This question plagued my mind all day. Why are most pieces of great literature somber? It is because many of the writers were unhappy? Is it because writing addresses the issues of the world and most of them are unpleasant? Is it because humans have a tendency to embrace "sadness" and look at "happiness" as an elusive dream?
So now I am on a new quest - to find a piece of great literature that is "happy." Any suggestions?
8 comments:
I'd say that "happy" is in the eye of the beholder. What's happy to some might not be happy to others. So first, I would question what I find to be happy and see how it compares with others. Then, I would either find other stories that may be happier or I would present certain "sad" stories in a different light. Sometimes something sad can really be happy. For instance, Romeo and Juliet may have a sad ending and many would consider it a sad story. Yet, ideally, it's a love story with a tragic ending. What's so sad about enduring love?
I believe that most pieces use elements of sadness and failure because that is when the true emotions of the characters can be shown. In a novel about a sad event or person, the troubles they go through are oppurtunities for the author to develop the character or the plot. In times of strife, I think people can right more. When you are in a bad mood i can pretty much verbalize every little problem I have. I think this is why authors choose to do so. They right about the opposite of normal life, whether because that was their life or its just more interesting.
A GREAT book that I read was "I Am America And So Can You" by Stephen Colbert. Unlike most social/political literature that presents problems in the world, this book takes a humorous, sarcastic approach. I would highly recommend it to anybody. Not only does it teach readers life morals, but it is a "happy" book.
If you think that there are no great pieces of literature that have an uplifting theme and a jolly outlook then you're doing one of two things: (1)overlooking the brighter side of the "depressing" books you read [probably because you're so forced to address the brilliance accompanied by depression for your students' greater good] or (2)you're not reading any of the wonderful happy books! If I could recommend a happy book I'd say "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" or really any Tom Robbins novels. Whether his uplifting style of writing is drug induced, or natural, Robbins is a wonderful breather from the common cheerless literature that gets so addicting over time.
Although I speak in a way that suggests it's easy to find uplifting literature that doesn't make one want to vomit, it's not. And I do agree that it gets upsetting when this becomes apparent. Nevertheless, the most genious artists are the madly depressed, the completely insane, or the drug addicts. Writers falling under these categories aren't prone to express the brighter side of life, but rather the demon dwelling shadows that house their pathetic outlook on life (ie. Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allen Poe, Aldous Huxley, et cetera) Good luck on your quest for optimism in a job surrounded by grumpy teenagers.
Literature is expressed through various emotions and moods, but a prominent one in really strong literature is sadness. In times of hardship, people are more likely to speak their mind and be able to express themselves more freely and openly. I think that most authors don't write about "happy" things because life is not always happy, and its not exactly a dismal point of view it is just realistic. I would definitely agree that it depends on your outlook on life of what is "happy." If you think that all books are sad just because people die in the end or don't live happily ever after, I think you may be over analyzing it and not enjoying the principle of the plot.
As human beings, we seem to be more interested in the failures and unhappiness of others. Although it is true that in most literature, we are only exposed to negative aspects of the characters lives, but thats not the only place. In all of the years I have taken history, I have yet to go in depth into a time of peace or national happiness. These period of time have happened, even if they are not very often. Still, we choose not to learn about this. Sadness is just more interesting and helps to drive everything, such as the development of a plot or a nation as a whole.
Now that I think about it, unfortunately i have never read a litterature book that was happy. Throughout the years they have all been sad at one point or another. I don't know if it is depresed state of the characters that catches the readers attention, or if it is just easier for authors to write about hardships than happy moments. Fortunately, there are authors that write happy or comedy like pieces of litterature. For instance, Moliere is a French author that writes humor and other pleasent works of litterature.
I am assuming that most of the previous comments are by your students. I am very impressed with their insight and their incredible writing skills. You must be an amazing teacher.
I love to read and want to find the time to read great works of literature, as I once did in high school and college, but rarely do, now. Most of what I read is NOT depressing ( with the exception of THE KITE RUNNER and some others).
I remember reading EVEN COWGIRLS GET THE BLUES 30 years ago and it changed my life. I have read everything by Tom Robbins. Some of his books are outstanding, such as COWGIRLS and SKINNY LEGS AND ALL. If Najwa is under 50 ( which I suspect she is CONSIDERABLY younger than 50), I admire her taste.
I am a music teacher at a high school and started a philosophy club that would tie in perfectly with your literature class.
I will definitely follow your blog.
Thanks for all the great information.
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