Wellspring of Courage and the Alchemy of Triumph: The Power of Optimism in Overcoming Adversity in Selected Works
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1604.29Keywords:
courage, learned optimism, mental well-being, emotional intelligence, meaningful lifeAbstract
Optimism is a crucial psychological attribute that influences characters’ development in literature. This paper explores the presence and role of optimism in Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, Christian in The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan, Young Santiago in The Alchemy by Paulo Coelho, and Old Santiago in The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. Using optimism theory, particularly the framework proposed by Martin Seligman and Phebe Cramer, this study examines how optimism drives the narratives, character growth, and ultimate success of these literary figures. By comparing the experiences of the characters mentioned, through the use of optimism, this research investigates how the authors utilize it to advocate character development, reinforce moral teachings, persistence, and hope in order to shape resilience, decision-making, and interpersonal interactions in a variety of socio-cultural situations.
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