The Misfit Analysis

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Works of literature are a form of art, and in order to be able to extract meaning from a work of art, the theory of art is used. This theory is a way to explain how art is made, and for what purpose. Through it, one can understand and analyze works of art. The origin of these works comes from the fact that all people experience the world, and from their experiences develop a worldview, i.e. a set of beliefs based on personal experience of how things work in the world. A subset of all the people experiencing the world and developing worldviews are artists, such as authors. The works of art generated by artists are expressions of their worldview, brought to light by their art. This art includes authors’ literary works, which can be analyzed …show more content…

He states he is just the result of an unfair and unjust system that does not punish him for the crimes he actually committed, and that if he “had been there [when Jesus raised the dead, he] would have known [if Jesus truly did raise the dead] and [he] wouldn’t be like [he is] now” (DiYanni 195). The Misfit views the world as meaningless, as everyone will be punished no matter what. He believes that if he had seen Jesus raise the dead, then he would know for sure to give up everything and follow Jesus. However, as The Misfit does not know for sure if Jesus raised the dead, he states that there is nothing to do but enjoy the few moments of life you have in the best way one can, which he defines as meanness directed to others. He reached this conclusion because he believes his first incarceration was unlawful, and based on false charges. He calls himself The Misfit “because [he] can’t make what all [he’s] done wrong fit what [he’s] gone through in punishment” (DiYanni 195). This means that he views his convictions as punishments he did not deserve, but he would receive no matter what he did. His reaction to the comment that there was some fun in killing the family, from Bobby Lee, an accomplice, is telling of this worldview. He retorts that there is no real pleasure in life. His lack of pleasure in life arises from his worldview that nothing matters, life is only a few fleeting moments, and he will be punished no matter what he

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