Problem Formulation Objectives of the Study

CHAPTER II THEORETICAL REVIEW

A. Review of Related Studies

Tuesdays with Morrie is based on a true story from an old dying man’s life, Morrie Schwartz, with a young man, Mitch Albom, who talks about his life as the greatest lesson. This biographical novel is not merely about a story of a dying man’s last words which are said in common way but it is deeper about a man whose spirit is endless. It is about a man who understands this life thoroughly. It is emphasized by Stephanie Bowen, a book explorer of creative world writing at UCLA and CNN’s staff, in her article entitled “Tuesdays with Morrie” in CNN on May edition, 1998. She says that: Tuesdays with Morrie is more than just a dying man’s last words. It is an inspirational recount of a man’s life-a man whose passion for the human spirit has continued to live long after his last breath http:edition.cnn.combooksreview980506index.html accessed on 20 September 2006. Bowen also comments on Morrie’s view about his experiences with death. She states: Morrie speaks to every person because he is every person. He has led a simple yet meaningful life that inspires you to live yours to the fullest. Perhaps his story is more powerful because you’re not only taking in his wisdom, but you are experiencing his death. In his words, he is fortunate enough to know he is dying, to take stock of his life as it comes to an end. He handles this with bravery and compassion, and when the final moment comes you feel as though you’ve lost a dear friend http:edition.cnn.combooksreview980506index.html accessed on 20 September 2006. 7 PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI These sentences mean that Morrie is the same as an ordinary people who also experiences death. However, the difference is in his point of view about death. For common people, death is a scary thing but for Morrie, death is a lesson on how to live. It is also a lesson to more appreciate his life. In his view, Morrie considers death as an opportunity to seek what meaningful life is and realizes that death is a part of nature so he handles it bravely, compassionately, and wisely. Bowen also adds that Albom’s life has changed dramatically because of the discussion about life in “Tuesday’s classes” with Morrie. In a true testament, Albom tells that now he spends more time with his wife, taking more time off work, and he is investing in the relationship with people in his life that he cares about most. He faces life with less fear than before and realizes that life only comes around once. Reunion with Morrie brings him to do the best thing in life so there is no regret turning back time http:edition.cnn.combooksreview980506index.html accessed on 20 September 2006. Another opinion comes from Charles Derber, a Boston College sociology professor. As quoted by Jim Suhr, an Associated Press writer, in his article “Sick Professor, Ex-student Talk of Life’s Lessons” in Chronicling Tuesdays with Morrie on February, 1998; Derber says, “The fact that Mitch’s is so widely read is testimony that he captured something valuable. Morrie would be smiling about this”http:www.s-t.comdaily02-9802-15-98e07li216.html accessed on 20 September 2006. Derber means that Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie is a PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI