CHAPTER 1

ON THE UPPER DECK

The novel begins with the steamship Tabo sailing on the Pasig River on its way to
Laguna. While the passengers on the upper deck discuss subjects regarding the lake and the
slow pace of ship travel, readers are gradually introduced to some characters of the novel such
as the jeweler Simoun, Doa Victorina, Ben Zayb, Don Custodio, Padre Irene,
Sibyla, Camorra, and Salvi.

CHAPTER 2
ON THE LOWER DECK

On the lower deck of the steamship Tabo, Basilio and Isagani converse with Don Basilio.
The two students tell the Don the plan of the students to establish a Spanish academy.
Although the two students are hopeful that the academy would be approved by the GovernorGeneral, Don Basilio expresseshis pessimism.

CHAPTER 3
LEGENDS
The wealthy passengers of the steamship amuse themselves by telling stories and legends
of interesting places and spots along the river. Padre Florentino recounts the legend of Doa
Jeronima, while Padre Salvi narrates the story of a Chinese infidel who was saved from
the caymans by asking St. Nicholas for help. Ben Zayb then asks the captain the exact spot
where a man named Ibarra was killed. While pointing to the exact spot, Ben Zayb observes that
Simoun is silent and thoughtful.

CHAPTER 4
CABESANG TALES
Cabesang Tales with his family and father cultivate a piece of land. From
the hardship the experience and sickness they experience, Tales's wife and eldest daughter die.
When he is about to harvest his crops, a religious order lays claim to the land and demands
an annual rent. Tales eventually agrees to the arrangement, but every year the rent keeps going
up until he has had enough. He goes to the courts and demands that the religious order present
some proof of their ownership of the land. After a long and expensive litigation, Tales loses the
case. He is unfortunately abducted by bandits demanding ransom. Not enough money is raised
for the ransom, so Juli, the daughter of Cabesang Tales, borrows money from HermanaPenchang.
To pay the debt, Juli agrees to work for the Hermana as a servant.

CHAPTER 5
A COCHEROS CHRISTMAS EVE
On the way to the town of San Diego, a cochero endures abuse and maltreatment from
the Guardia Civil. He is hit with a rifle butt when he tells them he has forgotten to bring
his cedula with him. He is detained and beaten up again when the light of his carromata goes
out. Basilio arrives at San Diegoand, after making his way to Capitan Tiago's house, he receives
the news that Cabesang Tales has been abducted by bandits.

CHAPTER 6
BASILIO
Christmas Eve, Basilio enters the forest previously owned by the Ibarra family but has
been sold to Capitan Tiago. In the middle of the forest stands a Balete tree, where he visits the

grave of his mother Sisa and a stranger (Elias). He remembers that thirteen years ago, a second
stranger (Ibarra) had helped him cremate and bury his mother and the stranger. Through Capitan
Tiagos help, he is now studying to be a doctor and plans to marry his sweetheart, Juli.

CHAPTER 7
SIMOUN
Basilio is about to leave the forest when he sees someone approach and starts digging
near the Balete tree. He announces his presence and is surprised that the man turns out to be
Simoun thejeweler, who is none other than Crisostomo Ibarra. Simoun convinces Basilio to
cooperate in his plans of avenging the death of his mother (Sisa) and his younger brother
(Crispin) but Basilio remains steadfast saying that revenge would never bring back his brother
and mother.

CHAPTER 8
MERRY CHRISTMAS
It is Christmas day and Juli wakes up early to pack her things to go
to Hermana Penchang. She forgets to greet his grandfather Tata Selo a Merry Christmas. After
Juli leaves, Tata Selo is preoccupied with thoughts of his pretty granddaughter with her delicate
hands working as a servant, of his son Cabesang Tales still held by bandits, and of being alone on
Christmas Day. Dwelling on all these misfortunes, he discovers that he has become dumb.

CHAPTER 9
PILATES
The gossip about the misfortunes of Tata Selo and his family spreads around town, and a
number of people are claiming that they are not to blame for these misfortunes. The Alferez of
the Guardia Civil says that he was just following a government order to collect all firearms in
town. The friar who has taken over Cabesang Tales's comments that if Tales had remained at
home, he would never have been abducted by the bandits. Hermana Penchang merely says that

God brought down hardships on Tata Selos family because they had not taught Juli to pray
properly.

CHAPTER 10
WEALTH AND WANT
Simoun visits Cabesang Tales's house to sell his jewelry to the rich inhabitants of San
Diegoand Tiani. Cabesang Tales is convinced to sell his daughters locket but decides to get his
daughter's permission first. The following day Simoun discovers that his revolver has been
stolen by Tales. News circulates in the town that three persons have been murdered: the friar
administrator, as well as the new tenant and his wife. A piece of paper with the
word Tales written in blood is found near the dead tenants wife.

CHAPTER 11
LOS BAN OS
On the last day of December, the Governor-General and his advisers, together with some
friars, are taking a rest in Los Baos. After the game of cards, the Governor-General asks
his advisers' opinion about the students' proposal to put up a self-sufficient Spanish academy.
There is a disagreement of opinions, so no decision is made. Afterwards, the Governor-General
orders the release of Tata Selo, who has been arrested by the Guardia Civil in place of his son,
Cabesang Tales.

CHAPTER 12
PLACIDO PENITENTE
Placido enters the class in physics conducted by Padre Millon. The class has no
laboratoryequipment, while the instruments bought by the university are never used. At a class
recitation, Placido argues with the professor when he gets a bad mark even if he had been
marked as being absent. From disgust and frustration, Placido Penitente walks out of the class.

CHAPTER 13
THE CLASS IN PHYSICS

Placido enters the class in physics conducted by Padre Millon. The class has no
laboratoryequipment, while the instruments bought by the university are never used. At a class
recitation, Placido argues with the professor when he gets a bad mark even if he had been
marked as being absent. From disgust and frustration, Placido Penitente walks out of the class.

CHAPTER 14
IN THE HOUSE OF THE STUDENTS
Arriving at the school dormitory, Makaraig announces that the decision to issue the
permit for building the academy has been passed to a commission headed by Don Custodio. The
students then devise schemes to influence Don Custodio or Seor Pasta, a lawyer, to give a
favorable decision. Isagani volunteers to persuade Seor Pasta to support and to endorse their
project.

CHAPTER 15
SEN OR PASTA
Isagani approaches Seor Pasta to persuade him to support and endorse the students'
project. Not wishing to provoke the friars who are against the project, Seor Pasta decides to
oppose it and to convince Isagani instead to focus on his studies.

CHAPTER 16
THE TRIBULATIONS OF A CHINESE
Quiroga, a Chinese businessman, gives a dinner in his house. Friars, government
officials, soldiers, and merchants attend the dinner. Simoun asks Quiroga to store some rifles in
his warehouse as exchange for the portion of the debt that the Chinese merchant owes him.

CHAPTER 17

THE QUIAPO FAIR

Twelve people leave Quiroga's house to watch Mr. Leeds' show. Padre Camorra ogles the
young women at the fair, and gets more excited when he sees Paulita Gomez, Isagani's rich and
beautiful sweetheart.

CHAPTER 18
LEGERDEMAIN
Ben Zayb, Padre Camorra, Padre Salvi, and others enter the tent of Mr. Leeds
to watch his show. Mr. Leeds presents to them a box containing some ashes that had been found
in one of the pyramids of Egypt. Upon shouting a magic word, the ashes come to life and the
Sphinx named Imuthis narrates his sad story. A priest, he says, was in love with his sweetheart
and in order to eliminate him, he was implicated in a rebellion. Imuthis was then arrested but
was killed in a lake while trying to escape. Seeing the parallelism between Imuthis' story and
that of Crisostomo Ibarra, Padre Salvi faints when the Sphinx starts calling him murderer,
slanderer, and hypocrite.

CHAPTER 19
THE FUSE
Placido Penitente meets and joins Simoun in his trip around the city. Placido learns that
Simoun is organizing a revolution in order to rescue Maria Clara from the convent.

CHAPTER 20
THE ARBITER
On Custodio studies his decision regarding the proposal of the university students. He is
undecided, since he wants to please the friars who are against the proposal while at the same time
desires to give the students a chance to study the Spanish language. Seor Pasta and Pepay the

dancer have been consulted, but they they do not not give him a concrete answer. After much
contemplation, he arrives at a decision.

CHAPTER 21
MANILA TYPES
The people of Manila gather in the Teatro de Variadades to watch Les Cloches de
Corneville. Camarrocido, who is from a prominent family in Spain, is poorly dressed and is
employed in putting up posters of upcoming shows of the Teatro. While walking near the Teatro
he sees some men suspiciously loitering around. He finds out that Simoun is ordering the men to
stop a civil unrest.

CHAPTER 22
THE PERFORMANCE
Humorous incidents happen at the show. Juanito Pelaez pretends to understand French in
order to impress Paulita Gomez but is embarrassed when he mistranslates some French words.
Padre Irene, in a disguise, watches the show and applauds one of the French actresses.
Don Custodio is also present at the show, falsely claiming that he watching the show to judge if
it is indecent or not. During the show, the students led by Makaraig learn about Don Custodio' s
decision.

CHAPTER 23
A CORPSE
Basilio reads some medical books when Simoun arrives at Capitan Tiago's house.
Simoun convinces Basilio in vain to assist in the revolution initiated by the jeweler. Simoun
adds that a revolution is necessary to rescue Maria Clara at the Sta. Clara nunnery. Basilio
informs Simoun that Maria Clara is dead. Simoun leaves the house weeping, tormented and
bereaved.

CHAPTER 24
DREAMS
Isagani meets Paulita at Malecon. In their conversation, Isagani is revealed to be an
idealist who envisions progress and economic development of his country. He converses with
Paulita about railwayexpansion, cooperation between Spaniards and Filipinos, and the imminent
commercial trade. Paulita dismisses these thoughts saying they are unattainable dreams.

CHAPTER 25
SMILES AND TEARS
The students organize a banquet at a panciteria to honor Don Custodio and his decision
about the Spanish academy. In his decision, the academy must come under the supervision of the
Dominican order and the students would simply collect contributions for the proposed school.

CHAPTER 26
PASQUINADES
Basilio goes to the hospital but sees students acting as if classes are suspended. A student
informs him that seditious and revolutionary posters are found at the university implicating the
student organization. The government has also issued the arrest of all its members and students
who participated in the banquet at the panciteria. Basilio then goes to the house of Makaraig to
ask for a loan, but he and Makaraig are arrested by soldiers.
CHAPTER 27
THE FRIAR AND THE FILIPINO
Padre Fernandez calls Isagani to discuss his involvement at the banquet in the panciteria.
Their discussion centers on the policy of the friars in educating students. Isagani argues that the
friars are deliberately teaching antiquated education in order to inhibit the aspiration of the
people to be free. He argues that people who aspire to be educated are branded as filibusters.
Padre Fernandez replies that he has done what he could and that not all friars are backward and
against the idea of educating the people. He says that education can only be bestowed to a
deserving and ready people.

CHAPTER 28
TATAKUT
Because of the seditious posters found in the university, the city is adrift with rumor and
gossip. Gossip about arrested students being shot and deported is circulated, while rumor exists
that members of the student association had connived with bandits and the German ships to bring
down the government.

CHAPTER 29
EXIT CAPITAN TIAGO
Capitan Tiago dies, and Padre Irene becomes the executor of his will. Capitan Tiago has
willed his properties to Sta. Clara, to the pope, to the archbishop, and to religious corporations.

CHAPTER 30
JULI
The news of Basilios imprisonment deeply troubles Juli. The town clerk, Hermana
Pechang, and Hermana Bali convince Juli to ask Padre Camorra to intercede for Basilio. She is
hesitant to approach the friar since he is known to be frolicsome and fond of women. When
news reaches Tiani that Basilio is about to be shot, Juli is compelled to ask the friars help.

CHAPTER 31
THE HIGH OFFICIAL
High official convinces the Governor-General in vain to release Basilio who he believes
isinnocent. The Governor-General insists that innocent individuals must suffer in order to
restore order and to cow the people into submission. Because of this disagreement, the
high official resigns and goes back to Spain.

CHAPTER 32
EFFECT OF THE PASQUINADES

Because of the revolutionary and seditious posters, Pecson, Tadeo, and Juanito Pelaez are
suspended from their classes. Tadeo burns his books, while Juanito gets engaged in his fathers
business. In jail, Basilio learns the sad news of Julis death. Simoun befriends Don Timoteo
Pelaez, who is now busypreparing for the wedding of his son to Paulita Gomez.

CHAPTER 33
LA ULTIMA RAZON
Basilio is released from prison and immediately approaches Simoun in order to help him
initiate a revolution. Simoun is pleased that Basilio will join his cause. He directs Basilio to
meet Cabesang Tales at a designated time to acquire the rifles that are hidden in Quirogas
warehouse. Simoun is to place at an important gathering a dynamite-laden lamp that would then
explode to signal the attack.

CHAPTER 34
THE WEDDING
Basilio walks aimlessly in the streets of Manila to wait for the agreed signal for the
revolution. He passes Calle Anloague where the wedding fiesta of Juanito Pelaez and Paulita
Gomez is being held. After seeing the rich decorations, the number of guards, and
the important visitors that would be coming, he assumes that this is the crucial gathering
mentioned by Simoun.

CHAPTER 35
THE FIESTA
Basilio sees Simoun placing the lamp at the center of the house. Basilio is about to leave
the place when he sees Isagani. He tries to convince Isagani to stay away from the house and
explains that the lamp from Simoun would explode killing everybody in the house. In a rare act
of love and loyalty to Paulita, he boldly rushes to the house, quickly throwing the lamp into the
river to prevent it from exploding.

CHAPTER 36
BEN-ZAYBS AFFLICTIONS
The Governor-General prohibits any mention of the events that have taken place at the
wedding fiesta of Juanito Pelaez and Paulita Gomez. News circulates that a band of tulisanes
have attacked a friar country house. The robbers who are caught describe a Spanish mestizo as
the one who ordered them to attack the city at a designated signal. The description given by the
robbers perfectly fits Simoun.
CHAPTER 37
THE MYSTERY
The events of the previous night are discussed by Isagani, Capitana Loleng, Capitan
Toringoy, Sensia, and Chichoy. Chichoy divulges that Simoun is the mastermind behind storing
the sacksof gunpowder in order to kill all the people at the wedding feast. He also adds that the
lamp was to start the fire and ignite the gunpowder.

CHAPTER 38
FATALITY
A group of prisoners are being escorted by the soldiers when they are ambushed.
Carolino, one of the members of the Guardia Civil and the son of Cabesang Tales,
bravely fight the bandits, killing with a spear the bandits' leader and an old man. Upon
approaching the dead, he recognizes that the old man that he has shot is none other that his
grandfather, Tata Selo.

CHAPTER 39
CONCLUSION
A wounded and exhausted Simoun goes to Padre Florentino's house to hide from the
Guardia Civil that are out to arrest him. After taking a poison, he informs Padre Florentino of his
true identity. He says that he is the fugitive Juan Crisostomo Ibarra and that his was the
unsuccessful attempt to corrupt the government in order to start a revolution that would free the
country. Padre Florentino reprimands Simoun, saying that freedom cannot be won through
violence and bloodshed but by education, constant work, and suffering.

CHAPTER 1
A SOCIAL GATHERING
Capitan Santiago de los Santos, or Capitan Tiago, hosts a dinner in his house at Calle
Anloague. While waiting for the meals to be served, the guests converse with one another. In
these conversations, the readers are introduced to some of the novels characters, such as
Padre Damaso, Padre Sibyla, Lieutenant Guevara, Laruja, Doa Victorina de Espadaa, and Don
Tiburcio de Espadaa.
CHAPTER 2
CRISOSTOMO IBARRA
Capitan Tiago enters the sala and introduces Juan Crisostomo Ibarra y Magsalin to
theguests. Crisostomo, he informs them, is the only son of the late Don Rafael Ibarra, and he has
recentlyarrived from his studies in Europe. Crisostomo is puzzled when Padre Damaso, whom
he thought was a friend of his father, arrogantly denies that he was ever a friend of Don Rafael
Ibarra.
CHAPTER 3
THE DINNER
At dinner over Tinola , the conversation of the guests centers on Crisostomos travels to
several countries. Padre Damaso belittles Ibarras trips, saying that what he has learned from
them can be learned even without leaving the country. Embarrassed, Ibarra excuses himself from
the guests and leaves, even after Capitan Tiago informs him that Maria Clara is coming to dinner.
CHAPTER 4
HERETIC AND FILIBUSTER

While walking towards Plaza Binondo, Crisostomo is approached by Lieutenant Guevara,

to whom Ibarra expresses lament that he himself does not know how his father died. The
Lieutenant narrates the event to him, saying that Don Rafael Ibarra was imprisoned for killing a
Spanish tax collector, for not going to confession, and for subscribing to the newspaper
El Correo Ultramar. He also mentions that Don Rafael was branded as a heretic, a filibuster, and
a subversive. Because of these accusations, he dies while in prison.

CHAPTER 5
STAR IN A DARK NIGHT
Ibarra goes to the Fonde de Lala hotel. He is troubled by the visions of his father being
unjustly imprisoned and dying without seeing him. He imagines the anguish and grief suffered
by his father while he is studying and traveling in Europe. In the house of Capitan Tiago,
meanwhile, Maria Clara arrives, and is admired by all guests, especially Padre Damaso.
CHAPTER 6
CAPITAN TIAGO
Capitan Tiago is one of the richest landowners in Binondo, Pampanga and Laguna. Aside
from owning large tracts of lands, he also provides zacate, monopolizes the opium business, and
holds a contract for feeding the prisoners in the Bilibid prison. Since he has had no child with
his wife, Doa Pia, Padre Damaso advises the Doa to attend the mass at Obando. She
eventually conceives a child, whom they name Maria Clara, in honor of the Virgin of Salambao
and Sta. Clara. Capitan Tiago and the late Don Rafael later agree to arrange the marriage of their
children.
CHAPTER 7
AN IDYL ON AN OZOTEA
Crisostomo Ibarra visits Maria Clara at Calle Anloague. They speak privately at the
azotea, about the years that they have not seen each other. Ibarra strives to prove his love for
Maria Clara by showing her the old leaves that had been given by the girl seven years earlier,
while they had gone swimming with his mother. Maria Clara, in return, reads an old letter
written by Ibarra before leaving for abroad.
CHAPTER 8

RECOLLECTIONS
Ibarras carriage passes through the busiest district of Manila, and what he sees disturbs
him. He observes that the countrys condition remains unchanged from when he left it seven
years ago. He finds no progress achieved and reforms implemented by the government. He sees
that the roads have not been paved and that the Puente de Barcas has been destroyed by neglect.
Afterwards, seeing the Arroceros Cigar factory, the Botanical Garden, and the Bagumbayan
bring back fond memories.

CHAPTER 9
LOCAL AFFAIRS
This chapter features the three conversations between Padre Damaso and Capitan Tiago,
between Padre Sibyla and an unmanned priest, and between the the Governor-General and his
men. Angry at not being informed of the arranged marriage between Crisostomo and Maria
Clara, Padre Damaso now wants to stop the marriage planned for the lovers. Capitan Tiago
obeys the priest, and extinguishes the candles that were lit for Ibarras journey to San Diego.
Padre Sibyla and an unnamed priest discuss the dangerousimplication to the country of
Crisostomo Ibarras foreign education. The Governor-General reveals to his men that he is
unhappy with the situation in the Philippines but that he is helpless in changing the conditions of
the country.
CHAPTER 10
THE TOWN
San Diego, a town along the Laguna Lake, produces sugar, rice, coffee, and fruit, which
are sold to Chinese merchants. Aside from its meadows and paddy fields, the town has
a forest with old trees and tropical vegetation that had been purchased by a Spaniard who was the
great grandfather of Juan Crisostomo Ibarra.
CHAPTER 11
THE RULERS
Two persons virtually rule the town of San Diego: Padre Bernardo Salvi and the Alferez
of the Guardia Civil, Padre Salvi is described as a thin, sickly, and silent friar and,unlike
Padre Damaso, he is more inclined to impose fines on his subordinates. The Alferez has a wife
named Doa Consolacion. Because of his bad marriage to the doa, he is frequently drunk and
compels his soldiers to drill under the hot sun.

CHAPTER 12
ALL SAINTS
Two gravediggers converse in the San Diego cemetery. One of them mentions that he
was ordered by a fat curate to dig up the body of a person buried in the cemetery, and to rebury it
in the Chinese cemetery. But since it was raining, he just dumped the body into the river. Tasio
the sage arrives at the cemetery, unsuccessfully searching for the skull of his dead wife.

CHAPTER 13
SIGNS OF STORMS
Crisostomo Ibarra and a servant arrive at the San Diego cemetery to look for the grave of
his father, Don Rafael Ibarra. After failing to locate the grave, his servant asks the gravedigger
for help. The gravedigger replies that he had dug up the body of the don and planned to bury it
in the Chinese cemetery, as instructed by Padre Damaso. Since it was raining, however, he says,
he threw the body into the river. Angered upon hearing the account, Crisostomo leaves. At the
cemetery gate, he meets Padre Salvi and attacksthe Curate, whom he mistakes for
Father Damaso.

CHAPTER 14
LUNATIC AND SAGE
After leaving the cemetery, Tasio the sage wanders about the street aimlessly. He sees
two boys aged ten and seven, and tells them that their mother has prepared a meal for them to be
taken when they get home. Don Filipo invites Tasio to his house, and a discussion on the
existence of purgatoryfollows. Tasio thinks that the place called purgatory does not exist since
neither the bible nor Jesus Christmentions it.
CHAPTER 15
THE SACRISTANS
Crispin and Basilio are sacristans of the church at San Diego. The two are worried since
the Sacristan Mayor and the Curate has accused Crispin of stealing two gold pieces and he was
to remainin the church until the money is returned. Crispin also complains about the frequent
beating and whipping that he receives. After ringing the church bells, the Sacristan Mayor beats
Crispin to make him confess his crime.

CHAPTER 16
SISA
Sisa waits for her two sons, Crispin and Basilio. Knowing that they are hungry, she
prepares a meal consisting of duck leg, wild boars meat, tomatoes and five pieces of fish. Her
husband arrives, and eats all the food, leaving only three pieces of fish. She patiently waits for
Crispin and Basilio and is surprised when, during the night, only Basilio arrives.

CHAPTER 17
BASILIO
Basilio arrives home, wounded from a gunshot fired at him by the Guardia Civil. Basilio
tells his mother that Crispin has stayed behind in the convent because the curate accused him of
stealing two gold pieces. In his dream, Basilio sees Crispin being beaten up and killed by the
Curate and the Sacristan Mayor.
CHAPTER 18
SOULS IN TORMENT
In the convent, some women converse about purgatory and the number of plenary
indulgences that they have acquired. Sisa arrives, bringing with her vegetables to appease the
Curate into forgiving her son Crispin. A sacristan tells her that Crispin is not in the church, and
that the Guardia Civil are now searching for her two sons, after the Curate reported them to the
authorities for stealing.
CHAPTER 19
A SCHOOLMASTERS DIFFICULTIES
Ibarra converses with a schoolmaster who was helped by his father. The schoolmaster
narrates the obstacles that he encountered in teaching the children. He informs Ibarra that the
town lacks facilities such as a school building and necessary equipment. His work is also
hindered by the stubbornness of the former town Curate, Padre Damaso.

CHAPTER 20
THE MEETING IN THE TOWN HALL

The town officials meet in the town hall to discuss the fiesta celebration. The
councilapproves the proposal of Don Filipo, but the Gobernadorcillo tells them that the curates
alternate proposal must be followed instead. Although the council objects to the Curates
proposal, they are powerless to stop implementation of the plan. Don Filipo and Tasio the sage
go home dejected.

CHAPTER 21
THE STORY OF A MOTHER
Sisa arrives at her house and finds the Guardia Civil looking for her sons. After vainly
searching for Crispin and Basilio, the Guardia Civil decide to arrest Sisa in order to compel her
sons to surrender and return the money they have stolen. Due to the anguish and public
humiliation Sisa suffers, she becomes insane.

CHAPTER 22
LIGHTS AND SHADOWS
Maria Clara converses with Ibarra near a window overlooking the lake. Ibarra invites
Maria Clara, her friends, and Padre Salvi to a picnic in the woods. Maria Clara is delighted, and
Padre Salvi accepts the invitation to prove that he has no ill feelings towards Ibarra.

CHAPTER 23
FISHING
Ibarra and Maria Clara, together with their friends go fishing at the lake. To entertain
them, Andeng plays the harp, while Maria Clara sings a sad love song. In one of the fish cages,
the men discover that the fishing nets have entangled a crocodile. Elias, followed by Ibarra,
jumps into the lake, successfully killing the crocodile.

CHAPTER 24
IN THE WOOD

Padre Salvi passes near a stream, while going to the picnic organized by Ibarra. He hears
some voices, hides behind a tree, and spies on Maria Clara and her friends while they bathe.
After the Alferez leaves the picnic, the guardia civil arrives at the picnic, looking for Elias, the
boatman who had thrown the Alferez into a mudhole and who had assaulted Padre Damaso.

CHAPTER 25
IN THE HOUSE OF THE SAGE
Ibarra consults Tasio the sage about the school building that he plans to build. The sage
advises Ibarra not to pursue his project, else he incur the ire of the friars and other government
officials, who would do everything in their power to ruin him.

CHAPTER 26
THE EVE OF THE FIESTA
It is the eve of the fiesta, and people are busy preparing food, while or Juan supervises
the workmen laying the cornerstone and building the foundation of the proposed school building.
Some individuals volunteer to contribute toward the construction of the school, some promise to
pay the teacher, while others offer their services for free. Ibarra remains optimistic that his
endeavor will succeed, while Tasio advises him to be cautious.

CHAPTER 27
IN THE TWILIGHT
Maria Clara and Ibarra, together with their friends, go for a walk. They meet a leper. In
an act of compassion, Maria Clara gives her locket to the sick man.

CHAPTER 28
CORRESPONDENCE

This chapter features the three letters between a correspondent and his friend, between
Capitan Martin and Luis Chiquito, and between Ibarra and Maria Clara. The correspondent
vividly describes to his friend the fiesta and the many events that have taken place in San Diego.
Capitan Martin narrates to Luis Chiquito the good fortune of Capitan Tiago in winning a game
of cards. Maria Clara reveals that she is worried that Ibarra is sick, and sends Andeng to make
some tea for her sweetheart

CHAPTER 29
THE MORNING
Aprocession is held during the last day of the fiesta, where the people parade the images
of San Diego de Alcala, St. Francis, and the Virgin. The people in the procession are greeted by
the sound of firecrackers, songs, and religious prayers.
CHAPTER 30
IN THE CHURCH
The noisy and disorderly parishioners try to push one another while dipping their hands
in the holy water. The people are waiting for the sermon of Padre Damaso, when they notice that
the Alcaldes uniform looks similar to the costume worn by one of the actors in a play.
CHAPTER 31
THE SERMON
His sermon, Padre Damaso reprimands some natives who, after receiving education in
Manila and in Europe, are now contented in not kissing the hands of a friar and not offering him
the honor due his rank. Padre Damaso declares that these individuals would get what
they deserve and that God would punish them for their wicked acts. At the end of the sermon,
Elias approaches Ibarra, and warns him that his life is indanger.
CHAPTER 32
THE DERRICK
Ibarra, the Alcalde, and other individuals, go to the site of the proposed school to lay the
cornerstone of the building. The Alcalde throws some mortar on the stone, followed by the
curate and Alferez. When it is Ibarras turn, the derrick suddenly falls apart, dropping the heavy
block of stone. Fortunately Ibarra is unhurt, the only casualty being the yellowish man who
operates the machine.

CHAPTER 33
FREE THOUGHT
Eias visits Ibarra at his house and informs him that many enemies are out to ruin him, as
confirmed by the incident with the derrick. Because of Ibarras education and beliefs, Elias says,
many people would want him dead. Elias affirms that he is only paying his debt, since Ibarra
saved him from being killed by the crocodile.

CHAPTER 34
THE DINNER
At dinner, Padre Damaso belittles Ibarra for building a school. Ibarra remains silent, but
when Padre Damaso insults his fathers honor, Ibarra lunges at the curate with a knife in hand,
threatening to kill him. Fortunately Maria Clara intervenes.

CHAPTER 35
COMMENTS
The town discusses the incident between Padre Damaso and Ibarra. The town captain
criticizesIbarra for his lack of self-control, while others opine that Ibarra will be branded as a
filibuster and will be excommunicated by the Church. Don Filipo and Capitana Maria, however,
both agree that Ibarra did the right thing in protecting his fathers honor and memory.
CHAPTER 36
THE FIRST CLOUD
Arriving from the convent, Capitan Tiago tells Maria Clara and Tia Isabel that he has
agreed to break his daughters wedding engagement to Ibarra. Capitan Tiago adds that Maria
Clara must forget Ibarra, since she would now marry a relative of Padre Damaso.
CHAPTER 37
HIS EXELLENCY
The Governor-General converses with Ibarra about the dinner incident.
He
assures Ibarrathat he will be protected by the government from the evil intentions of the friars
and religious corporations. The Governor-General promises that he would talk to the archbishop

regarding Ibarras excommunication, while advising Capitan Tiago not to break his
daughters engagement to Ibarra.
CHAPTER 38
THE POSSESSSION
Another procession is held, where the town displays the images
of St. John, St. Francis, San Diego, and the Virgin. Tasio sees the ragged and poor clothing of
the saints and sarcastically remarks that the saints would be ashamed if they would see the
lifestyle of their fellow servants of God.
CHAPTER 39
DON A CONSOLACION
Doa Consolacion, the Alferezs wife, calls Sisa to sing, but proceeds to maltreat her by
whipping her when she refuses to dance. The Alferez arrives, stops the whipping and calls his
servant to feed and clothe the insane woman,who is to be treated by a doctor hired by Ibarra.
CHAPTER 40
RIGHT AND MIGHT
Maria Clara, her friends, Don Filipo, and Padre Salvi are watching a play
when Ibarraarrives to joins them. Padre Salvi orders Don Filipo to prohibit Ibarra from watching
the play, since he has been excommunicated, and his presence would corrupt the people. Padre
Salvi walks out when Don Filipo refuses to prevent Ibarra from watching the play.
CHAPTER 41
TWO VISITS
Elias informs him that Maria Clara is sick with fever. A man named Lucas then
arrives,asking for money for his brother who was killed in the derrick. Ibarra tells him to come
back that afternoon since he is meeting with a sick person.
CHAPTER 42
THE ESPADAN AS
Don Tiburcio de Espadaa and his wife Victorina, together with Linares, a distant relative
of Padre Damaso, arrive at the house of Capitan Tiago to treat Maria Clara. Doa Victorina
speaks highly of Linares, telling Capitan Tiago that he has come to the Philippines to seek work
and to find a wife. The fake doctor Espadaa prescribes some medicines for Maria Clara, as they
wait for Padre Damaso to arrive.

CHAPTER 43
PLANS
Linares introduces himself to Padre Damaso as the godson of his brother-in-law. Linares
says that he graduated with a law degree from a university and that he has come to the
Philippines to find work and to look for a wife. Upon hearing this, Padre Damaso calls Capitan
Tiago. Lucas, meanwhile, approaches Padre Salvi to ask for help, being the brother of the
yellowish man killed when the derrick collapsed

CHAPTER 44
AN EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
Padre Salvi mentions that Padre Damaso will be transferred to a town in Tayabas. Since
Maria Clara is still sick, the Curate suggests that Maria Clara makes her confession. Tia Isabel
agrees with the Curate, and prepares Maria Clara for her confession. After hearing Maria
Claras confession, Padre Salvi exits the room looking gloomy, with his forehead covered with
perspiration.
CHAPTER 45
THE HUNTED
Elias goes to Tanauan, Batangas, to converse with Capitan Pablo, the leader of some
bandits. Elias asks Capitan Pablo to stop committing violent acts against the government, since
they can get the help of Ibarra in obtaining justice and implementing some reforms for the
country.
CHAPTER 46
THE COCKPIT
The cockpit arena, Lucas approaches Bruno and Tarsilo, recruiting them to attack the
town barracks. Lucas declares that aside from joining the attack organized by Ibarra against the
barracks, they can exact their revenge on the members of the guardia civil who killed their father.
CHAPTER 47
THE TWO SEN ORAS

Doa Victorina and Don Tiburcio pass by the house of the Alferez, as Doa Consolacion
mocks and ridicules Doa Espadaa and her crippled husband. The two women start exchanging
insults and almost get into a fight that is averted by the arrival of the Alferez and Padre Salvi. To
defend her honor, Doa Victorina asks Linares to challenge the Alferez to a duel.
CHAPTER 48
THE ENIGMA
Ibarra wishes to inform Maria Clara that his excommunication is lifted, but upon arriving
at her house, he sees Maria Clara with Linares. He is invited to come into the house, but he
visits instead the site of the school building, asking the supervisor, or Juan about its progress.

CHAPTER 49
THE VOICE OF THE HUNTED
Elias meets Ibarra at the lakeside. He narrates the conversation he has had with Capitan
Pablo. Elias says that, Ibarra, because of his education and position in society, can ask the
Spanish government to implement radical reforms such as fewer privileges for religious
corporations, security for a citizen and more respect for a mans dignity. Ibarra objects, saying
that such institutions as the priesthood, religious corporations, and the Guardia Civil, are
necessary evils that must be tolerated by the society.

CHAPTER 50
ELIAS STORY
Elias narrates his story and the misfortunes of his ancestors. His great grandfather, he
recounts, woks as a bookkeeper for a Spaniard, when he is accused of arson, and is flogged and
paraded in the streets of Manila. Shamed and disgraced, his wife becomes a prostitute, while one
of the sons becomes a notorious bandit. The other son travels from town to town until he is hired
as a laborer, and marries a rich woman. Elias and his sister are born of this marriage, and both
are educated in Manila. But when their familys past surfaces, they lose everything. Eliass
sister commits suicide, while he roams the provinces as a hunted and lonely man.

CHAPTER 51
EXCHANGES

Padre Salvi informs Linares, Maria Clara, and Capitan Tiago that Ibarras
excommunication has been lifted, and the last obstacle to be hurdled is for Ibarra to ask for
forgiveness from Padre Damaso. Ibarra asks Sinang if Maria Clara is angry with him and insists
that he wants to speak to Maria Clara.

CHAPTER 52
THE CARDS OF THE DEAD AND THE SHADOWS
Three men are in the cemetery waiting for Lucas. They discuss their impending attack on
the barracks and the church, which they believe is organized by Ibarra. Lucas arrives and
instructs them to attack the church and the barracks, shouting Viva Don Crisostomo. Elias, after
following Lucas, learns about the attack that will implicate Ibarra.
CHAPTER 53
II BUON D SI CONOSCE DE MATTINA
Don Filipo visits Tasio the sage, whos ill. He tells Tasio that he has resigned from his
position because he is fed up with the Gobernadorcillos ineptitude. Tasio praises the dons
action, saying that resistance must be used not only against the Gobernadorcillo but against all
persons who abuse their authority.

CHAPTER 54
REVELATIONS
Padre Salvi warns the Alferez about an impending attack on the town. He informs the
Alferez to ready his men and to send four soldiers to guard the church. Elias alerts Ibarra on the
imminent attack on the town that will be blamed on him. He helps Ibarra dispose of some letters
that could implicate him. In one of these letters, Elias discovers that Ibarras great grandfather
was the Spaniard who had accused his great grandfather of arson.

CHAPTER 55

THE CATASTROPHE
Ibarra enters Capitan Tiagos house, as soon as he hears shots fired near the convent.
Ibarra returns to his house, and is arrested by the Guardia Civil. Seeing what has
happened, Elias enters Ibarras house, and intentionally sets a fire to destroy any evidence that
could implicate Ibarrra in the failed attack.

CHAPTER 56
RUMORS AND BELIEFS
Rumors circulate in the terrified town, after the eventful night. Some people assume that
Don Filipo and Crisostomo Ibarra have been arrested by the Guardia Civil, while others think
that some bandits were caught in the night.

CHAPTER 57
VAE VICTIS
The Guardia Civil imprison the individuals implicated in the failed attack. They torture
Tarsilo to obtain a confession from him and to make him disclose the mastermind of the failed
attack. But Tarsilo remains silent up to his death.

CHAPTER 58
THE ACCURSED
The crying relatives of those arrested wait outside the barracks of the Guardia Civil.
Ibarra, together with the other prisoners, are led out of their cells to be transported to the
provincial capital. Along the way, Ibarra is cursed, stoned, and ridiculed by the people, blaming
him for their misfortunes and hardships.
CHAPTER 59
PATRIOTISM AND PRIVATE INTERESTS

The people of Manila discuss the failed rebellion falsely blamed on Ibarra. The friars
praise Padre Salvi for alerting the authorities about the rebellion, while others criticize the
Jesuits, who declare that Ibarra had been educated at the Ateneo.
CHAPTER 60
MARIA CLARA WEDS
Capitan Tiago invites guests and visitors to celebrate the impending marriage of Maria
Calara and Linares. Maria Clara goes to the azotea, where she sees Crisostomo leaping out from
a boat. She asks Crisostomo for forgiveness since she is about to be married to someone else,
but declares that she would never forget her vow of faithfulness to him.
CHAPTER 61
THE CHASE ON THE LAKE
Two boatloads of Guardia Civil pursue Elias and Ibarra on the lake. Elias jumps into the
river to mislead the pursuers, thus saving Ibarra.

CHAPTER 62
PADRE DAMASO EXPLAINS
Maria is distraught when she learns that Ibarra has been killed, while trying to escape.
Out of desperation, Maria Clara asks Padre Damaso to break her marriage engagement and to
permit her to enter the nunnery. After vainly arguing with Maria Clara, Padre Damaso gives his
permission.
CHAPTER 63
CHRISTMAS EVE
Basilio returns to San Diego to look for his insane mother. Upon seeing her in the town,
he runs after her until they enter the forest owned by the Ibarras. Sisa dies, after eventually
recognizing her son. When Basilio regains consciousness, Elias orders him to cremate his him
and his mother.
CHAPTER 64
EPILOGUE

Padre Damaso is reassigned as parish priest to a distant province but is found dead the
day after. Maria Clara enters the Sta. Clara nunnery, where Padre Salvi regularly preaches and
holds animportant office. Capitan Tiago stops going to church, and is now addicted to opium
and gambling. The Alferez who has been promoted as a 2nd lieutenant, goes back to Spain,
leaving his wife, Doa Consolacion, behind. Doa Victorina still tries to live the life of a
Spanish woman, while her cousin Linares dies of dysentery. Two Spanish guards see an
insane nun standing at the top of the Sta. Clara convent during a raging storm. When the
authorities try to investigate the nuns case, the abbess prohibits the inquiry, invoking the name
of Religion and the Holy Statutes.
Two Spanish guards saw an insane nun standing at the top of the Sta. Clara convent during a
raging storm. When the authorities tried to investigate, the abbess prohibited the inquiry
invoking the name of Religion and the Holy Statutes.