In this article, we will discuss a brief summary of El Filibusterismo Chapter 34– The Wedding. Additionally, we will examine the key events, characters, setting, and the lessons, messages, or implications that can be taken from this chapter.
Related: El Filibusterismo Summary of the Entire Novel (Short Summary) »
Table of Contents
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Summary of El Filibusterismo Chapter 34 – The Wedding
The story begins with Basilio walking along the street, wondering how to spend his time before the terrible event he was anticipating. It was only seven in the evening, and he had nowhere to stay since it was vacation time, and most students had gone back to their hometowns. Isagani was the only student left in Manila, but he was also nowhere to be found, and no one knew where he was. Basilio had no money, carried nothing but a revolver, and his mind was filled with thoughts of the disaster that Simoun’s lamp would bring.
As he walked, Basilio imagined the people ahead of him as if they had no heads. He, hungry and penniless, pictured himself as a feared figure that night, transforming from a poor student and servant into a powerful person who dictated laws while standing atop pyramids of corpses. He smiled at the thought and touched his revolver.
Suddenly, he wondered where the tragedy would begin. He hadn’t asked Simoun, but Simoun had warned him to stay away from Calle Anloague. He recalled that when he went to Captain Tiago’s house after being released from prison, he saw preparations there for Juanito Pelaez’s wedding. He noticed carriages passing by, full of people, and in one carriage, he saw Juanito with Paulita Gomez, dressed in her white wedding gown.
Basilio was shocked and remembered Isagani. He thought about how kind and generous his friend was. He considered warning Isagani about Simoun’s plan but realized Isagani would never take part in such violence.
As he pondered his fate, Basilio saw Simoun carrying the lamp, wrapped and riding in a carriage headed to Calle Anloague. He recognized the driver, Sinong, who had once taken him to San Diego. Basilio realized that everything would happen there, so he headed to Calle Anloague.
When Basilio arrived at Captain Tiago’s house, he saw it filled with guests, lights, and lavish decorations. Don Timoteo Pelaez, Juanito’s father, was hosting a grand celebration for his son’s wedding to the wealthy Paulita Gomez. He had renovated the house, replacing all of Captain Tiago’s old belongings with expensive furniture that seemed to come from Europe.
The wedding was a grand display of success for Don Timoteo. He believed the lamp Simoun gave was just a luxurious gift, unaware that it would cause a terrible disaster. While everyone was busy celebrating, Basilio secretly watched, knowing that the tragedy caused by Simoun’s lamp was imminent.
See also: El Filibusterismo Summary of Each Chapter (1-39) »
Important Events in El Filibusterismo Chapter 34
- Basilio is walking on the street, thinking about how to spend his time before the expected tragedy caused by Simoun’s lamp.
- He saw Juanito Pelaez and Paulita Gomez in a carriage, with Paulita wearing her wedding gown, and thought about how Isagani might feel hurt upon learning about their wedding.
- Basilio wondered where the disaster would start and remembered Simoun’s warning to avoid Calle Anloague, where the wedding and celebration were taking place at Captain Tiago’s house.
- On his way to Calle Anloague, Basilio saw Simoun carrying the lamp and riding a carriage, realizing the tragedy would happen there.
- When Basilio arrives at Kapitan Tiago’s house, he sees the grand wedding of Juanito and Paulita, filled with lavish decorations and preparations. He secretly watches over the impending tragedy caused by Simoun’s lamp, unaware to the guests of the looming disaster.
Characters in El Filibusterismo Chapter 34
These are the characters mentioned in chapter 34 of El Filibusterismo:
Basilio
The central character of the chapter, filled with thoughts of anger and sorrow as he awaited the tragedy caused by Simoun’s lamp.
Simoun
The mastermind behind the plan to use the lamp as part of his revenge. He delivered the lamp to the wedding, unaware by others of the danger it carried.
Isagani
Basilio’s friend, absent in this chapter, but mentioned as someone Basilio considered warning about the plan. Known for his kindness and upright character.
Don Timoteo Pelaez
Juanito’s father, hosting a grand wedding at Captain Tiago’s house. He thought the lamp from Simoun was a generous gift.
Paulita Gomez
The beautiful bride marrying Juanito Pelaez, previously Isagani’s lover, and the cause of his heartbreak.
Juanito Pelaez
The groom marrying Paulita Gomez, Don Timoteo’s son, celebrating a wealthy and prestigious marriage.
Read more: El Filibusterismo Characters and Their Roles »
Setting in El Filibusterismo Chapter 34
The events in this chapter take place at Captain Tiago’s house on Calle Anloague.
Lessons in El Filibusterismo Chapter 34
- Revenge and anger lead to destruction, not only for enemies but also for innocent people. Decisions based on hatred can result in outcomes far worse than expected.
- Wealth and power are meaningless if obtained through dishonesty or harm. Joy and celebration born of riches can hide impending disaster, especially when rooted in corruption or evil.
- Compassion and concern for others are essential. Basilio’s concern for Isagani reflects the value of friendship and morality, even in the face of great challenges.
See also: El Filibusterismo Historical Background »
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