his house, gathered his documents, money and pistols when
the soldiers came into the house. He went with them voluntarily. On
the other hand, Elias ran without direction, crossed the fields,
reached the forest towards the water and only returned to reality
when he heard the volley of shots. He raced back to Ibarras house,
saw the documents, money and pistols. He set the documents on fire,
just in time for the arrival of the guards who was about to look
for documents they could use to implicate Ibarra.Reaction: Whoever
was out there to destroy Ibarra must have been successful in
implicating him to the conspiracy. Ibarra knew better than to
escape or to fight back the arresting officers. Elias on the other
hand, despite his anger against Ibarra and his forebears still
thought of helping the latter by burning documents that may
implicate Ibarra. Chapter 57: Fact and FancyCharacters:1) Sisters
of the confraternity - had different stories to tell of what
happened the night before2) Lucas - found hanging from the tree,
dead3) Elias - noticed that the sacristan mayor had the same amor
seco found in the clothes of the dead LucasSummary: The nights
event brought many people to speculate: thirty people have died;
Ibarra and Don Filipo were imprisoned; Ibarra tied to abduct Ma.
Clara; Ibarra wanted to avenge himself by killing all the Spaniards
after hearing that Ma. Clara will marry Linares. All these are
fallacies if not speculations and are yet to be proven. On the
other hand, a body was found hanging from a tree and found to be
that of Lucas. Elias dressed like a peasant examined the body and
found that there were amor seco on Lucas clothes. When he went to
the sacristy in the pretext of offering a mass, he noticed that the
clothes of the sacristan mayor who was sleeping then, had also amor
seco.Reaction: It is a persons nature to speculate or make up
stories, until the truth comes out. On the other hand, Elias must
have suspected a foul play on Lucas death, based on the presence of
the amor seco not only on his clothes but also on the sacristan
mayor. Lucas must have been silenced in order that the truth will
not come out.
Chapter 58: Woe to the VanquishedCharacters:1) Dona Consolacion
went to the town hall to witness the interrogation\2) Alferez -
waiting for the arrival of Padre Salvi, announced that Ibarra and
Don Filipo were among those in prison 3) Padre Salvi came for the
interrogation4) Tarsilo - one of the prisoners and when he would
not talk, was killed thru drowningSummary: Dona Consolacion went to
the town hall to witness the interrogation. When Padre Salvi
arrived, Tarsilo was brought for questioning and asked what Ibarra
had promised them in exchange for the attacks. Tarsilo denied
having direct contact with Ibarra and told the Alferez that he is
avenging his fathers death for beating him to death. The Alferez
would not believe him and had him brought where the corpses were.
Among the corpses he saw his brother Bruno, the husband of Sisa and
Lucas with the rope on his neck. When he would not talk, he was
tied upside down and lowered to the well where he drowned and died.
Reaction: Torture was used to squeeze information from prisoners
which could lead to death. Nobody complained. Such inhumane act
with no respect for life was so gross.
Chapter 59: The CulpritCharacters:1) Doray - Don Filipos wife
was among the families of the detainees who were weeping outside
the prison 2) Ibarra, Don Filipo and the other prisoners - were
taken out of the prison and to be transferred to the provincial
capital.Summary: The families of the detainee gathered outside the
prison cell awaiting their transfer to the provincial capitol. When
they came out, it was only Ibarra who was not handcuffed, but the
latter requested that he be handcuffed like the others. People
shouted and blamed Ibarra for what happened and even threw stones a
t him.Reaction: Ibarra had been tried by publicity. Instead of
accusing the guards with injustice, they look for people whom to
blame, in this case, Ibarra.Chapter 60: Patriotism and Self
InterestCharacters:1) Capitan Tinong - from Tondo had offered
dinner to Ibarra when the latter arrived from Spain2) Capitana
Tinchang - wife of Tinong and blaming his husband of contemplating
to invite Ibarra for dinner; she feared that people might think he
is a friend.3) Don Primitivo the couples cousin who was sought for
his adviseSummary: The news reached Manila in 36 hours and was
written in the newspapers. Capitan Tinong and Capitana Tinchang
were afraid that they may be associated with Ibarra hence dragged
into the crime. When Ibarra first came to Manila after arriving
from Europe, he was invited by Capitan Tinong for a dinner. Though
the dinner did not push thru, they were afraid that they might also
be implicated into the crime.Reaction: It is human nature to save
ones own skin in times of trouble.Chapter 61: Wedding Plans for Ma.
ClaraCharacters:1) Capitan Tiago happy not to be arrested or
interrogated, prepared for Ma. Claras marriage to Linares2) Maria
Clara - was at the balcony of their house when Ibarra secretly came
from a boat3) Ibarra no evidence found that would convict him;
admitted that he wrote the letters to Ma . Clara 7 years ago which
was taken from the latters possession and used against
Ibarra.Summary: Wedding plans were made for Linares and Ma. Clara.
While Ma. Clara was by the balcony, a man jumped pout of the boat.
It was Ibarra. Elias, despite his hatred for Ibarras family, helped
the latter escape from prison. Ibarra told Ma. Clara that shen was
free and to forget him . On the other hand, Ma. Clara explained why
Ibarras love letter for her was in the possession of the
authorities. It was in exchange for the letters her mother had
written while she was pregnant and bore the secret of her real
father. Also, while she was sick, she learned about the identity of
her real father, when the latter paid her a visit. They professed
their love for each other but Ibarra had to leave immediatedly in
case he got caught.Reaction: Love for her mother, Capitan Tiago and
her real father prevailed over her love for Ibarra. In order not to
hurt her loved ones and to keep the secret safe, Ma. Clara opted to
keep silent and sacrifice her love for Ibarra. Elias on the other
hand, had forgiven Ibarra despite what his forbears had done to his
family. Chapter 62: Pursuit in the lakeCharacters:1) Elias with the
money he saved from the fire, he advised Ibarra to leave the
country for Spain wherein he will be safe2) Ibarra - offered to
take Elias with him to Spain of which the latter declinedSummary:
Elias told Ibarra to leave the country for Spain where he will be
safe. Ibarra wanted Elias to go with him but the latter declined.
Ibarra was forever grateful to Elias for saving his life twice.
Elias told him to start a war because of his money and his brains
and will have people to help him. When the boat reached the lake
they were intercepted by patrol boats. Elias jumped from the boat
to mislead the pursuers and to ward away the attention from the
boat where Ibarra was.Reaction: Elias helped Ibarra escape to be
the voice of the oppressed. He, with the money, the brains and the
connections can help sve his countrymen from oppression.Chapter 63:
Padre Dmaso explainsCharacters:1) Padre Damaso came to surprise Ma.
Clara for her wedding2) Ma. Clara made a request to Padre
DamasoSummary: Padre Damaso came to surprise Ma. Clara on her
wedding day. As the friar profess his love for her as a father
would to a daughter, Ma. Clara took the opportunity to appeal to
him to save her father. Since, Ibarra was dead, she appealed to him
that she would not marry Linares otherwise she would prefer the
cloister or death. The friar asked forgiveness from Ma. Clara and
admitted that he liked Ibarra but not as a husband for her as he
does not want her to suffer. In the end, the friar gave in to the
request of Ma. Clara not to marry her off and to allow her to
become a nun.Reaction: Just like any fathers, Padre Damaso only
wished what is good for his daughter. Thinking that Ma. Clara would
not be happy if she married Ibarra, he did everything he could to
stop the union. But he was wrong. Ibarra was his daughters
happiness and he took him away from her.
Chapter 64: Christmas eveCharacters:1) Grandfather, young woman,
a boy and a girl - lived on the slope of the mountains2) Basilio
saved and nurtured by the family3) Sisa kept coming back to the
Alferez home
Summary: Basilio was taken cared by a family who lived on the
slope of the mountains. On Christmas he asked permission to leave
for town to look for his mother and brother. While in town the
sacristan mayor was found dead hanging, Padre Salvi have gathered
all the documents, Tacio died and was buried in the Chinese
cemetery and his books were burned. Basilio saw his deranged mother
and followed her to the woods where she lived. When finally Sisa at
last remembered Basilio, he covered him with kisses and they fell
to the ground. When Basilio recovered consciousness, he found the
lifeless body of his mother.
Reaction: It must be Gods plan to save Basilio from death in
order to be reunited with his mother. At least , before his mother
died, she was able to recognize his son and she died a happy
death.