E.

consume individuals and drive them to drastic actions,

Theme: contributing to the cycle of violence and oppression.
Noli Me Tangere: The central theme of "Noli Me Tangere"
revolves around the injustices and abuses of Spanish colonial rule Greediness: Greediness is a central theme in "El Filibusterismo,"
in the Philippines. Rizal exposes the social ills prevalent during the as reflected in the title itself. The novel portrays the greed of those
colonial period, including oppression, corruption, and in power, who exploit their positions for personal gain at the
discrimination. The novel also explores the power of education expense of the Filipino people. This theme underscores the
and enlightenment in fostering social change and national economic exploitation and corruption prevalent in colonial society,
consciousness. driving the narrative forward.

Freshness: In "Noli Me Tangere," freshness could be interpreted as Political/work of the mind: "El Filibusterismo" is indeed a political
the portrayal of the youthful idealism of the protagonist, novel, focusing on the intellectual and strategic efforts of
Crisostomo Ibarra. He returns to the Philippines from Europe with characters like Simoun to incite revolution and enact change. It
fresh perspectives and hopes for reform and progress. explores the complexities of political activism and resistance, as
Additionally, freshness may also be seen in the depiction of nature, well as the power dynamics at play in colonial society. The novel
particularly in the rural settings, which provide a contrast to the also delves into the philosophical and ideological underpinnings of
corruption and decay present in society. revolution, reflecting the "work of the mind" in the pursuit of
social and political transformation.
Humor: While "Noli Me Tangere" is primarily a serious critique of
Spanish colonial society, it does contain elements of humor, often Overall, "El Filibusterismo" is a profound and thought-provoking
through satire and irony. Characters like Padre Salvi and Capitan work that delves into dark themes such as hatred and greediness
Tiago are depicted in comical situations, and there are moments of while also engaging with serious political and philosophical
wit and sarcasm that add levity to the narrative, albeit in a darkly questions.
humorous way.

Love: Love is a central theme in "Noli Me Tangere," particularly El Filibusterismo: Building upon the themes introduced in "Noli
the romantic love between Crisostomo Ibarra and Maria Clara. Me Tangere," "El Filibusterismo" delves deeper into the
Their love is tested by the social and political circumstances consequences of colonial oppression and the failure of meaningful
surrounding them, adding depth and complexity to their reform. It explores themes of disillusionment, rebellion, and the
relationship. Love also extends beyond romantic relationships to cyclical nature of oppression and resistance. The novel highlights
familial love, friendship, and love for one's country, all of which the escalating tensions between the ruling elite and the oppressed
are explored in the novel. masses, ultimately culminating in revolution.

Romantic/work of the heart: This theme encompasses both the

romantic aspects of the story, such as the love between Crisostomo Place and Date of Publication:
and Maria Clara, as well as the deeper emotional and moral Noli Me Tangere: José Rizal completed "Noli Me Tangere" while
struggles faced by the characters. The novel delves into the inner he was in Europe, particularly in Germany, where he was studying
workings of the heart and soul, exploring themes of betrayal, ophthalmology. The novel was first published in 1887 in Berlin,
redemption, and the quest for justice. Germany, with the financial support of Filipino exiles. Its
publication marked a significant milestone in Philippine literature
Overall, while "Noli Me Tangere" is primarily known for its social and served as a catalyst for social reform and nationalist sentiment.
and political commentary, it also encompasses themes of
freshness, humor, love, and the romantic/work of the heart, adding
depth and richness to its portrayal of Philippine society under El Filibusterismo: After the success of "Noli Me Tangere," Rizal
Spanish colonial rule. continued his activism and literary endeavors. He wrote "El
Filibusterismo" as a sequel to "Noli Me Tangere" and completed it
"El Filibusterismo," the sequel to "Noli Me Tangere," indeed in 1891, also during his stay in Europe. The novel was published
delves into darker and more serious themes compared to its in 1891 in Ghent, Belgium, due to the difficulty of securing a
predecessor. Here's how the themes you've mentioned manifest in printing press in the Philippines. Like its predecessor, "El
the novel: Filibusterismo" made a profound impact on Philippine society and
further fueled nationalist aspirations.
Darkness: "El Filibusterismo" is characterized by a darker tone
compared to "Noli Me Tangere." The title itself, which translates
to "The Reign of Greed" or "The Filibuster," suggests a more Dedication:
somber and ominous atmosphere. The novel explores the darker Noli Me Tangere: The dedication of "Noli Me Tangere" is
aspects of human nature, as well as the corruption and oppression addressed to the Philippines, particularly to the Filipino people,
prevalent in colonial society. whom Rizal sought to awaken from their apathy and inspire to
fight for their rights and freedom. The dedication emphasizes
Seriousness: The tone of "El Filibusterismo" is indeed serious Rizal's love for his homeland and his commitment to advocating
throughout, reflecting the gravity of the issues it addresses. It for social reform and national liberation.
delves into themes such as social injustice, abuse of power, and the
plight of the marginalized. Unlike "Noli Me Tangere," which
balances seriousness with moments of humor, "El Filibusterismo" El Filibusterismo: In the dedication of "El Filibusterismo," Rizal
maintains a more consistent tone of solemnity and urgency. pays tribute to the memory of the Filipino priests, Fathers Mariano
Gomez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, who were unjustly
Hatred: Hatred is a prominent theme in "El Filibusterismo," executed by the Spanish authorities in the aftermath of the Cavite
particularly in the character of Simoun, who harbors intense Mutiny in 1872. Rizal honors their sacrifice and calls for justice
resentment and a desire for revenge against the injustices he and reform in their memory, underscoring his condemnation of
witnessed and experienced. The novel explores how hatred can Spanish tyranny and his solidarity with the Filipino people.
 Explanation: Corruption was pervasive in colonial Philippine
In summary, while "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" society, with government officials and members of the clergy
share common themes of colonial oppression and social injustice, engaging in bribery, embezzlement, and other forms of graft.
they differ in their approach to these themes, as well as in their Example from Rizal's novels: In "El Filibusterismo," characters
place and date of publication and dedication. Both novels, like Don Custodio and the civil guards are depicted as corrupt
however, remain enduring symbols of Philippine nationalism and officials who exploit their positions for personal gain, contributing
the struggle for freedom and social justice. to the suffering and oppression of the Filipino people.

Weaknesses of Filipinos:
F. Explanation: Rizal also depicted the weaknesses and flaws of the
Racial Discrimination: Filipino characters in his novels, highlighting issues such as
Explanation: Racial discrimination was rampant during the apathy, complacency, and lack of unity.
Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, where native Filipinos Example from Rizal's novels: In "El Filibusterismo," Rizal
were often treated as inferior by the ruling Spanish authorities. portrays characters like Don Tiburcio de Espadaña and Don
Example from Rizal's novels: In "Noli Me Tangere," characters Custodio, who represent the weaknesses and vices prevalent
like Crisostomo Ibarra experience discrimination and prejudice among the Filipino elite, such as greed, vanity, and incompetence.
from the Spanish friars and officials solely based on their race and These examples from Rizal's novels provide insights into the
ethnicity. diverse social conditions and challenges faced by the Filipino
people during the colonial period, reflecting Rizal's keen
Abuse of Government and Church Authorities: observations and critiques of society.
Explanation: The colonial government and the Catholic Church
wielded significant power and often abused their authority for
personal gain, leading to widespread corruption and injustice.
Example from Rizal's novels: In "El Filibusterismo," the character
Padre Salvi represents the abuse of power by the friars, as he
manipulates the justice system to further his own interests and
persecutes those who oppose him.

Poor Educational System:

Explanation: The educational system under Spanish colonial rule
was inadequate and biased, primarily serving the interests of the
ruling elite and perpetuating ignorance among the masses.
Example from Rizal's novels: In both "Noli Me Tangere" and "El
Filibusterismo," Rizal criticizes the educational system through
characters like Don Rafael Ibarra and Simoun, who recognize the
need for reform and enlightenment among the Filipino people.

Child Abuse/Child Labor:

Explanation: Children were often subjected to exploitation and
abuse, forced to work in hazardous conditions with little to no
regard for their well-being.
Example from Rizal's novels: In "Noli Me Tangere," characters
like Basilio and Crispin are portrayed as victims of child labor and
abuse, working under harsh conditions for minimal pay and facing
punishment for minor infractions.

Arranged Marriage:
Explanation: Arranged marriages were common during the
colonial period, with parents or guardians deciding whom their
children would marry based on social status and economic
considerations.
Example from Rizal's novels: In "Noli Me Tangere," the character
María Clara is betrothed to Crisostomo Ibarra by her father,
Capitán Tiago, without her consent, highlighting the lack of
agency and autonomy afforded to women in such arrangements.

No Separation of Church and Government (Theocratic

Government):
Explanation: During Spanish colonial rule, there was no separation
between the Catholic Church and the colonial government,
resulting in a theocratic system where religious and political
authorities were closely intertwined.
Example from Rizal's novels: Throughout both "Noli Me Tangere"
and "El Filibusterismo," Rizal critiques the influence of the
Catholic Church on government affairs, depicting how religious
leaders often manipulated politics to maintain their power and
privilege.

Corruption: