Blind Trust In Roald Dahl's Man From The South

In society the decisions executed can yield life altering consequences. In Roald Dahl’s “Man from the South” an american soldier makes a dangerous wager with a another man by the name of Carlos. Dahl exhibits a captivating and suspenseful foreshadowment of the American’s fate through his thematic decisions surrounding blind trust influenced by pride, the understated depiction of sacrifice, and the negative impact gambling has on the soldier's psychological and physical being.
Critical in understanding Dahl’s piece is the theme surrounding blind trust. Within the narrative, the American quickly falls into the trap of older man, Carlos, through his blind trust in him. Due to the professional appearance of Carlos and the underdeveloped common sense of the younger man, a bet can be established between the two. If the American soldier is able to light his cigarette lighter 10 consecutive times then Carlos promises a car in return, but if the lighting fails even once the soldier is to surrender his pinkie finger ( ). From the perspective of the author, it remains to be vital that people
The American’s blind trust to Carlos showcases both his arrogance and pride fullness to sacrifice his finger just to prove a point. As the truth is finally clarified by Carlos’ wife, the severity of Carlos’ gambling addiction and the numerous sacrifices made in order to take him away from this vice become apparent. Both of these men become impetuous to the dangers of the wager created. The bet manifests itself both symbolically and physically within the two characters being, displaying the pridefulness and noviceness within their personalities. Altogether, these realizations are provided through Dahl’s presentation of the story in a straightforward yet symbolic