The Bet Essay

Read the questions below carefully.  After you have entered your name (first name will do), your I.D. Number (issued to you when you signed up for the class) and your class number (also assigned to you when you signed up for the class), complete the essay portion in the large white box.  If you wish to start over, you can press the RESTART button.  If you are satisfied with your answers, press SUBMIT.  Feel free to answer the questions honestly, but make sure you provide a rationale for your argument.  If you are ready, begin by filling out the information below.

 

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Chekhov's characters realized that a life without people is no life at all.  The lawyer had everything that he wanted - any book he wanted (don't forget, television and radio were not invented yet), wine or tobacco, but without the companionship of people, he would rather not live.  Do you agree?  Do you think you could be happy if you were allowed to have anything that you wanted, but were cut off from the outside world?  

If you took the bet, what things would you ask for?  Who would you miss the most?  How long do you think you would last being locked up without the company of people (don't forget, the lawyer could leave anytime he wanted to - all he would lose is the bet).  

At the story's end, would you rather be the banker or the lawyer?  Why?  The great irony is that the lawyer can't get the 15 years back and the banker doesn't have the two million to pay him.  What is more important to you, time or money?  Why?  

    

 

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