Noli Me Tangere (novel)

Noli Me Tangere was Rizal's first novel. He was 26 at its publication. This book was historically significant and was instrumental in the establishing the Filipino's sense of national identity. The book indirectly influenced a revolution although the author, Jose Rizal, advocated non-violent means and only direct representation to the Spanish government. The novel was written in Spanish, the language of the educated at that time. There were many and diverse native languages and regional cultures.

Rizal started his novel in Madrid, Spain. Half was done by the time he left for Paris, and it was completed in Berlin, Germany. Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, a well-known writer, volunteered his services as proofreader and consultant.

The novel created so much controversy that only a few days after his arrival, Governor General Terrero received him at the Malacañán Palace and told him of the charges saying that the Noli was full of subversive ideas. After a discussion, the liberal Governor General was appeased; but he mentioned that he was unable to offer resistance against the pressure of the church to take action against the book. The persecution can be discerned from Rizal's letter to Leitmeritz: "My book made a lot of noise; everywhere, I am asked about it. They wanted to anthemize me (to excommunicate me) because of it . . . I am considered a German spy, an agent of Bismarck, they say I am a Protestant, a freemason, a sorcerer, a damned soul. It is whispered that I want to draw plans, that I have a foreign passport and that I wander through the streets by night ..."

Significance

The book was instrumental in creating a racial Filipino identity and consciousness as many Filipinos identified with their respective regions to the advantage of the Spanish authorities. It lampooned, caricatured and exposed various elements in the colonial society.

Synopsis

The Spanish authorities, particularly Padre Dámaso, hated and feared Crisóstomo Ibarra, a young, wealthy, European-educated Filipino, because he had patriotic ideas of helping his oppressed countrymen.

External reference

• Noli Me Tangere (in English translation) at Project Gutenberg
• Another English Translation
• Rizal's Little Odyssey

Study Guides

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