Carlos's Gambling In The Man From The South

There are numerous cases in real life where gambling leads to poverty and suicidal intentions. However, Carlos, the main character in the Man from the South, took another step forward. This psychotic man bets on people's fingers and gambles with property that is not even his. Now, chopping off one's finger is indeed a very gruesome chore. However, this would have never been possible if Carlos does not possess some specific traits. First of all, Carlos's persuasion is so strong that the baited victims have no second thoughts of backing out. Secondly, Carlos's steel will and ruthlessness that is required to perform this violent act is also a major influence on his character. Lastly, Carlos maintains a calm profile throughout the story. This combined …show more content…
This is because all of his treacherous bets begins with his ability to lure the victim into accepting his proposal. First of all, Carlos lures the victim with greed then reinforces it with taunts: " 'What year is the Cadillac?' the boy asked. 'Excuse. I not understand.' [Carlos] 'What year-how old is the Cadillac?' 'Ah! How old? Yes. It is last year. Quite new car. But I see you are not betting man. Americans never are' " (Dahl 60-61). Carlos starts by manipulating the greed in the sailor boy by saying that the Cadillac is quite new. Then, Carlos taunts the sailor boy by saying that he is afraid to accept the bet. In psychology, this is known as "Type B" behavior pattern; the need to prove oneself. The sailor boy's desperate need of approval motivated him to accept the bet. However, to further promote the gamble, Carlos expressively stressed on how low the cost is for the bet. By doing this, Carlos seemingly lowered the risk for the …show more content…
Carlos is already scheming his plots when he just meet the sailor boy. Even though, the bet was just improvised when he meet the boy, the plot still went all according to plan. This incredible forward-thinking and accuracy of his schemes is amazing since he had just met he boy and the plot has been executed all according to plan. This is dreadfully menacing because you cannot tell what kind of deception Carlos has waiting for you. Finally, Carlos's scheming nature is ultimately reveled when he sets the layout of his room and "anyone would think the son of a bitch had done this before, I told myself. He ever hesitates. Tables, nails, hammer, kitchen chopper. He knows exactly what he need and how to arrange it" (Dahl 64). Even though he did this before, his forward-thinking and efficiency of his actions clearly shows that he planned this ahead of time. It is amazing how he begins with the bait and after the victim is lured in, he develops the act so rapidly that the victim have no time to change his mind. This is obviously part of the plan: to first offer a martini to reduce the victim's logic and judgment while sealing the bet with speed to prevent the victim from withdrawing. This scheming nature of Carlos is also a major reason that he is so successful in these psychotic