# Correspondence explained — Noli Me Tangere > Chapter companion for Noli Me Tangere by José Rizal. ## What happens This chapter presents a series of letters describing the fiesta in San Diego. The first, from a Manila newspaper correspondent, praises the religious solemnity, the lavish hospitality of Capitan Tiago, the beauty and modesty of María Clara, and the absence of Crisóstomo Ibarra due to indisposition. The second, from Capitan Martin to Luis Chiquito, offers a more informal account of gambling, cockfights, and the liam-pó game, noting Ibarra's continued absence and hinting at underlying tensions. ## Themes in this chapter ### Religious Hypocrisy and Clerical Corruption The correspondent's glowing account of religious piety contrasts with the friars' gambling, drinking, and self-indulgence, exposing hypocrisy. ### Social Injustice and Class Division The fiesta highlights class divisions: Spaniards and friars enjoy luxury while the 'uncultured crowd' is dismissed; gambling and exploitation of the poor are evident. ### Tradition vs. Progress Ibarra's absence and his school project represent progressive ideals, while the fiesta's traditional religious and colonial festivities dominate the town's life. ## Character check-ins ### Capitan Tiago Hosts the lavish fiesta, providing champagne and fine liqueurs; praised for his wealth and generosity. ### María Clara Described as the charming and wealthy heiress who plays the piano with mastery, though excessively modest; suffers a light sprain in her foot. ### Padre Dámaso Recovered from an attack; attends the fiesta, breaks a lamp in frustration over gambling losses, and comments on the drama. ### Padre Salví Curate of the town, hosts guests in the convento with refinement and prodigality. ### Fray Sibyla Attends the fiesta, officiates at the procession and mass, praised for his voice and religious unction. ### Crisóstomo Ibarra Notably absent from the fiesta due to a slight indisposition; his name is praised in connection with the school project. ### Padre Martin An Augustinian from Batangas who preaches a sermon that enraptures the audience. ### Carlos the Chinaman Runs the liam-pó game and is suspected of using a charm to win. ## Key lines > It is a matter of regret that such a charming young lady should be so excessively modest as to hide her talents from a society which has only admiration for her. It's a shame that such a lovely young woman is too modest to show off her talents to a society that admires her. _The correspondent comments on María Clara's modesty in playing the piano._ > The Very Reverend Fray Dámaso, in his customary goodness of heart, concurred in this opinion, and added that in such case the princess should be made to discover the giant’s weak spot and give him the coup de grâce. Padre Dámaso, with his usual kindness, agreed and suggested that the princess should find the giant's weakness and finish him off. _Padre Dámaso's violent suggestion about the drama reveals his character._ > Capitan Tiago has doubled up on him three times and won at the first turn of the cards each time, so that Capitan Manuel, the owner of the house, is growing smaller every minute from sheer joy. Capitan Tiago has beaten Capitan Joaquin three times in a row, winning on the first card each time, making Capitan Manuel so happy he seems to shrink. _Capitan Martin's letter describes Capitan Tiago's gambling success._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/noli_me_tangere_se/chapters/xxviii-correspondence - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/noli_me_tangere_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/noli_me_tangere_se/chapters