The following question was asked:
"What do you think drove the characters to succumb to their weaknesses? And do you think these qualities are innate or that they were reactions in response to societal stimulus?"
Response:
I think that everyone experiences some sort of weakness but not all are able to overcome it. I'm not exactly sure why the two characters in the Maupassant story succumbed to their weaknesses, perhaps it is because it is much easier to just give up. Also, we cannot ignore that societal pressures are sometimes a huge burden which is difficult to ignore. However, I would hope that the negative characteristics shown in the story are not innate but rather socially constructed. Unfortunately, I feel that Maupassant is suggesting that they are innate, just as he seems to be suggesting that the social conduct of the characters (that is, the greed) is proof that human beings are naturally greedy. I would like to believe that if you took society away that people are innately good (and even in society) but I'm not sure I have much proof for this other than a gut feeling. Chicot and Magloire represent the opposite- they seem to have no remorse for their actions. But maybe there's more to it?
It's hard to accept, but I think that Maupassant is showing exactly the nature of people (i don't think that society is at fault, although what are we withought the society, we are a creation of the society, aren't we?). Unfortunately it is innate for people to have some negative qualities and the hard thing is to fight it, ovecome it, in order to be better.
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