After each sentence, use the drop-down menu to identify the part of the paragraph that the sentence demonstrates. In “Lather and Nothing Else,” the barber must show extreme restraint and control to avoid revealing to the captain that he is an enemy.
The barber is a secret member of the rebellion, and it is his job to shave the enemy captain. The barber constantly has the opportunity to kill the captain, but he does not do it.
His actions might seem to make him a coward, but the struggle he faces is with himself. Even though he wants to kill the captain, he reveals that he does not believe in murder.
When he is just about to have his perfect moment, he restrains himself and finishes his job without killing the captain.
His ability to control himself shows that he overcomes his steepest hill: his own emotions.