"Just Lather, That's All" explores the theme of moral dilemma through the internal conflict faced by the barber, who is secretly a rebel sympathizer. As he shaves Captain Torres, an enemy officer, he grapples with the decision of whether to kill him. This moment of tension highlights the barber's struggle between his duty to the rebels and his personal ethics.

The barber assists the rebels by acting as an informant, providing them with crucial information about Captain Torres's whereabouts and plans. His role requires vigilance and secrecy, as any mistake could lead to his exposure. Despite the pressure to eliminate Torres, the barber is hesitant to commit murder, reflecting his moral conflict.

The barber's dilemma is intensified by the expectation to act against Torres. He contemplates the consequences of letting the captain go, knowing it may be difficult to justify his decision to the rebels. The barber's internal struggle is encapsulated in the line:

So it was going to be very difficult to explain that I had him right in my hands and let him go peacefully—alive and shaved.

Ultimately, the barber chooses not to kill Torres, prioritizing his principles over the demands of the conflict. This decision underscores the theme of moral dilemma, as the barber navigates the complexities of his role in the civil war while adhering to his ethical beliefs.