Chapter 1 Noli Me Tangere – “A Social Gathering” (SUMMARY)

CHAPTER 1 NOLI ME TANGERE – Here is the full summary of Chapter 1 of Noli Me Tangere written by Dr. Jose Rizal.

The novel is one of the connected novels that were written by the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal (full name Jose Protacio Mercado Rizal y Alonzo Realonda).

He wrote the poem to make Filipinos see the abuse of power the priests show during the Spanish Colonization period.

The novel has 64 chapters. We are going to read the first chapter.

Chapter 1 is entitled “A Social Gathering” or “The Gathering. Here is the summary of the Chapter:

In Late October, Don Santiago de los Santos, who is known as Captain Tiago, had a large dinner party in Manila. The party ook place in his home, where people eagerly flock so as not to miss an important social event.

Among the guests include groups of soldiers, European travelers, and priests speak to one another. A lieutenant in the Civil Guard engages in conversation with Fray Sibyla, Fray Dámaso, and two civilians, among them was one who just arrived in the Philippines for the first time.

The newcomer inquired about the Philippines, including the ‘indio’ or native Filipinos. When mentioning the tobacco monopoly, Damaso lambasted the Indios. This prompted Sibyla to change the subject.

They talked about Damaso’s cease of service, who was the priest of San Diego. He claimed that the Spaniard king does not want to involve himself in giving the erehe punishment. The Lieutenant said that they deserved to be punished.

The Lieutenant revealed the reason for the friar’s transfer to another parochial. It was because of a certain noble erehe who refused to go to confession.

The friar was angry at the Lieutenant. Sibyla then proceeded to calm the friar down. Damaso suddenly remembered about the missing documents.

The two sides calmed down, with the Lieutenant leaving his seat. The guests continued to talk the remaining night.