El Filibusterismo | Kabanata 21: Mga Ayos-Maynila #elfilibusterismo

Summary

The script revolves around Don Custodio de Salazar y Sánchez de Monterey, a prominent figure in Manila society, known for his intelligence, diligence, and wealth. He travels to Madrid, Spain, to seek medical treatment for a liver ailment. Despite his condition, he is well-received by influential friends, ministers, and writers. The narrative shifts to a theater performance in Madrid, where a play by Don Custodio faces controversy due to its content. The audience is divided, with some supporting the play's artistic merit, while others, led by Padre Salvi, oppose it for moral reasons. Tensions rise as the play's supporters and detractors clash, reflecting the broader conflict between artistic freedom and societal norms.

Takeaways

• 💼 Don Custodio is a well-known, hardworking, and intelligent figure in Manila's high society.
• 🇪🇸 He traveled to Madrid, Spain, to seek treatment for a liver condition, but was initially ignored upon arrival.
• 🤝 Despite early struggles, Don Custodio often spoke about his connections with ministers, writers, and representatives from Madrid.
• 📚 Don Custodio was tasked with deciding whether to proceed with the establishment of a Spanish language academy.
• 🎭 There was a major performance at Teatro de Variedades, featuring the operetta 'La Fille de Madame Angot', drawing large crowds.
• ⏳ Tickets for the show quickly sold out, and by 7:45 PM, people were offering large sums for seats.
• 👀 Camaroncocido, a disgraced Spaniard living in poverty, observed the chaos at the theater.
• 👨‍⚖️ The performance was opposed by friars, led by Padre Salvi, and supported by Don Custodio.
• 💬 The dialogue in Spanish plays was often criticized for containing double meanings and inappropriate content.
• 🚨 Suspicious individuals were seen near the entrance, signaling to one another, possibly indicating a planned disruption.

Q & A

Who is Don Custodio de Salazar y Sánchez de Monterey?

Don Custodio de Salazar y Sánchez de Monterey is a high-ranking individual in Manila society, described as a diligent, intelligent, and wealthy man.

Why did Don Custodio go to Madrid, Spain?

Don Custodio went to Madrid, Spain to seek treatment for an illness affecting his liver.

What was the initial reaction of Madrid society towards Don Custodio?

Upon his arrival, Don Custodio was not immediately recognized, and Madrid society was more interested in his influential friends, ministers, and writers.

What decision was entrusted to Don Custodio regarding the Academy of Castilian Language?

Don Custodio was given the authority to decide whether to continue the construction of the Academy of Castilian Language.

What event was planned at the Teatro de Variedades?

An operetta was planned to be performed at the Teatro de Variedades, with the first performance being 'Lake L de Corn Ville'.

Why were there no tickets sold for the first half of the night?

No tickets were sold because people were hesitant to attend due to the long line of those waiting to enter.

What was the reaction of the audience when they were allowed to enter?

The audience was initially reluctant to enter, but once they did, they were impressed and enjoyed the performance.

Who is Camaron Cido and what is his role in the story?

Camaron Cido is the son of a prominent Castilian family, but he is portrayed as someone who is down-to-earth and speaks candidly.

What was Camaron Cido's opinion about the people attending the performance?

Camaron Cido noticed that the attendees were not refined and seemed to have hastily dressed in American attire instead of the expected formal wear.

What conflict arises between Padre Salvi and Don Custodio regarding the play?

Padre Salvi and his followers oppose the performance because of the play's content, which they consider inappropriate, while Don Custodio defends the play's intellectual and artistic merits.

What does Camaron Cido notice about the unfamiliar faces in the audience?

Camaron Cido observes that there are unfamiliar faces among the audience, people of diverse origins, who seem to be there for the purpose of causing a disturbance.

What action does Camaron Cido take when he notices the suspicious behavior?

Camaron Cido instructs the guards to be vigilant and not to be alarmed by the unfamiliar faces, ensuring the safety of the event.