El Filibusterismo Chapter 20 - Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc. | NoypiTV

Summary

Chapter 20 of *El Filibusterismo*, titled 'The Arbiter,' centers on Don Custodio de Salazar y Sánchez de Monteredondo, a prominent yet inexperienced figure in Manila society. Tasked with deciding on the creation of a Spanish-language Academy, he struggles to make a decision due to conflicting advice from advisers like Senor Pasta and distractions from acquaintances such as Pepi. Reflecting on his past frustrations in Spain and his desire to appear knowledgeable, Don Custodio ultimately writes his decision, feeling triumphant, though its specifics remain unclear. The chapter highlights themes of indecision, superficiality, and the importance of firm principles in leadership.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don Custodio de Salazar, also known as Buatinta, is a prominent yet inexperienced figure in Manila society, holding various public roles despite his lack of expertise.
• 😀 Don Custodio's main task in this chapter is dealing with the students' petition to establish a Spanish language Academy, but he struggles with indecision and conflicting advice.
• 😀 Despite being praised for his position and influence, Don Custodio’s actions show a lack of firm principles, often trying to please everyone around him.
• 😀 Don Custodio consults various individuals, including Senor Pasta, but their advice only increases his confusion as it is contradictory and unhelpful.
• 😀 Pepi, a dancer and acquaintance of Don Custodio, instead of offering help, asks for personal favors, highlighting his inability to rely on those around him for support.
• 😀 Reflecting on his past, Don Custodio is frustrated by his experiences in Spain, where he was largely ignored due to his lack of education, yet he returns to the Philippines boasting of his knowledge.
• 😀 Though Don Custodio claims to be liberal, his actions reveal a patronizing attitude toward Filipinos, believing they should remain submissive to maintain order.
• 😀 After 15 days of deliberation, Don Custodio finally writes his decision, believing he has crafted a clever solution, though the exact nature of this solution remains unclear.
• 😀 The chapter emphasizes the danger of superficiality and pretense, as Don Custodio’s superficial understanding of situations leads him to make poor decisions.
• 😀 Key lessons from this chapter include the importance of standing firm in one’s principles and not being easily swayed by external influences in order to make sound decisions.

Q & A

What is the central theme of Chapter 20 of *El Filibusterismo*?

The central theme of Chapter 20, titled 'The Arbiter,' focuses on the indecision and lack of principles of Don Custodio, who is tasked with solving the issue of establishing a Spanish language Academy. It highlights the struggles of a leader who is driven by a desire to please everyone but lacks the conviction to make clear, decisive decisions.

Who is Don Custodio, and what role does he play in this chapter?

Don Custodio, also known as 'Buatinta,' is a prominent but inexperienced figure in Manila society. He plays the role of the arbiter or mediator in the matter of establishing a Spanish language Academy. Despite his high position, Don Custodio lacks the necessary knowledge and principles, making him indecisive and overly reliant on the opinions of others.

What is Don Custodio's main struggle in this chapter?

Don Custodio's main struggle is his inability to make a firm decision. He wants to please everyone—priests, officials, and his friends—leading to confusion and a lack of progress. His indecision is a result of his desire to maintain favor and avoid offending anyone.

How does Don Custodio attempt to solve the problem of establishing a Spanish language Academy?

Don Custodio seeks advice from various individuals, such as Senor Pasta, a lawyer, and Pepi, a dancer. However, the advice he receives only complicates the situation further, as it is conflicting or unrelated to the issue at hand.

What is Don Custodio's attitude towards Filipinos, and how is it portrayed in this chapter?

Despite claiming to be liberal, Don Custodio holds a patronizing attitude toward Filipinos, believing that they are naturally submissive and should not aspire for more. This reflects his colonial mindset, where he sees the need for maintaining order by keeping Filipinos in a subordinate position.

How does the chapter depict Don Custodio's self-image and public persona?

The chapter portrays Don Custodio as someone who pretends to be more knowledgeable and capable than he actually is. His self-image is based on pretense and superficiality, and he uses his supposed experiences in Spain to boost his reputation, even though he lacks formal education.

What role do other characters, such as Senor Pasta and Pepi, play in Don Custodio's decision-making process?

Senor Pasta and Pepi play key roles in influencing Don Custodio's indecision. Senor Pasta offers conflicting advice, leaving Don Custodio more confused, while Pepi only requests personal favors unrelated to the issue, further distracting him from the task at hand.

What lesson does the chapter convey about leadership and decision-making?

The chapter teaches that a leader who cannot make firm decisions and stands by their principles will only lead to confusion and stagnation. It emphasizes the importance of having clear convictions and avoiding the trap of trying to please everyone.

How does Don Custodio's decision-making reflect his character flaws?

Don Custodio's decision-making process reflects his indecision, lack of self-confidence, and superficial understanding of the issues at hand. His inability to stand firm and make an informed decision reveals his character flaws, including his desire to appear knowledgeable and competent while avoiding actual responsibility.

What does the chapter say about the importance of having one's own principles?

The chapter underscores the importance of having one's own principles and convictions in decision-making. It highlights that without clear principles, one can be easily swayed by external influences, leading to poor decisions and lack of progress.