EP. 8 Noli Me Tangere Kabanata 29-32 Summary [ENG SUBS]

Summary

The festival day in San Diego brings a mix of excitement and criticism. While the town prepares for the celebration, Philosopher Tasyo is disheartened by the extravagant spending amidst widespread suffering. The church is overcrowded and chaotic, with people eagerly awaiting the mass. Father Damaso, delivering a long sermon, targets various groups, including businessmen, the Chinese, and those educated abroad. His sermon, filled with subtle criticisms, especially toward Ibarra’s family, creates tension in the congregation. Despite the uncomfortable atmosphere, the festival’s opulence contrasts sharply with the reality of the people’s struggles.

Takeaways

• 😀 The San Diego Festival begins with a lively music band waking up the people, despite their tiredness. The festival's noise and cheerfulness stir a mix of emotions.
• 😀 People dress up in their finest clothes and expensive hats, signaling the importance of the event, though some like Philosopher Tasyo remain unchanged and disappointed.
• 😀 Philosopher Tasyo criticizes the festival’s extravagant spending, highlighting the contrast between public suffering and wasteful indulgence.
• 😀 Don Filipo, feeling powerless as Vice-Mayor, contemplates resigning due to his inability to improve the situation for his people.
• 😀 The church scene is chaotic as people push and shove to access the holy water, which turns dirty due to overcrowding, reflecting the disorder of the event.
• 😀 Despite the discomfort, many people believe the holy water will bring them healing, showing the mix of superstition and devotion present in the crowd.
• 😀 Maria Clara and her father enjoy reserved seating at the church, avoiding the chaos, while figures like Father Salvi and Father Damaso are content with the financial gains from the festival.
• 😀 The contrast between the festival's entertainment and religious offerings is discussed, with Father Damaso's sermon valued higher due to its spiritual significance, though it's seen as more lucrative than performances.
• 😀 Father Damaso’s sermon is long and boring, but he manages to captivate the audience with his commanding presence and dramatic tone, despite speaking in Spanish, which many do not understand.
• 😀 Throughout the sermon, Father Damaso makes pointed criticisms about various groups, such as businessmen, unbaptized Chinese people, and the prideful youth who studied abroad, all while subtly referencing Ibarra's father and the broader social issues.

Q & A

Why was Philosopher Tasyo feeling sad during the festival?

Philosopher Tasyo was sad because he believed that too much money was being wasted on the festival, while many people were suffering. He was critical of how resources were being spent on what he considered 'useless things'.

What was Don Filipino's stance on the festival and its spending?

Don Filipino shared a similar sentiment with Philosopher Tasyo, but he explained that he could not oppose the wishes of his father, who had authority over such decisions. He felt trapped in his position as Vice-Mayor.

How did Father Salvi and Father Damaso view the mass in the church?

Father Salvi was pleased because the mass meant a lot of offerings for the church. Father Damaso, on the other hand, looked forward to his sermon, knowing it would bring him 250 pesos for his efforts.

Why did Father Damaso's sermon attract so much attention?

Father Damaso was known for being a captivating speaker, and his actions were admired. His sermon, especially after his recovery from a slight illness, was eagerly anticipated by the congregation.

What were the conditions like in the church before the mass began?

The church was overcrowded, with people pushing, shoving, and jostling to get to the front. Many were sweating and irritated due to the heat, and there was chaos over the Holy Water, which turned muddy because of the crowd.

How did the people react to the Holy Water during the mass?

People rushed to dip their hands into the Holy Water, even though it turned to mud. Despite the unpleasant color and smell, many believed it could cure their ailments, so they continued to use it.

What did Father Damaso's sermon focus on?

Father Damaso's sermon criticized the sinful actions of local businessmen, particularly those who did not have a license to sell, as well as the Chinese, whom he claimed were cursed for not being baptized. He also criticized young people who were proud of their education abroad.

How did Ibarra respond to Father Damaso's sermon?

Ibarra ignored Father Damaso's criticism, especially when the priest referred to his father, Don Rafael, who had been incarcerated and died without confession. Ibarra chose not to react to the sermon.

What was the overall mood of the crowd during Father Damaso's sermon?

The crowd grew increasingly tired and bored as the sermon went on, with many people nodding off, including Captain Tiyago. Father Salvi had to ring the bell to signal Father Damaso to wrap up, but the priest continued the sermon even longer.

What did Father Damaso's behavior reveal about his character during the mass?

Father Damaso's behavior showed his sense of superiority and arrogance. He seemed to relish the attention, making pointed comments about others, and was unbothered by his lengthy sermon despite the growing restlessness in the congregation.