El Filibusterismo Chapter 20 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc.

In this article, we will discuss a brief summary of El Filibusterismo Chapter 20 – The Arbiter. 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 20 – The Arbiter

This chapter focuses on the character and role of Don Custodio de Salazar y Sanchez de Monteredondo, also known as “Buena Tinta,” in the issue of establishing a Spanish language academy. Don Custodio is a prominent figure in Manila society, having risen to his position by marrying a wealthy mestiza and accepting various government roles. Despite his lack of knowledge and experience, he is often praised and called hardworking, active, and intelligent because of his high status and involvement in public affairs.

Don Custodio tries to find the right solution by consulting various people. He speaks with Señor Pasta, but their conversation leaves him even more confused due to conflicting advice. He also approaches Pepay, a dancer with whom he had a close relationship, but she only asks him for unrelated favors, such as money to bury her aunt.

While Don Custodio continues to ponder, the narrative reflects on his past. He once went to Spain for medical treatment but was largely ignored there due to his lack of education. Frustrated, he returned to the Philippines, boasting about his experiences in Madrid to appear knowledgeable and deserving of recognition. Although he claims to be liberal, he believes Filipinos are naturally submissive and should not aspire for more to maintain order.

After fifteen days of studying and deliberating on the students’ petition, Don Custodio struggles to make a decision. He wants to please everyone—the priests, officials, and his friends. Despite his doubts, he finally reaches a decision.

In the end, Don Custodio feels overjoyed, believing he has found a clever and beneficial solution for all. He enthusiastically begins writing his decision, though the exact nature of his resolution remains unclear.

Important Events in El Filibusterismo Chapter 20

Don Custodio, known as “Buena Tinta,” is a prominent but inexperienced figure in Manila society who gained influence through his marriage and public roles, often receiving unwarranted praise for his perceived intelligence and activity.
Faced with the students’ petition to establish a Spanish language academy, Don Custodio consults various individuals, including Señor Pasta, whose conflicting advice leaves him confused, and Pepay, who seeks unrelated favors.
Reflecting on his past, the narrative highlights Don Custodio’s frustration over being ignored in Spain due to his lack of education and his return to the Philippines, where he pretends to be knowledgeable and liberal.
Don Custodio believes Filipinos should remain submissive to maintain order, despite his claims of liberalism, revealing his patronizing attitude toward the people.
After fifteen days of deliberation, Don Custodio writes his decision, feeling triumphant and satisfied with his supposedly clever solution, though the specifics of his resolution remain undisclosed.

Characters in El Filibusterismo Chapter 20

These are the characters mentioned in chapter 20 of El Filibusterismo:

Don Custodio de Salazar y Sanchez de Monteredondo

Known as “Buena Tinta,” he is the main character of this chapter. He is tasked with mediating the issue of creating a Spanish language academy. His indecision stems from his desire to please everyone, highlighting his lack of firm principles.

Señor Pasta

A lawyer and adviser to Don Custodio. He gives conflicting advice, which further confuses Don Custodio.

Pepay

A dancer and acquaintance of Don Custodio. Instead of helping with his problem, she only asks for personal favors unrelated to his concerns.

Setting in El Filibusterismo Chapter 20

The chapter takes place in Manila, where Don Custodio lives and performs his duties.

Lessons in El Filibusterismo Chapter 20

This chapter shows how Don Custodio, despite his position and power, struggles to make decisions because of his desire to please everyone. His lack of clear principles demonstrates that a leader who cannot stand firm leads to confusion and lack of progress.
Don Custodio is portrayed as someone who pretends to be more knowledgeable and capable than he truly is. The chapter teaches that pretense and superficiality do not lead to real solutions and can result in poor or harmful decisions.
The chapter also illustrates how Don Custodio’s decision-making is influenced by various people, such as Señor Pasta, Pepay, and the priests. It underscores the importance of having one’s own principles and convictions to avoid being easily swayed by others.

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