Noli Me Tangere | Kabanata 14: Tasyo, Baliw o Pilosopo #nolimetangere

Summary

The scene begins with Ibarra visiting a graveyard with his servant, confronting the grave digger about his father's grave being moved. Enraged, Ibarra confronts Padre Salvi, accusing him of desecration. Meanwhile, the eccentric philosopher, Don Anastasio, reflects on life and the futility of societal beliefs, including purgatory. A subplot unfolds with two sacristans, Crispin and Basilio, tasked with ringing the church bells during a storm. The scene is filled with tension, philosophical musings, and an impending storm that mirrors the characters' inner turmoil and societal conflicts.

Takeaways

• ⚰️ Ibarra arrives at the cemetery in a carriage with his old servant to visit the grave.
• 🪦 The grave, ordered by Kapitan Tiago, was marked with a cross and planted with flowers.
• ⚡ Ibarra learns the priest wanted the body moved to the Chinese cemetery, which angers him.
• 👊 Ibarra confronts a man and grabs him by the arms, expressing his frustration.
• 🪑 Padre Salvi is spotted with an ivory-handled cane, and Ibarra attacks him in anger.
• 📚 Don Anastasio, also known as Pilosopo Tasyo, is a wandering old man with a background in education.
• 💀 Pilosopo Tasyo reflects on his lost wife and speaks of the uselessness of worldly matters.
• ⛪ The two young sacristans, Crispin and Basilio, are tasked with ringing the church bells.
• 🙏 Pilosopo Tasyo dismisses purgatory, arguing it’s not mentioned in the Bible or by Christ.
• 🌩️ Despite a heavy storm and lightning, Pilosopo Tasyo ventures outside, undeterred by the dangers.

Q & A

Who is Ibarra, and what is his significance in the script?

Ibarra is one of the central characters who visits the cemetery in a carriage, accompanied by an elderly servant. He plays a significant role as someone deeply affected by the events surrounding the cemetery and his past.

Why did Ibarra react angrily towards the man in the cemetery?

Ibarra becomes angry because the man reveals that the body of his deceased relative was to be transferred to the Chinese cemetery, which Ibarra considered a great insult. This leads to Ibarra grabbing the man in frustration.

What role does Padre Salvi play in the scene?

Padre Salvi, a priest seen holding a staff, is encountered by Ibarra at the cemetery. Ibarra, in his anger and grief, physically confronts Padre Salvi by grabbing his shoulders.

Who is Don Anastasio, and why is he known as 'Pilosopo Tasyo'?

Don Anastasio, also known as Pilosopo Tasyo, is a wise old man often seen wandering aimlessly. He is perceived by the ignorant as either a sage or a madman. Despite his wealth, he neglected his inheritance and devoted himself to reading.

What happened to Don Anastasio's wife, and how did it affect him?

Don Anastasio lost his wife within a year of marriage, which deeply affected him. He became more engrossed in books and neglected his wealth, symbolizing his retreat from the material world.

What is the significance of the scene with the lightning and thunderstorm?

The storm serves as a dramatic backdrop, symbolizing chaos and the internal turmoil of the characters. It also highlights the superstitions and fears of the villagers about the power of nature and divine wrath.

Why did Pilosopo Tasyo recommend the captains to buy lightning rods?

Pilosopo Tasyo, in his wisdom, suggested the captains purchase lightning rods to protect the town from lightning strikes. However, he was ridiculed, and instead, they opted for fireworks and church bell ringing, which Tasyo believed to be dangerous during storms.

Why did Mang Tasyo refuse to have a mass for his deceased wife?

Mang Tasyo did not believe in purgatory, a belief upheld by Catholics. He felt that masses and offerings for the dead were unnecessary, viewing them as superstitious practices not found in the Bible or early Christian traditions.

Who are the two young sacristans mentioned in the script?

The two sacristans are young boys, one named Crispin and the other Basilio. Crispin is the younger, more fearful brother, while Basilio is braver and more resilient.

What is the atmosphere in the bell tower where Crispin and Basilio are located?

The bell tower is described as a somber place, where the melancholic tolling of the bells accompanies the storm outside. It represents a moment of tension and fear, especially for the young sacristans working there.