Dreams i Various Literature Essay

Each person that walks this earth is given one life, one opportunity to obtain everything they've ever fought for and everything they've always desired. It is impossible to predict the moment that precious life will cease, and every day there are individuals whose hopeful possibilities are snatched away much too soon, leaving them desperately incomplete. In one fleeting instant life can vanish from the hands like mere dust floating in the wind, and consequently it is a principle practiced by many to embrace each moment of every day. There are countless individuals whose lives have been dedicated to the true embodiment of life and the thrill of chasing dreams. Historical idols such as Sojourner Truth and Emily Dickinson held firm perspectives that frequently differed from those of the public, but proudly acted in ways that led a legacy of leadership. Sojourner Truth set an example for mankind that strained and struggled for the freedom of all people, despite the incredible risks it required. Emily Dickinson, an illustrious female poet of the 1800s, disregarded the guidelines for typical written pieces and followed her own personalized path. With innumerable others to accompany them in the hall of fame, these exceptionally celebrated individuals promoted ideals of power and change throughout their lives. People similar to Sojourner Truth and Emily Dickinson have been able to prove through their unyielding courage that on the path of the daring pursuit, dreams must fight face-to-face with risk. Main character Santiago in the famous book The Alchemist demonstrates constant perseverance on his quest for his desires, and real-life cyclist Lance Armstrong exemplifies pure strength when he chases his dreams without being held back by cancer . There are those passive individuals similar to Hamlet in Hamlet, Prince of Denmark who would prefer to fade into the background and allow others to take on the challenges, but the challengers would argue that the trying feats are the most rewarding. After all, what is life without a little risk?

In Shakespeares brilliantly written play Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Hamlet himself reveals his vulnerability in his contemplation between enduring through hardships or riskily ending his life. In a dramatic soliloquy, Hamlet proceeds to describe his life or death dilemma to the audience. It is made clear in the passage that Hamlet lacks religious beliefs and therefore he doubts what awaits him in the afterlife. Who would fardels bear / To grunt and sweat under a weary life / But that the dread of something after death / The undiscovered country, from whose bourn / No traveler returns (Shakespeare Act III, Sc.1, Line 21-25). His apprehension for what the possible outcome could be unveils his cautious personality, and the ambiguity that dominates his mind creates an utterly impossible decision for him to make as he finds himself frozen, unable to take the chance of death. Hamlet continues, And makes us rather bear those ills we have / Than to fly to others that we know not of? / Thus conscience does make cowards of us all (Act III, Sc.1, Line 26-28). Admittedly, Hamlet is overcome with a realization that such a choice to make is incredibly difficult and requires a risk he is not necessarily willing to take. Instead, he returns to the devastating circumstances his life has put him in, and settles for the safer solution to the enigma. Shakespeares mature themes demonstrate another ongoing question that puzzles the mind of many. If you dont take the risk you think you should, will you be able to lead a happy life? Although it should be understood that Shakespeare is not promoting the option of suicide, the dramatic soliloquy represents the regretful results people are forced to digest when they neglect to follow their instinct.

Paulo Coelhos renowned story The Alchemist, featuring a young boy named Santiago, explores the power of will vs. the inevitability of fate. The beautifully written, inspirational book teaches a valuable lesson about the importance of relentlessly fighting to achieve a goal. Throughout the entire story, Santiago is on a hungry hunt for his Personal Legend and the treasure that accompanies it. He meets several intriguing people on his journey that teach him vital life lessons. "There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure" (Coelho 141). Coelhos parable focuses on teaching readers about the rewards that come with knocking down barriers, and disregarding anyone who attempts to hinder a risk-taker. Although there are several instances in the story that seem disheartening to Santiagos focused pursuit, he remembers that he must be a strong survivor and never cease his progress. Coelho reaffirms the idea that without taking chances in life, goals cannot be met and destinies will never be found. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives (Coelho 21 22). He interestingly proposes the idea that a person who takes risks does possess fear, but one who surrenders to the intimidating universe simply proves to be a fearful coward, similar to Hamlet.

One man who was a true advocate for the power of love, Leo F. Buscagllia once claimed, The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change, grow, love and live. With the raw emotions of recent devastating events, I am once again reminded of Chelsea King and Veronica Aguirre as I often am throughout my day. Both girls, completely different people with different goals, morals, beliefs and friends, both happened to be outstanding individuals who knew what it meant to sincerely cherish life. Both girls have taught me one constant, unchanging lesson that I have personally taken to heart very deepy: To truly live is to take every chance with open arms and an open mind, to embrace each new leaf turned over with bravery. The courageous people that I have studied about or that I have had the privilege of knowing personally who seek to satisfy the soul with the life they want are the ones who will end up most content. They are the ones who will lie on the deathbed and state retrospectively that they have lived a challenging, difficult, but gratifying life with no regrets in the end. I dont fear as much as I used to, and I finally understand through the pieces in this unit and the events that have hit our community this year, that without following my heart and taking chances when they are thrown at me, my life would be a waste. After all, what is life without a little risk? Or a lot ...