One human quality that every person possesses is gluttony. The poorest person in the world to the richest in the world will always want more, more, more. More food, more money, more everything. His wants will not be satiated until he lays six feet in the ground. The same goes for the main character in Michael Crichton’s The Great Train Robbery. Throughout The Great Train Robbery, Edward Pierce displays this run-of-the-mill attribute of greed which comes to light as his motive for his grand heist. Gluttony is exceedingly blatant in people who are “well-to-do” (Crichton 5). Edward Pierce belongs in this category as he classifies himself as “a highborn gentleman” (5). With such innumerable wealth, Pierce does not need to commit this robbery, but wants more. Pierce …show more content…
Most would not spend an excessive amount of time on a task that they do not truly need. Edward Pierce spends an extensive amount of time observing subjects for tedious information. Pierce spent weeks “learn[ing] a great deal about Mr. Edgar Trent and his daily routine” (Crichton 41). Spending weeks on simply obtaining a fraction of information for money that he does not need is absurd. Greed is simply controlling his life choices. Tracking the detailed schedules of men who hold the literal keys to his plan. Pierce also attempts to help others to get their help, risking legal punishment of housing an escaped convict. He allowed Clean Willy, a crucial piece of his plan, to remain in his home for “several weeks in seclusion” (Crichton 76). While facing legal punishment, the physical task of robbing the train of money that he does not need, only desires, is another risk. While climbing the train, Pierce faces “wind [striking] him like an enormous fist”, continues to crawl in great pain (216).
Amidst great risk of life, Edward Pierce is motivated by his greed. While he may not be the richest, nor the poorest, he is still a human. Pierce, while satisfied in need, wants more, more