Final answer:
The narrator in 'Thrown Away' struggles with a moral dilemma of whether his actions are defined as theft, ultimately questioning 'Did I do the right thing?' The story confronts both the narrator and the readers with the importance of moral integrity over material possessions and personal happiness. The narrator's internal conflict and retrospective examination signify that moral actions towards others are a significant judgment of one's life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Did the Narrator in 'Thrown Away' Do the Right Thing?
The narrator in 'Thrown Away' grapples with a moral dilemma that forces him to examine the nature of his actions under the lens of moral integrity and societal values. Throughout the story, he experiences an internal struggle between the desire to do what is regarded as right and the compulsion of self-preservation. This conflict culminates in a moment where he ponders extensively about whether theft defines his actions or not. As he reflects on his life, possessions, and how he treated others, he realizes that his sense of morality is a crucial aspect of his life. Ultimately, the resolution suggests that he is continuously haunted by the question, 'Did I do the right thing?'
The story not only highlights the narrator's personal battle but also challenges the readers, particularly the original readers who were members of the educated middle- or upper-class, to confront the realities and moral discrepancies depicted in the novella. The narrator's actions and the retrospective examination of his morality emphasize the importance of judging one's life more on one's actions towards others rather than on material wealth or personal happiness.
Thus, while the narrator does not deceive himself and tries to reconcile his actions with his morality, the ongoing sense of humiliation and the struggle with the word 'theft' imply that regardless of his final decision, he remains troubled by whether he truly did the right thing.