Noli Me Tangere Chapter 5 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc.

This post contains a short summary of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 5 – A Star in a Dark Night. 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 4 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc. »

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Summary of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 5 – A Star in a Dark Night

Crisostomo Ibarra traveled to Manila and stayed at Fonda de Lala. While in his room, he reflected on the painful fate of his father. As he glanced out the window, he saw the brightly lit house of Captain Tiago across the river. In that house, a celebration was taking place, and Ibarra could hear the sound of the orchestra and the clinking of utensils.

Meanwhile, Maria Clara, the only daughter of Captain Tiago, arrived at the celebration. She was greeted by her friends, childhood companions, Spaniards, priests close to her father, Filipinos, Chinese, and military officers. She wore an elegant outfit adorned with diamonds and gold, and she became the center of attention because of her beauty. Doña Victorina, on the other hand, patiently fixed Maria Clara’s hair.

Padre Salvi, who had a fondness for beautiful women, was overjoyed to be in the company of the young ladies there, especially Maria Clara, whom he secretly admired. While Ibarra easily fell asleep, Padre Salvi was restless and unable to sleep because of his thoughts about Maria Clara.

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

Important Events in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 5

1. Crisostomo Ibarra traveled to Manila and stayed at Fonda de Lala, where he reflected on what had happened to his father.
2. While deep in thought, Ibarra glanced at the brightly lit house of Captain Tiago, where a celebration was taking place.
3. Maria Clara arrived at the celebration, wearing an elegant outfit adorned with diamonds and gold, and she became the center of attention.
4. Doña Victorina diligently fixed Maria Clara’s hair, and Padre Salvi was delighted to be in the company of the young ladies, especially Maria Clara.
5. While Ibarra easily fell asleep, Padre Salvi could not sleep because of his thoughts about Maria Clara.

Characters in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 5

These are the characters mentioned in the chapter 5 of Noli Me Tangere:

Ibarra

The main character who stayed at Fonda de Lala in Manila.

Maria Clara

A beautiful woman with a delicate figure, wearing diamonds and gold. She is the daughter of Captain Tiago and the center of attention at the celebration because of her beauty.

Captain Tiago

The father of Maria Clara, who hosted the celebration at his house. His house was visible from Ibarra’s room.

Doña Victorina

A woman known for her pretentiousness and her Spanish-like style. She fixed Maria Clara’s hair for the celebration.

Padre Salvi

A priest who secretly admired Maria Clara. He was happy to attend the celebration because he was in the company of beautiful young ladies, especially Maria Clara.

Read more: Noli Me Tangere Characters and Their Roles »

Setting in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 5

The events of this chapter took place in Ibarra’s room at Fonda de Lala. From there, he could see the house across the river and Maria Clara.

Lessons in Noli Me Tangere Chapter 5

1. Love brings light in the darkness—even though Ibarra was in a sad state because of his father, he found light in reflecting on Maria Clara’s beauty.
2. Stay strong in the face of life’s challenges. Even when going through difficulties, always remember that there is light behind the darkness. This will serve as hope during tough times.
3. Reflecting on the past is important to gain strength and determination for the future.
4. Secret admiration can lead to sadness, anxiety, and a lack of true happiness—like Padre Salvi, who secretly admired Maria Clara.
5. Things we cannot reach, such as dreams or desires, can cause worry and restlessness, as felt by Padre Salvi.

See also: Noli Me Tangere Historical Background »

And that concludes the summary, characters, setting, and lessons of Noli Me Tangere Chapter 5. If you found this lesson helpful, please share it with others so they can learn as well.

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