Examples Of Selfishness In The Elephant By Gail Helgason

Although the world is plagued with disease, inequality, poverty, and crime, one of the most destructive aspects in society is selfishness. It is often in an individual’s human nature to fend for themselves, disregarding the effect their decisions will have on other societal members. As a result, selfish decisions are made, leading these individuals closer towards failure. In the short stories “The Elephant” by Slawomir Mrozek and “Bluffing” by Gail Helgason, the characters each experience a negative outcome as a result of their self-centered decisions. Firstly, both characters are initially in a situation where their decisions will have a great impact on others as well as themselves. However, they both make selfish choices which only seem to

Firstly, in “The Elephant,” the zoo director’s self-centered plan to obtain an elephant for his zoo in attempt for a raise results in a very negative outcome. Upon the project’s completion, a group of school children visiting the zoo look at the fabricated elephant on display with admiration, believing it is real. However, a gust of wind soon blows over, taking control of the elephant. The elephant floats into the sky, casting a shadow as it flies across the sky, later found deflated after landing on a cactus. As a result, the school children “started neglecting their studies and turned into hooligans. It is reported that they drink liquor and break windows. And they no longer believe in elephants.” () The zoo director’s pursuit for a career advancement through selfish means negatively impacts the children that witnessed this incidence. As these children no longer take responsibility for their education, their future will be consequently unproductive. Next, in “Bluffing,” the grizzly bear ironically chases after Liam as he selfishly attempts to run away, abandoning his girlfriend. Not only left critically injured, Liam’s face, once his pride and joy, is now the antithetical of its original. As the bandages peel away, “Liam’s forehead emerges, what is left of his eyebrows, just shadowy lines really, then his cheeks and chin. Beneath the bandages, the skin is all puffed up, mottled, with ridges of shiny, rubbery scar tissue crisscrossing like tributaries on a map.” () Without his former appearance, Liam’s aspiration to have his photo in a high-tech outdoor gear magazine while prestigious companies seek his endorsement is now unachievable. As a result, his self-centered choice did not work in his favour, crushing his dreams in the process. Overall, both character choose to ignore the impact their decision will have on others, resulting in