Gina G. answered • 12/27/20
Patient and enthusiastic online tutor with strong focus in English
I believe the conditions and reasons surrounding Alecco's employment with Mehmet Bey are significant. It is made clear that Zarifi Alecco's father , Yousuf , and Mehmet are obviously religious Greek men. Mehmet hires Alecco based on the compassion Zarifi demonstrates over his wife's death , and on his word that Alecco will have no ambition to be a doctor. While in public , Mehmet does not allow Alecco to walk beside him , he is made to walk at a pace that keeps him behind Mehmet. Based on Alecco's work ethics , it becomes apparent to Mehmet that Alecco is a bright young man , and he doesn't like it , and is threatened by his abilities. However , Dr. Bey justifies his fear by reminding himself of the promise given to him by Alecco's father , which claimed that Alecco would not pursue any ambitions. Before Mehmet tries to poison Alecco , it is certain that Mehmet's insecurity is the root of his troubles. Remember , in the very beginning of the story the author makes a point of letting the reader know the Dr. Bey doesn't want any employee that is going to show any ambition. In fact , he tells Alecco that all he wants him to do is shine his shoes and run errands. The depth of , or reason of Mehmet's insecurities are left to the reader's imagination. Finally , Alecco is caught copying Dr. Bey's prescriptions and the sacred word and promise from Zafiri , the Greek , honest , and deeply religious man was shattered , and ultimately was the catalyst to Alecco being poisoned. And later , when Alecco comes back and humbly offers to work with Dr, Bey , he quickly realizes that time doesn't heal all wounds. I believe that ultimately Mahmet's pride and fear that someone may prove to be a smarter or better Dr. then he was , combined with the broken promise made by Zafiri was more then Dr. Bey could bear.
