The Possible Reasons Why Rizal Chose The Title Noli Me Tangere

BISCO MARIBETH B.
BS FOOD TECHNOLOGY 4
GEC 19
The possible reasons why Rizal chose the title Noli Me Tangere.
1. In the novel’s dedication, Rizal explains that there was once a type of cancer so terrible that
the sufferer could not bear to be touched, and the disease was thus called noli me tangere (Latin:
“do not touch me”). He believed that his homeland was similarly afflicted. The novel offers both
a panoramic view of every level of society in the Philippines of the time and droll satire. Its
description of the cruelty of Spanish rule was a catalyst for the movement for independence in
the country. It later came to be regarded as a classic of Philippine literature, though it is more
frequently read in English or Tagalog translation than in its original Spanish.
- I agree with this because it shows how Filipino people are being bondage with the cruelty of
Spanish which considered to be called as social cancer. It’s about abusive power of the Spanish.
Having been colonized by Spaniards since the 1500s, the author depicts the Filipinos suffering
abuse from civil guards, friars and other government officials. Using their power to mistreat
civilians, the civil guards harass them because of simple causes, such as not rendering the
customary salute, not being able to show identification cards, etc. The same goes with friars who
commercialize religion through simony and plenary indulgence. Government officials, likewise,
make use of their power to control those whom they believe would be detrimental to the Spanish
rule. Just as Crisostomo Ibarra, the main character in the novel, experiences this through the
death of his father (Don Rafael), this theme in "Noli Me Tangere" comes to life.
2. The title Noli Me Tangere is a Latin phrase which means “Touch Me Not.” Rizal dedicated his
Noli Me Tangere to the Philippines – “To My Fatherland.” His dedication run as follows:
Recorded in the history of human sufferings is a cancer so malignant a character that the least
touch irritates it and awakens in it the sharpest pains. Thus, how many times, when in the midst
of modern civilizations, I have wished to call thee before me, now to accompany me in
memories, now to compare thee with other countries, hath thy dear image presented itself
showing a social cancer like to that other;
- It’s about the family devotion which I agree. Never forgetting the positive qualities of the
Filipinos, Jose Rizal still highlights devotion to one’s family through Crisostomo Ibarra, Maria
Clara and Sisa. With the death of Don Rafael, Ibarra’s father, Crisostomo traces all means to
seek for justice. This is also true with Maria Clara, an obedient daughter to Capitan Tiago.
Consenting to her father’s request that she marry a Spaniard (as requested by Padre Damaso),
Maria Clara adheres to this (but gets very ill afterward). Sisa, on the other hand, definitely shows
her devotion to her family by doing everything to serve her family. Considering her children
(Basilio and Crispin) as her treasures, she endures the trials she goes through just to keep them
secure.
3. The title of Noli Me Tangere is a Latin phrase, which means "Touch Me Not." Basically, this
phrase was not originally conceived by Rizal, for he admitted taking it from the Bible. It is from
the book of St. John (Chap 20:13-17). It was said that on the First Easter Sunday, St Mary
Magdalene visited Jesus in the tomb, who had just risen from the dead.
-Another very evident theme in the novel turns out to be patriotism that I agree. Portrayed by
Crisostomo Ibarra and Elias, these two men earnestly desire for independence from the
oppressors. Although different in their means for seeking reform, they both profess their goals.
Since Elias resolves for a revolt against the Spaniards, he finds all means to lead a revolution
against the friars, civil guards and government officials. Believing that God will bring forth
justice over Filipinos depicts patriotism by all means. All in all, "Noli Me Tangere" shall forever
remain as one of the most powerful tools the Philippines has ever had to spread awareness on the
“social cancer” and to fight for independence. As Jose Rizal used various themes to spread the
word regarding the battle against abusive power, injustice, false religious claims and other
inappropriate dealings with innocent people, the cause Rizal started more than a hundred years
ago shall endure.

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BISCO MARIBETH B.

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