Noli Me Tangere | Kabanata 13: Ang Unang Banta ng Sigwa #nolimetangere

Summary

The script narrates a somber scene involving Ibarra visiting a cemetery in western San Diego, searching for his father's grave. He discovers that the cross marking the grave was destroyed under orders from a priest, Padre Garrote, and that his father's body was exhumed and thrown into a lake instead of being reburied in a Chinese cemetery. Ibarra, filled with grief and anger, confronts another priest, Padre Salvi, accusing him of complicity, but learns it was Padre Damaso's doing. Overcome by emotion, Ibarra leaves, deeply disturbed by the desecration of his father's resting place.

Takeaways

• ⚰️ A narrow piece of land leads to a cemetery in the western part of San Diego, where the dead are buried.
• 😬 The speaker expresses discomfort and disgust while preparing a recently deceased body for burial.
• 💀 Ibarra enters the cemetery in a carriage, accompanied by an elderly servant, and is looking for a specific grave.
• 🛠️ Captain Tiago is having a tomb built, but the elderly man cannot find the cross marking the grave.
• 🔥 The gravedigger explains that he burned the cross on orders from Father Garrote, a high-ranking priest.
• 🌧️ The gravedigger was ordered to exhume the body months ago and move it to the Chinese cemetery, but it was raining heavily.
• 💪 Ibarra angrily grabs the gravedigger by both arms, furious at the situation.
• 🌊 The gravedigger admits that instead of burying the body in the Chinese cemetery, he threw it into the lake, considering it disrespectful to bury it there.
• 👊 Ibarra, in a rage, confronts Father Salvi, accusing him of wrongdoing, but the priest blames Father Damaso, his predecessor.
• 🔔 The scene closes with a pair of siblings heading to the bell tower to ring the bells for the souls of the dead, as they are warned to be cautious.

Q & A

What is the setting of the story?

The story is set in a small town near San Diego, where there is a cemetery with a wooden cross.

Who is Musika and what is his role in the story?

Musika is a character who is accompanying the protagonist to the cemetery. He is involved in the burial process and helps with the removal of the cross.

What is significant about the wooden cross mentioned in the script?

The wooden cross is significant as it is a burial marker for a recently deceased person and becomes the center of conflict in the story.

Who is the old man in the story and what does he do?

The old man is Kapitan Tiago, who is responsible for the burials. He is blind and unaware of the cross's presence.

Why does the protagonist approach the undertaker?

The protagonist approaches the undertaker to ask if they can remove the cross with the tandang crus on it.

What is the order given by Padre Damaso?

Padre Damaso orders the protagonist to remove the cross because it is too large.

What happens to the body that was supposed to be buried?

The body, which was supposed to be buried, is moved to the Chinese cemetery due to the rain and the protagonist's belief that it is inappropriate to bury it in the Chinese cemetery.

Why does Ibara throw the priest into the river?

Ibara throws the priest into the river because he is angry and believes the priest is responsible for the desecration of the cemetery.

What does the protagonist do after the incident at the cemetery?

After the incident, the protagonist goes to the church bell to duplicate the bell for the souls, as requested by his brother.

What is the significance of the bell in the story?

The bell is significant as it is used to call the souls, and the protagonist is asked to duplicate it after the events at the cemetery.

What is the reaction of the townspeople to the events at the cemetery?

The townspeople are warned to be careful and not to approach the camp, indicating fear and concern about the events that transpired.