The barber faces a moral dilemma between his duty to provide a service and his temptation to kill Captain Torres, an enemy. His motivations stem from his role in the resistance and his internal conflict about taking a life. Ultimately, he decides against murder, prioritizing his ethical standards and professional integrity over revenge.

In "Just Lather, That's All," a revolutionary is differentiated from a murderer by their motives and actions. The barber, a revolutionary, refuses to kill Captain Torres in cold blood, seeing murder as unjustifiable and counterproductive. He believes that killing only perpetuates a cycle of violence and retaliation. The barber's moral stance and professional pride prevent him from becoming a murderer, highlighting the ethical distinction between revolutionary acts and murder.

Captain Torres says, "They told me that you'd kill me. But killing isn't easy. You can take my word for it," to reveal his understanding that taking a life is difficult, despite his own actions as a military leader. This statement highlights his complex character, suggesting a sense of guilt or awareness about the moral weight of killing. Additionally, he may be mocking the barber, implying his own strength and experience compared to the barber's hesitance.

In "Just Lather, That's All," the barber is not necessarily a coward; his decision not to kill the captain stems from a moral dilemma rather than fear. While killing the captain could aid the rebels, the barber fears becoming as monstrous as his enemy by murdering a defenseless man. His concerns about the repercussions, including his safety and the potential harm to the village, also influence his choice, highlighting his internal conflict over right and wrong.

The barber in "Just Lather, That's All" is secretly a rebel sympathizer in a civil war. His role is to gather information and maintain his cover to avoid suspicion from the government forces, despite being tempted to kill Captain Torres, an enemy officer, during a shave. This internal conflict highlights his moral dilemma and commitment to his principles.

In "Just Lather, That's All," Captain Torres's statement "killing isn't easy" suggests that despite his brutal actions, killing causes psychological suffering, including remorse and regret. This admission contrasts with his ruthless reputation and hints at an inner conflict, revealing that even a seemingly cold-blooded killer has limits. Torres's comment also highlights the emotional and moral complexities involved in taking a life, despite his outwardly violent demeanor.

The narrator's internal conflict about killing Torres while shaving him highlights a man-versus-self struggle rather than a contradiction of his revolutionary ideals. While contemplating murder, he grapples with maintaining his honor and not betraying his principles, understanding that becoming a murderer would not advance his cause. Ultimately, by choosing not to kill Torres, he resolves his internal conflict, reaffirming his commitment to his values and earning a surprising confession from the Captain.

Torres' statement at the end of "Just Lather, That's All" complicates our perception of him by revealing a depth beyond his sadistic persona. It suggests that despite his brutal actions, killing is not easy for him, indicating suppressed emotions and mental conflicts similar to the barber's. This line also highlights Torres' bravery and strategic mind, as he risks his life to test the barber's intentions, suggesting that the psychological divide between enemies may not be as vast as presumed.

The barber lets Torres walk away unharmed due to his internal conflict and professional integrity. Despite being tempted to kill Torres, a brutal captain, the barber ultimately decides against murder. He values his role as a barber and does not want to become a murderer, preferring to maintain his honor and avoid bloodshed. This decision highlights his belief that each person has their place, and his is not that of an executioner.