Through Simoun (the main protagonist), the novel showcased the option of using violence and radical means - something that the reform movement at that time was afraid of. However, Simoun's violent path was portrayed with negative repercussions, suggesting that the violence was not the best way forward.
Overall, "El Filibusterismo" served to further strengthen the reform movement by providing an alternative perspective and challenging the non-violent approach that the movement had previously adopted.