El Filibusterismo · Chapter
XXVIII: Tatakut explained
The chapter depicts the widespread terror and paranoia in Manila following the discovery of seditious pasquinades at the University.
What happens
The chapter depicts the widespread terror and paranoia in Manila following the discovery of seditious pasquinades at the University. Ben-Zayb claims vindication for his anti-education stance. Rumors escalate, implicating students and outlaws, leading to calls for harsh repression. Padre Irene visits Capitan Tiago, whose fear causes his death. The city descends into chaos with false alarms, arrests, and violence, including the deaths of a policeman and a deaf old man. The night is marked by fear, though some discuss the events freely, suspecting conspiracies involving Quiroga.
Themes in this chapter
Social Injustice and Corruption
The authorities exploit the pasquinades to justify mass arrests and violence, targeting the educated and wealthy.
Education and Enlightenment
Ben-Zayb's articles blame education for unrest, highlighting the colonial fear of an enlightened populace.
Hope and Despair
Capitan Tiago's death from terror and the city's panic illustrate despair, while some still discuss events freely, hinting at resilience.
Characters to notice
- Ben Zayb
Gloats over his anti-education articles, claiming foresight of the unrest.
- Quiroga
Fears for his business and seeks Simoun's advice; later suspected of orchestrating the pasquinades to smuggle silver.
- Simoun
Refuses to see Quiroga, feigning illness; his absence is noted by those plotting repression.
- Padre Irene
Visits Capitan Tiago, recounting the General's council and advocating moderation; his tale triggers Tiago's death.
- Capitan Tiago
Dies of terror after hearing Padre Irene's account of the planned crackdown.
- Plácido Penitente
Mentioned as boarding in the silversmith's house where events are discussed.
- Isagani
Reported to have surrendered voluntarily to authorities, facing likely execution.
- Tadeo
Rumored to have been shot; a student comments on his unpaid debt.
Key passages
“With prophetic inspiration Ben-Zayb had been for some days past maintaining in his newspaper that education was disastrous, very disastrous for the Philippine Islands, and now in view of the events of that Friday of pasquinades, the writer crowed and chanted his triumph...”
Ben-Zayb claimed his earlier warnings about education causing disaster were now proven right by the pasquinade incident.
Highlights the theme of education and enlightenment being blamed for social unrest.
“The end justifies the means,' remarked another. 'Our end is our holy religion and the integrity of the fatherland. Proclaim a state of siege, and in case of the least disturbance, arrest all the rich and educated, and—clean up the country!'”
A council member advocates for a state of siege and mass arrests of the wealthy and educated to protect religion and the nation.
Illustrates the theme of social injustice and corruption through the authorities' ruthless plans.
“Ineffable fear seized upon the wretch, manifesting itself first by a light shiver, which was rapidly accentuated, until he was unable to speak. With his eyes bulging and his brow covered with sweat, he caught Padre Irene’s arm and tried to rise, but could not, and then, uttering two groans, fell heavily back upon the pillow. His eyes were wide open and he was slavering—but he was dead.”
Capitan Tiago dies from sheer terror after hearing Padre Irene's account of the planned crackdown.
Demonstrates the theme of hope and despair, as fear leads to a literal death.
