12 Angrey Men

Ms. Arnott

"Selfishness and Selflessness"

In the story "Chip of Glass Ruby" I believe that there are many instances, in both main characters, of selfishness and selflessness. Selflessness in the sense that, one puts the well being of another before their own, and selfishness in the sense that one only cares for itself, and doesn't bother with the problems of others. Though, I believe both of the main characters share both characteristics, they share them in quite different manors.

One of the main characters named Mrs. Bamjee, in many ways, was very selfless, but at the same time showed signs of selfishness. Mrs. Bamjee has a very big concern with the social justice and creating equality among everyone. She was constantly working so hard for this, and on top of this big goal of hers, she has a husband and family to love and care for. Being a mother, and trying to save the world in her own way, is a lot of work, and a lot of time. All that work and time that Mrs. Bamjee was giving up for the well being of others, is something that not a lot of people are willing to give up. To me if you are able to help other people, and still give your heart and soul to your family, I believe that that is as selfless as you can get.

On the contrary, it can also be argued that Mrs. Bamjee was in some ways quite selfish. Yes, she was helping many people that she did not know, and yes she was beginning to make a difference, but she also has a husband and family that when she was out doing all this, could feel a bit neglected. She was out helping all these strangers, and maybe didn't spend enough time worrying about the people that she knows, and loves. What makes me think this is the simple reaction of her family. Not including Mr. Bamjee, for the most part I think that her children support what she is trying to do. On the other hand they do need and want their mother around just as much as any child would. So in the sense, and from the perspective, it can be argued that she is a bit selfish.

Another main character in the story is Mr. Bamjee. In "Chip of Glass Ruby", Mr. Bamjee showed his main characteristic being selfish. He had a wife that was doing something to make this world a better place, and didn't support it at all. Like most human beings, in the sense that all he truly cared about was himself, he was more concerned with the welfare of himself, and how he looked to society, that he could not see the bigger picture of what his wife was trying very hard to accomplish. In my opinion, he believes that everyone needs to learn to look out for themselves, and everything will be solved. He believes that Mrs. Bamjee should