Third Thoughts
Literal comprehension: This story is written by the modern English writer E.V Lucas. The narrator's friend was not a successful businessman. But once he became successful because he bought a painting at ten shillings and sold at fifty pounds. Then he wanted to share half of the profit with the dealer. Later he thought that it was not practical. He decided to give him just ten pounds. He again thought that the dealer would be unhappy if he did not get such letters every day. Then he thought that five would be enough. Next he thought that if he gave him a large part of the profit, the Goddess of Business would be angry. At last he decided to give him only one pound. He played bridge at the club and lost all he had. Then he concluded that the buyer should not share the profit with the seller.
Interpretation: this story might be trying to tell us that this material world puts less emphasis on purity, originality, guarantee, genuineness and fairness.it may also be interpreted to mean is hypocrite. He says one thing but does another thing. He gives a false appearance of having admirable principles, beliefs, or feelings. The narrator first behaves as if he was a really generous person, but latter he shows his miserly character.
Critical thinking: this story talks about the criticism of business practices in Nepal. People have turned money-minded and less human in Nepal. Their only motto is to make more money. Although this story is realistic, we may raise many questions about it: does it seem real when the narrator's friend says that be bought in the dearest markets and sold in the cheapest? Is he as idealist as he mentioned? Would he have sent half of the profit if he had stamps that night?
Assimilation: by reading this story I came to understand myself and the whole society. Such type of practices ruins the service and truthfulness in business. The credibility would sink increase in material interest leads to destruction. Peace and happiness will be far being peace unless we will be faithful to each other.
