What determines who and what a person becomes in life? What influences the choices they make? Is it the expectations of others around them? Does their environment play a role? Is it the actions of others? Could it be the circumstances at the given moment? What is the defining factor that ultimately leads a person to decide? The Cider House Rules, by John Irving, is a story of Homer Wells, an orphan who strives to find his unique place in the world and his definite purpose. He must consider the influence each of these components have on his decision as a young orphan growing up, but the ultimate defining factor is his right to choose. The expectations of others and one’s environment can have a powerful influence on the decisions a person
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Some legally, some socially, and others morally. People are expected to do the right thing. It seems pretty black and white. But the grey lines come in when one tries to define “What is right?” Where does a person turn to decide? Do they look to religion? Family? The law? With the influences of other people, environment, the actions of others, and circumstances, how do they know they are making the right decision? While Homer was at the apple orchard, there was a list of rules posted on the wall for the workers. Homer wondered why they didn’t follow the rules. Mr. Rose responded, “We got our own rules”. Many people live this way. They generally abide by the rules and laws, but if they can find a way to justify their behavior, they do so. These rules were much like the rules of society. Many people feel rules are meant to be broken. In the end, every person has a right to decide. They each have a choice for their own life. They have a right to choose their path and the course of their actions. However, they are not free from the consequences those choices bring. Some people will experience repercussions in other areas of their life that can reproduce a ripple effect of consequences, while others may be penalized by governing forces such as parents, employers, and law officials as a result of their
Some legally, some socially, and others morally. People are expected to do the right thing. It seems pretty black and white. But the grey lines come in when one tries to define “What is right?” Where does a person turn to decide? Do they look to religion? Family? The law? With the influences of other people, environment, the actions of others, and circumstances, how do they know they are making the right decision? While Homer was at the apple orchard, there was a list of rules posted on the wall for the workers. Homer wondered why they didn’t follow the rules. Mr. Rose responded, “We got our own rules”. Many people live this way. They generally abide by the rules and laws, but if they can find a way to justify their behavior, they do so. These rules were much like the rules of society. Many people feel rules are meant to be broken. In the end, every person has a right to decide. They each have a choice for their own life. They have a right to choose their path and the course of their actions. However, they are not free from the consequences those choices bring. Some people will experience repercussions in other areas of their life that can reproduce a ripple effect of consequences, while others may be penalized by governing forces such as parents, employers, and law officials as a result of their