THE CHARACTERS AND THEIR
PRESENCE IN THE 21ST CENTURY
PHILIPPINE SOCIETY.
THE CHARACTERS IN NOLI ME TANGERE AND EL FILIBUSTERISMO
STILL REFLECT FAMILIAR ARCHETYPES AND ISSUES IN 21ST-CENTURY
PHILIPPINE SOCIETY, SYMBOLIZING SOCIAL, POLITICAL, RELIGIOUS,
AND ECONOMIC DYNAMICS. HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF HOW EACH
CHARACTER CAN BE VIEWED IN TODAY’S CONTEXT:
DON TIMOTEO
AND JUANITO PELAEZ
Portrayal in the Novels: Don Timoteo represents opportunistic
businessmen, while Juanito embodies a privileged but morally
shallow young man who manipulates his status for personal gain.
21st-Century Relevance: These characters mirror elites or influential
figures who prioritize profit over social responsibility, often aligning
with political powers to protect their interests. Juanito reflects
today’s entitled youth within affluent families, who sometimes
leverage connections for advancement, highlighting persisting issues
with nepotism and social hierarchy.
KAPITAN TIAGO
Portrayal in the Novels: Kapitan Tiago is depicted as a wealthy, subservient
Filipino, whose loyalty to the Spanish colonizers blinds him to his people's
plight.
21st-Century Relevance: Today, Kapitan Tiago symbolizes individuals who
align with foreign or powerful influences, often at the expense of national
welfare. This can be seen in some business and political figures who
prioritize personal gain, even if it conflicts with national interests or moral
principles.
KAPITAN TINONG
Portrayal in the Novels: Kapitan Tinong is a friend of Kapitan Tiago, known for
his cowardice and fear of political repercussions, which leads him to avoid
standing up for any cause.
21st-Century Relevance: Kapitan Tinong reflects citizens or leaders who
choose silence or inaction over advocating for change. This character type is
evident in those who, despite witnessing social injustices, remain passive out
of fear or personal comfort, contributing to the stagnation of progressive
movements.
DONYA VICTORINA
Portrayal in the Novels: Donya Victorina is a social climber who rejects her
Filipino roots, adopting a pretentious Spanish identity.
21st-Century Relevance: In today’s society, Donya Victorina symbolizes
individuals with a colonial mentality, valuing foreign identity over local
culture. This is often seen in a preference for imported goods, western
lifestyles, or even a superficial “elite” identity that disregards genuine Filipino
values.
BASILIO
Portrayal in the Novels: Basilio, initially a poor boy, grows into a young man
seeking education to better his circumstances. His character development
represents resilience and the pursuit of justice.
21st-Century Relevance: Basilio represents the youth and marginalized who
pursue education as a tool for social change and self-betterment. Many young
Filipinos, like Basilio, aspire to uplift themselves and advocate for societal
reform, embodying hope and determination amid systemic inequalities.
SISA
Portrayal in the Novels: Sisa is the mother who loses her sanity due to
the abuse and injustices inflicted upon her family by those in power.
21st-Century Relevance: Sisa symbolizes mothers or individuals in
society victimized by poverty, corruption, and ineffective governance.
Her plight resonates with marginalized Filipinos today who struggle
against an indifferent system, embodying the continuous suffering of
the oppressed in society.
KABESANG TALES
Portrayal in the Novels: A farmer who turns revolutionary after losing his
land to powerful interests, Kabesang Tales represents the oppressed
fighting back against societal injustices.
21st-Century Relevance: Kabesang Tales reflects the ongoing struggle of
farmers, laborers, and indigenous people dispossessed of their lands and
rights. His story resonates in modern land disputes, advocating for social
justice and the fair treatment of the rural and indigenous communities.
PADRE DAMASO
Portrayal in the Novels: Padre Damaso is a corrupt, hypocritical friar who
abuses his influence to control and exploit the townspeople.
21st-Century Relevance: Padre Damaso’s character is akin to individuals
in powerful positions who exploit their authority for personal benefit,
often in religious, political, or institutional sectors. His presence
highlights the enduring issues of corruption and hypocrisy within
institutions expected to serve the people.
reference: Anderson, B. (1998). Why Counting Counts: A Study of Forms of Consciousness and Problems
of Language in Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Ateneo de Manila University Press.
