moral lesson in noli me tangere essay

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Philippine Literature: Understanding The Message Behind Noli Me Tangere

April 16, 2022 June 7, 2022

Noli Me Tangere, one of the most well-known Filipino novels, is a work of fiction written by Jose Rizal. It was first published in 1887 and it is considered to be the most important novel in Philippine literature. It tells the story of two friends: Juan Crisostomo Ibarra and Elias who are both from wealthy families.

The novel was written in Spanish and English for different audiences. The Spanish version was meant for Spaniards residing in the Philippines while the English version was meant for an international audience. Noli Me Tangere has been translated into over 20 languages and it has been adapted into films and TV series as well as musicals.

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An Analysis of Noli Me Tangere and what it says about Philippine Culture

Noli Me Tangere is a novel by Jose Rizal that is considered an important part of Filipino culture. Its main theme is the oppression of the Filipino people by Spanish colonialists. It also touches on many other themes such as class struggle, education, and religion.

We can see how much this novel has impacted Philippine culture when we look at how it has influenced literature in the country to this day. The book has given rise to many films, TV series, and even comics that have been made in its likeness.

Hidden messages in noli me tangere

Noli Me Tangere is translated to “Touch Me Not” in English. It was published in Berlin, Germany in 1887. This novel was written by Jose Rizal as a response to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines and its brutal treatment of Filipinos.

This novel is about Crisostomo Ibarra who returns from his studies abroad, but he has an accident on his way home and goes into hiding for seven years before he can return to his family again. The novel is a chronicle of the life and times of Ibarra from his birth to death, including his struggles and dreams, his intense friendships as well as the ways he reconciles with society. The novel is not linear. The first six chapters are told in chronological order, but chapter 7 is set in 1892 and tells the story of Ibarra’s youth. You can read a summary of the novel here – Noli Me Tangere Buod 2022.

Noli me Tangere is also considered one of the most important novels in Filipino literature because it paved the way for Philippine independence from Spain and America.

The Mechanism Behind Noli Me Tangere’s Success as a Novel in Philippine History

Noli Me Tangere served as a catalyst for the Philippine Revolution against Spain. The novel is considered as a masterpiece of Filipino literature and has been translated into many languages.

The novel was able to spark the revolution because it was written in Filipino, which was then the national language of the Philippines. This made it accessible to more people who could understand and relate to its message, which encouraged them to take action against Spain’s colonial rule over them.

Noli Me Tángere

42 pages • 1 hour read

Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not)

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Chapters 7-12

Chapters 13-18

Chapters 19-24

Chapters 25-30

Chapters 31-36

Chapters 37-42

Chapters 43-48

Chapters 49-54

Chapters 55-60

Chapters 61-63

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Summary and Study Guide

Noli Me Tángere (1887)—which translates to “Touch Me Not” in Latin—is a novel written by Filipino writer José Rizal. The novel tells the story of Don Crisóstomo Ibarra , a young man of Filipino and Spanish descent who returns to the Philippines after a seven-year trip to Europe. Upon his return, and because he is now old enough to better understand the world, Ibarra sees the oppression wrought on the Indigenous population by Spanish colonialism. As Ibarra attempts to do something about this, he finds himself confronting forces that view him as a direct threat to their power—and who will do whatever it takes to retain it.

Noli Me Tángere is predominantly narrated in the third person, with occasional shifts to first-person plural. The narrative follows a generally linear plot with occasional shifts that provide historical context . It also tends toward the satirical, especially when the narrator describes members of the wealthy ruling class. At times, the novel depicts the brutality of oppression realistically, hence it is sometimes graphic.

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This guide is based on the Kindle edition of the novel, translated by Harold Augenbraum and published by Penguin Books in 2006.

Content warning: This guide contains references to violence, which is depicted in the source text. 

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Plot Summary

Noli Me Tángere begins at a dinner party hosted by Captain Don Santiago (Tiago), a wealthy resident of Manila. Guests assembled at the party include other members of the upper class as well as friars of both the Dominican and Franciscan orders. During dinner, Don Crisóstomo Ibarra arrives—the party being his first stop post-returning from Europe. He is there to visit his fiancée María-Clara , Santiago’s daughter. However, the celebratory atmosphere soon turns tense as one of the friars, Father Dámaso , becomes angry at Ibarra’s arrival. After the party, Ibarra learns that his father, Don Rafael, died while in prison and Father Dámaso had his corpse exhumed and removed from the Christian cemetery (i.e., dumped into a river). The dramatic tension between Ibarra and Dámaso forms the central conflict.

As Ibarra reacclimates himself to his homeland, he looks to apply his progressive ideals to make life better for the citizens of San Diego. After meeting with a school teacher, Ibarra’s first act is to build a school. While he gains support from the local government, the religious order within the town views the project with suspicion. They begin to see Ibarra as a threat to their power—with Dámaso in particular seeing him as a rival who must be put in his place.

Ibarra and María-Clara’s relationship dates back to childhood. However, Dámaso is the godfather of María-Clara and opposes the marriage. He wishes to drive the two apart and eventually achieves. He arrives uninvited to a dinner party hosted by Ibarra and dishonors the memory of his late father, which baits the latter into retaliation. Ibarra physically attacks Dámaso, holding him at knife point and threatening to kill him. María-Clara intervenes and prevents Ibarra from completing the deed, but the damage is done. As punishment for the assault, Ibarra is excommunicated and thus, the couple’s engagement is annulled.

The Captain General, the King’s representative in the Philippines, intercedes on Ibarra’s behalf. Once again, Dámaso and his colleague Father Salví are disgruntled and see the Captain General’s respect for Ibarra as a threat to their power. Salví’s role in the novel becomes more prominent after this incident, as he works on a scheme to take down Ibarra once and for all.

Ibarra befriends Elías , a fellow Filipino who is involved with a subversive group planning an uprising. Because Elías is knowledgeable of the town’s underground, he is able to warn Ibarra of the attempts to have him framed and killed. Their friendship is unusual as they are not of the same class, but they have mutual respect for each other—and this respect enables them to strengthen their alliance.

Through no fault of his own, Ibarra’s life is turned upside down by the same forces that claimed the life of his father. As the novel comes to a close, the progress that Ibarra advocated for is put on hold. However, Dámaso suffers a private defeat as María-Clara holds a secret against him, one that would destroy his reputation in town. Dámaso is eventually moved out of San Diego and with him out of the way, the possibility of reform is made more possible than ever.

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Understanding the Themes of the Filipino Novel "Noli Me Tangere"

• Celine Bernadette Francisco
• Categories : Literature study guides and chapter summaries
• Tags : Homework help & study guides

Freedom From Spain

“Noli Me Tangere,” the first novel written by the Philippine’s national hero Jose Rizal, mirrors its creator’s persistence in attaining freedom from the Spaniards. True enough, as Rizal aimed to redeem the country and its people by exposing the barbarity, greed, cruelty and ignorance of the Spanish colonizers, his work reflected the struggles of the Tagalogs — being the first to project such a bold account of living in the 1800s in the Philippines. Likewise, as “Noli Me Tangere” portrays the different aspects of gaining independence, Jose Rizal focuses on social climbers, abusive power, family devotion, self sacrifice, and purity and faithfulness.

Social Climbers

Representing the various classes of society during the late 1800s in the Philippines, Jose Rizal includes personalities such as Doña Victorina and Capitan Tiago. These characters, indeed, show how people tend to associate with higher classes of society, specifically the Spaniards and the illustrados (“learned” ones) and mestizos . Capitan Tiago, in this instance, portrays this character as he gives friars lumps of money as ecclesiastical donations and even invites the parish curate at his home every dinner. Aside from that, he also supports the government’s tax increases, leading to his title of gobernadorcillo , the highest post a non-Spaniard can attain.

Meanwhile, Doña Victorina’s character in the novel shows an obsession in becoming Spanish. She does this by covering her face with too much makeup, dressing just like Spanish women, speaking Spanish (though incorrectly), and basically promotes the “colonial mentality” as she prefers being just like a Spaniard when in fact she is a Filipino.

Abusive Power

Having been colonized by Spaniards since the 1500s, the author depicts the Filipinos suffering abuse from civil guards, friars and other government officials. Using their power to mistreat civilians, the civil guards harass them because of simple causes, such as not rendering the customary salute, not being able to show identification cards, etc. The same goes with friars who commercialize religion through simony and plenary indulgence. Government officials, likewise, make use of their power to control those whom they believe would be detrimental to the Spanish rule. Just as Crisostomo Ibarra, the main character in the novel, experiences this through the death of his father (Don Rafael), this theme in “Noli Me Tangere” comes to life.

Family Devotion

Never forgetting the positive qualities of the Filipinos, Jose Rizal still highlights devotion to one’s family through Crisostomo Ibarra, Maria Clara and Sisa. With the death of Don Rafael, Ibarra’s father, Crisostomo traces all means to seek for justice. This is also true with Maria Clara, an obedient daughter to Capitan Tiago. Consenting to her father’s request that she marry a Spaniard (as requested by Padre Damaso), Maria Clara adheres to this (but gets very ill afterward). Sisa, on the other hand, definitely shows her devotion to her family by doing everything to serve her family. Considering her children (Basilio and Crispin) as her treasures, she endures the trials she goes through just to keep them secure.

Self Sacrifice

Just as Jose Rizal sacrificed himself for his country, “Noli Me Tangere” also conveys this message all throughout its text. Starting off with Sisa’s never-ending sacrifices for her children, she withstands her husband’s beatings and even takes on the journey of finding her sons, thereby showing her real love as a mother.

Purity and Faithfulness

Maria Clara portrays purity and faithfulness as she remains true to her love for Crisostomo Ibarra. Even though she is engaged to a Spaniard, she still does not submit herself to him because of her undying love for Ibarra. Thus, she prefers to become a nun and hence dies afterward when Padre Salvi rapes her.

Another very evident theme in the novel turns out to be patriotism. Portrayed by Crisostomo Ibarra and Elias, these two men earnestly desire for independence from the oppressors. Although different in their means for seeking reform, they both profess their goals.

Since Elias resolves for a revolt against the Spaniards, he finds all means to lead a revolution against the friars, civil guards and government officials. Believing that God will bring forth justice over Filipinos depicts patriotism by all means.

All in all, “Noli Me Tangere” shall forever remain as one of the most powerful tools the Philippines has ever had to spread awareness on the “social cancer” and to fight for independence. As Jose Rizal used various themes to spread the word regarding the battle against abusive power, injustice, false religious claims and other inappropriate dealings with innocent people, the cause Rizal started more than a hundred years ago shall endure.

Gagelonia, Pedro A. Rizal’s Life, Works, and Writings. National Bookstore, Inc., 1974.

Jose Rizal University. “Noli Me Tangere: Mga Tauhan”, https://www.joserizal.ph/no02.html

Image Credit : Jose Rizal on a Mug by Michael Francis McCarthy under CC BY 2.0

Noli Me Tangere

By josé rizal, noli me tangere summary and analysis of chapters 13-16.

Ibarra arrives at the cemetery, in search of his father’s grave. However, upon arriving where he thinks his father is buried, he can’t find a cross marking the grave. He talks to a gravedigger, who says that he burned the cross because the head priest told him to, and that he was also told to dig up the body and bury it in the Chinese cemetery instead. Feeling that it was “better to drown than to be with the Chinese,” the gravedigger threw the corpse into the water. Ibarra is furious and leaves the cemetery. As he’s leaving, he runs into Father Salví and angrily asks what he’s done with his father, but Father Salví explains that it was his predecessor, Father Dámaso, who made the orders.

We are introduced to Tasio, an old man who had been a philosophy student whose mother convinced him to abandon his education because she feared he would forget God. Soon after leaving school to be married, both Tasio’s wife and mother died, and he soon returned to his books and neglected the rest of his life. Tasio is known politely as Don Anatasio or Tasio the Philosopher, but most people call him Tasio the Madman. Tasio runs into the mayor, who he tells that he is hoping for lightning to kill people and destroy houses since he has been trying with no success to convince villagers to purchase lightning rods for a decade. Suddenly, lightning flashes, scaring the mayor. Tasio laughs and says that “you are all worthy of the name of your patron saint in this case” in Castilian. Later, he speaks to the deputy mayor and his wife, who bring up his late wife and suggest he doesn’t believe in purgatory. In response, Tasio says that purgatory existed even before the coming of Jesus, and that its long existence proves the truth of Christian philosophy, since even Zoroaster wrote about it. Yet despite his long digression, Tasio questions the idea of eternal damnation.

As the storm continues, the narrative shifts to two young sextons, brothers Crispín and Basilio, who discuss their poverty and difficult work. Because Crispín is accused of stealing from the church, they are in debt to their employer, lowering the already meager salary they earn. Suddenly, the chief sexton interrupts them, fining Basilio for not tolling the bells properly and ordering Crispín to remain at the church until what he stole comes back. Despite the boys’ pleas, the chief sexton forcibly separates them.

An hour away from town, Basilio and Crispín’s mother Sisa lives. Her husband is a gambler who abuses her and provides nothing for the family. She waits eagerly for her sons’ return and prepares the best dinner possible for them, but her husband arrives and eats much of the food, not even caring to see his sons.

The gravedigger’s lack of guilt for digging up Ibarra’s father’s corpse illustrates the extent of the power of the church—he doesn’t even think to question the orders he receives from the head priest because the priest holds so much authority. Ibarra is the first person in the novel to challenge this authority when he aggressively confronts Father Salví. Ibarra is likely able to get away with this action in part because of his high social status, while disobeying the clergy would be unthinkable for the less-fortunate gravedigger. Yet Ibarra’s actions are still extraordinary, even among people who outsiders might expect to have power over figures like Father Salví.

Tasio is an odd figure in the narrative, a person of some prominence (though he’s often ridiculed, he’s a staple of the town) who is not clearly aligned with either the church or the government. His claim that the new church tower will attract lightning indicates his disapproval of what he sees as frivolous spending by the church that doesn’t truly align with the ideals of piety. In San Diego, priests sell indulgences, which are said to reduce the amount of time a soul spends in purgatory, on All Souls’ Day. This practice again demonstrates the corruption of the church, since the clergy members take advantage of the townspeople’s piety for their own financial benefit. Tasio disapproves of this practice, as well as the government’s allowance of it, indicating that he has his own private understanding of spirituality, like the elder Ibarra. Though he disagrees with many of the practices of organized Catholicism, he is deeply knowledgeable about the religion, as shown by his digression into the history of purgatory.

The church’s lack of concern for the best interests of the townspeople is again shown through the story of Basilio and Crispín, who must endanger themselves by climbing up the tower in the midst of a storm because of their poverty. The false accusations of stealing against Crispín also underscore this theme. Furthermore, Crispín points out that these allegations make him wish he did steal, alluding to the idea that harsh regulations and laws can create criminals out of otherwise innocent people, a theme that will come up again later in the novel.

The boys are punished for pointing out the town’s curfew (which prevents them from walking the streets to return home), which indicates that the people who suffer most from the power struggle between the ensign and Father Salví are not the authorities themselves, but innocent people like the young boys. In this manner, Rizal illustrates how the system governing a town like San Diego is rigged against vulnerable people like the brothers.

Sisa is a thoroughly tragic figure, living in extreme poverty, separated from her young sons, and abused by her husband. She is one of few characters who are fully left out of the power dynamics of San Diego—her only allies are her sons, who hold little power.

Noli Me Tangere Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Noli Me Tangere is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Bakit pinuntahan ni Elias SI crisostomo ibarra sa kanyang laboratoryo

Pumunta si Elias kay Ibarra para balaan siya na may pakana laban sa kanyang buhay.

Binanggit ni Don Rafael sa kanyang huling ipinadalang liham sa kanyang anak na nag-aaral noon sa Europa na huwag itong mag-alala at magtaka kung hindi na raw ito makakasulat sa kanya dahil magiging abala ito sa mga gawain. Ano ang tunay na dahilan kung

I'm sorry, you will need to post your question in English.

Ano ang mangyayari kapag ikaw ay natawag na filibustero

Sorry, I don't understand your question.

Study Guide for Noli Me Tangere

Noli Me Tangere study guide contains a biography of José Rizal, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Noli Me Tangere
• Noli Me Tangere Summary
• Character List

Noli Me Tangere

Ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

What are the moral lessons of Noli Me Tangere?

Noli me Tangere: Noli me tangere or touch me not... was the most controversial novel of Rizal aside from the predicaments he encountered just to publish this novel. He did it to ridicule the friars and let the Filipinos be awoke of the oppression and learn to fight. It contained all the immoralities of the spaniards. So I think the lessons we can get from it is learn how to fight in a peaceful manner, fighting doesnt need a bolos, a sumpit or lantakas but it can also be possible using your pen, your wisdom. As a Filipino we should learn to be united in deeds avoiding the et empera policy that the spanish brought to us. ------Ranie Esponilla

Some of the moral lessons in "Noli Me Tangere" include the importance of seeking justice, fighting against oppression and corruption, standing up for what is right, and the consequences of greed and abuse of power. It also emphasizes the value of education, love for country, and the need for unity among Filipinos in the face of adversity.

Anonymous ∙

keep your hands off me.

Add your answer:

What are the moral lessons of noli me tangere novel?

"Noli Me Tangere" (translation:T "Touch Me Not") is a novel by Jose Rizal. There are several moral lessons conveyed in this story. One is not to try to be someone you aren't and be self-sacrificing.

What are the moral lessons of Noli you Tangere chap22?

In Chapter 22 of Noli Me Tangere, the moral lessons include the dangers of succumbing to pride and anger as seen through the character of Crisostomo Ibarra, the consequences of harboring vengeance and seeking revenge, and the importance of seeking justice through peaceful means rather than resorting to violence. Additionally, it highlights the corrupt nature of power and authority and the importance of standing up against injustice.

What is the moral lesson of kabanata 9 of noli me tangere?

In Chapter 9 of Noli Me Tangere, the moral lesson is about the importance of seeking justice and standing up against oppression. It highlights the reality of corruption and abuse of power in society, urging people to take a stand against injustice and fight for what is right.

What is the moral lesson of kabanata 39 of noli you tangere?

In Chapter 39 of "Noli Me Tangere," the moral lesson is about the power of forgiveness and redemption. Through the character of Elias, who forgives his brother despite the betrayal and hardship he faced, the novel emphasizes the importance of letting go of hatred and seeking reconciliation for inner peace and spiritual growth.

What is the moral lesson of chapter 39 of noli you tangere?

Chapter 39 of "Noli Me Tangere" by Jose Rizal highlights the theme of forgiveness. The moral lesson can be seen in the actions of the characters, particularly Maria Clara and her ability to forgive those who have wronged her. The chapter serves as a reminder of the power of forgiveness in overcoming hatred and moving towards reconciliation.

What is the political message of Noli Me Tangere?

Message of noli me tangere

What is the meaning of noli-me-tangere?

Noli me tangere is Latin and means 'Touch me not'.

What is the Tagalog word for Noli Me Tangere?

The Tagalog word for "Noli Me Tangere" is "Huwag Mo Akong Salingin."

Can you give me the picture of Noli me Tangere characters?

An image of the Noli me Tangere characters can be found in related links.

Kadahilanan na mga pilipino laban sa kastila?

What is the tagalog of noli you tangere.

It is not Noli Yo Tangere I think but Noli Me Tangere which means Touch Me Not..it sounds weird in tagalog if its the right translation ..Huwag mo akong hawakan..just don't know if this is right..but the meaning is the same

Place that Jose rizal do the Noli you Tangere and EL Filibusterismo?

He wrote Noli Me Tangere when he was travelling in Madrid, Paris and Berlin..

Istilo ng noli me tangere?

si rizal ay kumantot kya sya nagsulat ng noli me tangere

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