Daru refuses to cooperate with Balducci primarily because his conscience dictates that it is wrong to turn in the Arab prisoner. His refusal stems from a profound moral conviction, leading him to decline involvement in the transfer of the prisoner.
When Balducci brings an Arab prisoner to Daru with orders for Daru to transport him the rest of the way to Tinguit and deliver him to officials, Daru unequivocally refuses. He chooses not to participate in the act, as he perceives it as a violation of his personal ethical code.
The Core of Daru's Refusal
Daru's non-cooperation is a direct manifestation of his internal moral compass. He finds the task of handing over the prisoner morally unacceptable, which overrides any obligation to follow official directives.
Key aspects of Daru's refusal include:
- Moral Integrity: Daru's conscience explicitly guides him, asserting that turning in the prisoner is fundamentally wrong. This moral stance is central to his character.
- Rejection of Complicity: He is unwilling to become an instrument in a process he views as unjust, thereby rejecting any form of complicity in the prisoner's fate.
- Personal Responsibility: Daru prioritizes his individual sense of responsibility and ethics over external authority or duty, choosing to act in accordance with his deeply held beliefs.
In essence, Daru's refusal to cooperate with Balducci is a powerful declaration of his unwavering moral principles and his commitment to acting in alignment with his conscience, regardless of the consequences or the nature of the orders given.
