In Tagore’s short story, “Punishment”, the consequence of trying to cover up a crime results in the loss of another innocent life. The ethical issue that shows most in this story is that someone’s selfishness can cause another’s suffering. People will go to extreme lengths in order to achieve a selfish form of happiness, which is shown in the beginning of the story when it is stated, “He even once or twice wondered if it would be better if she were dead: at least he would get some peace then. Human beings can hate each other more than death” (896). This hatred and greediness can cause a person to not think clearly, which is present at both the scene of the crime, as well as at the decision of the court. Dukhiram kills his wife because he thinks that this would bring him peace. Therefore, it is obvious that he is selfish. Chandara, who is not as obvious, is also trying to achieve happiness in a selfish way. She uses Chidam’s mistake as a way to take revenge. She goes to the drastic measure of allowing herself to be killed in order to teach him a lesson. It is extremely selfish to punish someone in that way because she knew he admitted his lies in order to save her, yet she still left him with a curse of lifelong regret.
Assignment 7
October 30, 2015 Written by k.matthes | 2 Comments
Categories: Uncategorized
2 responses so far ↓
k.vataj // Oct 30th 2015 at 10:21 pm
I like how you chose your ethical reason as “selfishness.” Both parties exhibit selfishness in their decisions that they make. I almost chose my topic as this because I thought the quote, “He even once or twice wondered if it would be better if she were dead: at least he would get some peace then…” was an excellent line and it stuck in my head after reading this short story. This quote showed how toxic their relationship was; it was filled with envy and unfairness. I thought Chandara felt better off dead to live with her immoral husband. Although I like how you connected it to her punishing him. It is extremely unethical to cause suffering to another human being because of selfish behavior.
JMERLE // Oct 31st 2015 at 12:29 pm
Kelly,
This is a very perceptive analysis and interpretation of the idea of selfishness, an issue that not everyone sees as important in this narrative, but an issue that I agree is central, at least from one perspective. You also do a good job connecting this idea to the ending.
Nicely done!
10/10