Noli Me Tangere | Kabanata 17: Si Basilio #nolimetangere

Summary

The story follows Sisa, a woman struggling with a negligent, abusive husband while caring for her two children, Crispin and Basilio. One night, her husband consumes the food she prepared for the family, leaving them hungry. Sisa anxiously waits for her children to return. Basilio eventually recounts the hardship his brother Crispin faced, being wrongly accused of theft. Sisa dreams of a better life for her children, hoping to send them to school, and envisions a peaceful future. The story also explores the oppressive and unjust social system, leading to deep reflections on family, hope, and sacrifice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sisa is a mother who struggles with a reckless and irresponsible husband while caring for her children, Crispin and Basilio.
• 😀 Despite her hardships, Sisa tries to provide a modest meal for her children by purchasing dried fish and fresh tomatoes, as well as cooking rice.
• 😀 Sisa’s husband, who is a gambler and careless, consumes the food Sisa prepared for their children and leaves without concern for their well-being.
• 😀 Basilio and Crispin, the children of Sisa, endure hunger as they are left with little food after their father’s actions.
• 😀 Basilio dreams of a better future where he takes care of animals and helps his family financially, hoping to change their dire situation.
• 😀 Sisa experiences an unsettling vision of blood, which awakens her to the realization of a tragic event involving her son, Crispin.
• 😀 Crispin is wrongly accused of stealing gold and suffers brutal treatment, leading to a dire fate that Basilio tries to prevent.
• 😀 Basilio and Sisa share a quiet, emotional moment as they reflect on their painful reality and hope for a future of peace and unity.
• 😀 The story highlights the deep suffering of the poor, the abuse of power by the wealthy, and the injustice faced by families like Sisa’s.
• 😀 The script portrays the love and sacrifices of a mother, as well as the dreams and aspirations of a son who wishes to improve his family’s life despite their struggles.

Q & A

What is the mood of the town at the start of the script?

The town is quiet and peaceful in the dark of the night, with the villagers still asleep as they prepare for morning mass to earn indulgences.

Who is Sisa, and what is she doing at the beginning of the script?

Sisa is a woman who is awake at night while her husband, a gambler and careless man, sleeps. She is preparing food for her children, Crispin and Basilio, and tending to their needs.

What does Sisa do to prepare for her children’s return?

Sisa buys dried fish, picks fresh tomatoes from the garden, and cooks rice she has saved for her children, hoping to serve them a good meal.

How does Sisa's husband behave when he returns home?

Sisa's husband comes home, eats all the food that Sisa had prepared for the children, and then leaves again, showing no concern for his family.

What is Basilio’s reaction when he finds out his father has eaten all the food?

Basilio is upset and expresses his concern about their situation. He even suggests that it might be better for the three of them to live without the father.

How does Sisa react to Basilio’s words?

Sisa is deeply emotional and sighs, expressing her sadness and the difficulty of their situation. She tries to comfort Basilio, even though she feels helpless.

What does Basilio dream about, and how does it relate to Crispin?

Basilio dreams of seeing Crispin being punished by the friar with a large stick. The dream shows his concern for his brother's suffering.

What important conversation do Basilio and Sisa have about their future?

Basilio shares his hopes and dreams, including the idea of taking care of livestock, studying, and helping Crispin have a better future, free from hardship.

How does Sisa react when Basilio expresses his plans?

Sisa feels emotional and sorrowful, likely because she sees how much Basilio is trying to improve their lives despite their current struggles.

How is Padre Salvi depicted in the story, and what does he observe?

Padre Salvi is depicted as noticing Sisa’s sadness when he sees her in the town. He mistakenly thinks that she is ill and expresses concern about her condition, even though she is troubled by her family’s hardships.