A Long Walk to Forever - Book Report/Review Example

‘A Long Walk to Forever’ Kurt Vonnegut portrays perception without imagination and restriction in his writings. In essence, most of his writings surpass rivers of innocence and mountains of ignorance as he tries to bring out the sympathy exhibited by society due to the existing reality. His outstanding works are a result of his viewpoints and acquaintances that aim at making people appreciate and understand his inquiries and philosophies. His literary works concur with his outlook regarding altruistic love, human substantiality, and post-existentialism. Vonnegut believes of love as a principality to survival. He depicts that love makes an individual’s life meaningful and worth recounting. Moreover, affection that one possesses towards another can be treasured and expressed in many ways. In his short story, ‘A Long Walk to Forever’, Vonnegut portrays how conflict, sensitivity, and essential decency depict an individual’s character. This paper discusses in depth about Catharine and Newt in the short story ‘A Long Walk to Forever’. Essentially, it outlines their character traits, their perceptions, and values in life (Vonnegut 2). Newt is depicted as a shy person since although he loves Catherine, he does not confess his feelings to her until the last moment when she is about to get married in three weeks time (Vonnegut 2). Evidently, Newt is jealous since as he discovers that Catharine is getting married to another man, he quits from his job and confesses his love for her. Although he is late in making such a confession, he is determined to have Catharine for himself. He is persistent because as Catharine explains that it is impossible for them to have a life together, he still insists of an opportunity to prove his long hidden love for her. The short story uses the word AWOL to symbolize the absence Newt makes in his place of work. He sacrifices his work for the sake of love. He fails consider the consequences that will come along his illegality of quitting the army without any proper leave. Newt is also courageous since he does everything to get the love of his life. He risks his work for the sake of Catherine’s love. As a risk taker, he does not have a second thought in his actions. Catherine goes through a magazine with an aim of choosing a wedding dress. This symbolizes her vagueness in what she needs in life. She is undecided about the dress to wear on her wedding day. She is also undecided of which man to marry. On the other hand, Catharine is irresolute. For instance, she still has feelings for Newt though she is to get married to another man. Despite her denial towards Newt, deep inside her heart is immeasurable love for Newt. As they chat in the woods, Catharine bursts in tear which force Newt to ask, ‘What does that mean?’ in fear of confessing the truth about her love for him, Catharine replies, ‘If I’d loved you, I’d have let you know before’ (Vonnegut 4). Both characters are passionate since though their love is forbidden, they make are determined to realize their dream of being together. They kiss passionately and elope just a week before Catharine is to get married to another man. As evidenced from the short story, love conquers all. This is evidenced by the fact that both Catharine and Newt later find fulfillment in each other’s arms. Catharine gives up the man he is about to marry for her true love. On the other hand, Newt gives up his job for the sake of his love for Catharine. He never gives it a second thought when he quits the army. The two characters depict the triumph they endure as they walk towards their future together (Vonnegut 5). I once lost an opportunity in life when I once had feelings towards my best friend and lacked the courage to make the proposal. I felt devastated in life and lost hope in everything. I felt that I had completely lost the battle and nothing else was to be done to change things. I could not take myself face reality and express my feelings. My friend later left for another country, and I could not do anything about it. I always regret this opportunity for having lost since could I have had the courage to make the proposal, we could now be happy together. After going through the short story ‘Long Walk to Forever’, I realized that it takes courage to make one’s dreams come true. In order to succeed, an individual has to face his/her changes and have a positive attitude that he/she will make it. The long walk used in the short story is used to symbolize three aspects of life that the two characters experience in life. One aspect is the long duration the two have stayed without seeing each other. It is a long walk for the whole year they have been away from each other. The second aspect depicts the long walk in their love life. It is a long walk for Catherine who does not understand where her true love lies. She does not know whom to love. The third aspect of the long walk symbolizes the walk the two take in the woods. Newt explains to Catharine that they have managed to arrive at the woods by one-foot in front of the other with leaves over the bridges he means to symbolize the progressive motion that they both take to their destination (3). Adding up their steps, they increase intensely as they progress. Symbolism is also depicted by the word ‘late’ that Catharine uses (Vonnegut 5). It literally means darkness, but in the story, it symbolizes the loss of opportunity for Newt to have Catharine back since she is about to get married. It is late for them to declare their feeling of love for each. In conclusion, Vonnegut uses his short story ‘A Long Walk of Forever’ to depict the power of love. Love is an aspect experienced by individuals making the impossible come true. It conquers all factors in life. In essence, when individual possesses love nothing else matters in his/her life. It is evident from the short story that an individual can give up anything for the sake of love. It does not always matter what people say, perceive or consequences ahead since with love an individual feels contended in life. Most importantly, it requires courage to make a desired dream come true. Many people do not achieve their goals due to lack of courage. It needs courage to declare love to someone before it is too late. Despite the challenges that come along in an individual’s life, the person should learn the essence of persistence and determination. One should not lose hope but always believe in the best. Work Cited Vonnegut, J. Kurt. “Long Walk to Forever”. Read More