51 pages 1 hour read

José Rizal

El Filibusterismo

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1891

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In El Filibusterismo by José Rizal, Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra, disguised as the jeweler Simoun, returns to the Philippines to avenge his past and incite a revolt against Spanish rule. He reconnects with Basilio, who has become disillusioned with the oppressive colonial regime. Simoun's plan culminates in an elaborate assassination plot at a wedding, but it is thwarted, leading him to seek refuge and eventually meet a tragic end. The novel contains instances of racism and depictions of suicide.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

El Filibusterismo by José Rizal, the sequel to Noli Me Tangere, has been critically acclaimed for its incisive social commentary and its complex, dark narrative. Reviewers praise its powerful critique of colonialism and its vivid character portrayal. However, some find the plot dense and the tone overly pessimistic.

Who should read this

Who Should Read El Filibusterismo?

A reader who appreciates El Filibusterismo by José Rizal is likely interested in historical fiction intertwined with political intrigue and social reform. Comparable to readers of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables or Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace, admirers of this work enjoy deep dives into the struggles against oppressive regimes and the complexities of revolutionary movements.

RecommendedReading Age

16+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Classic Fiction

Education

Topics

Politics / Government

Social Justice

Race / Racism

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Revenge

Society: Colonialism

Society: Class

Period

Asian Literature