The Social Cancer - A Complete English Version of Noli Me Tangere

Synopsis

The Social Cancer is the English Version of Noli Me Tangere, a novel written by José Rizal, a Filipino revolutionary who is widely considered as the greatest national hero of the Philippines. Executed by the Spanish army at the age of 35, José Rizal’s literary contribution comprises of novels, plays, poems and essays, notable among them are Noli Me Tángere, My Last Farewell, Whate’er the Race, Governing the Philippine islands, The indolence of Filipinos, The council of Gods, Along the Pasig and Saint Eustache, the martyr. 

This novel exposes the the inequities of the Spanish Catholic priests and the ruling government of the colonial days of Philippines. Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra hails from a wealthy family returns to Philippines, his home country after 7 years of study in Europe. He goes to Binondo, to meet his betrothed lover María Clara, daughter of Captain Tiago. Lieutenant Guevara, a Civil Guard reveals him certain incidents which caused his father Don Rafael Ibarra’s death.

Don Rafael Ibarra on account of non-participation in Church activities was victimized by Fr. Dámaso and government officials which results in his imprisonment. Though he was declared innocent by the court, he falls sick on the allegations made against him and dies in the jail. On listening to miseries on his father’s death, he does not think about revenge; however he progressed towards his father vision on education and starts a school.

The school inaugural function was attended by Fr. Dámaso and his insulting speeches end up Ibarra stabs him. The preceding incidents made María to conclude Ibarra has been killed by the government, though he was alive. The novel ends up in a sad note of María choose the path of nunnery.

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