What is the theme of the story noli me tangere?

Answer 1

Rizal described Noli Me Tangere to his friend Blumentritt thus: "The Novel is the first impartial and bold account of the life of the tagalogs. The Filipinos will find in it the history of the last ten years…"

Rizal's main purpose was to expose the abuses of the Spanish friars and government officials. The various friars in the book--haughty, condescending to the natives, greedy, and lustful--possessed well-known faults of the Spanish friars in the Philippines. The brutality of the civil guards and the corruption of government officials are also shown.

The various sectors of native Philippine society, rich and poor, are also represented. Rizal parodies native social climbers who wish to be associated with the Spaniards in Capitan Tiago and, to a greater extent, Doña Victorina. He pokes fun at pious women who are fully sold on the idea of saving their souls with the buying of indulgences and other mistaken religious beliefs. The situation of peasants who choose to become outlaws out of desperation and the fondness for gambling of the common folk are also examined. Contrasting couples are presented: Sisa with her abusive ne'er-do-well husband, the head of the Guardia Civil with his vulgar harridan of a mistress, and Doña Victorina with her pathetic Spanish husband whom she brandishes like a trophy.

These faults of the natives, however, are usually at least in part traced to the abuse of the conquerors. There are hints that the poor are driven to crime and banditry by the injustice of the civil guards and that religious hypocrisy and false beliefs result from the refusal of the friars to properly educate the masses so they may continue to take advantage of their ignorance and dependence. The education that could uplift the people's minds and enable them to work for freedom and justice are denied them for the same reason. Allying oneself with the Spaniards, hence social climbing, is seen as the only way of gaining respect and benefits.

Rizal also presents the positive qualities of his countrymen. Family devotion is seen in the relations of Ibarra, María Clara and others, like the schoolteacher, with their parents and guardians. The self-sacrificing mother is represented by Sisa. The purity and faithfulness of María Clara and other women is also dwelt upon. Then there is the strong and constant expression of gratitude in Elías's behavior to Ibarra.

By presenting different sides of the national situation, Rizal fulfilled his intent of presenting a "bold and impartial account" of Philippine life. In doing so, the novel not only exposed the sufferings of the Philippine natives but took steps towards defining the national identity.

Answer 2

The theme of "Noli Me Tangere" revolves around the injustices and abuses of the Spanish colonial government in the Philippines during the 19th century, as well as the social issues stemming from colonialism, inequality, and corruption. The novel also explores themes of love, sacrifice, and patriotism through its characters' struggles and experiences.

Answer 3

Because Jose Rizal was a Famous hero.