Final answer:
The question explores the ethical complications when individuals like Roger and Heinz are faced with difficult choices, like theft, to fulfill their desires or needs. It encourages reflection on morality, legality, and human empathy in complex situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The excerpt from the story suggests a character, Mrs. Jones, who is sympathetic to Roger's apparent need for food. However, when Roger reveals he wanted the money for a pair of blue suede shoes, it surprises Mrs. Jones who then suggests that Roger could have simply asked for the money instead of trying to steal her purse. This situation strikes at the heart of ethical dilemmas where need or desire pushes individuals towards acts of theft or dishonesty, urging the reader to contemplate the various circumstances that lead to such decisions and the alternatives to such actions.
The moral question posed in the Heinz dilemma echoes this exploration of ethics by questioning whether the end justifies the means. It presents the scenario where Heinz, faced with the inability to afford a life-saving drug for his wife, chooses to steal it. The debate centers around the morality of breaking the law to save a life, highlighting the clash between legal and ethical perspectives.
Thus, the overarching theme of these texts ponders on the complexity of moral choices and consequences in a world where needs and laws often collide. They also reflect on the human experience, empathy, and the tough decisions that must sometimes be made in extreme circumstances.