Discover the essence of “El Filibusterismo” in this concise and engaging “El Filibusterismo Summary.” Delve into the captivating world of Dr. Jose Rizal’s iconic novel, as we unravel the gripping narrative of revenge, rebellion, and societal struggles
El Filibusterismo Summary
The story commenced thirteen years after Sisa and Elias’ deaths. Traveling between Manila and Laguna was a steamboat named Bapor Tabo, with Simoun, Basilio, and Isagani among its passengers.
After reaching San Diego, Basilio paid a visit to his mother’s grave in the Ibarra family cemetery, where an unexpected encounter with Simoun, recognized as Crisostomo Ibarra in disguise, took place.
In an effort to safeguard Ibarra’s secret, Simoun made an unsuccessful attempt to kill Basilio. Nevertheless, he then endeavored to convince Basilio to join him in seeking revenge against the Spanish Government. However, Basilio declined the offer, expressing his desire to focus on completing his studies.
During the Governor-General’s vacation in Los Baños, Filipino students presented a petition to establish a Spanish Language Academy. Unfortunately, the proposal was turned down due to concerns that the clergy would assume control, depriving the students of any authority over the institution’s operations.
Once more, Simoun sought to persuade Basilio to join his planned rebellion and create chaos by forcibly opening the Sta. Clara convent to abduct Maria Clara. However, their scheme never came to fruition as Maria Clara passed away that very evening.
On a separate note, the students gathered at the Panciteria Macanista de Buen Gusto to express their disappointment regarding the unsuccessful establishment of the Spanish Language Academy.
Inside the Panciteria, passionate speeches were delivered by the students, openly criticizing the clergy. Eventually, the friars got wind of this development.
The university’s doors were adorned with posters criticizing the authorities and calling for rebellion, and the blame was placed on the students’ organization members. Consequently, the students, including Basilio, were arrested, greatly affecting his lover, Juli.
Despite her initial reluctance, Juli eventually turned to Padre Camorra for assistance in securing Basilio’s release. Hermana Bali also convinced her that the priest was the only one capable of helping them in this matter.
The students’ relatives intervened to clear their names and secure their release. However, Basilio remained imprisoned since he lacked an intermediary.
Juli suffered an assault at the hands of Padre Camorra, which left her traumatized and led her to jump from the convent window, resulting in her demise.
Continuing his relentless pursuit of revenge against the government, Simoun forged an alliance with Don Timoteo Pelaez, Juanito’s father, and orchestrated Juanito’s marriage to Paulita Gomez as part of his elaborate plan. The Governor-General and other high-ranking officials were invited to the wedding celebration.
Two months after being imprisoned, Basilio secured his release with the aid of Simoun. After enduring a series of tragic events, including Juli’s untimely death, Basilio finally relented and agreed to join Simoun’s rebellion.
Seizing the moment, Simoun revealed to Basilio the bomb he had constructed – an extravagant lamp designed in the shape of a grenade, comparable to the size of a human head. He intended to present this deceptive lamp as a gift to the newlyweds, Juanito and Paulita.
The lamp had a unique mechanism: it would emit a bright light for about twenty minutes and then gradually dim. Once the wick was raised again to brighten it, the grenade concealed within would detonate, causing widespread destruction in the pavilion and ensuring no guest would survive.
This explosion was to act as a signal for Simoun to commence the rebellion he had meticulously planned.
On the wedding day of Juanito and Paulita, around seven in the evening, Basilio anxiously paced outside the banquet venue. Simoun, too, left the house, expecting the imminent explosion.
As Basilio was preparing to leave, he unexpectedly encountered Isagani, Paulita’s former lover. Temporarily setting aside his own disappointments, Basilio confided in Isagani about the impending explosion and urgently warned him to evacuate the area.
The Governor-General, noticing the lamp’s dimming, instructed Padre Irene to raise the wick. However, Isagani swiftly seized the lamp, rushed to the terrace, and hurled it into the river.
Simoun’s carefully planned rebellion came to a halt, prompting him to seek refuge in the home of Padre Florentino, a Filipino priest.
With those in pursuit closing in, Simoun chose to ingest poison, preventing them from capturing him alive. In his final moments, he disclosed his true identity to the priest.
He recounted his return to the Philippines from Europe thirteen years earlier, his romantic involvement with Maria Clara, and his charade as a jeweler, all part of his quest for vengeance against the government through a rebellion.
Upon finishing his confession, Simoun passed away. The remaining jewels owned by Simoun were discarded into the sea by Padre Florentino.
Leave a Reply