# On the Lower Deck explained — El Filibusterismo

> Chapter companion for El Filibusterismo by José Rizal.

## What happens

On the lower deck of the steamer, Basilio and Isagani engage in a tense conversation with Simoun, who mocks their provincial poverty and the lack of energy among Filipinos. Isagani retorts with a metaphor about water turning to steam and ocean, hinting at revolution. Simoun leaves, and Basilio warns Isagani that Simoun is the 'Brown Cardinal' advising the General. Meanwhile, Padre Florentino, Isagani's uncle, sits quietly among the passengers, a native priest of dignity and sorrow, forced into the priesthood by his mother. He later moves to the upper deck at the captain's insistence, leaving Isagani below.

## Themes in this chapter

### Colonial Oppression

Simoun's mockery of the province's poverty and the lack of energy among Filipinos reflects the colonial disdain and economic exploitation.

### Revenge and Radicalization

Isagani's metaphor of water turning to steam and ocean hints at the potential for revolution and radical change.

### Hypocrisy of Religious Institutions

Padre Florentino's forced priesthood and the contrast with the friars' arrogance highlight the hypocrisy and corruption within the Church.

## Character check-ins

### Simoun

Engages Basilio and Isagani in a tense exchange, mocking their province and hinting at revolutionary ideas; leaves after their retorts.

### Basilio

Travels with Isagani on the lower deck, tries to mediate between Isagani and Simoun, and reveals Simoun's influence as the 'Brown Cardinal.'

### Isagani

Defends his provincial pride against Simoun's insults, delivers a metaphor about water and revolution, and is called away by his uncle.

### Padre Florentino

Isagani's uncle, a native priest of dignity and sorrow, forced into the priesthood; sits quietly on the lower deck and later moves to the upper deck.

### Doña Victorina

Mentioned as the aunt of Paulita Gomez, who disdainfully looks at Isagani for being a steerage passenger; her husband Don Tiburcio is hidden in Padre Florentino's house.

## Key lines

> When the fire heats it, when the rivulets that are now scattered through the steep valleys, forced by fatality, rush together in the abyss that men are digging

Isagani suggests that when oppression heats up, the scattered people will unite in the abyss of revolution.

_A metaphor for the coming revolution, linking water (the people) and fire (oppression) to create steam (change)._

> Richelieu had a Capuchin adviser who was called the Gray Eminence; well, that's what this man is to the General.

Basilio explains that Simoun is the secret adviser to the General, similar to Richelieu's Gray Eminence.

_Reveals Simoun's behind-the-scenes power and influence over colonial authorities._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/el_filibusterismo_se/chapters/ii-on-the-lower-deck
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/el_filibusterismo_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/el_filibusterismo_se/chapters