preview

The Cradle Will Fall Essay example

Decent Essays

The Cradle Will Fall In many works of literature, a main character is motivated by pure greed in order to gain wealth, fame and power. This idea is very clearly developed in the novel The Cradle Will Fall by Mary Higgins Clark where Dr. Edgar Highley, a well respected obstetrician and gynecologist is using deceitful, depraved, and often deadly methods of “curing” infertile women to gain national fame. The doctor’s motivation was so great that he was willing to go to great lengths to keep his unethical practices hidden. When his work was threatened by others he felt no shame or guilt in getting rid of his problems in more ways than one. The doctor knew his procedures were illegal and often deadly, however the chance for …show more content…

152) The doctor knew it was his procedures that had killed many women, however he felt that for every patient he lost, he gained more insight into his practice, prenatal care, and how to correct problems he encountered in those difficult pregnancies. “When the proper time came he would burn the files about the failures and claim the recognition that was due to him. By then there would surely be more triumphs.” (Pg. 152) The doctor knew nothing must stand in his way and he had to make sure nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Dr. Highley knew his reputation would be hurt with all the questioning by the police so he offered to do an interview with Newsmaker to boost up his standing in society. “The Newsmaker article would be on the stands. It would enhance his social as well as his medical prestige.” (Pg. 153) The doctor knew that his work at the hospital would lead him to the public path of fame but too many people were getting in the way and had to be disposed of. He anticipated the chance of bringing his work out publicly. He was motivated by pure greed for the money and fame which would lead to power in the medical field. “One day he would be able to carry out his work publicly. One day he would have the fame he deserved. One day the fools who said his work was impossible would be forced to acknowledge his genius.” (Pg. 204) However with all the killing there were sure to be mistakes, and the ones Dr.

Get Access