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Optimism In The Cellist Of Sarajevo

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A simple instance that optimism is present can remind humans that they are still capable to hope. In the book, The Cellist of Sarajevo, by Steven Galloway, one of our protagonists Kenan is faced with the bitter reality of war. Kenan does not want to acknowledge the presence of the destruction, but things soon change. Kenan is presented with optimism, allowing him to start to hope again. A mere bathroom light, beautiful performance, and an encouraging thought is all Kenan needed for his ambition and desire to return.

Kenans bathroom light gives him more than just illumination but hope and encouragement things will get better. “A harsh yellow light fills the room, and his eyes adjust to its brightness. Kenan smiles,” and he knows it may not last forever, but having it now is enough. Kenan did not have much hope things would get better, constantly dwelling on the past. He felt as though he was in an endless loop of war and darkness. This newfound light tells him otherwise. The light may not stay on forever, and may falter with a flicker, but Kenan is encouraged by the electricity. It is a sign his situation will improve, and he will persevere. This small instance gave Kenan the hope he was …show more content…

“None of this matters to Kenan anymore. He stares at the cellist, and feels himself relax as the music seeps into him,” he feels as through the music becomes one with him. Kenan is inspired by the cellist's song, so much so that as he listens, he sees his broken and war-torn city rebuild itself. The music affected Kenan so much that he now has hope his city can be saved and restored to what it once was. Kenan, who was once stuck in the past, has now been shown the reality, and he is willing to work past it. Having this beautiful instance of art and beauty restored Kenans' positive outlook on things. The cellist's melody was an auspicious sign for Kenan a future is

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