Read the example passage of intertextuality and answer the questions that follow.

“The Apple of Eden”

By Marvic Legaspi

“Take a bite, take a bite.

To the apple that would open your sight.”

This is paradise-- that was a thought. Everything we see is just, according to our sight. Everything is right,
but never do try the slightest bite on the fruit that the Almighty forbids. But, we did just as how the serpent
planned. Thus, the sin of life flowed like the juice of its fruit. The sight was unbearable to my eyes. This is our
sin.

We were so enticed by the curiosity of why we should not. But not I do see the truth of all of these. I am not
being deprived of eating the fruit but rather, protected from the world’s iniquity. The paradise I once thought was
just a facade of this world-- and the apple of Eden made me see its veracity. The more I know, the more horrors
I see; my knowledge is the epitome of my sin.

As I walked farther into the garden, the truth began to unfold upon my being. I saw the fruit gradually altering
my paradise. This fruit contributed industrial revolution that my kin named progress while it continuously
deteriorates this Promised Land. I gazed upon nations and nations being destroyed by bombs created using the
forbidden fruit of knowledge-- people killing people using the intellect bestowed by the sinful fruit of Eden. I hear
fallacy on every corner of this land -- truths are covered, facts are burnt, suspicions and accusations of terrorism
and coup gave to anyone who speaks with just one click. This is the sin. This is a sin. This is-- Sin…

Nonetheless, I began to see the positivity amidst this madness. Progress might lead us towards a better and
brighter tomorrow. Peace was obtained through diplomacy after the war. Communication was integrated through
the unceasing innovation of human technology. This is progress, and the fruit the bore the sin is the reason for
all of these.

In the end, the fruit bore more destruction over the ages. And as you read this passage of a lifelong journey
bearing this sin, the fruit will still continue to wreak havoc on this paradise. History is its records, memory is its
flaw, and time is its weapon-- for we will sin for as long as we live.

“This is the fruit of sin -- The apple of Eden.

Time will tell this land’s destruction
This is the sin of the apple that opened your sight.”

A. Explain

1. What do you think is the reference of the passage, “The Apple of Eden”?

2. What does the apple symbolize?

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3. Does the aspect of gaining wisdom is based on eating the fruit? Explain.

4. Elaborate this line from the passage: “The more I know, the more horrors I see; my knowledge is the
epitome of my sin.” What do you think is the impact of this line to the readers?

5. What do you think is the message of the last paragraph? Explain it with at least three sentences.