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Cover of The Right Thing

The Right Thing

Written by Ray Cummings

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Short storiesMan-woman relationshipsStepfathers

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About this book

"The Right Thing" by Ray Cummings is a short story written in the early 20th century, likely reflecting the societal norms and values of the time. This narrative centers on themes of love, sacrifice, and moral complexity, exploring the idea of what constitutes the "right thing" in difficult circumstances, particularly in the context of personal relationships and familial loyalty. The story unfolds in a secluded cabin where a young girl named Beth is surprised by her injured lover, Tom. As they navigate their feelings for each other amidst the threat of her abusive stepfather, Beth reveals her strong belief in doing the right thing, a creed inherited from her deceased mother. However, when her stepfather is found dead and Tom becomes the prime suspect, Beth is faced with an ethical dilemma. Torn between her love for Tom and the obligation to uphold justice, she ultimately decides to protect him, emphasizing the complexities of morality and the meaning of love in crisis. The narrative concludes with Beth taking a stand for her beliefs, highlighting the challenges of choosing the right course of action in emotionally fraught situations.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Right Thing, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 1 hours
  • intermediate
  • tense
  • romantic
  • melancholy

Ray Cummings's "The Right Thing" is an early 20th-century short story delving into the profound moral complexities of love, sacrifice, and justice. Set in a secluded cabin, the narrative follows Beth, a young woman whose life is upended by the arrival of her injured lover, Tom, amidst the backdrop of her abusive stepfather. When the stepfather is found dead and Tom becomes the prime suspect, Beth is thrust into a harrowing ethical dilemma, torn between her deep love and her inherited belief in upholding justice. Ultimately, she chooses to protect Tom, highlighting the challenging nature of defining "the right thing" when personal loyalties clash with societal obligations, particularly in emotionally charged crises.

“"My mother always said, 'Beth, you must always do the right thing, no matter the cost.' But what if the cost is everything you hold dear?"”

Key themes

Moral Complexity and Ethical Dilemma
This is the central theme, exploring the idea that "the right thing" is not always clear-cut, especially when personal loyalties and love clash with societal or legal justice. The story forces Beth, and by extension the reader, to question absolute moral principles in the face of extreme personal circumstances.
Love vs. Justice/Loyalty vs. Law
This theme directly pits the powerful bond of romantic love and personal loyalty against the abstract principles of justice and legal obligation. Beth's decision highlights the human tendency to prioritize personal connections over strict adherence to the law, especially when the law might lead to the suffering of a loved one.
Sacrifice and Self-Determination
Beth's decision is an act of profound sacrifice, as she potentially risks her own freedom and moral standing for Tom. It also represents an act of self-determination, as she redefines her moral compass and chooses her own path, rather than passively following inherited beliefs or societal expectations.

Worth discussing

How does Beth's inherited creed of "doing the right thing" evolve throughout the story, and what does her final decision suggest about its meaning?

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