Abe Character Traits in the Play Abe Buys a Barrel (Essay Example)

Can the character of a person be displayed through their interactions with others? In many plays the characteristics of certain characters can be seen through dialogue. In the play Abe Buys a Barrel by Mary Nygaard Peterson, Abe’s kind nature and desire to learn are revealed between dialogue between characters.

First, Abe’s kind-hearted characteristics are shown through his interactions with others. Abe displays a kind demeanor when speaking amongst other characters. When Abe is speaking to Bill he states, “Maybe so, but she’s still got another fourth pound of tea coming to her. I’ll measure it out right now before I forget” (Peterson 16). This piece of evidence conveys that Abe would like to see the well-being of another rather than knowing he cheated a person out of their money. Many people would have kept the money and lived with the fact that Mrs. Hornbuckle was given less tea than what she paid for, but Abe made sure that she was given what she was paid for. This goes to show Abe’s sense of integrity and what a considerate person he is. Then, Abe once again shows his kindness through his speech with Jack. Abe says, “Besides, Bill’s sleepin’ an’ I kinda hate to wake him up just to tell him I’m goin’ fishin’” (Peterson 16). Abe could have easily awakened and left his partner but instead he allows him to sleep while at work. Abe shows a sense of consideration to Bill when he allows him to sleep rather than waking Bill to go fishing. Overall, Abe conveys his kind nature throughout the entirety of the play through his dialogue with other characters.

Secondly, Abe demonstrates his eagerness to learn when speaking with the other characters. Abe conveys his desire for knowledge with dialogue between many characters. Both Mentor and Jack state, “Yep. He reads everything he can get his hands on- makes no difference what it is. I know. He’ll get somewhere, someday- with that brain of his” (Peterson 18). This quote shows Abe’s love for reading as well of his high intelligence levels. It also can help the reader to infer that Abe is grasping for more information. Abe then displays his love for knowledge in his dialogue with Bill, Jack, and Mentor. When talking with Bill, Abe says, “You gonna read all those big books, Abe? Not read ‘em, Bill- study ‘em”(Peterson 19). This piece of evidence truly shows Abe’s eagerness and desire to learn more. The reader can infer that Abe truly loves education and learning. In closing Abe can overall be described as a person who thirsts for more information and knowledge simply based on his interactions with others.

In conclusion Abe’s kind-hearted soul and desire to learn shine through his actions and dialogues with others. Being able to analyze character is a skill that can be applied to everyday life. This prompt alone allows readers to entertain the thought of skills that can be used in the real world. Yet again the question arises, can character truly be judged by human interactions.