Charater Problem

Characters Problem –Solving Process

Sometimes philosophers define life as real problems faced by society or individuals. Throughout life, everyone faces problems and conflicts and existence in this life constitutes experiencing and struggling to overcome those problems. Moreover, different personalities try to solve their problems in different ways and the degree of success varies depending on the methods used to confront the problem. The two novels read in class, Let the Great World Spin, by Colum McCann, and The Last September, by Elizabeth Bowen, both expertly depict characters wrestling with their problems and undergoing problem solving methods. In Let the Great World Spin, Tillie’s problem was that she had adopted the most dishonorable profession and was satisfied with her life, but after experiencing loss of her daughter, she realized her misconception, felt deep guilt, and discouraged prostitution for grandchildren. In The Last September, Lois’s problem was not knowing or realizing her sexual identity, which was resolved by solidifying her relationship with Marda, to the degree of ultimately kissing Marda and acknowledging to herself what her sexual identity is.
Tillie’s contentment with her profession was clearly documented in the flashback thoughts of when Tillie was remembering her past in the jail. Tillie stated, “I was calling myself Miss Bliss then, ’cause I was very happy. The men were just bodies moving on me. Bits of color. They didn’t matter none. Sometimes I just felt like a needle in a jukebox” (206).Tillie identified herself as “Miss Bliss” which literally means happiness and contentment and points to the fact that she was happy with adopting   prostitution as her profession. In addition, she says, “I just felt like a needle in a jukebox” indicating the fact that her life revolved only around her profession.   The comparison to a “needle in a jukebox” presents the idea that she was satisfied with following the same routine of her job over and...