Nature vs Nurture Mario Puzo - Peter Cary - 2801 Words

Nature Vs. Nurture Mario Puzos, Omerta, reflects the theory of Thomas Hobbes In the state of nature, where the theory states, that in the state of natureÂ…no account of time; no arts; no letters; no society; and which is worst of all, continual fear, and danger of violent death; and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.(The Modern Age: Ideas In Western Civilization, Page 37-30) In Peter Carys, True History of the Kelly Gang, which conveys the theory of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Man is born free; and everywhere he is in chains. One thinks himself the master of others, and still remains a greater slave than they. How did this change come about? I do not know. What can make it legitimate? That question I think I can†¦show more content†¦We was raised to think the blacks was the lowest of the low [Â…](Page 14). Neds mother would beat the children if they did wrong as a disciplinary action: I cautioned him. You say that one more time Ill whip you(Page 80). This is reflecti ve of learned behavior from his mother. The beginning of Careys novel also talks about the rich landlord that will not provide proper fences and solid housing for them to live in. This causes a lot of resentment against the bourgeoisie, thus conditioning and forcing Ned to revolt against the upper class. All events in his childhood help mould him into the person he later becomes. For instance, when Ned saves Dick Shelton from drowning, he gets a taste of the rich lifestyle. Mr. and Mrs. Shelton treat Ned to anything and everything he wants, but the Sheltons go so far as to releasing his father back into society, proving to be a poor choice. Neds father returns home for a night, takes all the money they have, and leaves. He does this in retribution for Neds acts: Ned had stolen and killed a cow and allowed his father take the imprisonment as punishment. Ned Kellys life is one being shaped by external events, and the beliefs and actions of his parents. Both novels have very contradictory theories on human state and development. On one side of the spectrum is Mario Puzos Omerta, and on the other is Peter Careys True History of the Kelly Gang. Omerta suggests that genetics and natural course will dictate ones fate. Puzos