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Question
Is Baldwin really honest or does he maintain his honesty fearing criticism? Why do you say so?
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Solution
Baldwin lived the life of an upright and honest man. Though he was paid just 60 dollars a week in the private bank of Gresham, he never complained. The small increments he had been given were not because he had asked but because Gresham had given them. He was frugal and he was worshipped as a hero by his family members (i.e.) wife Martha, son John Gresham Baldwin and daughter Evie.
Baldwin deeply believed that he had been a role model to his children that is more valuable than money. He admitted to his son that he was disturbed that he would lose the respect of his own family members if he stooped even once in his life even if the bait is one hundred thousand dollars. No doubt he was upright. The three words “I don’t remember” would choke him. Only during the momentary explosion of frustration, it appears that he feared criticism. But his natural reflex on the offer was denial. His agony on the contradictory expectation of worldly-wise family members is obvious. He did not even have to articulate his feelings to Gresham who intuitively understood that his uprightness can’t be purchased with even one hundred thousand dollars.
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| a) Baldwin who returned home after meeting Gresham, informed his family that Gresham had offered a hundred thousand, if he would utter the words ‘I don’t remember’ in court, during the trial. |
| b) The family members tried to justify Gresham’s act and enticed Baldwin into accepting the money. |
| c) Thus ‘The Hour of Truth’ had dawned relieving Baldwin of the heavy burden and guilt. |
| d) Baldwin was an honest and upright man, working under John Gresham, in a bank. |
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| h) Gresham had been arrested for misappropriation of money at the bank and Baldwin was to testify against him. |
| i) Mr. Marshall also offered Baldwin a job in his Bank, to reward him for his honesty and integrity. |
| j) The family members who were initially against Gresham, changed their mind on hearing the huge sum offered by him. |
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