Summary:
Ibarra walks home. Lt. Guevara catches up to him and reveals the circumstances of his father’s death. Don Rafael had refused to go to confession and this angered Friar Damaso, who then made veiled allusions to Don Rafael in his sermons. One day, when the townspeople were mocking an illiterate Spanish tax collector, Don Rafael tried to save the man. But pushing the Spaniard too hard caused him to hit his head on a rock and die. Don Rafael was thrown in jail. His enemies accused him of being a heretic and a filibuster. Lt. Guevara did everything to save him, but it was too late; Don Rafael had died in his cell.
Points of Note:
This chapter acknowledges that going against the practices of the church can be fatal.
Even the most unqualified of Spaniards is ensured a job by Spain, solely on the merit of his nationality.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: What was Friar Damaso’s goal in making veiled allusions to Don Rafael in his sermons?
Answer: He wanted Don Rafael to be isolated from the people.
Question: What is implied by the mayor’s strong opinions against Don Rafael’s charge of heresy?
Answer: Even government officials during that time answered to the church. A Filipino who goes against the dictates of religion finds himself the enemy of both the church and the state.