# The Class in Physics explained — El Filibusterismo

> Chapter companion for El Filibusterismo by José Rizal.

## What happens

In a physics class taught by Padre Millon, the professor uses humiliation and arbitrary marks to control students. Plácido Penitente is falsely accused of fifteen absences and insulted, leading him to walk out in a rare act of defiance. The chapter critiques the oppressive education system that stifles learning and dignity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Education and Enlightenment

The chapter contrasts genuine learning with the oppressive, mechanical teaching of Padre Millon, highlighting how the system stifles intellectual growth.

### Social Injustice and Corruption

Padre Millon's arbitrary marking and insults exemplify the abuse of power and corruption within colonial institutions.

## Character check-ins

### Plácido Penitente

Insulted and falsely marked with absences by Padre Millon, he loses his temper and walks out of class.

### Padre Millon

The physics professor who uses sarcasm, arbitrary marks, and humiliation to maintain control, showing disdain for modern science.

## Key lines

> He who wishes to learn, will learn, academies or no academies!

Learning depends on the individual's desire, not on formal institutions.

_Padre Millon dismisses the students' petition for an academy, arguing that motivation matters more than structure._

> Each youth had lost another hour of his life and with it a portion of his dignity and self-respect, and in exchange there was an increase of discontent, of aversion to study, of resentment in their hearts.

The class hour wasted the students' time and eroded their self-worth, fostering bitterness and hatred for learning.

_The narrator reflects on the damaging psychological effects of the oppressive teaching methods._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/el_filibusterismo_se/chapters/xiii-the-class-in-physics
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/el_filibusterismo_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/el_filibusterismo_se/chapters