The golden rule states, “One should treat others as one would like others treat oneself”. When people get mistreated, they tend to subconsciously mistreat others; thus, creating an endless cycle of abuse. This phenomenon is extremely evident in impoverished areas like the ghettos, amongst violent tribes, and most especially, war-torn countries such as Congo. Lynn Nottage’s play, Ruined, tells the story of young women working at a brothel owned and operated by a lady named Mama Nadi in a war-ravaged, small mining town in Congo. Different types of characters are depicted in Ruined including the antihero, a courageous main character who shows empathy and saves other characters from harm, but isn’t ethically sound; the villain, who is also a main…show more content… Without Mama Nadi’s help, the ladies wouldn’t have a choice but to wander around a lawless place full of savages; while hungry and defenseless. Sophie described the unfortunate status quo of their town to convince Salima not to leave Mama Nadi’s brothel, “if you leave, where will you go? Huh? Sleep in the bush? Scourge for food… There is a war going on, and it isn’t safe for a woman to be alone.” (Nottage 32). Under Mama Nadi’s care, the girls live a safer and way better life than they would’ve had if they work somewhere else. Additionally, the type of business that Mama Nadi runs takes guts and courage because she has to deal with several types of people, most of whom are uncultured individuals. The place they live in is as uncivilized as the wilderness; just like a lioness protecting her cubs from being devoured by a pack of hyenas or other predators, Mama Nadi’s bravery keeps the girls unharmed, and without her supplying the daily necessities, the ladies’ chance of surviving would be slim. Moreover, although Mama was initially cold, and seemed only intends to look after herself, she develops compassion for the girls as the play goes
