Essay on Self-Gain: The Best Approach for a Virtuous Person in 'The Life You Save May Be Your Own'

In the current setting, individuals are mostly forced to make critical decisions under specific circumstances. When people make decisions, the decision can be for self-gain or general gain. Because some decision is easy to make while others are difficult to make, self-gain is the best approach to use as a virtuous person.

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In the novel "The Life You Save May Be Your Own" by Flannery O'Connor, characters are depicted via direct and indirect characterization. Arguably, the authors use direct characterization to portray the character of Old Woman's daughter by stating that "where would you find an innocent woman today" (O'Connor 2). However, while using indirect characterization, the author tend to use dialogue of other characters by using specific action and mannerism to display them. Indirect characterization can be seen in the phrase "nothing is like it used to be, lady" (O'Connor 2)The writer uses the two characterization parts and together. The character's identities are based on what it brings about the story in the end, either survival or demise. The writer uses the plot and different characterization to bring the end of characters like Mr. Shiftlet, Lucynell, and Mrs. Crater. Readers can easily see that Mr. Shiflet is shifty, Lucynell is innocence, and Mrs. Crater is momentous.

In the short story, "The Life You Save May Be Your Own," expound on things that can bring joy to Tom Shiftlet and what he decided to choose. A tramp, as he loiters around Craters' house in quest of a job. Since she wants her farm plough, Mrs. Crater, provides Shiftlet an accommodation in the car and he intends to feed him when he shall fix things properly in the house. Lucynell, Mrs. Crater's, is manipulated by the mother over Shiftlet. In essence, Shiflet is given the car to repair, which also is his area to live, and he is offered $ 17.50 as a price to marry Lucynell. As the story unfolds, Shiftlet agrees to accept the bribe.

The writer has effectively used symbolism to help readers to develop a meaningful connection. For instance, when Mr. Shiftlet is introduced, the writer reveals a figure that creates a crooked cross against the sky. Readers can conclude that Mr. Shiftlet is not a godly man. Such that Mr. Shiftlet is not a spiritual man, and his way of life is crooked. One of these traits is seen when he stops to help Lucynell fix her car (O'Connor 3). However, Lucynell lacks the money to pay him, but according to him, accommodation to sleep and eat in their house for free. After fixing some part of the house, Mr. Shiftlet begins to work on the car. Later, Mr. Shiftlet and Mrs. Cartel agree that he will be allowed to marry Lucynell. They go to the courthouse to conclude the issue of marriage. Lucynell and Tom begin their honeymoon in the car. Lucy dozes off in the table after stopping to eat. His ungodliness is portrayed when he left Lucynell at the restaurant table as he left with Mrs. Carter's car.

The title of the story "the Life You Save May Be Your Own Short Story" in its broader context is symbolically used. Mr. Shiftlet had stumble across Mrs. Crater's farm without realizing that fate had brought him close to fulfill a specific purpose (O'Connor 2). Mr. Shiftlet had been given a chance to assist the people by either saving his life and their lives. In other words, Shiftlet is allowed to love the unlovable. On the contrary, Shiftlet is quite busy in saving his own life despite being allowed to improve the experience of Mrs. Carter and Lucynell. In the description of Tom, readers expect that Mr. Shiflet might change his stance and develop into a trustworthy and reliable person. Readers expect that as the movie unfolds, Mr. Shiflet will become an improved potential of being a better caretaker and a husband.

The writer portrays Mr. Shiflet to have the attributes of selfish, convincing, and sly. The three character traits are revealed when Mr. Shiftlet meets Mrs. Crater and her deaf daughter. As a persuasive person, he makes a stance known for fixing the house without being paid. He is selfish in the sense that even though he is not interested in the money, his interest in the car is undoubted (O'Connor 3). Mr. Shiftley is cunning as he convinces Mrs. Crater that he is interested in marrying her daughter. On honeymoon, his selfish self is revealed as he leaves his newlywed lying on the table as he drove off with the car.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by the use of symbolism, the writer touches the need on why people should be careful in making decisions, such as having a responsible marriage. Mr. Shiftlet is desperate to avoid his marriage to access materialistic gains. He believes that by having a lot of wealth, he can make himself unfit and undesirable of any commitment. Readers understand that Mr. Shiflet has failed to love the unlovable Mrs. Carter and Shiftlet.

Works Cited

O'Connor, F. The life you save may be your own: Short story. HarperCollins, 2015.