Pauline Isabelle Y.

Guanzon BSED-English 4A

"A Very Good Girl,"

In the gripping narrative of "A Very Good Girl," we follow the tumultuous life of Mercy,
affectionately known as Philo. The story unravels as Philo, working at Mother Mall under
the ruthless Mother Molly, faces unjust termination, pushing her into dire straits as her
mother battles illness. Mother Molly's vindictive actions extend beyond dismissal,
blacklisting Philo from job opportunities. Tragedy strikes when Philo's mother pleads
with Mother Molly for mercy, only to meet a fatal accident involving Mother Molly's
truck. Witnessing the callousness of her employer, Philo's life takes a dark turn.
Determined to exact revenge, she adopts a new identity as Philomina Angeles, alias
Philo. Her journey takes an unexpected route as she becomes a virtual assistant,
amassing wealth little by little. Fueled by vengeance, she meticulously orchestrates a
plan to dismantle Mother Molly's life. First, Philo auctions a valuable "anito" to gain
Mother Molly's attention, initiating a calculated series of events. As Philo integrates into
Mother Molly's world, she feigns friendship, exposing the flaws and scandals of those
around her. Philo's friendship with Mother Molly deepens, providing her with
opportunities to manipulate and control. She engineers scenarios to further isolate
Mother Molly, leading to her resignation and the departure of trusted allies. However,
Philo faces a moral dilemma when she endures sexual harassment to obtain critical
evidence of Mother Molly's wrongdoing. A pivotal moment arises when Mother Molly
gets arrested, and Philo, desperate for acceptance, spends extravagantly on her
birthday celebration. Despite Philo's efforts, Mother Molly cancels the celebration,
leaving her financially drained. Mother Molly, sensing deception, questions Philo's
loyalty. To regain trust, Philo orchestrates a dangerous plot, risking her life by hiring a
man to stab her instead of Mother. This shocking act solidifies their bond, and Philo
gains Mother Molly's trust. The two confide in each other, revealing personal secrets.
However, the story takes a darker turn when Philo's supposed stepsister Rigel exposes
her true intentions and burns her condo. Philo, facing financial ruin, turns to Mother
Molly for help, leading to a heartbreaking revelation. Mother Molly unveils knowledge of
Philo's plan, including her real identity and the staged relationship with Rigel. Mother
Molly meets her demise in a tragic accident on that day, her birthday while following
Philo after their bloody quarrel.

The story remarkably values humanity through Philo's actions despite facing
unjust and inhumane experiences. Despite the immense challenges she endures, Philo
exhibits a resilient spirit by repeatedly reporting the Zab scandal video, demonstrating
her commitment to justice and protecting others from harm. Her act of shielding
Charles's victim and providing her with shoes showcases Philo's empathy and advocacy
for women's rights, emphasizing her belief in supporting those who have suffered
injustices. Additionally, Philo's reluctance to see the paid man who stabbed her get
hurt, as revealed in her grimace at Mother Molly's video, suggests a nuanced
perspective on retribution. This highlights Philo's capacity for forgiveness and
understanding, emphasizing a deep-rooted humanity that transcends the harsh
circumstances she faces. Overall, Philo's actions underscore the narrative's overarching
theme of valuing humanity amid adversity and injustice. Moreover, the story subtly
values equity over mere equality by addressing the nuanced differences and individual
needs of its characters. The narrative doesn't treat every character the same but
recognizes the unique circumstances they face. Philo, the protagonist, faces unjust
termination and seeks revenge against Mother Molly, who symbolizes a figure of power
and privilege. The story highlights the importance of addressing disparities and seeking
fairness based on individual circumstances rather than applying a one-size-fits-all
approach. Philo's fight for justice, particularly in advocating for women's rights and
protecting victims of injustice, underscores the narrative's emphasis on equity—
ensuring that everyone gets what they need based on their specific situations, rather
than a blanket, equal treatment. By acknowledging the varying challenges and
experiences of its characters, the story subtly advocates for a more nuanced
understanding of fairness, aligning with the principle of equity over simple equality.

Philo's upbringing and the advice from her late mother to be a good girl for a better
world adds a poignant layer to her character in "A Very Good Girl." Despite her efforts
to adhere to this guidance, her life unfolds with a series of unfortunate events. This
portrayal introduces a realistic dimension to the narrative, reflecting the unpredictability
and challenges that individuals may face, regardless of their efforts to do what's
considered morally right. Philo's experiences serve as a reminder that goodness and
virtue do not always shield individuals from life's complexities and hardships. This
aspect of the story adds depth to Philo's character, illustrating the tension between
personal values and the harsh realities of the world. This story serves as a thought-
provoking exploration of revenge, morality, and the consequences of seeking justice.
Philo's journey reflects the complex nature of human actions driven by past injustices.
The story prompts reflection on the blurred lines between vengeance and personal
integrity, as Philo grapples with challenging decisions to confront Mother Molly.
Additionally, the tragic twists in the narrative underline the unpredictability of life and
the unforeseen outcomes of one's actions. Overall, "A Very Good Girl" invites readers to
ponder the intricate web of human motivations and the ethical quandaries that arise in
the pursuit of justice. Absolutely, the saying "sometimes, the best revenge is 'no be
there' suggests that avoiding a situation or not participating in revenge can be more
beneficial. This perspective recognizes that engaging in revenge may cause more harm
than good, potentially perpetuating a cycle of negativity and escalating conflicts.
Choosing not to seek revenge can be a form of self-preservation and a way to break the
cycle, fostering a more positive and constructive approach to handling challenging
situations.