The glass roses
The philosopher Alan Gewirth defines self-fulfillment as “carrying to fruition one's deepest desires or one's worthiest capacities”. He notes, “to seek for a good human life is to seek for self-fulfillment.” The short story “The Glass Roses” by Alden Nowlan suggests throughout an individual’s pursuit of self-fulfillment, one may discover hardship, confusion and doubt; however it is a journey one must take in finding and accepting one’s true self. Through the character Stephen, the arduous journey to discovering oneself is apparent by the character’s environment, societal expectations, influences of associated people, and life-changing moments one encounters. Societal expectations of “real men” lead to confusion, as Stephen struggles to understand acceptable behaviour for men. The majority believe that men are meant to be insensitive and macho, presenting no form of weakness or affection. Therefore, Stephen believes that in order to secure his manhood, he must live up to his father, the foreman, by avoiding all sorts of “babyish [weaknesses]. In doing so, Stephen desires to better himself as a pulp-cutter by “[acting] as if the saw were the most important thing in the world”. The saw, or the axe, symbolizes adulthood and as the axe makes him feel “stupid and ridiculous”, it portrays how Stephen understands he is pretending to be something he is not. Consequently, “he could not think of himself as a woodsman”, which shows how his father’s expectation of being a pulp-cutter clouds Stephen’s pursuit in self-fulfillment. Furthermore, the father’s intimidation towards his son results in Stephen responding with “nervous alacrity” to his father’s commands. His readiness or obedience emphasizes how Stephen is not presented with much choice or freedom; these are important concepts towards the act of self-fulfillment. Stephen is so overwhelmed with pleasing his father and complying with expectations that the path to finding and accepting himself is fragmented, like a