The Conflict Between Hunger and Pride

The protagonist's internal struggle between his physical need for food and his desire to maintain his honor and dignity.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Refusal to Beg

The Refusal to Beg The Pride of the Narrator Despite his hunger, the protagonist refuses to beg outright. He pawns his belongings, writes articles, and tries to find work. He disdains the idea of being a beggar. The Encounter with the Binder He gives his pawned waistcoat money to a binder, but this is a charitable act, not begging. He maintains his sense of being an honest man. The Internal Conflict He often thinks of stealing, but resists. His honor is a fragile thing, but he clings to it.

The Temptation of the Blanket

The Temptation of the Blanket The Idea of Pawning the Blanket Hans Pauli's blanket is the only warm thing he has. He considers pawning it to buy food. He goes to the pawnshop, but the broker refuses. The Relief of Resistance He is relieved that he could not pawn it. He feels he has preserved his honor. He tells himself he would never have done it. The Weakness of Will But later, he again considers it. The conflict between survival and honor is constant.

The Theft and Its Aftermath

The Theft and Its Aftermath The Moment of Theft When the shopkeeper gives him too much change, he takes it. He tells himself it is a mistake, but he knows it is stealing. His hunger overrides his conscience. The Guilt He cannot enjoy the food. He is tormented by guilt. He gives the money away to a cake woman, trying to undo the act. The Confession He confesses to the shopkeeper, who is too afraid to act. He feels a perverse pride in his honesty, but the stain remains.

The Humiliation at Cisler's

The Humiliation at Cisler's The Act of Begging He begs a shilling from Cisler, a music seller he once knew. Cisler refuses curtly. He feels like a dog. The Shame He realizes he has sunk to the lowest form of begging. His pride is wounded, but his hunger forces him to continue. The Self-Loathing He hates himself for begging. He vows never to do it again, but he knows he will if necessary.

The Acceptance of the Editor's Charity

The Acceptance of the Editor's Charity The First Advance The Commandor offers to advance money. The protagonist refuses out of pride. He wants to earn it. The Second Time Later, when he is starving, the Commandor gives him half a sovereign. He accepts it, but with shame. He promises to write for it, but he knows he may not be able to. The Conflict Resolved He accepts the charity because he has no choice. His pride is broken, but his survival instinct is stronger.

Part I

Part II

Part III

Part II

Part III and IV