El Filbusterismo

Chapter 1

On the Upper Deck

Summary:

It is a fine December morning.  The steamship Tabo is sailing on the Pasig River to Laguna.  Passengers on the upper deck talk about the lake and the long journey.  Some important characters in the novel are introduced:  Simoun the jeweler; Doña Victorina; the friars Salvi, Irene, Camorra, and Sibyla, Don Custodio, and Ben Zayb.

Chapter 2

On the Lower Deck

Summary:

Basilio, Isagani, and Don Custodio are deep in discussion on the lower deck of the steamer Tabo.  The two students tell Don Custodio about the plan to put up a Spanish academy, and although the two boys are hopeful that the plan will be approved, Don Custodio is rather pessimistic.

Chapter 3

Legends

Summary:

The elite passengers of the steamer pass the time by telling stories and legends of places along the river.  Padre Florentino narrates the legend of Doña Jeronima in a rather colorful tone, and Padre Salvi tells the story of a Chinese man who was attacked by caymans but was saved because he called upon St. Nicholas to help him.  Moments later, Ben Zayb asks the captain to point to him the exact spot where a man named Ibarra was killed during his attempted escape.  Simoun becomes silent and retreats in deep thought as the captain locates the infamous region in the water.

Chapter 4

Cabesang Tales

Summary:

Cabesang Tales cultivates a piece of land with his father and his family.  Because of having to endure hard work and manual labor under the sun, Tales's wife and eldest daughter die.  At the time of harvest, some men representing a certain religious order lay claim to the land and demand from Tales an annual payment of rent.  Having no other choice, Tales accepts the agreement.  However, year after year the rent keeps going up in incredible increments and Tales decides he has had enough.  He brings the issue up in court, demanding that the religious order provide proof of their ownership of the land. Tales loses the case.  Time passes...