Leiningen Versus the Ants
...n he says “I'm not an old woman; I'm not going to run for it just because an elemental's on the way. And don't think I'm the kind of fathead who tries to fend off lightning with his fists either. I use my intelligence, old man. With me, the brain isn't a second blind gut; I know what it's there for. When I began this model farm and plantation three years ago, I took into account all that could conceivably happen to it. And now I'm ready for anything and everything--including your ants.” (1) These two statements show him as believing he has planned for the worst and knows all that lies ahead of him. In reality, he knows nothing of what will actually happen to him and his plantation. Leiningen has also shown himself to be a very persuasive person. Although he gave his workers the right to walk away, he knew they were loyal to him. This is shown when he says, “Well, lads, we’ve lost the first round. But we’ll smash the beggars yet, don’t you worry. Anyone who thinks otherwise can draw his pay here and now and push off. There are rafts enough and to spare on the river and plenty of time to still reach ‘em.” (7) The men had a choice to make. Instead of fleeing, they stayed with Leiningen and the security that he presented to them. They believed his false sense of security because Leiningen had built everything for them. He gave them work, food, and shelter. His workers believed that he could save everything and everyone. There was no doubt in their minds that Leiningen would come out of the battle victorious. There was no doubt in Leiningen’s mind either. His impulsive logic took control of his actio...