The lawyer's 15-year imprisonment significantly impacts the banker in several ways:
1. Financial Liability : The banker has agreed to bet two million rubles with the lawyer that he cannot endure 15 years of solitary confinement. If the lawyer successfully completes the confinement, the banker would have to pay him the agreed-upon amount. This means that the banker might suffer a substantial financial loss due to this bet. The lawyer's imprisonment becomes a financial burden, and the banker could potentially face financial ruin.
2. Emotional and Psychological Toll : Over the 15 years, the banker experiences stress, anxiety, and guilt about the bet. He becomes increasingly concerned about the possible financial consequences of losing the bet, which can take a toll on his mental well-being. The lawyer's imprisonment keeps the banker in a constant state of unease and regret.
3. Moral Dilemma : As the years go by, the banker realizes that the lawyer has undergone significant personal growth and transformation during his confinement. This forces the banker to confront the moral implications of the bet. He recognizes that his desire for financial gain led to the lawyer's suffering, and this realization may lead to feelings of guilt and moral conflict.
4. Loss of Social Status : The banker's reputation may also suffer due to his involvement in this bet. His reputation could be tarnished by the unethical nature of the wager, making it difficult for him to maintain a respectable standing in society.
In Anton Chekhov's short story "The Bet," the lawyer's 15-year imprisonment ultimately serves as a commentary on the corrupting influence of wealth and the fleeting nature of material possessions.
The banker's life is profoundly affected by the consequences of his rash bet, leading him to question the true value of money and material wealth in comparison to personal growth and human experiences.