A Selfish Nature

Selfishness; it's a trait that few admit to, but almost everyone has. It can be found in many forms, whether it be in the all-star who refuses to pass the ball, or in the working mom who can't seem to spare some change to help the poor. Society as a whole overlooks most forms of selfishness, reasoning that the team will do better if one player "hogs" the ball, and that the poor should get jobs and contribute to society. Rather, society applies the term "selfish" to the select few who stand out in the crowd do to their ridiculous and over-the-top greediness.

Literature takes its own spin on selfishness. In both The Awakening and Doll House the main characters chose their own path of individuality and self-awareness rather than stay with their husbands and children. Critics have split reactions towards this. However, both stories reflect the main characters in a sympathetic light. Nora leaves her family not because she did not care, but because she cared too much to hurt them by her own unawareness of self. She realizes that her children can never be anything but playthings to her if she doesn't first discover her own identity. The restraints placed upon Nora by both society and Helmer dictated that she adhere to the conventional actions, thoughts and feelings of a married woman. By remaining within this structured environment Nora felt that she would hurt not only herself, but her children as well.

Edna is perhaps more of a doll-like figure than even Nora. Like Nora, she has a caring(not necessarily loving) husband, adoring children, and beautiful surroundings. However, Edna is not aware enough to appreciate any of this. Until she begins living in the crampt, empty pigeon-house Edna doesn't really see her life for what it is. While society would smile at the well-to-do couple, in Edna's eyes there is nothing to smile about. She feels smothered in a world where money and reputation triumph over love, so she seeks the final, and perhaps only, escape. Edna's suicide is not really the end, rather it marks the beginning of when Edna not only thinks for herself, but acts for herself. True, this is selfishness, but it is the selfishness that all humans are entitled to.

I think that inside we are all selfish. Who really wishes an individual sucess while finding failure of their own? However, I don't think their is anything wrong in this idea. The very fact that we are selfish makes it all the more commendable when works of charity and kindness are offered. The idea of advancement and self-improvement is the core which drives foward an advancing world. People can, and should, see themselves for who they really are, for only with self-knowledge comes improvement. We must all be a little selfish to see, and appreciate, the world for what it really is.