Angela Gallo
Professor Baum
FWY 1000C
28 September 2015
“The Fever” Reaction “We need the poor” (pg. 13). We need the poor to set an example. We need the poor to demonstrate that even those at the top of the hierarchy can fall lower than imaginable. Why? If society does not accept the poor, then why do they exist? Wallace Shawn’s “The Fever” tells the story of a man who is so perplexed by the concept of the poor that he drives himself insane thinking about it. He can’t seem to wrap his head around the fact that even when our world leaders promise change, in reality, there is not a “violent change” nor a “gradual change” (pg. 13); the world just keeps functioning the way it always has. Days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months and…show more content… The ones who need money the most have no way of acquiring it. Even though there are foundations and programs in effect to help the poor get back up on their feet, they are not always effective. Wallace emphasizes that even when the poor ask for our help we say “Get away from me” (pg. 15). Every aspect of our life is solely based on luck. You got a new job? Luck. You met the love of your life on a random day in the middle of central park? Luck. “Standing naked besides the beggar - there’s no difference between her and me except a difference in luck.” (pg. 17) Those more fortunate, or “lucky”, are expected to help the less fortunate but do they? Many of the world’s philanthropists and millionaires donate to charities but there are still those that do not. Do they have an obligation to? No. But should they? Yes. If someone is in a position of influence they should use that position to benefit the greater…show more content… There are people who struggle every single day and would kill to have something as simple as running water even though we take that for granted. The little things in life are the ones that matter. Soup kitchens are a great example of this. The people who go to them, even though they are struggling, they are always so happy and appreciative. I have never witnessed anything more beautiful than putting a plate of food in front of someone who hasn’t eaten in days and they just look at you like you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to them. Those are the moments to live for; the moments when you are completely aware that you are bettering someone’s life. They may be “poor” but that does not define them as a person; how they deal with their struggles is what defines them. “Live simply. Give up everything. Become poor myself.”(pg.
