Skip to main content

Noli Me Tangere: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 2 (Crisostomo Ibarra)


Summary:
Captain Tiago introduces Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, whose clothes clearly depicted he was in grief.  Ibarra is the main character in the story, who has just returned to the Philippines from Europe.  Crisostomo warmly greets Friar Damaso who has a good friend of his father, Don Rafael, however the friar denies the existence of this close relationship.  Lt. Guevarra approaches Ibarra and welcomes him, adding, "I hope your fate will be much better than your father's."

Points of Note:
When Juan Crisostomo Ibarra arrives at the dinner with Captain Tiago, everyone is shocked.  This clearly shows that none of the guests knew the reason for the gathering.

In this chapter, Rizal begins the long and consequential battle between Crisostomo Ibarra and Friar Damaso.  Ibarra had clearly not expected the friar to greet him so coldly.

Crisostomo Ibarra had spent seven years in Europe.  He had no idea of the many events that had transpired in his country while he was away.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why did Crisostomo Ibarra give considerable note to the tight friendship between his father and Friar Damaso?
Answer: Ever since Ibarra was a little kid until the moment he left for Europe, Friar Damaso had frequently visited their home and joined in for lunch and supper.  Crisostomo frequently heard both men joking around and exchanging witty conversations.

Question: Why did Friar Damaso deny the friendship between him and Rafael Ibarra?
Answer: The friar's reaction hints to the reader that the man whom Damaso labeled as heretic, put to prison and allowed to die, and after he was buried had the grave dug up and transferred to the Chinese cemetery, was none other than Crisostomo's father, Rafael Ibarra himself.