Influence of "Uncle Tom's Cabin":
* Social Commentary: Both novels used powerful narratives to expose the injustices and brutality of a system. Stowe's novel highlighted the cruelty of slavery, while Rizal used his work to critique the Spanish colonial system's exploitation of the Filipinos.
* Character Development: The character of Uncle Tom in Stowe's novel, though often criticized for his passivity, served as an example of suffering and resilience in the face of oppression. Rizal similarly drew inspiration from this, creating characters like Elias and Crisostomo Ibarra who symbolized the Filipino spirit's strength and struggle.
* Impact of Literature: "Uncle Tom's Cabin" had a significant impact on the abolitionist movement in the United States. Rizal, inspired by this, hoped his novel would similarly ignite the desire for reform and independence within the Filipino people.
Influence of "The Wandering Jew":
* Symbolism: The Wandering Jew, condemned to wander the Earth for eternity, is a powerful symbol of suffering and the search for redemption. Rizal borrowed this concept to create characters like Maria Clara, representing the suffering of the oppressed, and Ibarra, who sought justice and reform.
* Exploration of Faith: "The Wandering Jew" explored themes of faith, sin, and redemption, which are also present in "Noli Me Tangere." Rizal, a devout Catholic, used these themes to criticize the hypocrisy of the Spanish clergy and the misuse of religion to control the Filipino people.
* Narrative Techniques: Sue's novel employed a grand and melodramatic narrative style, which Rizal emulated in his own work, using vivid descriptions and emotional language to engage the reader.
Overall Influence:
Both "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and "The Wandering Jew" provided Rizal with models for using literature as a tool for social change. They showed him how to employ fictional narratives to expose injustice, ignite emotions, and inspire action.
Important Note:
While Rizal was influenced by these novels, it's important to remember that "Noli Me Tangere" is a unique work of literature with its own themes, characters, and message. It is not a mere imitation but a product of Rizal's own intellectual and artistic genius, shaped by his lived experience and understanding of the Filipino context.