Noli Me Tangere Chapter 37 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc.

This post contains a short summary of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 37 – His Excellency. 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 36 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc. »

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Summary of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 37 – His Excellency

When the Captain General arrived in town, he immediately asked to see Ibarra to speak with him. Before talking to the witnesses of the argument between Padre Damaso and Ibarra, the Captain General first spoke with a young man from Manila who was insisting on entering his office. The General spoke with him, and afterward, the young man left the room smiling. This showed the fairness and good nature of the Captain General.

Next, the General spoke with the friars, including Padre Salvi, Padre Sibyla, and Padre Martin. Although they showed respect to the General, Padre Salvi tried to remind him of Ibarra’s excommunication, but the General ignored him.

Captain Tiago and Maria Clara also paid their respects to the General, who praised Maria Clara for her bravery and influence in stopping Ibarra from becoming too angry with Padre Damaso. The General wanted to reward her for her actions, but she declined. When Ibarra arrived, the General temporarily stopped talking to Maria Clara.

The General greeted Ibarra and praised him for defending his father’s memory. He promised to speak with the Archbishop to lift Ibarra’s excommunication. During their conversation, the General was impressed by Ibarra’s intelligence and suggested that he move to Spain. However, Ibarra expressed his love for the Philippines and his desire to stay in his homeland.

After their conversation, the General instructed Ibarra to visit Maria Clara and asked him to call for Captain Tiago. The General also told the Mayor to protect Ibarra so he could carry out his plans. Finally, the General praised Captain Tiago for having a good daughter and future son-in-law and even offered to be the godfather at the wedding of Ibarra and Maria Clara.

Meanwhile, Ibarra went to see Maria Clara, but Sinang met him and told him to just write down what he wanted to say because they were about to leave for the theater.

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

Important Events in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 37

1. Upon arriving in town, the Captain General immediately asked to see Ibarra and first spoke with a young man from Manila before talking to the witnesses of the argument between Padre Damaso and Ibarra.
2. The General spoke with the friars, including Padre Salvi, Padre Sibyla, and Padre Martin. Padre Salvi tried to remind the General of Ibarra’s excommunication, but the General ignored him.
3. Captain Tiago and Maria Clara paid their respects to the General, who praised Maria Clara for her bravery and influence in stopping Ibarra from getting too angry with Padre Damaso.
4. The General greeted Ibarra and praised him for defending his father’s memory. He promised to speak with the Archbishop to lift Ibarra’s excommunication and suggested that Ibarra move to Spain, but Ibarra expressed his desire to stay in the Philippines.
5. After their conversation, the General instructed Ibarra to visit Maria Clara, call for Captain Tiago, and ordered the Mayor to protect Ibarra. The General also expressed his desire to be the godfather at the wedding of Ibarra and Maria Clara.

Characters in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 37

These are the characters mentioned in the chapter 37 of Noli Me Tangere:

Captain General

The highest-ranking government official in the Philippines. He was fair and cared for the Filipinos, which is why he helped Ibarra despite the church’s excommunication. He also admired Ibarra’s bravery and intelligence.

Crisostomo Ibarra

The main character of the novel. In this chapter, he was praised by the Captain General for defending his father’s memory. He also showed his love for his homeland despite the General’s offer to move to Spain.

Padre Salvi

A friar who strongly disliked Ibarra. In this chapter, he tried to remind the Captain General of Ibarra’s excommunication, but the General ignored him. He bent almost in half to show respect to the Captain General.

Padre Sibyla

A friar who accompanied Padre Salvi to meet the Captain General. He also showed respect to the General but behaved differently from Padre Salvi.

Padre Martin

Another friar who met with the Captain General. Like the other friars, he showed respect to the General.

Captain Tiago

Maria Clara’s father and one of the main characters in the novel. In this chapter, the Captain General praised him for having a good daughter and future son-in-law and offered to be the godfather at their wedding.

Maria Clara

Ibarra’s lover. The Captain General praised her for her bravery in stopping the fight between Ibarra and Padre Damaso. Although the General offered her a reward, she declined.

Sinang

Maria Clara’s friend who told Ibarra to just write down what he wanted to say because they were about to leave for the theater.

Mayor

A local official ordered by the Captain General to protect Ibarra.

Young Man from Manila

The first person the General spoke with before talking to the witnesses of the argument between Padre Damaso and Ibarra.

Read more: Noli Me Tangere Characters and Their Roles »

Setting in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 37

The story took place in the Captain General’s room, where the conversations occurred.

Lessons in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 37

1. This chapter shows the goodness and fairness of a leader, like the Captain General, who knows how to give someone a chance even when they face great challenges.
2. The chapter also highlights the importance of integrity and principles, as shown by Ibarra, who chose to stay in the Philippines and fight for his goals rather than follow the advice to leave the country.
3. The chapter also shows the kindness of Maria Clara, who, despite facing challenges, continues to care for her lover.
4. The Captain General’s support for Ibarra is a reminder that those in power should provide protection and support to people with good intentions for the country.
5. Despite the obstacles Ibarra faces, the chapter inspires hope that there are people willing to help and support those in need, especially those with good intentions.

See also: Noli Me Tangere Historical Background »

And that concludes the summary, characters, setting, and lessons of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 37. If you found this lesson helpful, please share it with others so they can learn as well.

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