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Reflection Balota

The reflection paper analyzes the story 'Balota,' highlighting its exploration of political corruption through the personal journey of Emmy, who transforms from a passive observer to a reluctant vigilante amid escalating violence during a small-town election. The narrative raises complex moral questions about justice and complicity, illustrating the high cost of challenging entrenched power and the ongoing struggle against systemic corruption. Ultimately, it serves as a commentary on the sacrifices required for justice and the limitations of individual action in corrupt systems.

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Aldrin Marigondon
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90 views2 pages

Reflection Balota

The reflection paper analyzes the story 'Balota,' highlighting its exploration of political corruption through the personal journey of Emmy, who transforms from a passive observer to a reluctant vigilante amid escalating violence during a small-town election. The narrative raises complex moral questions about justice and complicity, illustrating the high cost of challenging entrenched power and the ongoing struggle against systemic corruption. Ultimately, it serves as a commentary on the sacrifices required for justice and the limitations of individual action in corrupt systems.

Uploaded by

Aldrin Marigondon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

REFLECTION PAPER: "BALOTA"

Name: MARJORIE A. DELOS REYES 1-


BEED BLOCK -14

This story is a powerful and unsettling exploration of the insidious


nature of political corruption and the heavy price paid by those who dare to
challenge it. The story unfolds not on a grand, national stage, but within the
microcosm of a single, seemingly insignificant election in a small town. This
intimate setting, however, amplifies the stakes, making the fight for electoral
integrity deeply personal and profoundly affecting. Emmy's journey is central
to the narrative's impact. She begins as an ordinary citizen, a teacher and
election worker simply doing her job. However, the escalating violence and
blatant corruption surrounding the 2007 election force her into a role far
beyond her expectations. Her transformation from passive observer to
reluctant vigilante is both compelling and tragic. The weight of responsibility
she carries – the literal weight of the ballot box chained to her – becomes a
potent symbol of the burden of upholding integrity in a system riddled with
deceit.

The story doesn't shy away from the moral ambiguities inherent in
Emmy's actions. The violence she commits, while born of desperation and a
commitment to justice, raises uncomfortable questions about the means
justifying the ends. This complexity prevents Emmy from becoming a simple
hero; she is a flawed, relatable character forced to make impossible choices
in an impossible situation. The deaths of Waks, Jimbo, and Melissa serve as
stark reminders of the high cost of challenging entrenched power. The
supporting characters further enrich the narrative's exploration of morality
and complicity. Morales's conflicted loyalty, born from a past indebted to
Emmy, highlights the nuanced nature of justice and the difficult choices
individuals face within corrupt systems. The contrasting ambitions of
Edraline and Hidalgo expose the pervasive nature of corruption,
demonstrating that even those who campaign on platforms of change can be
just as morally compromised as the incumbents they oppose.

The ending, while offering a small measure of justice with Hidalgo's


suspension, ultimately leaves a lingering sense of disillusionment. Emmy's
continued involvement in the electoral process, despite her cynicism,
suggests that the fight against corruption is an ongoing battle, a Sisyphean
task with no guaranteed victory. The cyclical nature of corruption, as
evidenced by Edraline's continued political aspirations, underscores the
deep-seated systemic issues that need to be addressed. In conclusion, this
narrative is more than just a thrilling story; it's a potent commentary on the
challenges of upholding integrity in a corrupt system. It forces a reflection
on the personal sacrifices required to fight for justice and the limitations of
individual action in the face of deeply entrenched societal problems.

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