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Noli Me Tangere: Summary and Analysis of Chapter 63 (Christmas Eve)


Summary:
Basilio returns to San Diego to look for his mother, Sisa.  This search ends in the forest of the Ibarras, where Sisa dies shortly after recognizing her son.  Minutes later, a weak and wounded Elias arrives and orders Basilio to burn the two bodies (Elias's and Sisa's).

Points of Note:
In this chapter the readers catch a glimpse of the characters that will be leading the El Filibusterismo, sequel to Rizal's Noli.

The town of San Diego now has a new parish priest and a new alferez.

This is one of the saddest chapters in the entire novel.  Basilio reunites with his mother but the two of them do not even get a chance to speak with each other.  And it was Christmas Eve.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Who killed the head sacristan?
Answer: Elias.

Question: Explain Elias's statement: "I shall die without seeing the dawn break upon my motherland.   You, who shall see it, salute it!  Do not forget those who have fallen during the night."
Answer: When Elias says he will not see the dawn, he means that he will leave the world without seeing his motherland change for the better, or grasp her long-aspired freedom.  However, for those who do taste that freedom, it would only be right for them to remember those who died to make sure that the sun did rise over the nation.