EVIL AND EVILER

Regarding Robert W. Welkos’ comprehension of the boxer Bruce Willis portrays so well in “Pulp Fiction” (“Yes, Virginia, That Was Bruce Willis,” Film Clips, Jan. 29):

Willis’ character takes the money to take a dive. Then John Travolta’s character insults the hell out of him, giving him reason to change his mind about the dive. He doesn’t “refuse to take a dive,” as Welkos wrote. He decides to win the fight instead, killing his opponent in the process, knowing his failure to carry through on his contract with the bad guy is a terminal mistake. Willis’ character makes a hasty departure from the arena but soon stops to make sure all the bets he placed on his winning are paying off.

There’s nothing admirable whatsoever in the actions of Willis’ character in “Pulp Fiction.” But then there are no admirable characters at all in “Pulp Fiction,” just evil stupid people doing evil stupid things to other evil stupid people.

PAUL J. BURKE

Palmdale