“If there is meaning in life at all, then there must be meaning in suffering.” How has suffering been described in two works you have studied, and how could this be said to give meaning to life? (The Great Gatsby & MAUS)
The thesis statement: Both literary works depict the meaning of primarily emotional, but also physical suffering through the way characters are affected by wars, how they deal with the past, and their social position in society, to show that the meaning of life lies in realizing its worth, seeking one’s hidden potential and hope in life.
1. Both The Great Gatsby and Maus show that the main characters have inconveniences in living their life after the horrific events of the wars they went through.
2. Likewise, in Maus, suffering is evident in the way World War II and the Holocaust affect Vladek in the form of survivor's guilt, which in turn affects his son Artie.
3.Furthermore, both The Great Gatsby and Maus use the theme of the past and its memories to show the suffering of Gatsby and Vladek.
4. Vladek also deals with the past and its memories of the Holocaust, but unlike Gatsby, he shows signs of trying to escape the past.
5. Lastly, both literary works describe suffering by the characters’ social position in society.
Lesson duration is: 60 min
