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  • Essay / The relationship between Walter White and Jesse Pinkman through social conflict

    For centuries, class conflict has been a struggle of people constantly fighting and gaining control. “Breaking Bad” is best explained by class conflict and the Protestant ethic best explains the relationship between Walter and Jesse. These two sociological perspectives are two of five recurring perspectives throughout the series of relationships between Walter and Jesse. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essayIn the first chapter of “Essentials of Sociology,” the subject of class conflict is discussed. It was in the 1800s that Karl Marx proposed a revolution to change society. According to page 5, class conflict is the struggle between capitalists and workers. Throughout the “Breaking Bad” series, Walter White engages not only in a spiral of realizations but also of explosions and secrets. He works two jobs to support his family, working hard to become a capitalist, and his wife is constantly at his side, demanding more to be able to live easily. As the series continues, Walter learns that he has lung cancer and begins to question his motives in life; his conduct. He wonders why he worked so many jobs and why he felt so unhappy. After an accident lands him in the hospital, Walter discovers that the bills that pile up after receiving chemotherapy will put his family in deep, never-ending debt. With a pregnant wife and a son who can't walk, Walter realizes he must change his working-class lifestyle and become a capitalist. He begins to motivate himself not only to quit his job as a car wash, but also to become a drug dealer. He continues his work at the school to hide his true intentions. Walter is still the worker at this point because he is the means of production, but when he and Jesse meet again and reconnect, Walter begins to become a capitalist, more than a worker. Another recurring social perspective that is interwoven throughout “Breaking Bad.” is the Protestant ethic. On page 7 he describes the Protestant ethic as the desire for salvation triggered by the desire for financial success. This depiction of Walter and Jesse's relationship is a little difficult to explain. A Protestant ethic is about someone seeking salvation in religious terms in order to be more successful. At first, Jesse was running from Walter, avoiding getting caught and getting into trouble for being a meth dealer. Walter convinces him to reconsider his decision, team up and develop a product that all buyers will want. Jesse begins a power struggle with Walter, simply because both are used to being the best within a collective of workers. Jesse, a high school dropout, soon not only looks to Walter for guidance on how to solve problems, but also sees him as his leader. He not only seeks salvation from being nobody, but also a desire for success. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Jesse and Walter both desire salvation, whether for their own personal gain and the other for the protection of the family. The relationship is linked by Jesse seeking salvation and Walter seeking success; a success that will help Walter become a capitalist rather than a simple worker.