GEC 19

Life and Works

of Rizal
Astraquillo, David
Bergancia, Patricia Anne
Bonavente, Mary Grace
Cervantes, Trixia
De Luna, Faye
Dioneda, Sarah
BSN 4B Villanueva, Joyce
Group 3
 Activity A
Reflect on why Rizal highlighted the story of the moth in the last
chapter of his Memorias. What was the message intended by Rizal
through this story? Is the moral of the story still applicable for today's
generation? What does the light symbolize?
 What was the message intended by
Rizal through this story?
The intended message was to warn of the risks of the obsession. This is because when we become
obsessed with something, we tend to overlook everything around us and act in irrational and risky ways that
might bring us great harm. The story of the Moth was to follow the warning of dangers towards the desire. The
desire of the Moth to the light led him to death. This is because when we let our desire consume us with
something, we tend to ignore everything around us and act in an impulsive and dangerous way, which can
cause us to get hurt or even death.
In the story of the moth, just like every mother, they prioritize their child more than anyone, every
lectures is a guidance from them so that we won’t fell in a trap and suffer, this is how they show their love
sometimes we find it unreasonable and we misunderstood it but mother’s love is really about endless care. This
story is not really far from the relationship of Jose Rizal with his mother, she influenced him in his life. She
was his inspiration and valued everything she taught in him in life.
There is also another message intended in the story of the Moth, it describes that rather than
maintaining ordinary conventionalities, individuals should actively fulfill their own satisfactions and desires by
freely expressing their own interests rather than conceding to longevity. It implies that there are things that
certain people are willing to do even if it may cost them their lives to satisfy there goals or needs.
 Is the moral of the story still applicable for
today's generation?
The moral of the story applies in today's society because we are increasingly obsessed with aesthetics, celebrities,
erroneous politics, extremism, among other things. Today's generation some of us act impulsively without thinking the
consequences of what they are doing. We must not let our desire control our rationality and must think carefully before
doing something because sometimes it could led us to hurt ourselves.
Another moral lesson from the moth story that applies in today's generation is obedience we should always obey
those that are older than you, especially your parent, because they know better. The little moth in the story died because
he disobeyed his parent and went close to the flame, which burnt him to death. We humans sometimes behave this way
when we are told to stay away from danger or evil we tend to do the opposite. Especially the generation today there are
some people who does not listen to there parents and do what they want to do in there life, which in the end they get hurt,
just like the little moth while he was approaching the fire he wanted to touch it, forgetting the advice of her mother gave
him. In the story, we were made to understand that his mother told him never to go close to the flame as they will burn
him to ashes, but he was stubborn and went closer than he was supposed to. There is no harm when we obey in our
mother’s word. Like an old saying that "mother knows best".  
 What does the light symbolize?
The light symbolizes the danger disguised as something beautiful and attractive, but which is fatal.
The light is seemingly pleasing to the eye, but can cause harm. Light like fire bright and shinning, but if
you get closer you'll get burn. It is a flame that could make us blind about the truth that we would get
hurt. Like a moth who will give up anything including life to attain their desire and attracted to the beauty
and warmth of the flame.
Rizal's narrative is about a moth who becomes captivated with and drawn to the glowing light of a
lamp. The moth's obsession is so strong that he keeps getting closer and closer to the bulb, rejecting all
warnings to stay away. This eventually burns her wings and kills her. The moral of the story is that we must
not allow our obsessions to dictate our reasoning, and we must always consider whether what fascinates us
is truly beneficial to us. Before acting, it is critical to think through one's options. This is due to the fact that
there are frequently multiple solutions to a given problem. Some answers to problems are self-evident.
Others necessitate cautious consideration.