just lather that's all（Just Shave and Nothing More）

Just Shave and Nothing More

Introduction:

\"Just Lather, That's All\" is a short story written by the Colombian author, Hernando Tellez, which talks about an internal conflict of a barber who is given the daunting task of shaving the enemy General. This fascinating story is highly appreciated for bringing out various themes like fate, dilemma, ethics, and war. This article aims to discuss the underlying themes of this story that excite readers all the time.

Barber's Dilemma:

At the beginning of the story, the barber's state of mind is highlighted; he is scared and unsure of what to do. On the one hand, he is an artist who is passionate about his work and is on the verge of giving the best shave of his career. On the other hand, the man sitting in his chair is the one person responsible for the suffering and loss of many innocent people in the town, including the barber's friends and family members. This situation raises a moral dilemma; the barber has to choose between his sworn duty and his patriotic feelings.

The Power of Fear:

The underlying theme in \"Just Lather, That's All\" is the power of fear. Fear is a dominant emotion that can either paralyze or ignite action. The barber is afraid of killing the General and the fear holds him back. It is fear that causes him to look at the General carefully, searching for any sign of injustice that might not justify the shave, but the General appears to show no remorse. He then thinks about killing the man, but the fear is still present. This fear brings him to a new level of humanity, realizing that the General is human just like him. In the end, the barber decides not to kill the General and completes the shave, not just out of fear, but with a sense of humanity and professionalism.

Conclusion:

\"Just Lather, That's All\" is a captivating story that shows the complexities of war and the choices humans have to make during conflicts. The barber's dilemma, the power of fear, and the sense of humanity showcased in the story are themes that are still applicable to date. Choosing whether to use one's skills for good or bad, to kill or not to kill, is a decision that each of us has to make at some point in our lives. Hernando Tellez reminds us of the power of choice and its consequences, challenging us to choose wisely.