El Filibusterismo (El Fili) – Chapter 29
Chapter Title: Last Words About Capitan Tiago
Setting: Capitan Tiago’s house
Characters:
- Capitan Tiago
- Padre Irene
- Don Primitivo
- Martin Aristorenas
- Chinaman Quiroga
- Capitan Tinong
- Dona Patrocinio
- Basilio (mentioned)
Plot:
Guests attend Capitan Tiago’s funeral.
Chapter Summary:
The chapter begins with a quote:
Talis vita finis ita.
(His end befitted his life.)
Capitan Tiago’s funeral takes place at his house. The parish priest tells Padre Irene that Capitan Tiago died without confession, but Padre Irene just laughs. Capitan Tiago left Padre Irene in charge of his will. According to Padre Irene, Capitan Tiago divided his estate between Santa Clara, the Pope, the Archbishop and the Religious Orders. Capitan Tiago also left twenty pesos for needy students, which was suggested by Irene. Capitan Tiago annulled 20 pesos for Basilio due to Basilio being “ungrateful” but Padre Irene gave him money from his own share, saying it’s due to his conscience.
Friends gather at Capitan Tiago’s house. There are rumors that while, he was dying, his soul appeared to nuns surrounded by light. He was wearing a swallow-tailed coat, his cheek filled with sapa of buyo and a pipe for opium, and he had a fighting cock.
The guests say that now, Capitan Tiago is cockfighting against St. Peter in heaven, though no one is sure if the cocks are immortal or who serves as the referee. Don Primitivo argues using quotes by philosophers and says no one would lose because there is no quarrelling in heaven. Martin Aristorenas argues back and says it would be a tie at best. Don Primitivo says Martin Aristorenas is going to hell. Martin Aristorenas gets scared. Chinaman Quiroga gives Don Primitivo a cigar and says when he himself dies, he will be his own contractor.
Capitan Tinong wants to to dress Capitan Tiago in Franciscan attire, as he has an outfit that a friar gave to him after donating thirty-six pesos to the church. Capitan Tinong is sure that the corpse would be saved from the flames of hell. A tailor says that Capitan Tiago should have a frock coat since that is how the nuns saw him, and he can make one for thirty-two pesos only. Padre Irene says Capitan Tiago will be in any of his old suits because God doesn’t take note of attire.
Three friars officiate the funeral rites. All rites possible are performed. Padre Irene sings Dies Irae in falsetto and the neighbors get headaches. Dona Patrocinio, Capitan Tiago’s rival, feels jealous and wants to die so she can have better funeral rites.
Trivia:
Quotes:
The pious old woman [Dona Patrocinio] could not suffer the fact that [Capitan Tiago], whom she had always vanquished in life, would, upon dying, be resurrected with so much pomp.
