Even people that appear perfect have character flaws. While not always fatal theses flaws are there. Many people in today’s society have been brought up to hide their imperfections. Hiding them always seems to be the answer. As a whole species we want to please other people because, humans are social creatures. Almost everyone growing up was taught the standard response to someone asking how they are doing. It has become clear that everybody has some reason for appearing to be who they so badly want to be thought of. Actually the majority of people are not who they say they are there just wearing a mask, a social mask.
The daily conversations exchanged between two or more individuals and light and fluffy conversation where imperfections are still safely hidden away. In “The Interlopers” Saki and Travels with Charley the main characters definitely have flaws some would even call fatal. Both authors use relationships to enlighten their readers on how internal and external conflicts are necessary to become more aware and comfortable to admit their imperfections. In “The Interlopers” two men that are involved in a multigenerational long feud are faced with the same destiny after facing the same conflicts.
Their inability to overcome such a small obstacle ends up costing then their lives. It is painful that “Georg, who was nearly blinded with the blood which trickled across his eyes, stopped his struggle for a moment to listen, and then gave a short, snarling laugh. ” (Saki 10) had this reaction appose to trying to make a plan with Ulrich to get them unpinned from the fallen trees and to safety. Neither man was willing to keep the past in the past and work together. This inflated ego and pride is an example of a flaw that became fatal even though appearing minor.
In Travels with Charley when the narrator was told bringing his poodle was a bad idea he insisted his dog would behave. In fact he said that “… This a dog of piece and tranquility. I suggest that the greatest danger to your bears will be pique at being ignored by Charley” (Steinbeck 937) Little did he know his dog had his mask on the whole time. Lying deep down in Charley was anger, aggression, or just a protective guard dog like instinct. Either ignoring advice from someone who knows best or being stubborn can result in trouble.
In the text Interlopers although previously willing to die rather than help each other Ulrich suddenly had a change of heart, this became apparent when he began talking to Georg Znaeym and stated “Neighbour,’ he said presently, ‘do as you please if your men come first. It was a fair compact. But as for me, I’ve changed my mind. If my men are the first to come you shall be the first to be helped, as though you were my guest. We have quarreled like devils all our lives over this stupid strip of forest, where the trees can’t even stand upright in a breath of wind.
Lying here to-night thinking I’ve come to think we’ve been rather fools; there are better things in life than getting the better of a boundary dispute. Neighbour, if you will help me to bury the old quarrel I – I will ask you to be my friend. ” (Saki) A statement such as this given the two men’s past is completely out of character or maybe its in character and they never reveled who they really are. Not showing what is really on the inside is all but to common it todays society. Ulrich and Znaeym could have such a change in character because of being face to face with the grim reaper or they were tired of being something they weren’t.
It is possible that neither man wanted to disgrace their family by befriending the generation long enemy, or neither Ulrich nor Znaeym wanted to appear to be weaker by apologizing and suggesting they move on. Either way being incapacitated in the woods that caused the rivalry opened their eyes and they were certainly different. In Travels with Charley Steinbeck’s dog charley who “turns his step rather than disturb an earnest caterpillar” changed dramatically. The tiny poodle suddenly wanted to attack each and ever bear he laid his eyes on.
His owner was shocked when “His (Charley’s) lips flared, showing wicked teeth that have some trouble with a dog biscuit. He screeched insults at the bear… ” This change came out of nowhere and it was quite dreadful for his owner to realize his dog of “peace and tranquility” was capable of such emotions and actions. After the incident during the day Charley and the narrator slept in and auto court it could be inferred that he had a night mare because he was horizontally running with his eyes wide open while asleep.
The narrator questioned “… Why we think the thoughts and emotions of animals are simple. ” There are studies that go into detail about the animal brain such as “The Thoughts and Emotions of Our Fellow Companions. ” Along with the animal mind the human mind is also very complex, it produces enough electricity to run a light bulb when awake, in order for you to not act out dreams your brain ultimately paralyzes you, and it can be prompted by scent to bring up the most intense emotional memories.