# Revenge and Radicalization in El Filibusterismo

> Theme guide for El Filibusterismo by José Rizal.

The character Simoun (the transformed Ibarra) embodies the theme of revenge, plotting violent revolution after years of personal suffering and disillusionment with peaceful reform.

## Where it surfaces

- [Epigraph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/el_filibusterismo_se/chapters/epigraph): The poem foreshadows rebellion with the line 'When whirlwinds of rebellion shake the world,' linking the silence of the oppressed to an eventual violent reckoning.
- [On the Lower Deck](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/el_filibusterismo_se/chapters/ii-on-the-lower-deck): Isagani's metaphor of water turning to steam and ocean hints at the potential for revolution and radical change.
- [Simoun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/el_filibusterismo_se/chapters/vii-simoun): Simoun reveals his plan to use the system's own defects to wage war against it, positioning himself as a judge seeking to castigate colonial abuses.
- [X: Wealth and Want](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/el_filibusterismo_se/chapters/x-wealth-and-want): Cabesang Tales, driven by the loss of his family and land, steals a revolver and joins the tulisanes, committing violent acts of revenge.
- [XIX: The Fuse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/el_filibusterismo_se/chapters/xix-the-fuse): Plácido's humiliation drives him toward violent thoughts of revenge, while Simoun's revolutionary plotting is shaken by internal guilt.
- [A Corpse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/el_filibusterismo_se/chapters/xxiii-a-corpse): Simoun's plot for revolution is driven by personal revenge and the desire to free María Clara, reflecting radicalization against oppression.
- [La Ultima Razón](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/el_filibusterismo_se/chapters/xxxiii-la-ultima-raz-n): Basilio, driven by personal loss and injustice, fully embraces Simoun's violent revolution, marking his radicalization.
- [The Wedding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/el_filibusterismo_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-wedding): Basilio's thoughts of destruction and his embrace of the revolver reflect his radicalization after Juli's death and his imprisonment.
- [The Fiesta](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/el_filibusterismo_se/chapters/xxxv-the-fiesta): Simoun's plot to blow up the fiesta guests and Basilio's internal conflict between hatred and mercy exemplify the theme of revenge and radicalization.
- [Ben-Zayb's Afflictions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/el_filibusterismo_se/chapters/xxxvi-ben-zayb-s-afflictions): Simoun's plot with the tulisanes and the planned sack of conventos and wealthy houses reflect radicalized revenge against colonial oppression.
- [The Mystery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/el_filibusterismo_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-mystery): Simoun's plot to kill all Spaniards at the wedding exemplifies radical revenge against colonial oppression.
- [Fatality](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/el_filibusterismo_se/chapters/xxxviii-fatality): The brutal treatment of the populace drives many to join Matanglawin's band, and the personal tragedy of Carolino killing his grandfather underscores the destructive cycle of revenge.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/el_filibusterismo_se/themes/revenge_and_radicalization
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/el_filibusterismo_se/themes