Compassion of an Altruist: Going the Extra Mile

Have you ever come across a person who was completely (at least temporarily) unselfishly concerned for, and devoted to the interests of others? A person so selfless, and entirely against egotism? This is the type of human that gives anything and everything, yet expects nothing. This is perhaps the kind we all hope to stumble across throughout the course of our lives. Maybe the term, "altruist" is popping up in the back of your mind?

These pure and compassionate types are always welcomed in most occasions of our lives, but are most desired in certain times; they are most needed in times of desperation. But not only periods of desperation, but in times of transition as well. Transitions are often intended "risks" that one takes, with hopes to further oneself. This was exactly the case for "Jasmine," the main character in Bharati Mukherjee's novel by the same name. In a time of transition, Jasmine came upon an authentic altruist.

Jasmine chose to make the journey across the world, to the United States from India. Now, about halfway through the novel, we have seen Jasmine experience some unthinkable events, and climb some steep obstacles. After being violently raped, left alone, and without food or water, Jasmine was taken under the care of a 70 year old women named Lillian Gordon. Lillian was a pure altruist by demanding, "she asked for water--well, get her water, man! (p130)" Lillian also gave a starving Jasmine meals, as Jasmine tells us on page 130, "It was the first hot, prepared food I had in over a month." Lillian showed genuine care for Jasmine on the same page by stating, "what in God's name is this country coming to," in regards to someone actually placing such a burden on Jasmine. Lillian Gordon took Jasmine home with her, and got her a doctor's care, and a full wardrobe. Jasmine tells us on page 131, "Lillian was a facilitator who made possible the lives of absolute ordinariness that we ached for." Lillian even touched the confused, and at this point, hopeless life of Jasmine on a personal level, nick-naming her "Jazzy." At the end of the chapter, Lillian sends Jasmine on her way to New York saying, "You're a very special case my dear." The encounter with Lillian Gordon was part of what life is all about.

This is a critical and key part of the novel, because it displays the struggle Jasmine endured in her quest to become an American. It proves that her determination is genuine and unbreakable. There is nothing that will keep her from reaching the "American Dream." Lillian Gordon's short lived relationship with Jasmine also sends a positive message about the ability to trust and the companionship of mankind. This reminds us of the proverb, "no man is an island unto himself." We are not alone in this world. Altruist exists, and the ones without hidden agendas are an absolute blessing. The motives of an altruist may not always be pure. Both good and bad exist in the world, but sometimes you must believe, and you have to trust others. Jasmine did, and was fortunate to meet an honest one--perhaps the best one.