Vaclav Havel's Four Letter Word Hope

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Hope is a four letter word that sounds simple to the ear, and even pleasing, as one might say. As simple as it seems, there exist a complexity behind this four letter word, a complexity that is best explained by Vaclav Havel. He once wrote, “Hope is a state of mind, not of the world. Hope, in this deep and powerful sense, is not the same as joy that things are going well, or willingness to invest in enterprise that are obviously leading for success, but rather an ability to work for something because it is good.” “Hope,” as Havel continues, “is definitely not the same thing as optimism. It is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.” Havel’s interpretation …show more content…

Despite the constant reminder that “she is condemned,” “she’s dangerous,” or “there’s no future for you,” Gino continues to care for Ninon and tried his best to make sure that Ninon knows that together they will live; that together, they will find a way to live (Berger, 86). Gino’s intention is clearly demonstrated during their trip to Zibello when he showed Ninon “how we’re going to live, you and I” (Berger, 95). Because just like there is a way to find still waters in the midst of Po’s harsh-flowing water, Gino believes that both of them would find a way to live, or at least Gino would find a way for them to be together, for the rest of time (Berger, 95). Gino’s attitude might be puzzling for others. Zdena, for instant, thinks that he is crazy (Berger, 133). The truth is, however, he is just passionate about Ninon, “he only thinks about what he’s doing at the moment” and not counting the consequences (Berger, 133). Gino knew that following his passion is what makes sense to him despite not knowing how it will turn out. This scene correlates well to Havel’s notion of hope from how hopeful Gino is. Upon realizing how Ninon was despair of ever living, Gino aspires to spread his hope to Ninon. Spreading hope is a noble thing to do because despite the inevitability of dying, one should always live with hope because hope, whether one admits or not, is the key to a healthy mind, body, and soul. Therefore, Gino’s action undoubtedly demonstrate how hope is the ability to work for something simply because it is

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