Bluffing Gail Helgason Analysis

Bluffing Write it Now Essay

The inherent dichotomy between the two principal characters---Gabriella and Liam---is best reflected in the contrast of character traits, aptitudes, and characteristics. Through the character analysis of one character, Gabriella, the attributes of the other character, Liam, will be unravelled. In the short story “Bluffing” by Gail Helgason, Gabriella, a grade 10 biology teacher, emits characteristics, attitudes, and intentions that are realistic, caring, and selfless.

Firstly, with clearly established and well-envisioned realistic motivations, Gabriella stays true to the real world. Gabriella’s fundamental purpose as to why she participated in the hike with Liam was to clear up uncertainties about their housing

situation, wanting to discuss the possibility of “signing a one-year lease.” Whereas Liam is depicted as a short-sighted materialistic consumerist, Gabriella does not want to “[get] a little long on [Liam’s] kind of fantasy.” As a responsible person who has the rational capacity of weighing future outlooks based on principles that would contribute to a sustainable relationship, after being informed about the leasing possibility and considering the “tight” housing conditions in Jasper, Gabriella was clearly determined to take the lease and definitely was not expecting Liam’s ludicrous proposal of “living on [Clive’s] old van” during the wintertime. It is no coincidence that the landlord “always speaks to [Gabriella]” about matters regarding well-thought out decisions, not to Liam. The shock expressed by Gabriella upon hearing LIam’s selfishly-dictated and short-sighted decision goes to further highlight Gabriella’s personal values---staying realistic, making sustainable decisions, and taking fiscal responsibility.

Secondly, having clear emotional attachments to ehr lover, Gabriella showcases her emotional and caring side in wanting to build a constructive relationship with Liam. Regardless of the cruelty and cold emotions that Liam emits, Gabriella performs her utmost best to follow through with his actions and decisions. Even though LIam always “[stays] in the lead and does not express compassion towards her, she does her best to keep up with LIam’s pace, running to match his pace. Furthermore, despite knowing that “[Liam] wasn’t always willing to learn from people who might know more than he did,” Gabriella still does her best to educate Liam about wildlife, allowing her emotional and caring side that wants to help Liam acquire knowledge to overtake her rationale that exposes Liam’s selfish and authoritarian presence. Gabriella does not want to foster a hostile relationship with LIam and, in most cases, submits to his authority, letting him have it his way, thereby, showing her desire to maintain a long-lasting relationship.

Finally, being willing to sacrifice herself for Liam, Gabriella retains a strong-willed determination that is fundamentally selfless in nature.

Stemmed from an innate affection for Liam, courage, boldness, and strong willpower are characteristics that Gabriella catalyzes; these reactants ultimately fuel the products in the form of sacrifices---to time, to life, and to true emotions. The short story starts with Gabriella frantically rushing to enter into the Jasper hospital, almost “[losing[ her footing” on the hospital steps. Persuaded by the slight possibility of visiting Liam, she proceeds to visit Liam “everyday for the last three weeks.” Moreover, upon “Liam’s insistence,” Gabriella is willing to prepare a cleaning solution that took “twice as long to remove grime as the concentrate she bought at the janitorial supply store. The amount of time and effort that Gabriella commits to her relationship---even to the simplest of chores---is immense. Not only is Gabriella willing to waste her time on trivial chores at the desire of Liam, but she also is willing to put her own life at stake for the benefit of Liam. During the encounter with a grizzly bear, although the act of making sounds may have put her own life in peril, Gabriella remains calm, using all of her willpower to speak out instructions to Liam---to “[back] off slowly” and “bluff” the bear. Additionally, Gabriella desires to suppress her true feelings about LIam’s condition, forcing a “bluff” smile on her face,

biting down on her fist to “keep from screaming,” and attempting to “manage this way, for the afternoon, at least.” By sacrificing her time, life, and true feelings for the sake of Liam, Gabriella stays loyal and selfless.

Having adopted polar opposite character traits to the immature, cold, and selfish Liam, Gabriella prioritizes realistic motivations and long-term societal values, showcases traces of emotional, educational, and compassionate perspectives to maintain a long-lasting relationship, and carries the willpower and courage to make personal sacifices---of time, life, and emotions.At the end of the day, Gail Helgason leaves the reader to question the sustainability of this ill-fated relationship and the determinations we must make in effectively constructing our own relationships.