Those Who Unite Only for Selfish Reasons Are Bound to Fail
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In society, people often come together to achieve common goals, but when their unity is based on greed and self-interest rather than genuine purpose, their alliance is doomed to fail. John Lara’s play The Samaritan illustrates this through corrupt leaders in Maracas Municipality who form alliances for selfish reasons, only to face downfall in the end. Mayor Mossi, Deputy Mayor Ramdaye and Inspector Bembe work together to enrich themselves at the expense of the public, but their greed, dishonesty, and betrayal ultimately lead to their failure. The play serves as a powerful reminder that unity built on selfishness is unsustainable.
One of the most prominent examples of selfish unity is the corrupt partnership between Mayor Mossi and Deputy Mayor Ramdaye. Both leaders work together to steal public funds and maintain their grip on power. They pretend to serve the citizens of Maracas Municipality while secretly engaging in fraudulent activities. However, their alliance is not based on trust or shared principles but on mutual self-interest. They support each other only as long as it benefits them, and when their corrupt dealings are exposed, their unity crumbles. Instead of standing together, they begin to panic and look for ways to protect themselves, proving that selfish alliances are weak and bound to fail.
Another alliance that fails due to selfish motives is the relationship between Mossi and Inspector Bembe. As the head of law enforcement, Bembe should uphold justice, but instead, he works closely with Mossi to cover up corruption. In exchange for bribes and favors, he arrests innocent people like Nicole to silence opposition. However, this partnership is not built on loyalty but on personal gain. When public outrage grows over the corruption scandal, Bembe is quick to distance himself from Mossi, fearing the consequences of their crimes. This shows that alliances based on selfishness do not stand the test of time—when trouble arises, those involved only look out for themselves.
In contrast, the unity between Nicole, Montano, and Alvita is based on a genuine cause, which is to fight corruption and bring about positive change. Unlike the corrupt officials, they work together not for personal gain but to help their community. Their unity is strong because it is based on truth, justice, and shared values. Even when they face threats and intimidation, they remain committed to their mission. Their success in exposing corruption and inspiring others to demand accountability proves that alliances built on noble intentions are more likely to succeed.
Additionally, the citizens of Maracas Municipality initially suffer because of the selfish alliances among their leaders, but once they come together for a common good, they contribute to change. When The Samaritan app reveals the corrupt dealings of Mossi and his allies, the public unites in anger, demanding justice. Their collective action leads to the downfall of the corrupt officials, demonstrating that true unity—one that is focused on justice and fairness—has the power to overcome alliances rooted in selfishness.
By the end of the play, the selfish alliances among corrupt leaders collapse completely. Mossi, Bembe and Ramdaye face public humiliation and legal consequences. Their wealth and power become meaningless as they lose their positions and respect. This downfall serves as a warning that greed-driven alliances are temporary and destined to fail. In contrast, those who unite for a greater purpose, like Nicole and the students, achieve lasting success and contribute to positive change.
John Lara’s The Samaritan proves that those who unite only for selfish reasons are bound to fail. The corrupt leaders of Maracas Municipality form alliances to enrich themselves, but their greed and dishonesty ultimately lead to their downfall. Their betrayal of each other when exposed further proves that selfish unity is weak and unsustainable. In contrast, characters like Nicole, Montano, and Alvita succeed because their unity is built on integrity and justice. The play teaches an important lesson: true success comes from working together for the common good, not from alliances based on personal gain.
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