The moral story of Bienvenido Santos's "Scent of Apples" deeply explores the enduring and profound longing for one's homeland that persists even after decades of living abroad. It illustrates how the emotional pull of one's roots and the effects of homesickness can shape an individual's life, serving as a constant reminder of what has been left behind.
The Ever-Present Ache of Homesickness
At its heart, "Scent of Apples" reveals that while immigrants may build new lives and achieve success in foreign lands, the connection to their country of origin remains powerful and often painful. The story emphasizes:
- Unwavering Connection: The protagonist, a Filipino professor living in the United States, carries his homeland within him. Despite his adaptation to American life, memories and desires for the Philippines are always near the surface.
- Symbolism of the Scent: The titular "scent of apples," while seemingly American, ironically triggers a poignant realization for the protagonist. It becomes a symbolic reminder of the vast cultural and experiential differences between his adopted country and his beloved Philippines, further accentuating his internal conflict and sense of distance.
- Emotional Weight of Absence: The narrative portrays homesickness not merely as a fleeting sadness but as a deep-seated emotional state that affects one's perspective, relationships, and sense of belonging. It highlights the sacrifices and emotional toll taken by those who leave their native land.
Key Themes and Insights
The moral fabric of the story is woven through several universal themes that resonate with anyone who has experienced displacement or a yearning for 'home':
- Nostalgia and Memory: The story vividly depicts how memories, often triggered by simple sensory details like a scent, can transport individuals back to their past, highlighting the powerful role of nostalgia in shaping identity.
- Cultural Identity: It delves into the complexities of maintaining one's cultural identity when immersed in a foreign culture. The protagonist grapples with what it means to be Filipino while living far from the Philippines.
- The Price of Migration: While migration often offers opportunities, the story subtly asks what emotional price is paid for these opportunities, particularly the feeling of being perpetually caught between two worlds.
Table: Core Elements of the Moral Story
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Core Message | The indelible and persistent nature of homesickness and the longing for one's homeland. |
| Primary Symbol | The "scent of apples" – representing the contrast between the US and the Philippines, and triggering profound memories. |
| Emotional Impact | Highlights the emotional toll of displacement and the constant internal pull towards one's roots. |
| Universal Relevance | Resonates with anyone who has left their home country or experienced a deep sense of longing. |
Living with the Longing
The moral story does not offer a solution to this longing but rather an acknowledgement of its reality. It suggests that for many immigrants, the feeling of being from somewhere else never truly fades. Instead, it becomes a part of their identity, a quiet companion through life's journey. Bienvenido Santos masterfully conveys that home is not just a physical place, but an emotional and spiritual anchor that continues to exert its influence, no matter the distance or the passage of time.
