Because this isn’t a fairy tale, and there is no actual ‘adventure’ taking place, this can be viewed as the protagonist refusing to take on the quest he is being presented. Realizing this allows the reader to understand that the story is then moving on to the second stage – the struggle, or initiation. Usually during the struggle/initiation of a monomyth archetype structure in a story, the hero figure being presented is exploring their unconscious self, and realizing their deepest fears and concerns. In ‘The Step Not Taken’, the narrator expressed that he is haunted with a sense of regret for not doing anything to help the man in the elevator. In his own way, this is him
This causes him to make decisions that the boy views as wrong in order to survive. Exile can also be enriching. Sophocles showed this in his Oedipus trilogy. Oedipus’ exile forced him to examine his life and therefore move past his mistakes and hope for the future. The father and sons’ experience is much the same.
A sudden strained gasp. Turning toward the noise, I was astonished to see the young man drop his briefcase and burst into tears.” This quote introduces the protagonist to his challenge; he is being initiated into the main event of the story which he must internalize, then proceed with an action. The unexpected shock of seeing the stranger cry, and being the only other person in the elevator is the start of this journey. Being confused and unaware of what to do, the protagonist opts to do nothing and thus leading him to his deep-rooted feelings of regret and guilt. “The elevator stopped on the 10th floor and, without looking back, I stepped out.
This point in the story signifies the transition from an external journey to an internal struggle of the protagonist. The man’s conscience now appears as the benevolent guide causing him to dwell on his initial decision to do nothing; now he has accepted the quest: to determine what the correct actions were in that situation. The struggle now begins; there are so many scenarios and unanswered questions that can never be answered because of one decision. “What could have possibly overwhelmed him to such an extent that he was unable to keep from crying out,” people do not burst out sobbing for nothing especially not in public; “did he have an incurable disease,” the thousands of possibilities that could have massed themselves to bring this human being to his breaking point will never be known. Paul had even been reassured that his actions were right by others, but you must fight basic instinct to ignore another human that is suffering, it is unnatural.
They id not respond appropriately to allegations of abuse. They had not responded to or considered complaints and views of people about the service. Investigations into the conduct of staff were not robust enough and had not safeguarded the residents. The report said that it was now clear that the problems at Winterbourne View were far worse than initially indicated by the whistle-blower and that the provider had effectively misled the Q.C.Q by not keeping them informed about incidents as required by
When the man in the elevator with him starts to cry, the author is faced with the decision of either helping the man or giving him his space. Without giving it much thought,
These layers of suspense greatly add in looking into Tom’s head and understanding if Tom can comprehends the peril he put himself into. In the end, Tom brought the entire ordeal upon himself. Had he decided to not be so greedy and selfish, he would have gone out with his wife and enjoyed the night, rather than experiencing one of the most horrific events of his life. Instead, he finds himself on this narrow little ledge, very much regretting the past few decisions he had made. The author does a great job of making this apparent, and chooses to show it through irony, cause and effect, and suspense.
This, being the tests (physical, emotional or spiritual) have arose. Followed by the final test. The hero of the story is out of the elevator and does not seem to look back, standing in the hallway he rushes thoughts in mind with guilt and uncertainty. He contemplates the possible solutions he could have derived to. He thinks of the possibilities of approaching the man, of had confronted him.
Paul's journey begins whilst sharing an elevator on the way in to work... “When it happened. A sudden strained gasp. Turning toward the noise, I was astonished to see the young man drop his brief-case and burst into tears” Rather than engage the young man, he takes the path of least resistance and exits the elevator. He stands in the hallway and questions his inaction This refusal to act brings about a mixed bag of emotions dominated by guilt and uncertainty. It's a this point that the benevolent guide intervenes, in Paul's case , his inner-self, representative of the pondering of the many explanations that could have justified the young man's breakdown.
Critical Essay English 30-1 The Road- editied draft A person truly does not know how strong one is until they are faced with such disaster and misfortune, and being strong becomes the only option. In Cormac McCarthys The Road, a man and his son experience a world apocalypse and the hardships that follows. Survival is the only option, as they are greatly impacted by danger and the thieving unknown. The texts main theme suggests how one can overcome such adversity, through elation and persistency. McCarthy shows that by the man staying true to himself and his morals, he is able to overcome immoral opponents that were personified as being selfish, through acts of cannibalism.