Noli Me Tangere Chapter 21 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc.

This post contains a short summary of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 21 – The Story of a Mother. 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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See also: Noli Me Tangere Chapter 20 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc. »

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Summary of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 21 – The Story of a Mother

After hearing the news from the cook about the possible arrest of her children, Sisa hurried home. When she arrived, she saw the civil guards leaving their house, but her children were not with them. She felt a little relief, but it didn’t last long. The civil guards stopped her on the road and forced her to confess about the missing two ounces of gold that her children were accused of stealing.

Sisa begged for mercy, but no one listened to her. Instead, the civil guards dragged her to the barracks, humiliating her in front of the townspeople who had just come out of the church. When they reached the barracks, they threw her on the floor, and no one cared to listen to her pleas. By noon, the Alferez released her because he didn’t believe the priest’s accusations, and she returned home.

When she got home, she searched for her children but found no one. The only thing she saw was Basilio’s torn and bloodied clothes, which deepened her grief. Sisa couldn’t accept what she saw, and her mind completely broke. She wandered the streets, calling out the names of her children, Basilio and Crispin.

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

Important Events in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 21

1. Sisa rushed home after hearing the news from the cook about the possible arrest of her children.
2. Sisa faced the civil guards, who forced her to confess about the missing two ounces of gold and dragged her to the barracks.
3. Sisa was humiliated in front of the townspeople who witnessed her being dragged by the civil guards.
4. Sisa returned home and found Basilio’s bloodied clothes, which pushed her to lose her sanity.
5. Sisa wandered the streets, marking her complete mental breakdown.

Characters in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 21

These are the characters mentioned in the chapter 21 of Noli Me Tangere:

Sisa

A loving mother who was deeply worried about her children, Basilio and Crispin. This chapter shows her suffering and despair when she couldn’t find her children and saw Basilio’s bloodied clothes.

Civil Guards

Heartless soldiers who dragged Sisa to the barracks, forcing her to confess to a crime she didn’t commit. They showed their cruelty and lack of compassion in this chapter.

Crispin

Sisa’s younger son, who caused her great worry.

Basilio

Sisa’s older son, who left behind torn and bloodied clothes at their home, hinting at danger or tragedy.

Alferez

The officer who ordered Sisa’s release at noon. Although he freed her, he showed no concern for her suffering.

Townspeople

People who had just come out of the church after mass. They witnessed Sisa being dragged but did nothing to help her.

Read more: Noli Me Tangere Characters and Their Roles »

Setting in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 21

The story takes place on the streets of San Diego, at Sisa’s house, and at the barracks where she was taken and later released. These places witnessed the cruelty and suffering Sisa endured.

Lessons in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 21

1. This chapter shows the injustice experienced by the poor and powerless in society. Sisa, a simple mother, became a victim of the cruelty and indifference of those in power.
2. Sisa’s deep love for her children is an example of unconditional and sacrificial maternal love. Despite all the pain and hardship, she continued to think of her children’s well-being.
3. Sisa’s experience shows the profound impact of abuse and cruelty on a person. The inhumane treatment she endured pushed her to lose her sanity.
4. This chapter is a reminder of society’s lack of compassion for the oppressed and vulnerable. In the face of cruelty, the townspeople did nothing to help Sisa, showing a lack of concern for others.
5. Sisa’s mental breakdown symbolizes the breakdown of the family and the collapse of a society without justice and equality. It highlights the dangers of a system that oppresses the defenseless.

See also: Noli Me Tangere Historical Background »

And that concludes the summary, characters, setting, and lessons of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 21. 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 22 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc. »