CHAPTER 8
The Events That Led Jose Rizal's 1st novel writing
Introduction
• While still a medical student, Jose Rizal began writing the first sections of Noli Me
Tangere in Madrid, Spain, in 1884. After completing his medical education, Rizal
continued to work on this book in Paris, France. The book's final sections were
completed by Jose Rizal in Berlin, Germany.
• In order to write Noli Me Tangere, Rizal drew inspiration from Harriet Beacher Stowe's
novel Uncle Tom's Cabin. The subject of Uncle Tom's Cabin is the existence of black
slaves at the hands of wealthy white Americans. The focus of the novel was the pain,
mistreatment, and hardships endured by Black slaves, and it made comparisons
between their terrible situation and his countrymen's unequal treatment under Spanish
control.
Important Timelines
• Latin, not Spanish or Tagalog, is the language of Noli Me Tangere's title. In a letter to
his good friend and fellow scientist Ferdinand Blumentritt, Rizal acknowledged that the
title was taken from the Bible. When Mary Magdalene discovers Jesus after his
resurrection, he tells her, "Don't touch Me!" in the Bible's narrative from John 20:17.
The passage is equivalent to Noli me tangere when translated into Latin.
• Jose Rizal ran out of money just as the book was ready for printing. He got in touch
with Maximo Viola, a friend, and got a loan for publishing. According to legend, Rizal
was going to burn the Noli manuscripts when he got Viola's telegram offering to lend
him the books.
• After its release, Noli me Tangere was seen as one of the catalysts for Filipino
nationalism, which resulted in the 1896 Philippine Revolution. In addition to
reawakening dormant Filipino consciousness, the novel laid the foundation for
aspirations of independence.
• Rizal's clan in Calamba, Laguna was also driven from the area as a result of the
damage. He was the target of extradition requests. He decided to write the El
filibusterismo sequel to Noli Me Tangere as a result of this. Noli Me Tangere was more
sensitive and did not inspire insurrection in comparison to El Fili or Fili, as they
nicknamed it. as does El Fili. Rizal changed his meticulous notions in Noli to aggression
in El Fili in order to assure revolutionary ideals and patriotic response.
Objectives
• To defend the Filipino people from allegations of ignorance and folly made by
foreigners; to depict the lives of the Filipino people during the Spanish colonial period
as well as the screams and suffering of his people against oppressive officials; to talk
about how religion and belief actually affect daily life; and to openly display the
wrongdoings of Filipinos that contributed to greater failure while exposing the cruelties,
fraud, and corruption of the phony administration.
Social Impact
•Despite being viewed as romantic, Noli Me Tangere is actually more socio-historical in
nature. The majority of the problems highlighted in Noli still exist today.
Who's Ferdinand Johann Franz Blumentritt?
Born September 10, 1853
Prague, Austrian Empire
DIED September 20, 1913 (Aged 60)
Leitmeritz, Austria-Hungary
OCCUPATION Author, Secondary school teacher,
director, enthography
LANGUAGE German, English, Czech
CHILDREN Fritz, Dolores, and Konrad.
PARENTS Ferdinand Matthaeus Johann
Blumentritt
Amalia Ecatherina Schneider
Ferdinand Johann Franz
Blumentritt, Born in 10 September
1853, Prague, Austrian Empire and
Died in 20 September 1913,
(Litoměřice) Leitmeritz, Austria-
Hungary. He was an Austrian
teacher, secondary school principal
in Leitmeritz, lecturer, and author of
articles and books in the Philippines
and its ethnography. His parents are
Ferdinand Matthaeus Johann Blumentritt and AmaliaEcatherina Schneider. He is well
known in the Philippines for his close friendship with the writer and Propagandist José
Rizal, and the numerous correspondence between the two provide a vital reference for
Rizal historians and scholars, including his last letter from prison before the execution.
Important Timelines
In July 13, 1886, Jose Rizal wrote his first letter to Ferdinand Blumentritt from
Heidelberg. With this, a gracious communication and friendship between the two men
started, they addressed one another as “My Brother”.
Blumentritt seems to have have an influence on Rizal in many respects. At the
publication of each of his books, it was to Blumentritt that Rizal looked for approval and
it was his judgement that he valued most. When he came to publish his edition
“Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas” of Antonio de Morga, it was Blumentritt he asked to
write the Prologue or the Introduction.
Through letters they were able to share each other’s idea and connect each
other.
They had a teacher student relationship. Blumentritt became one of his advisors.
If we apply it today, we can relate this in having a teacher that would guide us
with the lectures. Any person can learn by reading the explanations in the book, but it
is easier with the help of the teacher
Chapter 9
Rizal's Grand Tour of Europe With Viola
Introduction
After the publication of Noli, Rizal planned to visit the important places in
Europe. Dr. Maximo Viola agreed to be his traveling companion. Rizal received Pacianos
remittance of P1000 which forward by Juan Luna from Paris and immediately paid his
debt to Viola which he loaned so that the Noli could be printed. First, he and Viola
visited Potsdam, a city near Berlin. Tour Begins at the dawn of May 11, 1887, Rizal and
Viola, two browned-skinned doctors on a roaming spree, left Berlin by train. Spring was
an ideal season for travel. Their destination was in Dresden, one of the best cities in
Germany.
Dresden
Rizal and Viola tarried for sometimes in Dresden. They visited Dr. Adolph B.
Meyer, who was overjoyed to see them. In the Museum of Art, Rizal was deeply
impressed by painting of Prometheus Bound. They also meet Dr. Jagor and heard their
plan about Leitmeritz in order to see Blumentritt. He advice to wire Blumentritt because
the old professor might be shock of their visit.
First Meeting with Blumentritt
At 1:30 pm of May 15. 1887 the train arrived at the railroad station of Leitmeritz.
Professor Blumentritt was at the station carrying a pencil sketch of Rizal which he sent
to identify his friend. Blumentritt get a room at Hotel Krebs, after which he bought
them to his house and stayed Leitmeritz May 13 to 14 1887.
Beautiful Memories at Leitmeritz
They enjoyed hospitality of Blumentritt family. The professor's wife, Rosa, was a
goodcook. She prepared Austrian dishes which Rizal's liked very much. Blumentritt
proved to be agreat tourist as well as hospitable host. He showed the scenic and
historical spots of Leitmeritz tohis visitors. The Burgomaster (town mayor) was also
amazed by Rizals privileged talent.
Prague
Rizal and Viola visited the historic city of Prague They carried letters of
recommendation from Blumentritt to Dr. Wilkom, professor in University of Prague.
Rizal and Viola visited the "Tomb of Copernicus.
Vienna
May 20-they arrived at Vienna capital of Austria-Hungary. They met Norfenfals,
one of the greatest novelists in that time. They stayed at Hotel Metropole. They also
meet two good friends of Blumentritt - Masner and Nordman, Austrian scholars.
Danubian Voyage to Lintz
May 24, Rizal and Viola left Vienna on a river boat too se beautiful sights of
Danube River. As they travelled along the famous river, Rizal observed keenly river
sights
Form Lintz to Rheinfall
The river voyage ended in Lintz. They travelled overland to Satzburg, and from
there to Munich where the sojourned for a short time to savor the famous Munich Beer.
Crossing the Frontier to Switzerland
They stayed from June 2 to 3 1887 and continued tour to Basel (Bale), Bern, and
Laussane.
Geneva
Rizal and Viola left Laussane in a little boat crossing the foggy Leman Lake to
Geneva. On June 19. 1887, his 26th birthday; Rizal treated Viola to a blow-out. Rizal
and Viola spent fifteen days in Geneva. On June 23, they parted ways. Viola decided to
return to Barcelona while Rizal continued his tour to Italy.
Rizal Resents Exhibition of Igorots in 1887 Madrid Exposition
Rizal received sad news from his friends in Madrid of the deplorable conditions of
the primitive Igorots who were exhibited in this exposition. Some of these Igorots died.
Rizal was outraged by the degradation of his fellow countrymen.
Rizal in Italy
He visited Turin, Milan, Venice and Florence. On June 27, 1887, he reached
Rome. He was thrilled by the sights and memories of the Eternal City Rome. On June
29th, Rizal visited or the first time the Vatican, the City of the Popes and the capital of
Christendom. After a week of staying in Rome, he prepared to return to the Philippines.
He had already written to his father that he was coming home.
