Torres The Barber

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1. In multi-paragraph form and with reference to the story, discuss the character of Torres or the barber. The barber is an interesting character with many traits shown to us through the short story. We start the story thinking he’s just a simple barber with some type of animosity against his new client. As the story continues, we learn that there is some sort fight between two sides: Torres’ side, and against them is the barber’s side, ‘the rebellion’. Throughout the story, the barber thinks that Torres believes he is on his side, which we learn is clearly not true by the last sentence. The barber has good morals, clearly cares about his side but isn’t willing to commit murder on behalf of them, even though it would be easy. “Damn him for …show more content…

The barber goes back and forth with this decision but finally after weighing the odds, he decides the best thing to do is to remain innocent and instead of killing him, to do his job and give him an excellent shave. “You are an executioner and I am only a barber. Each person has his own place in the scheme of things.” –The barber (paragraph 18, line 7) I believe this what the right thing to do because even with all the horrible things being done to his people, the barber is not a killer and murdering Torres would only make the situation …show more content…

It’s a constant battle within his conscience and as a reader, it sets the mood as very suspenseful and dismay. The barber contemplates, “and what of all this? Murderer or hero? My destiny depends on the edge of this blade” (paragraph 18, line 1). 4. How does the setting impact the story? The setting affects the story immensely. The external setting is in a great time of struggle and loss where Captain Torres’ people are killing and taking the barber’s people. It makes the atmosphere more intense because we are hinted of the gravity of the situation. The internal conflict also affects it, as Torres and the barber are in the confidants of the barber shop. They are most likely all alone in a place that Torres is very vulnerable but the barber is comfortable and in his element. 5. What is the main irony of the

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