# Tradition vs. Progress in Noli Me Tangere

> Theme guide for Noli Me Tangere by José Rizal.

The conflict between conservative, religious traditions (represented by the friars and old customs) and the progressive, secular ideas of the Enlightenment (embodied by Ibarra and the Sage) drives much of the narrative tension.

## Where it surfaces

- [X: The Town](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/noli_me_tangere_se/chapters/x-the-town): The contrast between the superstitious legends about the haunted wood and the industrious agricultural development by Don Saturnino highlights the tension between traditional beliefs and modern progress.
- [XIV: Tasio: Lunatic or Sage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/noli_me_tangere_se/chapters/xiv-tasio-lunatic-or-sage): Tasio advocates for scientific solutions like lightning rods over traditional practices like bell-ringing, embodying the conflict between progress and entrenched customs.
- [The Meeting in the Town Hall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/noli_me_tangere_se/chapters/xx-the-meeting-in-the-town-hall): The debate over the fiesta program—traditional comedies versus new, locally relevant dramas—embodies the struggle between conservative customs and progressive ideas.
- [The Eve of the Fiesta](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/noli_me_tangere_se/chapters/xxvi-the-eve-of-the-fiesta): The chapter contrasts the traditional fiesta revelry with Ibarra's progressive school project, which receives support from the community but is met with cautionary advice from Old Tasio.
- [Correspondence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/noli_me_tangere_se/chapters/xxviii-correspondence): Ibarra's absence and his school project represent progressive ideals, while the fiesta's traditional religious and colonial festivities dominate the town's life.
- [The Morning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/noli_me_tangere_se/chapters/xxix-the-morning): Old Tasio's critique of the fiesta as a wasteful tradition highlights the tension between blind adherence to custom and the need for reform.
- [Il Buon Dí Si Conosce Da Mattina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/noli_me_tangere_se/chapters/liii-il-buon-d-si-conosce-da-mattina): The entire conversation between Don Filipo and Tasio centers on the struggle between the past (feudal, religious) and the future (progressive, scientific).

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/noli_me_tangere_se/themes/tradition_vs_progress
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/noli_me_tangere_se/themes