Noli Me Tangere Chapter 42 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc.

This post contains a short summary of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 42 – The Espadañas. 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 42 – The Espadañas

At Captain Tiago’s house, there was a feeling of sadness because of Maria Clara’s illness. Cousins Tiya Isabel and Captain Tiago talked about which of the two crosses—the one in Tunasan or the one in Matahong—should be given alms to help Maria Clara recover. In the end, they agreed to give alms to both crosses.

Their conversation was interrupted when the couple De Espadaña arrived with their nephew, Linares. Doctor Tiburcio de Espadaña was a fake doctor who decided to stay in the Philippines after suffering many hardships during his journey from Spain. He was once poor and uneducated, working only as a cleaner in the San Carlos hospital.

On the advice of fellow Spaniards, he pretended to be a doctor in the provinces, using only his Spanish identity as his qualification. Despite his fear and anxiety about the deception, he continued because of his desperate situation. Eventually, he became known and even tried to enrich himself by charging high fees, but his reputation was ruined when he was reported to the Protomedico de Manila. He lost his patients and was about to return to begging when he married a Filipina, Doña Victorina.

Doña Victorina de Espadaña was an ambitious Filipina who acted like a European. She boasted that she was younger than her actual age and wanted to belong to the upper class. Her dream of marrying a foreigner came true, but what she got was Tiburcio, a poor and incompetent Spaniard. However, she dressed up her husband to make him look respectable and continued her illusion of being an “Orofea.” She added “de” to her name to appear more aristocratic and spread rumors that she was pregnant, even though it wasn’t true.

Upon arriving at Captain Tiago’s house, Doña Victorina introduced Linares to Captain Tiago. While they were having snacks, Padre Salvi arrived, who had known the couple for a long time, and they introduced Linares to him. Doña Victorina proudly boasted about her connections to high society but was embarrassed to learn that the Captain-General had already visited Captain Tiago’s house.

Later, they went to Maria Clara’s room so Doctor Tiburcio could examine her. Tiburcio prescribed various medicines for the young woman, while Linares was captivated by Maria Clara’s beauty. The conversation was cut short when Padre Salvi announced that Padre Damaso had arrived.

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

Important Events in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 42

1. The couple De Espadaña arrived at Captain Tiago’s house with Linares.
2. Doña Victorina introduced Linares to Captain Tiago.
3. Doña Victorina learned that the Captain-General had already visited Captain Tiago’s house.
4. Tiburcio examined the sick Maria Clara and prescribed medicines.
5. Linares was captivated by Maria Clara’s beauty.

Characters in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 42

These are the characters mentioned in the chapter 42 of Noli Me Tangere:

Captain Tiago

He is the adoptive father of Maria Clara. He is responsible for taking care of his sick daughter. Together with Tiya Isabel, he plans how their donations can help Maria Clara recover.

Tiya Isabel

Captain Tiago’s cousin and a caring relative who helps take care of Maria Clara. She focuses on using traditional methods to help Maria Clara recover.

Maria Clara

The sick young woman who is Captain Tiago’s adoptive daughter. She is the main reason why people gathered at Captain Tiago’s house.

Doña Victorina de Espadaña

A Filipina who acts like a Spaniard, proud, and has illusions of being part of high society. She is Tiburcio’s wife and gave him the title of “doctor.”

Don Tiburcio de Espadaña

A fake doctor who pretended to be a professional to have a good life in the Philippines. He is Doña Victorina’s husband.

Alfonso Linares

Don Tiburcio’s nephew, introduced to Maria Clara.

Padre Salvi

The priest who has known the De Espadaña couple for a long time. He is also a character with a secret admiration for Maria Clara.

Read more: Noli Me Tangere Characters and Their Roles »

Setting in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 42

The setting of this chapter was Captain Tiago’s house.

Lessons in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 42

1. Tiburcio’s pretense as a doctor shows a lack of integrity and a deceitful personality, which brings negative effects to society.
2. Doña Victorina represents people who lack their own identity and desperately want to be part of high society, even if it’s based on lies.
3. Doña Victorina’s exaggeration of her status led to rejection and embarrassment, showing the importance of being true to oneself and others.
4. The fake and deceitful lifestyle of the De Espadaña couple is a warning against accepting things that are not true, especially when the lives of others are at stake.
5. The susceptibility of people like Captain Tiago and Tiya Isabel to influence shows a weakness that can lead to relying on the wrong people.

See also: Noli Me Tangere Historical Background »

And that concludes the summary, characters, setting, and lessons of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 42. If you found this lesson helpful, please share it with others so they can learn as well.

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