QUESTION

In the story, ″The Night in Question,″ there are hard choices and sacrifices that the characters make as they try to do the ″right″ thing in situations that have no good outcomes either way. Analyze the characters and WHY they make the decision they do, and if you think it is the right decision. Minimum 300 words. 1) The story of Mike and Benny: What is Mike′s choice? What are the consequences of his sacrifice? Do you agree with his choice? 2) The story of Frank and Frances: What is Frances′ choice regarding helping her brother, as an addicted and troubled adult and as an abused child? Do you agree with her choice? 300 WORDS MINIMUM PLEASE

ANSWER

The Night in Question

The story “The Night in Question” is akin to the utilitarian trolley problem. It
represents an ethical dilemma in which Mike has to make a choice either to save his son and
consequently kill the strangers or vice versa. The decision that Mike faces has a moral
ambiguity. From a utilitarian perspective, Mike should pursue the greatest good by saving the
larger number of people. However, Mike would still be right to decide to save his son Bunny
instead of the strangers. Either way, the choice is complicated and almost impossible. The
consequences of his sacrifice would be tragic in every way. If he chooses to save his son, the
people in the train will all die. If he saves the people, he will lose his own son. The story of
Mike and Bunny is basically meant to contrast the emotional nature of Frank.
The story of Frank and Frances is a twisted one because they depend on each other for
support. As an addicted and troubled person, Frances has no option but to be overprotective
of her brother. She is genuinely committed to protect Frank from anyone or anything.
Unfortunately, she ends up becoming a bully in Frank’s life and Frank was taking advantage.
I agree with Frances choice to be overprotective to her brother Frank. It is difficult to know
what anyone would do given the impossible situation, but whichever decision that Frances
makes is okay. Despite all the problems that Frank got himself into, there is no way that
Frances would hesitate to help her brother. Frances has a role to play in Frank’s life and she
does it so well only that she may end up being a bully. Further, Frank may actually get
himself in trouble because he is sure that his sister will bail him out.