Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not)

Father Salví’s shadowy presence looms throughout the novel. His involvement in the disappearance of young Basilio and Crispin can only be inferred and speculated by others in the community. Salví is almost always present when María-Clara is and often appears agitated. The reader is left to infer that his discomfort stems from lust for María-Clara, who makes it clear that she feels uncomfortable around him. In Chapter 44, as María-Clara recovers from illness, Doctor de Espadaña prescribes a medicinal regimen that includes marshmallow syrup. He clearly does not know what he is doing, as he is only a “doctor” because his wife wants social capital. However, Salví claims the alternative remedy of confession will cure María-Clara. This juxtaposition is significant, as it creates an equivalence between fake medicine and confession as cures for illness. When Salví finally arranges a private meeting with María-Clara, he emerges shaken: “If you had seen his dark brow, covered in sweat, you would have said it was he who had confessed, and did not deserve absolution” (294). As is often the case, the narrator’s comments are ambiguous with hints of incrimination. When compiling evidence regarding Salví’s personality, one can deduce that he likely made a sexual advance toward María-Clara—one that was shut down.

When the narrative shifts back to Elías, he is in a cave outside of town, meeting with a man named Pablo. The scene is cast in shadows, reflecting the dark, secretive nature of the men’s discussion. Pablo believes a violent uprising is the only way to initiate reforms for the Indigenous population. While understanding of Pablo’s resolve, Elías convinces him to hold off on the uprising. He acknowledges the need for reform and highlights Ibarra’s caring, progressive outlook. He believes Ibarra’s status as a well-respected man will help them enact change. Ultimately, Elías convinces Pablo to stay the uprising under the condition that he will join his group should his appeal to Ibarra fail. This exchange illustrates that even the most disenchanted, such as Elías and Pablo, are willing to place hope in nonviolent solutions to societal ills.