Summary:
Juanito Pelaez, together with Pecson and Tadeo, is suspended from classes at the university because of the seditious posters. Tadeo burns his books in anger, and Juanito gets involved in his father’s business to keep himself occupied. Still in prison, the poor Basilio learns about Juli’s death. Meanwhile, Simoun tries to befriend Don Timoteo Pelaez, whose son Juanito is engaged to be married to Paulita Gomez, and who is now busy making preparations for the wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: What is the foremost effect that the pasquinades brought to the people?
Answer: Fear, and a great panic.
Question: Who was behind the posting of the seditious and revolutionary posters? Was it Simoun? Was it the friars? Was it the government?
Answer: a. Could it have been the governor-general, so that his rule would be lengthened in the event of civil unrest? It was not him. The governor-general is depicted as too dimwitted to have been able to come up with such a plan. Truth is, he could not have even been able to stay in office and govern the land if it were not for his advisers telling him what to do.
b. Simoun? Simoun was ill. The posters were spread just a day after Simoun fell ill. But was it possible that Simoun could have odered Placido Penitente and the former teacher of Tiyani to do the deed for him?
c. The friars and the Dominicans? Only Simoun and the friars were strongly against the establishment of a Spanish academy. A petition had already been signed to keep this plan from happening, but why were the posters necessary? Wasn’t it the plan of Don Custodio to place the academy under the administration of the University of Santo Tomas?
Question: How could Paulita have ended things with Isagani?
Answer: She grew fearful of the youth’s valor and heroism. Dona Victorina also could have gotten help from Paulita’s friends to finally convince her to let go of Isagani and be with Juanito instead.