Purpose - Primarily to seek justice for his family and the oppressed tenants of Calamba, Laguna, who were facing persecution and forced ejection by the Dominican friars; also to continue his work for the Propaganda Movement.

Legal/Political Efforts - Immediately upon arrival, he sought the help of the Filipino colony, the Asociación Hispano-Filipina, and liberal Spanish newspapers (like El Resumen and La Justicia) to appeal for justice. He, along with Marcelo H. del Pilar, protested the injustices to the Minister of Colonies, but to no avail.

Personal Setbacks (The "Misfortunes in Madrid") - Received news of his parents and sisters being forcibly ejected from their home in Calamba, and the deportation of his brother Paciano and brothers-in-law to Mindoro.

Challenges and Disputes - * Duel Challenges: Challenged Antonio Luna to a duel over drunken, derogatory remarks Luna made about Nellie Boustead (the duel was averted when Luna apologized). Challenged his bitter enemy, Spanish journalist Wenceslao Retana, to a duel over an insulting article Retana wrote about the Calamba tenants (Retana retracted and apologized).

Emotional Heartbreak - Received a letter from his long-time fiancée, Leonor Rivera, announcing her impending marriage to an English engineer, which deeply affected him.

Rivalry and Leadership Crisis - Towards the end of 1890, a rivalry arose between Rizal and Marcelo H. del Pilar for supremacy within the Filipino community in Madrid. An election was held in early 1891 for the position of "Responsable" (leader). After winning on the third day of voting, Rizal graciously declined the position to prevent further disunity and bitterness among his countrymen (Rizalistas vs. Pilaristas).

Departure - Rizal wrote a farewell note to his compatriots and departed Madrid for Biarritz, France, and then Brussels, Belgium in February 1891, to finish writing El Filibusterismo away from the conflicts and disappointments in Madrid.