Elfili Chapter Two
Elfili Chapter Two
Characters:
Basilio
Isagani
Capitan Basilio
Simoun
Padre Florentino
Padre Florentino’s servant
Skipper
Paulita Gomez (mentioned)
Padre Irene (mentioned)
Capitan Tiago (mentioned)
Padre Sibyla (mentioned)
Capitan General (mentioned)
Don Tiburcio (mentioned)
Dona Victorina (mentioned)
Padre Camorra (mentioned)
Macaraig (mentioned)
Chapter Summary:
Below deck, sick Chinese peddlers are sleeping. But students are also there and are
wearing ‘spotless white attire’. They are in good moods because they are returning home
for the holidays.
Basilio complains that Capitan Tiago is sending him to San Diego on the suggestion of
Padre Irene so that Tiago can just smoke opium at home. Capitan Basilio tells Basilio
and Isagani that he himself does not like opium use.
Isagani explains that they have given Padre Irene 2 chestnut horses as a bribe so he can
see Capitan General about the permit. Capitan Basilio points out that Padre Sibyla
opposes their permit, but Isagani says it doesn’t matter.
Capitan Basilio asks about funds and they explain that each student contributes a real
and that they already found professors (half are Filipinos, half are Peninsulares), and
that Macaraig will let them have one of his houses. Capitan Basilio accepts their
explanation and understands their desire to learn Spanish since their books are in
Spanish.
Basilio asks what Isagani’s uncle says about Paulita. They talk about how Dona Victorina
asked Isagani to look for her husband as an exchange for letting Isagani date Paulita.
Isagani laughs because the husband is in his uncle (Padre Florentino’s) house. That is
why his uncle did not go on deck: because Dona Victorina might ask about Don
Tiburcio.
Simoun arrives and Basilio introduces Isagani to him. They realize that Isagani and
Simoun lived in towns close to each other. Simoun asks about the province and admits
he hasn’t gone there because people in the province do not buy jewels. Isagani is
annoyed and says people in the province don’t need them. Simoun offers them beer and
they refuse.
Simoun says he heard Padre Camorra say that morning that there is a lack of energy in
the country because people drink too much water. Isagani argues and says that water
can put out fires and turn into steam, and becomes the ocean which can destroy
humanity. Basilio quotes Isagani’s verses and Simoun leaves to get beer.
Basilio asks Isagani why he is annoyed. Isagani says he does not know. He says Simoun
makes him feel afraid, but he does not know why.
Florentino’s servant calls Isagani and tells him to go to Florentino. While waiting for
Isagani, the skipper tells Florentino to go up on deck or else the friars will think he won’t
want to join them.
Florentino advises Isagani not to visit the deck because it would be abusing the skipper’s
hospitality but Isagani thinks its so he won’t talk to Dona Victorina.