El Filibusterismo Comics

1. The Cycle of Oppression Perpetuates Societal Ills

Provincias enteras venían del desierto cargando con sus cebollas para alimentarse; viejos, jóvenes y niños trabajaban acarreando piedras, labrándolas y cargándolas sobre sus hombros, bajo la dirección del látigo oficial; y después volvían a sus pueblos los que sobrevivían, o perecían en las arenas del desierto.

Oppression breeds resentment. El Filibusterismo illustrates how the abuse of power by those in authority, particularly the Spanish colonial government and the friars, creates a cycle of resentment and rebellion among the Filipino people. This oppression manifests in various forms, including:

• Economic exploitation: Excessive taxation and land grabbing impoverish the Filipinos.
• Social injustice: Discrimination and denial of basic rights fuel anger and frustration.
• Political repression: Suppression of dissent and denial of representation stifle any hope for peaceful change.

Cycle of violence. The novel suggests that oppression inevitably leads to violence, as the oppressed eventually reach a breaking point and resort to desperate measures to fight back. This violence, in turn, justifies further oppression, perpetuating the cycle.

Systemic nature of oppression. Rizal emphasizes that oppression is not merely the result of individual actions but is deeply embedded in the colonial system itself. This systemic nature makes it difficult to break free from the cycle, as even well-intentioned individuals are often powerless against the entrenched forces of oppression.

2. Education as a Tool for Liberation or Control

El español nunca será lenguaje General en el país, el pueblo nunca lo hablará porque para las concepciones de su cerebro y los sentimientos de su corazón no tiene frases ese idioma: cada pueblo tiene el suyo, como tiene su manera de sentir.

Education's double-edged sword. Rizal explores the complex role of education in colonial societies, portraying it as a tool that can be used for both liberation and control. While education can empower individuals and promote critical thinking, it can also be used to indoctrinate and assimilate them into the dominant culture.

Colonial education's limitations. The novel critiques the Spanish colonial education system for its emphasis on rote memorization, religious dogma, and the suppression of Filipino culture and identity. This type of education, Rizal suggests, serves to perpetuate colonial rule by producing docile and obedient subjects.

Language as a tool of power. The debate over the teaching of Spanish in the Philippines highlights the importance of language in shaping identity and power dynamics. While some characters argue that learning Spanish would unite the Filipinos with the colonizers, others fear that it would lead to the loss of their native languages and cultural heritage.

3. Idealism Clashes with Pragmatism in Pursuit of Change

Agua somos, decís, vosotros fuego;
Como lo queríais, ¡sea!
¡Vivamos en sosiego
Y el incendio jamás luchar nos vea!

Conflicting approaches to reform. El Filibusterismo presents two contrasting approaches to achieving social change: the idealistic approach of characters like Isagani, who advocate for peaceful reform through education and assimilation, and the pragmatic approach of Simoun, who believes that violent revolution is the only way to overthrow the oppressive colonial regime.

Idealism's limitations. The novel suggests that idealism, while noble, is often ineffective in the face of entrenched power structures. Characters who cling to idealistic beliefs are often naive and fail to recognize the extent of the corruption and injustice that pervades colonial society.

Pragmatism's moral compromises. Simoun's pragmatic approach, while seemingly more effective, comes at a high moral cost. His willingness to use violence and manipulation raises questions about the ends justifying the means and the potential for corruption even in the pursuit of noble goals.

4. Corruption Undermines Even the Most Noble Intentions

Llamado por los vicios de los que gobiernan, he vuelto a estas islas y, bajo la capa del comerciante, he recorrido los pueblos. Con mi oro me he abierto camino y donde quiera he visto a la codicia bajo las formas más execrables...

Corruption's pervasive influence. The novel exposes the widespread corruption that permeates all levels of colonial society, from the highest government officials to the local friars. This corruption undermines any attempts at reform and perpetuates the cycle of oppression.

Forms of corruption:

• Bribery and extortion: Officials and friars demand bribes in exchange for favors or to turn a blind eye to wrongdoing.
• Abuse of power: Those in authority use their positions to enrich themselves and oppress the Filipino people.
• Nepotism and cronyism: Positions of power are awarded based on personal connections rather than merit.

Erosion of trust. The novel suggests that corruption erodes trust in institutions and individuals, leading to cynicism and despair. When people lose faith in the system, they are more likely to resort to violence or other desperate measures.

5. The Illusion of Progress Masks Deep-Seated Problems

Y ustedes en cambio, pueblo maravilloso bajo un gobierno increíble, vosotros os esforzáis en despojaros de vuestra nacionalidad. Uno y otro os olvidáis de que mientras un pueblo conserve su idioma, conserva la prenda de su libertad, como el hombre su independencia mientras conserva su manera de pensar.

Superficiality of progress. Rizal critiques the notion of progress as it is understood in colonial societies, arguing that it often masks deep-seated problems and serves to perpetuate the status quo. While there may be superficial improvements in infrastructure, education, and commerce, these do not address the underlying issues of oppression and injustice.

Examples of illusory progress:

• Construction of new buildings and infrastructure: These projects often benefit the colonizers more than the Filipinos.
• Introduction of modern technologies: These technologies are often used to exploit the Filipinos and extract resources.
• Adoption of European customs and values: This assimilation can lead to the loss of Filipino culture and identity.

Focus on appearances. The novel suggests that colonial societies are often more concerned with appearances than with substance. The emphasis on progress is often a way to impress outsiders and maintain the illusion of a benevolent and enlightened colonial regime.

6. Individual Agency vs. Systemic Forces

¿Qué son las dolencias físicas comparadas con las dolencias morales?, preguntó: ¿qué es la muerte de un hombre ante la muerte de una sociedad?

Limited power of individuals. El Filibusterismo explores the limitations of individual agency in the face of powerful systemic forces. While characters like Basilio and Isagani strive to make a difference through their individual actions, they are ultimately constrained by the oppressive structures of colonial society.

Systemic change requires collective action. The novel suggests that true change can only be achieved through collective action and a fundamental transformation of the social and political system. Individual acts of resistance, while important, are not enough to overcome the entrenched forces of oppression.

Moral compromises and unintended consequences. Characters who attempt to challenge the system often face difficult moral choices and unintended consequences. Their actions, even when well-intentioned, can have unforeseen and negative impacts on themselves and others.

7. Love and Loss in a Time of Revolution

Agua somos, decís, vosotros fuego;
Como lo queríais, ¡sea!
¡Vivamos en sosiego
Y el incendio jamás luchar nos vea!

Love as a casualty of conflict. The novel portrays love as a fragile and vulnerable force in a time of revolution. The relationships between characters like Isagani and Paulita, and Basilio and Juli, are strained and ultimately destroyed by the political turmoil and social unrest that surround them.

Conflicting loyalties. Characters are often forced to choose between their love for one another and their loyalty to their country or their political ideals. These conflicting loyalties create painful dilemmas and lead to tragic outcomes.

Personal sacrifices for the greater good. The novel suggests that love and personal happiness must sometimes be sacrificed for the sake of the greater good. Characters who are committed to the cause of revolution are often willing to give up their own desires and relationships in order to fight for a better future.

8. Violence as a Catalyst for Destruction and (Potentially) Renewal

Provincias enteras venían del desierto cargando con sus cebollas para alimentarse; viejos, jóvenes y niños trabajaban acarreando piedras, labrándolas y cargándolas sobre sus hombros, bajo la dirección del látigo oficial; y después volvían a sus pueblos los que sobrevivían, o perecían en las arenas del desierto.

Violence's destructive power. El Filibusterismo vividly depicts the destructive consequences of violence, both on individuals and on society as a whole. The novel portrays the physical and psychological toll of armed conflict, as well as the moral compromises that are often made in the name of revolution.

Violence as a means to an end. Simoun believes that violence is the only way to break the cycle of oppression and create a new, just society. He argues that the ends justify the means and that the destruction of the old order is necessary for the birth of the new.

Potential for renewal. Despite its destructive power, the novel also suggests that violence can be a catalyst for renewal. By shattering the old order, it can create opportunities for new ideas and new social structures to emerge. However, the novel also cautions against the dangers of unchecked violence and the potential for it to lead to further oppression.

9. The Price of Silence and the Burden of Truth

Necesito armas y parto a reunirme con los tulisanes.
Os recomiendo no sigáis vuestro camino, porque si caéis en nuestro poder, como ya no sois mi huésped, os exigiremos un considerable rescate.

Silence as complicity. The novel suggests that silence in the face of injustice is a form of complicity. Characters who remain silent or indifferent to the suffering of others are seen as enabling the oppressors and perpetuating the cycle of violence.

Burden of truth-telling. Characters who speak out against injustice often face persecution and ostracism. The novel portrays the courage and sacrifice required to speak truth to power, as well as the personal toll that it can take.

Truth as a catalyst for change. Despite the risks, the novel suggests that truth-telling is essential for achieving social change. By exposing the corruption and injustice of the colonial regime, individuals can awaken the consciousness of others and inspire them to take action.

10. The Unfulfilled Promise of Reform and the Specter of Revolution

¡Sueños, sueños! suspiró; he oído decir que tenéis muchos enemigos… Tía Torina dice que este país será siempre esclavo.

Failure of peaceful reform. El Filibusterismo depicts the failure of peaceful reform efforts to bring about meaningful change in colonial society. Despite the best efforts of characters like Isagani, the entrenched power structures and the corruption of the colonial regime prove too strong to overcome through peaceful means.

Revolution as a last resort. The novel suggests that revolution is often seen as a last resort by those who have lost faith in the possibility of peaceful change. When all other avenues for redress have been exhausted, violence may seem like the only option left.

Ambiguous legacy of revolution. While the novel acknowledges the potential for revolution to bring about positive change, it also cautions against the dangers of violence and the potential for it to lead to further oppression. The ending of the novel is ambiguous, leaving the reader to ponder the ultimate consequences of Simoun's failed revolution and the future of the Philippines.

Last updated: March 21, 2025