Here's how the poem illustrates this:
* The Abbot's good deed: The Abbot places a bell on the Inchcape Rock to warn sailors of danger. This act is driven by compassion and a desire to protect lives.
* The Devil's greed: The sailor, driven by personal gain, cuts the bell from the rock. His motivation is pure selfishness – he believes the bell hinders his ability to rob shipwrecked vessels.
* The tragic consequence: The sailor's greed ultimately leads to his own demise. When he himself is shipwrecked, the lack of a warning bell causes his death. This highlights the destructive power of self-interest and the importance of considering the well-being of others.
The poem teaches us that selfish actions often have unintended consequences, and that true fulfillment comes from helping others rather than prioritizing personal gain.