Tuesdays with Morrie

Exam Review

Describe what the pink hibiscus plant has to do with the story, what does it symbolize?

• At the beginning of story- starting to shed its leaves

• The plant represents humans- it grows old, it withers and dies

What is ALS? What is the treatment for it?

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, it’s an unforgiving illness of the neurological system

• There are no treatments for it

What did Morrie think about culture?

• If it doesn’t work, make your own –take time for people

• Morrie would have discussion groups, and take walks with friends, Mitch works constantly work

When do Mitch and Morrie meet? How is Mitch able to do that?

• They meet on Tuesdays; they can do this because Mitch’s newspaper went on strike.

What is the significance of that day?

• They always met on Tuesdays when Mitch was in college too. They’re Tuesday people.

“Your mom goes to college!”

Why does Morrie say his dying is both “horrible and wonderful”?

• It’s horrible to watch yourself die slowly, his brain isn’t dying, only his body

• It’s wonderful because he has time to say good-bye to his family and friends.

What does it mean to live like you’re dying?

• It means making the most of your life that you have, being ready to die at any moment because you know you didn’t waste your life.

What does Morrie say about the fear of aging?

• You shouldn’t be afraid of it• Enjoy growing older• Part of you is at every age

We need to do more than forgive others, we need to forgive ourselves.

Why?

• "It's not just other people we need to forgive, Mitch," he finally whispered. We also need to forgive ourselves."

• Ourselves?• "Yes. For all the things we didn't do. All the

things we should have done. You can't get stuck on the regrets of what should have happened. That doesn't help you when you get to where I am.