Noli Me Tangere is a novel written by Dr.
Jose Rizal around 1884 to 1885 and published in 1887
in Berlin, Germany. This novel plays a significant role in the national consciousness of the
Filipinos during the Spanish colonial period. This literary piece made by Rizal is an influential
work in Philippine literature, giving a critique of Spanish colonialism. Through its characters and
narratives, the novel of Jose Rizal exposes corruption, social injustice, and oppression during
the Spanish Era. This work also gives a reflection on how the Spaniard used their power to rule
the Filipinos. Furthermore, during the 19th century, the Philippines were administered by corrupt
churchmen and colonial officials. Moreover, the Filipinos, known as "indios" by the Spaniards,
faced racial discrimination, economic exploitation, and a lack of civil rights. Since Noli Me
Tangere was written during a time of colonial oppression under the rule of the Spaniards, the
novel serves as a powerful comment on the social injustices experienced by the Filipinos.
Rizal’s portrayal of characters like Padre Damaso personifies the hypocrisy, and he embodies
people who tend to overlook the unacceptable things. He symbolizes the betrayal of the leaders
in their people, which still exists and has an impact in today's modern society. This is all
because the church prioritized their interests over the living situation of the people. They do not
care whether the people, even their own fellow Filipinos, are being harassed by the Spaniards.
Even those unconscious children didn’t survive in the hands of their so-called “role model." This
portrays the reality that you cannot trust people in power, as well as those self-proclaimed God’s
instruments. Additionally, the portrayal of Crisostomo Ibarra and Maria Clara plays a significant
role in the story. Ibarra’s role from the start of being a reformist without causing any harm or
danger to a person who wanted revenge portrays the awakening of the national consciousness
among the Filipinos. His character represents an educated person who wants to seek change
peacefully, but he realizes that change cannot be done harmoniously, so he resorts to
oppressive forces to make progress. Also, Crisostomo Ibarra wants to build a school wherein
everyone can attend to study. This only shows that during the time that Noli Me Tangere was
written, only those who are at the top of the social hierarchy are capable of studying.
Noli Me Tangere also shows how the different social classes interact with each other. Especially
how the Spaniards or those who are in the high class treat the Indios. It only shows that when
you are in a lower class or at the bottom of the social hierarchy, the people at the top will always
step on you, which represents the social inequality during the 19th century. This emphasizes the
need for social change and unity among the Filipinos. As a result, it ended with unresolved
conflict. It serves as a call to action, encouraging the readers to face the reality that the
Spaniards are oppressing them and being resentful of the justice that the Filipinos deserve.
We must know that the novel that Jose Rizal wrote, “Noli Me Tangere," is not just a novel. But it
is a historical statement on what the Filipinos experienced during the time of the Spanish
regime. Rizal’s subtly representation of both the oppressors and the oppressed invites the
readers to reflect on the moral complexities of authorities and power. Also, his perspective on
the corruption of colonizers and the church resonates with Enlightenment ideas, advocating for
education and civic rights. On the other hand, it is also important to note that without this literary
piece of Jose Rizal, Filipinos during the Spanish Era would not have gained any consciousness
and would have remained scared not to stand up for their country since this novel evoked
nationalism inside the Filipinos. Furthermore, the novel not only reflects the triumphs of the
Filipino people but also acts as an eye-opener for national awareness and improvement, mainly
from its intense characterization and crucial analysis about social inequalities. By analyzing this
novel from a historical approach, it not only narrates a specific era but also serves as an eternal
reflection of the struggle for freedom and literature's revolutionary power in the fight against
oppression. We can also recognize its importance as a driving force behind the Philippine
Revolution and its legacy of fighting for their rights, independence, and their own identity.
