Bluffing Gail Helgason Analysis

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Bluffing Write it Now Essay The inherent dichotomy between the two principal characters---Gabriella and Liam---is best reflected in the contrast of character traits, aptitudes, and characteristics. Through the character analysis of one character, Gabriella, the attributes of the other character, Liam, will be unravelled. In the short story “Bluffing” by Gail Helgason, Gabriella, a grade 10 biology teacher, emits characteristics, attitudes, and intentions that are realistic, caring, and selfless. Firstly, with clearly established and well-envisioned realistic motivations, Gabriella stays true to the real world. Gabriella’s fundamental purpose as to why she participated in the hike with Liam was to clear up uncertainties about their housing …show more content…

Stemmed from an innate affection for Liam, courage, boldness, and strong willpower are characteristics that Gabriella catalyzes; these reactants ultimately fuel the products in the form of sacrifices---to time, to life, and to true emotions. The short story starts with Gabriella frantically rushing to enter into the Jasper hospital, almost “[losing[ her footing” on the hospital steps. Persuaded by the slight possibility of visiting Liam, she proceeds to visit Liam “everyday for the last three weeks.” Moreover, upon “Liam’s insistence,” Gabriella is willing to prepare a cleaning solution that took “twice as long to remove grime as the concentrate she bought at the janitorial supply store. The amount of time and effort that Gabriella commits to her relationship---even to the simplest of chores---is immense. Not only is Gabriella willing to waste her time on trivial chores at the desire of Liam, but she also is willing to put her own life at stake for the benefit of Liam. During the encounter with a grizzly bear, although the act of making sounds may have put her own life in peril, Gabriella remains calm, using all of her willpower to speak out instructions to Liam---to “[back] off slowly” and “bluff” the bear. Additionally, Gabriella desires to suppress her true feelings about LIam’s condition, forcing a “bluff” smile on her face,

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