Noli Me Tangere · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The endnotes provide historical, cultural, and textual clarifications for references in the novel, including details on colonial abuses, religious orders, the tobacco monopoly, the execution of Filipino priests Burgos, Gomez, and Zamora, an
What happens
The endnotes provide historical, cultural, and textual clarifications for references in the novel, including details on colonial abuses, religious orders, the tobacco monopoly, the execution of Filipino priests Burgos, Gomez, and Zamora, and the life and death of José Rizal. They also explain vernacular terms, cockfighting superstitions, and the significance of the cedula personal, while offering translator's commentary on the political and social context of the Philippines under Spanish rule.
Themes in this chapter
Colonial Oppression and Abuse of Power
The endnotes detail the tobacco monopoly, encomienda abuses, the cedula personal system, and the murder of Governor Bustamente, illustrating systemic colonial exploitation.
Religious Hypocrisy and Clerical Corruption
References to friars leading a mob against a governor, Fray Gaspar de San Agustin's racist letter, and the Carlist controversy highlight clerical hypocrisy and power.
Social Injustice and Class Division
The execution of Burgos, Gomez, and Zamora, and the abuse of the cedula system underscore the social injustices faced by Filipinos under Spanish rule.
Resistance and the Seeds of Revolution
The endnotes discuss Rizal's political writings, the execution of the three priests, and the broader context of Filipino resistance leading to revolution.
Characters to notice
- Crisóstomo Ibarra
Referenced indirectly through the novel's context; the endnotes discuss the historical backdrop of Rizal's work, which Ibarra represents.
- Padre Dámaso
Mentioned in the context of clerical corruption and the friars' role in colonial oppression, as exemplified by his character.
- Elías
Referenced through the theme of resistance and the tragic fate of characters like him in the novel.
- Sisa
Her story of suffering is echoed in the endnotes' discussion of the abuses suffered by natives under colonial rule.
- Basilio
Mentioned in the context of the execution of the three priests and the seeds of revolution, which his character later embodies.
- Padre Salví
His hypocrisy and abuse of power are reflected in the endnotes' commentary on clerical corruption.
- Capitan Tiago
His character represents the wealthy Filipinos complicit with colonial powers, a theme touched upon in the endnotes.
- Don Rafael Ibarra
His death and the injustice he suffered are part of the historical context of colonial abuse described in the endnotes.
Key passages
“the sole gleam of shame evidenced in the impolitic, idiotic, and pusillanimous treatment of him—and the whole question becomes such a puzzle that it may just as well be left in darkness, with a throb of pity for the unfortunate victim caught in such a maelstrom of panic-stricken passion and selfish intrigue.”
The only sign of shame in the foolish and cowardly treatment of Rizal is that the matter remains confusing and is best left unresolved, with sympathy for the victim of chaotic fear and selfish plotting.
This passage reflects on the controversy surrounding Rizal's retraction and execution, emphasizing the lack of clear evidence and the injustice of his treatment.
“The 'tobacco monopoly' was established during the administration of Basco de Vargas (1778–1787)... The operation of the monopoly, however, soon degenerated into a system of 'graft' and petty abuse which bore heartily upon the natives.”
The tobacco monopoly, created under Governor Basco de Vargas, quickly became corrupt and oppressive, causing great suffering among the native population.
This explains the historical abuse of the tobacco monopoly as an example of colonial exploitation.
“As a result of his severity in enforcing the payment of sums due the royal treasury on account of the galleon trade, in which the religious orders were heavily interested, Governor Fernando de Bustillos Bustamente y Rueda met a violent death at the hands of a mob headed by friars, October 11, 1719.”
Governor Bustamente was killed by a mob led by friars because he strictly enforced payments for the galleon trade, which threatened the religious orders' financial interests.
This event illustrates the violent conflict between colonial authorities and the clergy over economic control.
“The execution of the Filipino priests Burgos, Gomez, and Zamora, in 1872.”
The three Filipino priests Burgos, Gomez, and Zamora were executed in 1872.
This refers to the martyrdom of the three priests, a pivotal event in Filipino nationalism.
“Sinibaldo de Mas, Informe sobre el estado de las Islas Filipinas en 1842, translated in Blair and Robertson’s The Philippine Islands, Vol. XXVIII, p. 254.”
Sinibaldo de Mas's 1842 report on the Philippines is cited from Blair and Robertson's collection.
This is a reference to a historical document used as a source for the novel's context.
