Noli Me Tangere Chapter 11 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc.

This post contains a short summary of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 11 – The Rulers. In addition, you will also learn about the characters mentioned in this chapter, the setting, key events, as well as the lessons and important insights you can gain from it.

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Summary of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 11 – The Rulers

In the town of San Diego, only a few people are considered powerful. Power in the town is highly contested, much like in historical conflicts in Rome and Italy.

Although Don Rafael and Captain Tiago are wealthy and well-respected, they are not part of the group of powerful individuals. Even government positions in the town can be bought for as little as five thousand pesos.

The real authorities in San Diego are the parish priest and the military chief, the Alferez. Padre Bernardo Salvi, a young Franciscan priest, replaced Padre Damaso as the town’s parish priest. He is kinder than his predecessor but appears frail and sickly. Meanwhile, the Alferez is known for being a drunkard, abusive to his wife, and cruel to his soldiers.

There is a secret rivalry between Padre Salvi and the Alferez as they compete for power, but in public, they pretend to get along.

See also: Noli Me Tangere Summary of Each Chapter (1-64) »

Important Events in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 11

1. San Diego is described as a town where only a few powerful individuals, called casique, compete for leadership.
2. Despite their wealth and respect, Don Rafael Ibarra and Captain Tiago are not considered powerful in San Diego.
3. The true powers in the town are Padre Salvi, the parish priest, and the Alferez, the head of the civil guards.
4. Padre Salvi, who replaced Padre Damaso, is kinder but frail, while the Alferez is an abusive, drunken, and harsh man.
5. Although there is hidden tension between Padre Salvi and the Alferez, they pretend to be on good terms in front of others.

Characters in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 11

These are the characters mentioned in the chapter 11 of Noli Me Tangere:

Don Rafael

Crisostomo Ibarra’s father and the wealthiest man in San Diego. Despite being respected and admired, he is not considered part of the town’s powerful elite.

Captain Tiago

Another wealthy individual who enjoys hosting events and giving gifts, but like Don Rafael, he lacks true influence in San Diego.

Alkalde

The town’s mayor, who holds a position of leadership but lacks real power and follows the authority of others.

Padre Salvi

The young Franciscan priest who replaced Padre Damaso. Kinder than Damaso, he is one of the town’s most powerful figures.

Alferez

The military chief in San Diego, who is cruel, often drunk, and abusive to his wife and subordinates.

Doña Consolacion

The Alferez’s wife, a Filipino woman who likes wearing makeup. She is a victim of her husband’s cruelty despite their marriage.

Read more: Noli Me Tangere Characters and Their Roles »

Setting in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 11

The events took place in the town of San Diego.

Lessons in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 11

1. This chapter highlights different aspects of society during that period. It reminds readers that true power is not determined by wealth or social status. Often, those in power clash with one another, and innocent citizens are usually the ones who suffer.
2. Another lesson is the importance of being honest with oneself and others. Pretending to be friends or maintaining false appearances does not contribute to building a prosperous community.
3. The chapter also emphasizes the need for strong principles and courage. People should be ready to stand up against wrongdoing and fight for what is right, even if it means challenging powerful figures.
4. Finally, the chapter shows that true power lies not in wealth or status, but in having integrity and standing firm in one’s beliefs.

See also: Noli Me Tangere Historical Background »

And that concludes the summary, characters, setting, and lessons of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 11. If you found this lesson helpful, please share it with others so they can learn as well.

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Read next: Noli Me Tangere Chapter 12 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc. »