Selfishness

Definition

Selfishness is the quality of being primarily concerned with one's own personal profit or pleasure, often at the expense of others. This term highlights a lack of consideration for the needs or feelings of other individuals, which can be manifested in various social and psychological contexts. In literature, selfishness can serve as a critique of characters' motives and societal norms, reflecting deeper issues of human behavior and relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In literature, characters often embody selfishness to highlight flaws in their personalities or to critique societal values, reflecting broader themes of human nature.
2. Selfishness can lead to isolation as individuals prioritize their own desires over relationships, making it a significant theme in character development.
3. Psychological depth in literature often reveals the motivations behind selfish behavior, such as fear, insecurity, or a desire for control.
4. Selfish acts are frequently juxtaposed with altruistic behaviors in narratives, allowing authors to explore the complexity of human motives and moral choices.
5. Machado's works often illustrate how selfishness can impact social dynamics and individual relationships, providing a platform for critique on societal norms.

Review Questions

• How does selfishness serve as a tool for social critique in Machado's works?
  • In Machado's works, selfishness is portrayed as a significant flaw that reveals the moral shortcomings of characters. This self-centered behavior is used to critique societal values by showing how it leads to conflict and disconnection among individuals. Through these portrayals, readers gain insight into how selfish motivations can distort relationships and create social rifts, encouraging reflection on the implications of such behavior within society.
• Discuss how psychological depth is explored through the theme of selfishness in Machado's narratives.
  • Machado delves into the psychological aspects of his characters' selfishness by revealing their inner thoughts and motivations. This exploration provides a deeper understanding of why characters act selfishly, often stemming from personal insecurities or fears. By examining these psychological underpinnings, Machado highlights the complexities of human nature, showing that selfish actions may arise from vulnerability rather than mere malice.
• Evaluate the impact of selfishness on character relationships and societal dynamics in Machado's literature.
  • Selfishness significantly affects character relationships and societal dynamics in Machado's literature by creating tension and conflict. Characters who prioritize their own desires often alienate those around them, leading to a breakdown in communication and trust. This dynamic illustrates how individual actions can have broader consequences within society, prompting readers to consider the interconnectedness of personal behavior and social structures. Ultimately, Machado's portrayal encourages critical reflection on the balance between self-interest and communal responsibility.

Related terms

Egoism: A philosophical theory that asserts self-interest is the foundation of morality and that actions are morally right if they promote one's own good.

Narcissism: An excessive interest in oneself and one's physical appearance, often characterized by a lack of empathy for others and an inflated sense of self-importance.

Altruism: The selfless concern for the well-being of others, often contrasted with selfishness, and seen as a moral virtue in many cultures.