Kristine Louise Supieza
11 ABM-2
Activity 1. “The Molave and the Orchid” by F. Sionel Jose.
Instructions. Read and understand the story “The Molave and the Orchid” by F. Sionel Jose. Then,
answer the following questions below.
1. What does the molave and the orchid symbolize in the real word?
Humans are symbolized by the molave and the orchid. We could be the molave, the orchid, or both,
depending on how we see ourselves. The molave symbolizes those who understand their own power.
The orchid symbolizes those who understand their purpose in life.
2. Criticize the two main characters in the story based on their perspective about life and one’s
existence.
For the molave, we live and exist to surpass everyone and ourselves. The molave thinks so highly of
himself that he doesn’t even look at those he’s stepping on; for him, he exists to be better than
everyone else; he’s big and old, but he’s never been used; the molave sees himself as something
praiseworthy, which is good, but it needs to be limited. For the orchid, we live and exist to be of use.
The orchid views herself as a thing that’s okay to be disposed. She said, she exists to be used, she never
viewed herself as a flower that blooms and withers and blooms again, she recognizes her purpose but
for me, she never recognized herself. The molave knows who he truly is but he didn’t recognize his
purpose, meanwhile, the molave knows what her purpose is but she isn’t aware who she is. Both of
them have points, how they grew up explains their perspectives.
3. Have you ever experienced pushing away the people who try to care for you? Briefly narrate
your experience.
I’ve never had the experience of shoving people away who care for me. Like them, I also care for myself.
I have my own set of boundaries; if I’m not comfortable with what they’re offering, I’ll decline, but I’ll
never push them away. Like them, I also care.
4. If you were the molave, would you keep pushing away the clingy orchid?
Initially, I would push the orchid away, like what the molave did. But, also like the molave, I’d stop and
just let the orchid hang on me, because she taught me things I didn’t know. Personally, I believe that the
orchid enhances the beauty of my axe scars. I am an old tree with a beautiful orchid sticking on me, it is
just lovely. If I were the molave, I would not keep pushing the clingy orchid away.
5. If you were the orchid, would you still stay with the molave even if it keeps on pushing you
away? Why?
Yes, I would stay. The more he pushes me away, the more I want to stay. Aside from it’s my fate to stay
with him, I want to know why he thinks like that, why our views differ. He’ll be there standing proud and
strong, and I’ll be there clinging to him beautifully. Maybe, it’s also my purpose, to stay with him and
talk about our perspectives. If I were the orchid, I’d stay.
6. What lesson does this story imply regarding chances and choices?
Take that risk, change yourself. Life is all about choices and chances. You make a choice and take a
chance. Choices are always there but chances are limited so use it to your own advantage, make
yourself better.
7. What lesson does this story convey regarding one’s purpose and meaning?
No one is useless. Everyone has a purpose and meaning that will last even if they die. To recognize them,
don’t look at yourself highly. All of us have a gift or talent that we can offer to others. Blend this
uniqueness you have with others, give it as a service, and you’ll definitely learn. Purpose and meaning is
innate to everyone, to make use of it, recognize it.
8. Comment on the ending of the story. If you were the author, would you end it that way? If not,
then how?
Personally, the ending is beautiful. In the beginning, the molave and the orchid argued about purposes
and reasons, in the end, it was given to them, which I find perfect and suitable. The sturdy molave will
be a table and a sculpture that will please everyone’s eyes, while, the orchid will be a decoration that
will make a home beautiful. That’s their purposes and reasons, to be beautiful and be used. If I were the
author, I still would end the story that way.