Summary:
News spreads about the flickering lights and the moving shadows in the cemetery. Tasyo the Philosopher, bedridden at that time, converses with Captain Felipo who has recently resigned from office. Tasyo wishes the mayor to continue in his fight. They also talk about the issue concerning the trouble with the civil guards, the friars, and the youth. The philosopher predicts his death, which he says will come in a few days.
Points of Note:
The people presume that it was the souls in purgatory mourning over their dead that lighted the candles in the cemetery. There was only one light that night, from the match that Elias used to see his companions.
Tasyo the Philosopher is already weakened by his condition.
The original title of this chapter is "Il Buon Dí Si Conosce Da Mattina," meaning that if the morning is beautiful, the rest of the day will be also. The circumstances of the present will reflect what becomes of the future.
It was Tasyo who advised Don Felipo to resign from office when the latter lost against the friars in defending his plans for the town fiesta.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why does Tasyo advise Felipo to keep fighting, when he tells Ibarra to keep his head down?
Answer: Ibarra is still sowing the seeds of his future plans, and this requires him to keep a low profile so as not to provoke those in power. Don Felipo, on the other hand, is already harvesting the fruits of his efforts.
Question: What does Rizal say about the Dominicans and the Jesuits with regards to their way of educating the youth?
Answer: The Dominicans suppress the growth of education, while the Jesuits nurture it. (The University of Santo Tomas is run by Dominicans; the Ateneo is run by Jesuits).
Question: Why does Tasyo say that he will be joyful in death?
Answer: Life in the world, to him, is bitter. And death would bring him freedom from all its ugliness.