El Filibusterismo A revolution that failed

From Brussels, Rizal went to Ghent, a famous university city in Belgium. He moved to Ghent for the following reasons: – The cost of printing in Ghent was cheaper than in Brussels – The escape from the enticing attraction of Suzanne

Jose Alejandrino – from Pampanga Edilberto Evangelista – from Manila – Both studying engineering in the University of Ghent.

The Publication of the El Filibusterismo F. Meyer Van Loo Press – No. 66 Viaanderen St. – Willing to publish his novel in installment basis – Rizal pawned his jewels in order to pay the down payment and the early partial payments during the printing of the novel. – While the printing was going on, Rizal became desperate because his experiencing shortage of funds.

Rodriguez Arias – sent Rizal P as payment for the copies of Sucesos sold in Manila. Jose Maria Basa – Rizal’s friend in Hong Kong sent money to him too. Valentin Ventura – savior of El Fili – Rizal’s friend from Paris, sent him the needed funds to complete the printing of the novel – Where the original manuscript was given.

The complimentary copy of the novel was given to: – Jose Ma. Basa and Sixto Lopez – Hong Kong – Mariano Ponce – Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera – Graciano Lopez-Jaena – Juan and Antonio Luna

All copies of the first edition of the novel were sold to as high as 400 pesetas per copy. El Filibusterismo – dedicated to GOMBURZA Valentin Ventura – sold the original copy for P10,000 consisting of 279 long sheets of paper. The original title has an inscription of Blumentritt, which is not found in the English translations.

El Filibuterismo "To the memory of the priests, Don Mariano Gomez (85 years old), Don Jose Burgos (30 years old), and Don Jacinto Zamora (35 years old). Executed in the Bagumbayan Field on the 28th of February, 1872."

Rizal’s memory seemed to have failed him, though, for Father Gomez was then 73 not 85, Father Burgos 35 not 30 Father Zamora 37 not 35; and the date of execution 17th not 28th. The novel has 38 chapters

Symbolical Interpretation of the Novel Simoun – represents the portion of Filipino society which is tired of the oppressor’s rule, wanted to overthrow them but lack systematic plan for the new society if ever. Maria Clara – symbolized the friar dominated culture.

Señor Pasta – the idealist, turned mercenary represents the portion of the Filipino society who have abandoned their noble social ideals and have become thoroughly self-seeking. Isagani – represents the untested and unreliable idealism of a segment of the educated Filipino youth during that time.

Paulita Gomez – represents the portion of womanhood, relatively enlightened but which is itself almost thoroughly bereft of love of country and a desire for the social good. Basilio – represents the portion of the educated Filipino society which has been so brutalized that it has become insensible to the social welfare.

Placido Penitente – symbolizes those elements of society which had not yet been infused with a national sentiment or social conscience. Don Custodio – one who finds pleasure in developing a feeling of inferiority among the people.

Cabesang Tales – a victim of land grabbing by the friars became desperate and joined the outlaws for personal revenge. Juli – took her own life because of her love for honor and chastity.

Message of El Fili The system of government through corrupt officials, dominated by the friars can lead to the downfall of Spain. The course of action that the Filipinos will take if the Spaniards did not listen to the warning REVOLUTION.

Noli and El Fili Compared These two novels of Rizal vary in many aspects.

Noli Me Tangere Romantic novel Work of the heart A book of feeling It has freshness, color, humor, lightness, and wit 64 chapters El Filibusterismo Political novel Work of the head A book of thought It contains bitterness, hatred, pain, violence and sorrow 38 chapters

Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Wenceslao Retana – the Noli Me Tangere is superior than El Filibusterismo. Ferdinand Blumentritt, Graciano Lopez-Jaena, Rafael Palma – El Filibusterismo is superior than the Noli Me Tangere

Makamisa Rizal’s unfinished novel In October of 1891, boarded by the steamer Melbourne, bound for Hong Kong, Rizal started his third novel in Tagalog. It consists of 44 pages in Rizal’s handwriting.

The main character was Kamandangan, a descendant of Lakan Dula, the last native king of Tondo who wanted to regain the lost freedom of his fathers. Only two chapters of the novel was finished by Rizal.