El Filibusterismo Chapter 13 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc.

In this article, we will discuss a brief summary of El Filibusterismo Chapter 13 – The Class in Physics. Additionally, we will examine the key events, characters, setting, and the lessons, messages, or implications that can be taken from this chapter.

Summary of El Filibusterismo Chapter 13 – The Class in Physics

The Physics classroom was a long rectangular hall with wide windows and stone stairs with wooden steps. The students were seated in order of their last names. The room was simple, with no decorations except for a portrait of Saint Thomas Aquinas, and the physics equipment was kept in a cabinet.

Padre Millon, a Dominican priest and the young professor of the Physics class, was known for his philosophical background from the College of San Juan de Letran. His chair was located at the front of the room, near the door and under the portrait of Saint Thomas Aquinas. He first called on a sleepy student with hair that looked like a broom, and then he called on Juanito Pelaez. While answering, Juanito stepped on Placido’s foot, signaling him to whisper the answers.

Placido cried out in pain, which made Padre Millon angry. The priest scolded him, calling him names like “tailor spirit” and “busybody.” Placido became the focus of the priest’s frustration. Struggling to answer the questions, Placido was nicknamed “Placido the Dictator” by the teacher.

When Placido couldn’t provide an answer, the priest marked him down. Placido objected and tried to explain himself, but when he lost his patience, he threw his book, stood up, and left the class disrespectfully.

The entire class was shocked by Placido’s actions. Padre Millon cursed and lectured the students until the bell rang, signaling the end of class.

Important Events in El Filibusterismo Chapter 13

The Physics classroom was a simple rectangular hall with wide windows, stone stairs, wooden steps, and a portrait of Saint Thomas Aquinas, where the students sat in order of their last names.
Padre Millon, the young Dominican professor with a background in philosophy, began the class by calling on students, including Juanito Pelaez, who signaled Placido to whisper answers.
Placido cried out when Juanito stepped on his foot, drawing Padre Millon’s anger, who insulted and humiliated him, nicknaming him “Placido the Dictator.”
Frustrated by the priest’s treatment and unable to answer the questions, Placido objected but ultimately lost his temper, throwing his book and leaving the class disrespectfully.
The class was stunned by Placido’s actions, while Padre Millon cursed and lectured the remaining students until the bell marked the end of the session.

Characters in El Filibusterismo Chapter 13

These are the characters mentioned in chapter 13 of El Filibusterismo:

Padre Millon

A Dominican priest and the Physics professor. He controlled the classroom with strict discipline but often humiliated his students instead of teaching them respectfully.

Placido Penitente

A student in the class who became the target of Padre Millon’s ire. Placido struggled to answer the questions and eventually rebelled against the professor’s insults by walking out of class.

Juanito Pelaez

A mischievous student who disrupted the class by signaling Placido to dictate answers to him. His actions indirectly caused Placido’s outburst.

Sleepy Student

The first student called by Padre Millon, described as having hair like a broom.

Setting in El Filibusterismo Chapter 13

The chapter is set in the Physics classroom at the University of Santo Tomas. It is a spacious and bright room with metal windows but lacks proper equipment and decoration, except for a portrait of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

Lessons in El Filibusterismo Chapter 13

This chapter highlights the flaws of the education system during the Spanish colonial era, where teaching focused on rote memorization rather than practical understanding or critical thinking. It shows that true education should encourage deeper understanding and the development of analytical skills, not just memorization.
Padre Millon’s abuse of authority, where he humiliates his students instead of treating them with respect, demonstrates the harm caused by oppressive teaching methods. The story emphasizes the importance of treating students with dignity, as a lack of respect can lead to anger, disinterest in learning, and loss of faith in the system.
Placido Penitente’s decision to stand up to Padre Millon and leave the class shows his resistance to injustice and his determination to protect his self-respect and rights. It underscores the value of fighting against oppression and advocating for personal dignity, even in the face of abusive authority.

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