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?

If you were in a fatal accident, would you like to see the cause of your life threatening injuries on a regular basis? The answer to this question for most people would be a no; and in all truth, the person who caused the accident most likely wouldn’t like to see their victim either. For both people involved, having a constant reminder of their trauma could be heart wrenching. In deed the emotional damage caused by this could be unbearable, however, as the wrong doer, is it your duty to push past this and do what you feel are your “obligations” towards that person? The story ‘Choices’ by Susan Kerslake is very thought provoking considering the circumstances of the accident, relationships, and outcomes. Peggy and Ken, the two characters in the story, venture off on a road trip together. While Ken is driving, they get into an accident which mangles Peggy’s legs and injures her more than it does Ken. After this disastrous occurrence, Ken shows no concern or responsibility for what he has caused to happen to his companion. I am going to explore how people in Ken’s situation should act regardless of what they see fitting. Although Ken shows lack of responsibility for Peggy; he is obligated to satisfy the needs that she finds necessary.

            I suspect that the car accident occurred because of Kens reckless driving; if this is the case he would need to step up and show full responsibility towards her. The whole accident could have easily been avoided if it weren’t for his careless driving skills. Peggy did not choose to be crippled that day and she trusted him with her safety by getting in his car. Although the car accident was of course an accident and he did not mean for it to happen, it still was his fault. If you affect someone else with your careless behaviour it is your job to make things right; this rule can be applied to less extreme incidents. For example, if you broke one of someone’s belongings, most good hearted people would apologize repeatedly and offer to buy a new one; the same philosophy applies to both situations.

Financial support is not the only thing that needs to be taken care of; Peggy and her family are most likely going through major trauma. Ken should be willing to stay by her side and support her. This being said, it is her call whether she wants to have him in her life or not. By offering to help all he can, it would most likely better their situation even in the slightest way. Although it would not repair her wounds, it would be better than abandoning her and leaving her family to be burdened with all the stress. I know from experience of having myself or other relatives in the hospital, that there are other needs to be taken care of outside of hospital walls. It can be a lot to handle having to worry about the one you love whose life may be at risk; but life is still carrying on for everyone else and you need to stay caught up. Trying to balance time with regular daily tasks and getting better or visiting the ill can be a trying task. Sometimes even the smallest of gestures can make a huge difference in a situation.

            Seeing as Ken has potentially put Peggy’s life at risk, he is obligated to aid her emotionally and financially. The degree of help he needs to give her however is dependent on the fault he had in causing the car accident.  It is up to Peggy and her family to decide how to handle the situation. Once they determine his responsibilities it is his duty to grant their wishes.