Indomitable Optimism in Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie

Abstract

The present research is an attempt to study with reference to the theory of existentialism, man’s indomitable an overwhelming sense of optimism in the face of persisting tragic situation represented by Morie Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morie. It is a fact that the world is home for everyone. All creatures including human beings are the inhabitants of this vast world. Human beings, however, live socially, unlike, most probably, all the other creatures. Yet, every human being is alone in real sense because one has to fight for life alone. If there is a problem, everyone has to face it individually. If one is suffering from any kind of disease, only he/she has to face it alone. In real sense, one has to fight with the adversity of the world alone. Even though family members, relatives and friends often happen to help the suffering individual. Existential theory focuses on such plights of the people. The world is only for those people who can fight against all kinds of problems. In the absence of such fighting instinct, an individual life is both unbearable and meaningless. Moreover, the world is not fully satisfying for anyone. One has to adjust with the world and come to terms with the worldly circumstances.

The thesis deals with the principal character Morie, the professor of Mitch Albom, the writer, who is suffering from the fatal disease, ALS that leaves his soul, perfectly awake, imprisoned inside a limp husk. However, he does not abandon his life, rather he continues fighting against the adversity. He intends to bring meaning in the life he is endowed with. The thesis focuses on the existential idea that one is born alone and has to die alone though he/she is among the gathering of the people as Morie has struggled. He represents the whole people in the world. The professor teaches all the people that life is full of difficulty. It is the obligation of all people that they live courageously, patiently and meaningfully as much as possible.