A New Outlook

After having completed Olive Kitteridge by the acclaimed Elizabeth Strout, I have adopted a new philosophy concerning life.  One of the important lessons I learned from Olive and the residents of Crosby, Maine concerns the significance of human relationships.  Complex and deeply imperfect, connections between human beings have occurred since the dawn of mankind.  As history has shown, affiliation between persons can lead to fighting, animosity and depression.  Yet, even with these daunting risks, Strout proves that relationships act as the primary mode of sustenance in life.  The suffering of “deep…loneliness”, as Olive learned by the conclusion of the novel, exceeds the pain of any injury initiated by social causes (224).  Strout makes the assertion that people find true happiness through the interaction with others.  Therefore, effort and diligence must go into maintaining friendships and love interests.  Self-centeredness and an ignorance of others’ problems will inevitably push close persons away.  Part of the reason why Olive and her son Christopher drifted apart from one another stemmed from the fact that Olive turned a blind eye towards the treatment of her son. As Chris angrily dictated to his mother, a lack of awareness of the fact that “actions bring reactions” will never bring reconciliation between feuding persons (229).  Strout indirectly characterizes Olive as oblivious by underscoring her distorted sense of others’ troubles.  As the author thematically delineates at the end of the novel, if the chance for love presented itself, “one chose it” or neglected it (270).  Without a support network of loving individuals, optimism can easily extinguish itself.  Strout establishes logos by pressing the claim that isolation from human interaction builds bitterness and furthers insecurities.  The perils of the human condition certainly seem intimidating after reading of the tribulations Olive experienced.  But, as Olive discovered through Jack Kennison, hope exists in the hands of those that care for and protect you.