Veronica Decides To Die :: essays research papers

     What is naive realism? Websters Unabridged Dictionary defines it as something that exists respectively of ideas concerning it something that exists independently of all other things and from which all other things derive something that constitutes a real or actual thing, as distinguished from something that is merely apparent. So, what defines reality? I mean can any cardinal, in all honesty, construct a concrete reproduction in which to turn and point proclaiming once and for all, There, I give you reality in the flesh. The answer simply is no. For as, the character, Dr. Igor stated . . . Other things, however, become fixed because more and more people believe thats the way they should be (167). Reality is nothing more than a socially accepted opinion a perception inherently subjective. This very principle is the driving force groundwork Paulo Coelhos introspective bracing, speedwell Decides To Die.     Veronica Decides to Die is a n interesting story about a young woman called "Veronica" who wants to die but her self-destruction is not successful and she finds herself in "Villet", a place for the both the insane, as well as, the sane. Although she insists on pursuing the end she has chosen, some events, relationships, and her doctors trick changes her view toward life. This novel is colored by the authors intimate knowledge of the world of mental hospitals, the relationships, and the comfort and anxiety of living in such a place. Coelhos story of madness and madness in contrast to the monotony of life provokes the feeling of self-discovery and the power of challenging all limitations and traditions. In this atmosphere created by Coelho, you learn that being several(predicate) doesnt mean being mad and you understand that reality is something the majority deems to be, not necessary the best or the most logical one. It is in the vivid moments of Veronica Decides To Die that you can feel love a nd religious beliefs are the most important feelings one can have in ones life. You also recognize how one can stop ones feelings like fear, hatred and love and let them emerge in a way which makes one fresh without any "vitrol" (minds bitterness), the poison believed to be the cause of insanity.      Paulo Coelho first won my heart with his work entitled, The Alchemist, and with Veronica Decides To Die he secured a permanent place there. I must say that this picky novel was, at times, hard for me to read not for any technical fault on Coelhos part because the story being told in more ways is my life.