At first, I thought, why isn't this guy running for help or trying to help others? At this point, he seemed like a zombie walking through dark clouds of ashes with blood and debris on his person. I am assuming that he was in a state of disbelief or shock from the event that took place.
On the other hand, it is really easy to criticize others in the aftermath of events but in real time situations it is much more difficult to make decisions during chaos. In battle or war, the term fog of war is commonly used to describe confusion, shock and ambiguity due to the ongoing chaos. Although this particular situation doesn't involve war, it is safe to say that Keith may have been exhibiting the same feelings as an infantry man/woman in battle.
I think that we all have experienced some kind of personal or public tragedy. It is hard to anticipate any type of reaction because we don't experience a tragedy of this magnitude on a daily basis. Although, Martin, Nina's boyfriend, makes a good point when he stated that other parts of the world are not accepting of change such as the technological advances western society has embraced over the years.
At the end of the novel it is revealed that Keith was inside one of the World Trade Center towers. Keith tried to save Rumsey after the terrorists crashed the plane into the building. Apparently, some type of apparatus or debris had fallen onto Rumsey leaving him paralyzed or seriously injured to the point where he could not mobilize on his own.
During this point, Keith tried to lift him or roll him out of the office but it was useless. Eventually, he left him there hoping that a firefighter or other rescure personnel would come to his aid. I think that Keith could have pulled another person to help him get Rumsey out of the office.
I believe that the story found redemption in Keith's character in the end. Although he didn't save Rumsey, he displayed enough courage to make the attempt.
On the other hand, it is really easy to criticize others in the aftermath of events but in real time situations it is much more difficult to make decisions during chaos. In battle or war, the term fog of war is commonly used to describe confusion, shock and ambiguity due to the ongoing chaos. Although this particular situation doesn't involve war, it is safe to say that Keith may have been exhibiting the same feelings as an infantry man/woman in battle.
I think that we all have experienced some kind of personal or public tragedy. It is hard to anticipate any type of reaction because we don't experience a tragedy of this magnitude on a daily basis. Although, Martin, Nina's boyfriend, makes a good point when he stated that other parts of the world are not accepting of change such as the technological advances western society has embraced over the years.
At the end of the novel it is revealed that Keith was inside one of the World Trade Center towers. Keith tried to save Rumsey after the terrorists crashed the plane into the building. Apparently, some type of apparatus or debris had fallen onto Rumsey leaving him paralyzed or seriously injured to the point where he could not mobilize on his own.
During this point, Keith tried to lift him or roll him out of the office but it was useless. Eventually, he left him there hoping that a firefighter or other rescure personnel would come to his aid. I think that Keith could have pulled another person to help him get Rumsey out of the office.
I believe that the story found redemption in Keith's character in the end. Although he didn't save Rumsey, he displayed enough courage to make the attempt.
