Mitch Albom's "The Five People You Meet in Heaven"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how Mitch Albom, author of the book, "The Five People You Meet in Heaven," effectively illustrates the stages in life that people go through as they reach past the prime of their lives. It looks at how, using the real-life character of Eddie, Albom details his life and the events surrounding the last 50 minutes he would spend on earth. By applying theories and concepts concerning human development, the paper brings into lucidity the importance of "Five People" in studying adulthood and aging and, more specifically, debates whether or not Eddie achieved self-actualization towards the end of his life.

From the Paper:

"Upon his retirement, Eddie goes back to memories of his life on earth: how, in each event and endeavor he considers as trivial or part of the mundane, lies the truth that he has done something important for other people. His work as maintenance head, Eddie realizes, is not just a mere job of checking the machinery, nut, bolts, cables, in order to ensure that the park's rides are functioning and safe for the passengers to ride on. Most importantly, as Albom tells his readers, Eddie has become significant for all the people in the park " because of the simple, mundane things Eddie had done in his life, the accidents he had prevented, the rides he had kept safe, the unnoticed turns he had affected every day" This reflection on Eddie's part is already part of his life review, an appreciation of the things he have done while living on earth, and how, through deep reflection of his life, he was able to achieve integrity to replace the despair that he feels in life."

More papers on Mitch Albom's "The Five People You Meet in Heaven":

• Analytical Essay # 61161 : "The Five People You Meet in Heaven"
• Book Review # 148364 : "Five People You Meet in Heaven" and Life"
• Book Review # 120029 : "The Five People Eddie Meets in Heaven"

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