Mitch's Criticisms Of Mitch And Morrie

1. Did your opinion of Mitch change as the book went on? Why or why not? How did your opinion change?

At the beginning of the book I found Mitch to be an aggressive white collar worker. He was extremely career driven, and spent most of his life working. He strived for bigger and better constantly, never feeling satisfied. As the book progressed Mitch became filled with compassion. The Tuesday meetings provided him with insight on the meaning of life, and how to achieve happiness without material possessions. At the end of the book I found Mitch to be relatable, and to have a great understanding of mortality.

2. Who do you think got more out of their Tuesday meetings, Mitch or Morrie? In what way? How do you think each would answer this

Morrie was given the opportunity to discuss his fears regarding his impending death. He was granted love and company in his final days. He was able to reach to Mitch to show him the importance of living. Mitch is shown life in a new perspective, without having to suffer the consequences of being terminally ill. He is given the knowledge of what it means to live a successful life. I believe both parties think they benefited themselves more than the other.

3. Discuss Morrie’s criticisms of Mitch throughout the book. Do you think Morrie should have been tougher on him? Easier?

Morrie’s criticisms of Mitch were never harsh or inaccurate. I believe impending death dims one’s filter of projecting their opinion. If Morrie was tougher on Mitch he may have weakened their relationship. If he was easier the reality of mortality would have never have been accepted by Mitch. The balance of being caring and concerned allowed for Morrie to reach Mitch deeply.

4. Do you think Mitch would have listened if Morrie hadn’t been dying? Does impending death automatically make one’s voice able to penetrate where it couldn’t

This provides Mitch with the ability to provide for Morrie, as he still feels he does not provide enough emotional support.

6. If Mitch and Peter hadn’t resumed contact by the end of the book, would Morrie’s lessons have been as important? Why or why not?

Morrie makes Mitch realizes the importance of family and this gives him the motivation to reach out and rekindle and grow his relationship with Peter. If they were unable to resume contact this would not have made Morrie’s lessons less important. His words would still stand true, even if Peter refused to speak to Mitch. We are unable to control the actions of others but as long as we are willing to try we succeed.

7. If Morrie could be reincarnated as an animal, which animal would it be? Why do you think he picked this one?

If given the choice, Morrie would have liked to be reincarnated as a gazelle. A gazelle is a graceful, fast animal whose name originates from the Arabic word “gazal”, the term for love poems. Morrie choses this creature because it represents the opposite of his current state. ALS keeps Morrie a prisoner within his own body, he is unable to move swiftly and break free of the disease that chains him to his house. Morrie wishes nothing more than to be able to be as free as a