Free Essays - Tuesdays With Morrie

When my parents first told me that it would be a good idea for me to read Tuesdays With Morrie, my perception of the memoir was that it was an account of an old man dying. This did not seem, to me, to be the most interesting topic to read about. I reluctantly began the book and soon became quite involved with the novel’s insightful progression. I initially thought I would construct a typical review of the novel and hand it in for a good grade. I then asked myself if I would learn anything by writing a summary. Two answers became evident. The first was that, of course, I would learn how to write yet another book report. The second was that I would not benefit at all from simply summarizing the memoir. I came to the conclusion that by focusing my paper on that which Morrie so eloquently taught the reader, both me and my teacher would gain insight and understanding about living life to it’s fullest.

Morrie’s message was, in short, not to become preoccupied with death and dying, but to live the life that you still have left in a meaningful and rewarding way. He believed that although death would soon take him, he wanted to teach others and share his ideas so that they could be passed on to future generations.

Mitch Albom is an alumnus of Brandeis University, where Morrie Schwartz taught for many years. Morrie left a lasting impression on Mitch and that impression is what eventually motivated Mitch to return to his wise professor. Mitch rediscovered Morrie in the last months of the older man’s life. Knowing he was dying, Morrie visited with Mitch every Tuesday in his study, just as they had done in college days. Morrie taught Mitch his final lesson: how to live.

Morrie and Mitch’s relationship went far beyond that of a teacher and student. It turned into a friendship between two men. Morrie taught Mitch innumerable lessons about the world, feeling sorry for oneself, regrets, death, family, emotions, fear of aging, money, how love goes on, marriage, culture, forgiveness, and saying good-bye. Morrie never wanted sympathy from Mitch; only an open mind and heart. Morrie discussed his philosophies on life with Mitch and encouraged him to do the same. Morrie shared his strengths and his weaknesses with his student, allowing him to open up to his old professor in a way that would help him to recharge his existing life.