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English Writing

The Midnight Library

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Pursuing a perfect life is a shared desire among all happiness stems from embracing her authentic self.
humans, yet interpretations of "perfection" vary. In Matt $V 1RUD H[SORUHV WKH GLIIHUHQW YHUVLRQV RI KHU OLIH
Haig's novel "The Midnight Library," the protagonist she comes to understand that societal definitions
Nora embarks on a magical journey that challenges her of success are limited and fail to capture the
perception of a perfect life. Haig's perspective carries FRPSOH[LWLHV RI KXPDQ H[LVWHQFH 6XFFHVV DV +DLJ
SURIRXQG VLJQL¿FDQFH DQG ZDUUDQWV FORVHU H[DPLQDWLRQ portrays it, is not a destination but a state of being
and discussion. WUXH WR RQHVHOI DQG ¿QGLQJ FRQWHQWPHQW LQ WKH SUHVHQW
Nora's life reaches a breaking point, driving her moment.
to contemplate suicide amid various difficulties and Throughout the narrative, Nora discovers
regrets. Believing in an ideal life contributes to her pain, that the grass is not always greener on the other
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the unlived lives. The pursuit of perfection traps Nora in unique challenges and imperfections, prompting
a cycle of disappointment and self-loathing. However, her to question the very notion of perfection. Haig's
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of choices cannot be predicted before they are made. SXUVXLW RI SHUIHFWLRQ DQG TXHVWLRQ ZKHWKHU H[WHUQDO
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Nora's understanding of success remains hazy, but
her regrets often revolve around not achieving it. As she Nora's revelation that happiness cannot be solely
H[SHULHQFHV GL൵HUHQW YHUVLRQV RI KHU OLIH VKH GLVFRYHUV derived from success serves as a powerful reminder
that success does not guarantee happiness. Each life she that the concept of a perfect life is subjective and
H[SORUHV FRPHV ZLWK LWV RZQ SRVLWLYHV DQG QHJDWLYHV multifaceted, varying for each individual. In essence,
leading her to the realization that no life is entirely "The Midnight Library" urges readers to redefine
perfect. True contentment arises from embracing and their understanding of a perfect life. Haig's narrative
accepting one's present circumstances. underscores the importance of embracing one's true
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During a pivotal conversation with Ms. Elm, Nora's
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insight, advising her to be true to herself and strive ULJLG DQG HOXVLYH GH¿QLWLRQV RI VXFFHVV
to be the best version of who she is. As Nora faces 7KH QRYHO FKDOOHQJHV VRFLHWDO H[SHFWDWLRQV DQG
a life-threatening encounter with a polar bear, she is advocates for a more holistic approach to life, one
confronted with her mortality. This moment serves as a that prioritizes personal growth, self-acceptance,
catalyst for her desire to keep living. Nora understands and genuine connections. Ultimately, Matt Haig's
that all lives, regardless of their seeming intensity or perspective prompts us to reconsider our quest
worth, share common elements. There is no one perfect for perfection and inspires us to seek inner peace.
life. Each event, be it favorable or unfavorable, holds "The Midnight Library" serves as a guiding light,
its own meaning and importance. The true path to illuminating possibilities beyond societal norms
IXO¿OOPHQW OLHV QRW LQ DQ LOOXVRU\ SHUIHFW OLIH EXW LQ IXOO\ and inspiring a journey of self-discovery, leading
embracing and being present in the life one is given. us to make choices that align with our true desires.

"The Midnight Library" challenges the notion that 7KURXJK 1RUD V WUDQVIRUPDWLYH H[SHULHQFHV
H[WHUQDO DFKLHYHPHQWV DORQH readers are invited to
can lead to a perfect life. Haig contemplate their own
deftly portrays Nora's pursuit paths and discover the
of success and her subsequent beauty of an imperfect,
realization that genuine yet meaningful life.

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