"Choices" Question 3: Does Ken show Peggy that he feels any sense of responsibility to her after the accident? Do you think he has any obligation to her? Discuss.

             Choices make up what will happen to us in the future. In “Choices” by Susan Kerslake, the main character, Peggy, decides to go on a weekend vacation with her friend Ken. Though everything seemed to be going well, a tragic accident happens. With Ken at the wheel, the pair finds themselves in a car accident, leaving Peggy’s legs paralyzed while barely injuring Ken. Afterwards, Ken shows no sense of feeling responsible for the accident, and though the accident happened at his hands, should he be obligated to be responsible for the consequences?

              While the accident occurred when Ken was driving, he could not have known the car would crash when they decided to take the trip. As well, it was Peggy’s decision to accompany Ken on the trip. The two were nothing more than friends with a “peculiar relationship built out of sand and water and sun.” (pg. 5) Their relationship was merely a physical attraction to one another. Though Ken should feel upset and possible a little bit guilty for convincing Peggy to come with him, he should not have the burden of caring for Peggy in her injured state.

              If Ken was responsible for the accident, what obligations would he have? Peggy’s serious injury can lead to many problems, such as financial issues as well as physical and emotional trauma. With her injury, Peggy will not be able to move around and care for herself, let alone go to work. If Ken does not take responsibility, Peggy will have the burden of finding a way to pay her medical bills along with caring for herself during and after recovery. As well, not only Peggy, but her family will suffer emotionally. They will have the emotional trauma of knowing this accident could’ve been fatal alongside providing possible financial aid. Although Ken cannot solve all the consequences of the accident, he should be obligated to attempt to compensate for the damage of the event.

              Since Ken’s idea had potentially put Peggy’s life at risk, he should be responsible in caring for her. If the accident had been caused by Ken, he would be required to provide everything Peggy and her family would need as support. However, seeing as though the accident had not been Ken’s fault, as far as we know, he is still obligated to help Peggy to his best abilities.