El Filibusterismo - Analyze The Works

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El Filibusterismo

El Filibusterismo (The Subversive) is the second novel by Jose Rizal (1861-1896), national hero of
the Philippines. Like its predecessor, the better-known Noli Me Tangere, the Fili was written in
Castilian while Rizal was traveling and studying in Europe. It was published in Ghent in 1891 and
later translated into English, German, French, Japanese, Tagalog, Ilonggo, and other languages.

Characters from the Noli (Basilio, Dona Victorina, Padre Salvi) return while new ones are
introduced: Simoun, the transformed Ibarra; Cabesang Tales and his struggle for justice; the
nationalist student Isagani; the Indio priest Padre Florentino.
Through them the colonial milieu is expanded - its officialdom, education, legal system, power
plays, social patterns - and seen anew as context for conflict and insight. editions of the original
manuscripts. The result is the most authoritative and faithful English translation to date, one
which attempts to preserve in English the cadence and color of the original. (Locsin, Raul L.
2007)
It is more revolutionary and more tragic than the first novel.

Simoun, a man of wealth and mystery, is a very close friend and


confidante of the Spanish governor general. Because of his great
influence in Malacañang, he was called the “Brown Cardinal” or the “Black
Eminence”. By using his wealth and political influence, he encourages
corruption in the government, promotes the oppression of the masses, and
hastens the moral degradation of the country so that the people may
become desperate and fight. He smuggles arms into the country with the
help of a rich Chinese merchant, Quiroga, who wants very much to be
Chinese consul of Manila. His first attempt to begin the armed uprising
did not materialize because at the last hour he hears the sad news that
Maria Clara died in the nunnery. In his agonizing moment of bereavement,
he did not give the signal for the outbreak of hostilities.
"El Filibusterismo" by Jose Rizal is a thought-provoking novel that explores the socio-
political conditions of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. As an AI language
model, I don't have personal opinions or emotions, but I can share some reflections
based on the information and knowledge available to me.

One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its portrayal of the injustices and
sufferings experienced by the Filipino people under colonialism. Rizal masterfully
exposes the corruption and greed of the Spanish colonial officials and the Filipino elites
who collaborate with them, and he shows how their actions perpetuate poverty,
oppression, and discrimination. This portrayal of the exploitation of the colonized
people reflects a reality that has been experienced by many countries around the world
throughout history.

Another significant theme of the novel is the idea of revolution and its consequences.
Rizal presents a complex and nuanced perspective on revolution, highlighting its
potential to bring about change, but also its dangers and unintended consequences.
The character of Simoun represents the desire for change and the frustration of the
oppressed, but his actions also bring about tragedy and destruction. This reflection
shows that revolution is not a simple solution, and that change requires careful planning
and strategic thinking.

Furthermore, the novel also emphasizes the importance of education and moral courage
in the struggle for liberation. Rizal suggests that true change can only come from within,
and that individuals must be willing to learn, reflect, and take action to overcome
oppression and inequality. This reflection highlights the value of critical thinking,
empathy, and self-awareness in promoting positive social change.

In conclusion, "El Filibusterismo" is a powerful and insightful novel that highlights the
complex realities of colonialism and revolution, and emphasizes the importance of
education and moral courage in promoting social change. The novel remains a relevant
work that provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by oppressed people
around the world and the enduring struggle for freedom and justice.

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