Leaf by Niggle

Throughout the story, Niggle moves from seeing his moral responsibilities to others as an intrusive burden to experiencing a sincere love for his neighbor. In the beginning, the protagonist is described as a kindhearted person whose conscience pricks him but does not always compel him to action. The narrator observes, “You know the sort of kind heart: it made him uncomfortable more often than it made him do anything; and even when he did anything, it did not prevent him from grumbling, losing his temper, and swearing” (87). Niggle considers his obligations toward others “a nuisance” that hinders his artistic endeavors (87). Some of these obligations include serving on a jury and socializing with friends. In the Catholic tradition, moral responsibility for one’s neighbor holds a deep spiritual importance that goes beyond civic duties and social expectations. In the Gospels, Christ enjoins his followers to love their neighbors as themselves. Fittingly, Niggle performs most of his reluctant acts of kindness for Parish, who plays a vital role in the theme of moral responsibility because he is Niggle’s “only real neighbour” (91). Niggle’s ride to fetch the doctor for Parish’s wife has particularly significant implications for the theme and for the protagonist’s development.