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Chapter 45
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Noli Me Tangere, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Colonialism, Religion, and Power
Revolution and Reform
Education
Isolation
Summary
Analysis
The two brothers whose father died at the hands of the Civil Guard—the ones who helped Elías stop the riot at the theater—visit the gambling house, where the townspeople bet on cockfights. While people like Captain Tiago and Captain Basilio throw their money around, the brothers—Társilo and Bruno—speak with Lucas, who tells them he will give them thirty pesos apiece if they organize an attack on the barracks. He tells them this money is coming from Ibarra, who will come the following night to deliver weapons. In two days, Lucas says, he himself will meet them in the cemetery to give them their final instructions.
To understand what’s driving Lucas in his schemes, it’s important to remember that he very recently begged Ibarra for money and that Ibarra refused to give him any. This begs the question: where did Lucas get the money to pay people to attack the barracks? The last time Lucas appeared in the novel, he was speaking with Father Salví, who seemed remarkably affected by the young man’s words. Consequently, readers have cause to wonder if perhaps Lucas is acting on behalf of the powerful and conniving Father Salví.
Themes
