El Filibusterismo · Chapter
X: Wealth and Want explained
Simoun arrives at Cabesang Tales' house under the pretense of selling jewelry, displaying his wares to the townspeople.
What happens
Simoun arrives at Cabesang Tales' house under the pretense of selling jewelry, displaying his wares to the townspeople. Cabesang Tales, driven to desperation by the loss of his land and family, steals Simoun's revolver and joins the tulisanes, leaving a note and a valuable locket in exchange. Simoun recognizes him as the man he needs for his plans. The chapter ends with the discovery of three murders committed by Tales, and the arrest of Tandang Selo.
Themes in this chapter
Colonial Oppression
The chapter depicts the dispossession of Cabesang Tales and the broader oppression of Filipino farmers, as seen in the murders and the arrest of Tandang Selo.
Revenge and Radicalization
Cabesang Tales, driven by the loss of his family and land, steals a revolver and joins the tulisanes, committing violent acts of revenge.
Class and Racial Inequality
Simoun's jewels symbolize the vast wealth disparity, as the poor like Tales are contrasted with the rich who can afford such luxuries.
Characters to notice
- Simoun
Arrives at Cabesang Tales' house, displays his jewels, and later discovers his revolver missing, replaced by a note from Tales.
- Cabesang Tales
Hosts Simoun, becomes increasingly distressed by the sight of the jewels and the laughter of the friar and usurper, steals Simoun's revolver, and joins the tulisanes after committing three murders.
- Basilio
Visits Simoun with his family, prepared to spend money on jewels, and shows great interest in the antique items.
- Sinang
Accompanies her father Capitan Basilio, jokes about her father's knowledge of Latin, and expresses interest in antique diamonds.
- Tandang Selo
Arrested by civil guards in place of Cabesang Tales, who has fled.
- Julî
Mentioned as being left at home by Sister Penchang to memorize a religious booklet.
- Sister Penchang
Visits Simoun to buy a diamond ring, and complains about Julî's inability to memorize the booklet.
- Capitana Tikâ
Present at Simoun's exhibition, comments on the value of the gold in Cleopatra's necklace.
Key passages
“Pardon, sir, that in my own house I relieve you of what belongs to you, but necessity drives me to it. In exchange for your revolver I leave the locket you desired so much. I need the weapon, for I am going out to join the tulisanes.”
Forgive me for taking your revolver while you are my guest, but I am forced by desperation. I leave you the locket in return, as I need the gun to join the bandits.
Cabesang Tales' note to Simoun explains his theft and his decision to become an outlaw.
“At last I’ve found my man!”
Finally, I have found the person I need.
Simoun's reaction upon reading Tales' note, indicating that Tales is the ally he has been seeking for his plans.