The Half-Harvey Analysis

All people are born selfish and will only seek their own interest.” Thomas Hobbes believed that a sense of authority was needed for a society that had no perception of order. However, Jean-Jacques Rousseau recognized that humans lived in tranquility with each other through this statement, “The natural state of humans was one of peace and harmony.” Coming from two respected philosophers, these are two contradicting statements. The question of whether or not mankind is inherently good or evil has been debated for centuries. Are we truly virtuous? Or does the wicked nature overtake us? Harvey, from the story “The Half-Husky” by Margaret Laurence, demonstrates how living in a poor environment affects how you are mentally and physically. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry shows a utopian world where both morality exists and iniquity lurks as well. Furthermore, the two perspectives shown in “The Pencilsword: On a Plate” clearly show the effect that our personal experience has on us. Neither good …show more content…
Rather each person fluctuates between the light and the darkness based on how their quality of life is and the environment they are placed in. Some people may be brighter than others in terms of their human nature. In “The Half-Husky”, Harvey Shinwell’s life is flipped upside down when he is left under the care of an aunt who wants nothing to do with him. When placed under insufficient circumstances, there is a strong force that influences him to continue the aggressive behavior that haunted him his entire life. “The Giver” conveys how in some situations, the decision that is made for the greater good of society may have a darker effect that can negatively impact the group. There is a large contrast shown in “The Pencilsword: On a Plate” that acknowledges how tiny differences in personal experiences can change us without us knowing. Early proper development will lead to early amazing