Noli Me Tangere Chapter 40 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc.

This post contains a short summary of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 40 – Right and Might. 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.

Related: Noli Me Tangere Summary of the Entire Novel (Short Summary) »

See also: Noli Me Tangere Chapter 39 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc. »

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Summary of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 40 – Right and Might

The town festival began with the lighting of fireworks, signaling the start of the play. Don Filipo was in charge of the celebration. While the Lieutenant and Pilisopo Tasio were talking about the Lieutenant’s resignation from his duties, important people from the town arrived, and the play “Crispino dela Comare” began.

While everyone was focused on the play, Padre Salvi secretly stared at Maria Clara. In the middle of the performance, Ibarra arrived, immediately catching the attention of the priests. The priests asked Don Filipo to remove Ibarra, but Don Filipo refused, fearing to disobey the Captain General and considering the large donation Ibarra had made. Because of this, the priests left the play, and Ibarra also left after saying goodbye to Maria Clara to attend to a forgotten appointment.

As the play continued, two civil guards arrived, ordered by Doña Consolacion and the Alferez to stop the show because they were being disturbed. Don Filipo refused the order, causing a commotion. The cuadrilleros arrested the two civil guards, and Ibarra quickly returned to look for Maria Clara. The angry men started throwing stones at the guards, but everyone calmed down when Elias spoke, advising them that there was nothing they could do in the situation.

Padre Salvi continued to watch closely, and when Maria Clara fainted due to a vision, Ibarra carried her. In the end, Padre Salvi hurried to Captain Tiago’s house to ensure Maria Clara was safe. He only breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the shadows of Maria Clara and Tiya Isabel from outside the house. He left after making sure Ibarra was not inside.

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

Important Events in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 40

1. The town festival began with fireworks and a play led by Don Filipo.
2. Ibarra arrived in the middle of the play, causing a stir among the priests.
3. Don Filipo refused the priests’ order to remove Ibarra from the play. Because of this, the priests left, and Ibarra also left afterward.
4. A commotion broke out when the civil guards tried to stop the play on Doña Consolacion’s orders.
5. Ibarra returned to ensure Maria Clara’s safety and took care of her after she fainted during the play.

Characters in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 40

These are the characters mentioned in the chapter 40 of Noli Me Tangere:

Don Filipo

He managed the festival night and refused the priests’ order to remove Ibarra from the play. He showed his loyalty to the Captain General and his strong principles.

Lieutenant

He resigned from his position, but the Captain did not accept his resignation. He had a conversation with Pilisopo Tasio about his grievances.

Pilosopo Tasio

A wise advisor in the town who discussed the Lieutenant’s resignation with him.

Maria Clara

The main female character noticed by Padre Salvi and loved by Ibarra. She showed regret and concern for her beloved Ibarra.

Padre Salvi

A priest secretly desiring Maria Clara. He closely watched the events, particularly Maria Clara and Ibarra.

Ibarra

The main character who arrived at the play and caught the attention of the priests. He loved Maria Clara and always made large donations to the church.

Chananay and Marianito

The main actors in the play “Crispino dela Comare,” who became the center of attention for the townspeople.

Doña Consolacion

The wife of the Alferez who complained about the noise from the play, leading to the attempt to stop it.

Alferez

The husband of Doña Consolacion and the leader of the civil guards. He did not directly participate in this chapter, but his position influenced the events.

Elias

The person who reminded the crowd not to continue the commotion against the civil guards, showing his concern and deep thinking for everyone’s welfare.

Tiya Isabel

Maria Clara’s companion at the play, who showed concern and prayed when she saw the commotion.

Read more: Noli Me Tangere Characters and Their Roles »

Setting in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 40

The chapter took place in the town of San Diego, where a play was being performed. The townspeople gathered in the plaza or a wide open area to watch the play.

Lessons in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 40

1. Don Filipo’s courage to stand up for what is right, even against the wishes of powerful priests, shows the importance of principles and loyalty to duty.
2. Padre Salvi’s secret watching and desire for Maria Clara reveal moral corruption, even within the church.
3. The conflict between the civil guards and the townspeople reflects the tension and division between authorities and citizens, a common issue in colonial Philippines.
4. Ibarra’s concern for Maria Clara and his efforts to protect her show the love and responsibility a partner should have.
5. Elias’ effort to stop the commotion and his help to Ibarra demonstrate the importance of staying calm and fair in the midst of chaos.

See also: Noli Me Tangere Historical Background »

And that concludes the summary, characters, setting, and lessons of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 40. 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 41 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc. »