The Ethical Dilemma Presented in "Just Lather, That’s All"

Introduction

Hernando Téllez's short story, "Just Lather, That's All," gives us a gripping tale about moral choices and personal values. It's set during a time of political chaos. The main story is about a barber who has a chance to kill Captain Torres, who's this harsh military guy. In this essay, we're gonna dig into the moral and ethical stuff the story throws at us, look at how the barber's shown as a character, and think about what all this means in a bigger sense.

The Ethical Dilemma

The core theme in "Just Lather, That's All" is about the ethical mess the barber finds himself in. So there's Captain Torres sitting there, totally vulnerable in the chair, and the barber's really tempted to just end him right there. The barber's inner thoughts spill out his deep hate for Torres—this guy who's executed rebels without mercy. But even with that anger burning inside him, he hesitates 'cause he knows what it means to take a life. This whole struggle? It’s like every person’s battle between wanting payback and sticking to what's morally right.

Characterization of the Barber

Téllez does an awesome job of showing us who this barber is to make us feel the story's moral puzzle. The barber comes off as someone who cares about doing his job well and with principle. He’s proud of being a good barber, like giving a perfect shave matters to him. This dedication to his work stands out big time when you put it next to how violent Captain Torres is. Sparing Torres in the end? That’s not just about letting him live; it’s about holding onto professional ethics and personal decency.

Broader Implications

"Just Lather, That's All" isn't just about one dude's tough choice; it hits on bigger questions society faces about justice and revenge limits. When the barber decides not to kill Torres, he's basically saying no to more violence which fuels their whole political conflict. You could see this as asking for more humaneness and ethics in justice—moving away from more bloodshed toward keeping up moral standards instead.

Conclusion

"Just Lather, That's All" dives deep into what it's like facing ethical struggles during messy times politically or socially. By focusing on our man-the-barber, Téllez nails down complex issues around choosing right vs wrong while stressing personal honesty plus wider meanings tied up with justice versus vengeance cycles we get stuck in too often today still! What makes this tale stick around so long though? Its way of making readers think hard 'bout ethics & humanity—it’s one compelling piece worth reflecting over again & again!

References

• Téllez, H. (1950). Just Lather, That's All.
• Sartre, J.P. (1946). Existentialism Is a Humanism.
• Kohlberg, L. (1981). Essays on Moral Development: Vol I.
• Aristotle (350 BC). Nicomachean Ethics.
• Miller, A. (2009). The Philosophy of Moral Development.