El Filibusterismo and Jose Rizal as "Science Fictionist"

 

REFLECTION ON:

EL FILIBUSTERISMO AND JOSE RIZAL AS "SCIENCE FICTIONIST"

Science fiction has been one of the most creative genres to exist in literature. The genre of science fiction here in the Philippines is somewhat known by many and we have a lot of known writers existing in this field. Based on the article, one known author that was mainly discussed was Dr. Jose Rizal. The article has discussed considering Dr. Jose Rizal to be one, and also be able to expound more about his works. We do think that in some of his works or pieces, there is this presence of the necessary elements that makes his works fall into science fiction such as cognitive estrangement that resulted in creating an objective reality or what we know as an “alternate universe.” Jose Rizal’s “El Filibusterismo” as we know, is the sequel of his first novel, “Noli Me Tangere.” Moreover, El Fili is somewhat a darker book reflecting and showing Rizal’s increasing anger towards the Spanish colonization and frustrations for his hope for peaceful reform. He has also gotten inspiration from his own experiences in life and has used and shared it in the novel.

 

El Filibusterismo, a renowned work by Jose Rizal, describes the hardships experienced by filibusters. Scientific thinkers in the Philippines in the late nineteenth century. It also includes details of numerous tools that were used from a "time bomb" inside a lamp to a "specter," the inventions were unusual at the time.These characteristics are prevalent among the forerunners of the current Anglo-American genre of fiction from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein through a number of works by Douglas Adams, science fiction has a long history of Poe, Edgar Allan.

 

In the paper there are discussions of Simoun and his characteristics and how the writer reveals himself as not only a wealthy jewer but also an innovator of science. As the authors said “ Simoun confides the answer to only a few of the Fili’s characters; to most, for the majority of the novel, the man who goes by only one name, the obscenely wealthy jeweler, the confidante of the country’s governor-general, is an alien of indeterminate nationality, a purveyor of foreign beliefs.” As  the paper said there are hardly any people who can portray Simoun in terms of appearance, the author also said that Simoun may portray someone in Rizal’s life during his days. The author also said about his goal which is revenge as well as his love life with Maria Clara and a closure of the chaos of his past.

 

It also states the things Rizal did before he wrote El Fili such as Rizal portrays the tactic in a similar way, from bluffs to prestige. Rizal, who was well-traveled and well-read, had most certainly heard or read about the Sphinx. Before or during the writing of the Fili, he had a delusion. Mr. Leeds' account, on the other hand, Sphinx illusion includes a few unique features. Rizal writes in a footnote that the Mr. Leeds' table has mirrors that may be hidden beneath the floor.  The Author also has many sub topics such as “Thinking Men” where the The term "science" first occurs in the Fili in these Franciscan pronouncements. While they were talking, friar Padre Salvi had a chat with newspaperman Ben Zayb on board the Tabo steamer. Another topic is “Resolute Believers' 'which tackles Juli, Kabesang Tales' daughter, who was formerly a Marian fanatic. Later, she resolves to seize control of her fate from Mother Mary's son. There are also topics such as  “Cult of science” and “ Voices in Margin '' which also explains where Rizal took his Ideas as well as the analysis of how the characters grow, what they portray with the trends of the time. 

 

As the paper focuses on El Filibusterismo as a Science Fiction, let us not forget how this novel written by Dr. Jose Rizal made a significance into what our country is right now. Filipinos know how both Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo have tackled the political and historical state of the Philippines when we are still in the hands of Spaniards. It was stated that Dr. Jose Rizal has been using his works to reflect the unquestionable dominance of those in power especially those who colonized our country. In comparison to science fiction, it says that some people might consider El Filibusterismo as a mere fantasy and dismiss the whole idea of it. Being a Filipino, we should give importance to these novels, and shouldn't forget as this enlightens our society, brings our country closer to the truth, and opens our minds to fight for our own. 

 

“To foretell the destiny of a nation, it is necessary to open the book that tells of her past.”

— Jose Rizal, quote inscribed in Fort Santiago