Name: Dequilla, Fredlyn, G.

Section: 1-SEDS1

Enrichment Activity:
Questions:

1. Research on how the story of the moth and the flame shaped Rizal’s social and political ideas.

Ideally, the story of the moth and the flame exhibited major symbols. One of the major
symbols of the story is the idea of “willingness to die for”. It tells us that there are things that
people are willing to do even if it may cost them their lives. The moth itself represents all the
people especially Rizal who are willing to die for something. As Spaniards colonized the
Philippines, Rizal always reminisce this story that led him to have a burning heart to fight for the
overall interest of our country. Rizal is like a moth on the story, even he knew how dangerous to
contradict the government back at the time, he still continue until his life is gone. Rizal never use
this story to put himself in fear and silence but instead he used this to fuel up his eagerness to let
government know that Filipinos deserve to be treated equally regardless of their social status in
life.

As what Rizal observed, the main cause why moth died is after it’s wing burned, the moth
fell on the coconut oil and drowned until it died hopelessly. Rizal’s pen is like the wings of the
moth. The moth used it’s wings to get closer to the flame while Rizal used his pen to get closer to
the government through writing to let them know his pure intentions as behalf to the victims
during Spanish colonization. Rizal is a smart person so he really knew that he will die at the first
place. However, he knew he will not die because he used his pen to write but he will die because
of people specifically General Governor Camilo Polavieja who ordered the execution. Just like
what Rizal observed, the moth didn’t die because of the flame but it died after it’s body drowned
to the coconut oil.

2. How importance is obedience in the story of the moth?

Personally, obedience is necessary to avoid serious damage or danger. In the story of the
moth and flame, if only the moth listened to the advise of the old moth to not get close to the
flame he may be still alive. It only shows that being obedient makes us always safe. However,
when it comes to Rizal for not acquiring this kind of idea, we must be grateful because if he apply
the idea of being obedient during his time, we may still under the Spaniards rule up to this
moment. Unfortunately, he died because of his disobedient to the government they had during his
time. On Rizal’s situation, obedience can be highly disregarded knowing that there are a lot of
abuses and injustices during Spanish colonization.

Nevertheless, obedience is still important to apply in every aspects of our lives. Based on
my experience, I always acknowledge and apply every reminders of my mother. Recently, I’m
dealing with Tuberculosis and because I followed everything she said, I’m now fine compared
before. Obeying law, rules, and someone’s warning or advise are somehow a life-saving as it will
convince us to avoid further consequences, damage and danger. According to Christine Caine,
“Obedience is less painful than regret”. We better be obedient than to regret especially when it is a
life to death situation.