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Anna Gatson Mr. Newman English 101: Rhetoric 5 November 2013 Selfishness vs. Selflessness As humans, we battle with our flesh in order to distinguish what we believe to be right or wrong. Although we believe in our own intentions, it may affect those around us and whom we may love. In the story Flight Patterns, Sherman Alexie introduces a theme of the fine line between selfishness and selflessness as it relates to family and survival. In the beginning of the story, William is headed to the airport. Before leaving to the airport, William expresses his love for his family. For example, Alexie states, William loved and respected his wife, and delighted in her intelligence, humor, and kindness (51). William loved his wife dearly not because of what he wanted her to be but because of who she is regardless of her flaws. Further in the story, Alexie mentions, Marie had left her job as a corporate accountant to be full-time mother to Grace (53). In the story, William mentions how he loves his wife for the decision she has made to stay home and take care their daughter Grace. William suspected himself as an old-fashioned bastard who wanted his wife to stay home and wait him to get off work (53). Likewise, William states how much he loves daughter Grace. Before William left, he went into Graces room and told her, Youre such a lovely, lovely girl (51). By reading the beginning of the story, people notice how William is an example of being selfless towards his family. Likewise, readers find how important Williams family means to him and how much he loves his family. In addition, William and Fedaku have different aspect on life dealing with their family. Based upon Fedaku leaving his family to take care of himself, I would classify his aspect on life

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as being self-centered. Fedaku left his family behind. For instance, Fedaku states, I havent seen them for many years (55). In the story, Fedaku elaborates about hugging his family and then he proceeds to leave them even though he didnt know where he was going. Further in the story, Fedaku tells William, But they live in Ethiopia with my mother and father (55). Fedaku left his wife and three sons in Ethiopia with his parent while he goes to search for a better life. Though Fedaku isnt there physically, he still will send his family money. After seeing the differences between William and Fedaku, readers tend to forget the similarities the two share regarding how they view life. For example, one similarity that William and Fedaku share is the love they have for their family. This can be difficult to see because William and Fedaku express their love differently. On the other hand, they both strive to do whatever it takes to supply their family needs even though they dont spend a lot of time at home. For instance, Fedaku mentions in the story that even though hes away from his family he sends money to help provide for their needs. Likewise, William is always away from his family because his job requires traveling. This leads William to him a stronger desire and means to provide for his family. In addition, while William and Fedaku left their family, they always worried about their love ones whom they left behind. An example is when Alexie states, When he travel he had nightmares about strangers breaking into his house and killing and raping Marie and Grace (53). William mentions in the story how afraid he is when he leave his family behind because of all the crazy thoughts that goes through his head. Furthermore, Fedaku mentions, Every night and day, I worry that any of them might harm my family (60). Fedaku discuss how nervous he is about Selassie wanting to hurt his family. Shortly after reading the story, people realize how much family means to William and Fedaku based on the way they provide for their family.

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Based upon the story, above I have identified several examples which lead minds to wonder about the love William and Fedaku have for their family. These particular examples and sacrifices support my belief that Williams aspect on life allows him to more strongly consider others and then himself whereas Fedaku consider himself first and then others. From this, I draw the conclusion, that Williams was selfless and Fedaku was selfish.

Work Cited

Alexie, Sherman. "Flight Patterns." 2003. The Norton Introduction to Literature. Ed. Alison Booth, J. Paul Hunter, and Kelly J. Mays. 9th ed. New York: W. W. Norton and Company, 2005. 49-61. Print