Moralism In The Glass Roses

Every single day, people are faced with decisions that need to be made. Sometimes these decisions seem small, unimportant, and as though they will have no significant impact on our lives in the long run. However, there will undoubtedly come a time when we will be faced with a circumstance involving much greater implications. When this time comes, they way we respond will determine the outcome. It can be easier to act in a more socially accepted manner, but in doing so, we cannot expect a personal gain. Going against what society has deemed acceptable can be very difficult, but it can be necessary in times when that which is being dictated isn t quite right. In the short story The
Glass Roses, protagonist Stephen is faced with conflicting views …show more content…
Leka believes a real man is sensitive and expressive of his emotions; he prays at meal time even though the other men snicker and make jokes about it. Leka s confidence to maintain his personal integrity and honesty even though the other men ridicule him for it is inspiration for Stephen. He develops the courage to consider both views he s been presented with regarding real manhood, and can now realize that there is more to being a man than working a job and being strong. Stephen can now define his own personal beliefs about how to live his life as a man, and because of Leka, has the courage and inspiration to see the beauty in the world.
Stephen s father begins to notice all the time his son and Leka spend together talking, laughing, and enjoying each other s company and so do the other pulp- cutters. They make ridiculous assumptions as to why Stephen and Leka spend so much time together, and they judge Leka, saying he is odd and has weird intentions just because he s from another country. Stephen s father orders his son to quit spending time with and talking to Leka because of the embarrassment it is causing him. At this moment Stephen feels pressured by his father to