Noli Me Tangere

Rizal published his first novel, Noli me tangere (The Social Cancer), a passionate exposure of the evils of Spanish rule in the Philippines.

The Social Cancer, novel by Filipino political activist and author José Rizal, published in 1887. The book, written in Spanish, is a sweeping and passionate unmasking of the brutality and corruption of Spanish rule in the Philippines (1565–1898).

Noli Me Tangere Book Cover

Symbols and Meanings

Upper Triangle

-This part is a representation of Rizal's past life.

Silhouette of a Filipina

-This is believed to be Maria Clara or "Inang Bayan" whom Rizal dedicates the novel.

Pomelo Blossoms & Laurel Leaves

--They represent faith, honor and fidelity, which are the values Rizal

aspires to be embodied to all Filipinos.

Burning Torch

-It symbolizes the awakening of Filipino consciousness about the

injustices that is happening around them.

-It’s also a reference to the Olympic torch, which tells everyone that it’s the beginning of the defense of honors and the start of proving

themselves worthy of victory.

-Rising of revolutionary movement.

Sunflower

-It symbolizes loyalty and consistence.

-The sunflower's petals have been likened to bright yellow rays of

sunshine, which evoke feelings of warmth and happiness.

-To symbolize the ancient Filipino definition of happiness: giving in and bowing down to the more powerful entity

Lower Triangle

-This is a representation of Rizal's current situations/ before his death.

Feet

-It symbolizes the power of the friars who uses religion in a dirty way.

-This is placed on the base of the triangle (foundation) because without friars, the Filipinos cannot stand on their own.

Shoes

-A representation of wealth.

-It also symbolizes the footprints that was left by the friars in teaching

Christianity.

Hairy Legs

-It symbolizes the Legend of the Wolf wherein the wolf shape shifts just like how friars hide their true nature and character.

Helmet of a Guardia Civil

-It represents the arrogance of those who are in authority.

Whip

-It represents the abuses and cruelties done by the Spaniards and friars as depicted in the novel.

Flogs (Suplina)

-Just like the whip, this also symbolizes the cruelties of the Guardia Civil.

Chain

-It symbolizes slavery and imprisonment

Rizal's Signature

-It shows that Rizal experienced and witnessed the ills and abuses that happened during his time

Bamboo Stalks

-It represents Filipino resiliency; despite the sufferings, Filipinos can still stand tall and firm.

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