english
... an unhealthy self pride that hurts others. In fact, the narrator extends this idea when he relates Narcissus's harsh treatment of those who love him. For example, when Echo approaches Narcissus, he rebukes her harshly, saying, "I'll die before I yield to you!" (63), rather than kindly turning her away. Furthermore, the narrator asserts that "Narcissus mocked her" (63) by refusing her love. The narrator also includes that "many a man he mocked" (63). Thus the reader is inclined to dislike him from the start. Throughout the story, the narrator's diction depicts Narcissus as foolish and unpitiable. At the start of the narrative Narcissus scorns those who love him, simply because his pride won't allow himself to be touched by those he considers unworthy of his love. In particular, he shames and rejects Echo, who has fallen in love with him, eventually causing her death. Thus, Narcissus's cold, unfeeling pride was responsible for death and injury. While...