Charlie Weeks is in Norway selling bonds to a small city government. He almost dies in a snowstorm, but Gunnar Johannessen, a member of the town council, saves him. They become close, until Charlie finds out Gunnar advised the council against buying his bonds, at which point he feels betrayed. What did you think of Charlie’s reaction here? Why does Gunnar’s lack of support hit him so hard? Why do you think the council ignored Gunnar’s advice?
Frankly, Charlie needs to grow some balls. You can still disagree but remain friends. I saw Charlie as being so needy all the time - always looking for approval or recognition. That he couldn’t accept Gunnar’s honesty but friendship - he saved the guy - represents I think how greedy people see others - it you’re not with me, you’re against me.
Charlie’s reaction was in line with his personality. While he began enjoying the less hurried lifestyle that Gunnar lived and fantasized about doing the same, the “betrayal” gave him an easy out.
“How dare you disagree with me!!!” Nah, Charlie was a greedy, insecure putz.
Charlie was a fast talking scammer. He knew the huge risk those mortgage bonds were to those unsuspecting people. After his brush with death and his vow to be more truthful should he survived he reverted back to his greedy self.