The importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle will allow one to achieve the most worthwhile existence. Nikos Kazantzakis’ Zorba the Greek dramatizes the significance of balance between the Apollonian and Dionysian dichotomy, through the characterization of the contrasting protagonists, Boss and Zorba. Kazantzakis typifies the differences amid the philosophical ideologies through the comparison Boss and Zorba’s beliefs. Moreover, he represents Boss by his willingness to try to improve oneself and live more like Zorba. Through the progression of their journey, Zorba’s Dionysian lifestyle becomes a primary influence to Boss and begins to alter his perspectives on the true meaning of life. Throughout the novel, Kazantzakis outlines the most
…show more content…
Boss’ Apollonian existence is displayed through his obsession and devotion to following the teachings of the Buddhist manuscript. Therefore, the manuscript for Boss symbolizes a means of expression in the way he lives. “I had fallen so low that, if I had had to choose between falling in love with a woman and reading a book about love, I should have chosen a book” (110) Kazantzakis depicts the Apollonian view of being logical through the portrayal of Boss’ character as he chooses to avoid the pleasures of life such as women, in order to practice his religion. His dedication towards the manuscripts of Buddha and its teachings forces him to strictly follow its values represented in his everyday life. Boss who clearly harbours traits of the Apollonian lifestyle is influenced by his devotion towards Buddhism, which accentuates his asceticism. When Boss and Zorba are first introduced, both characters are analytical of the way the other chooses to live his life. Zorba attains exuberance through the indulgence of women, music, dancing, and food. Compared to Boss, Zorba focuses on living a carefree life fueled by spontaneous behaviour. Boss who lives only through justified actions is shocked, thus questions Zorba’s reasoning behind living impetuously. “Why! Why!” He exclaimed with disdain. “Can’t a man do anything without a why? Just like that, because he wants to?” (12) Kazantzakis represents Zorba by his Dionysian side of being irrational and doing things for the sake of personal pleasure. Boss is shown to evade the excitements in life, whereas Zorba gains happiness through living with exuberance among society’s pleasures. By demonstrating the philosophical dichotomy through Boss and Zorba, Kazantzakis better conveys the necessity of obtaining balance between the two
Boss’ Apollonian existence is displayed through his obsession and devotion to following the teachings of the Buddhist manuscript. Therefore, the manuscript for Boss symbolizes a means of expression in the way he lives. “I had fallen so low that, if I had had to choose between falling in love with a woman and reading a book about love, I should have chosen a book” (110) Kazantzakis depicts the Apollonian view of being logical through the portrayal of Boss’ character as he chooses to avoid the pleasures of life such as women, in order to practice his religion. His dedication towards the manuscripts of Buddha and its teachings forces him to strictly follow its values represented in his everyday life. Boss who clearly harbours traits of the Apollonian lifestyle is influenced by his devotion towards Buddhism, which accentuates his asceticism. When Boss and Zorba are first introduced, both characters are analytical of the way the other chooses to live his life. Zorba attains exuberance through the indulgence of women, music, dancing, and food. Compared to Boss, Zorba focuses on living a carefree life fueled by spontaneous behaviour. Boss who lives only through justified actions is shocked, thus questions Zorba’s reasoning behind living impetuously. “Why! Why!” He exclaimed with disdain. “Can’t a man do anything without a why? Just like that, because he wants to?” (12) Kazantzakis represents Zorba by his Dionysian side of being irrational and doing things for the sake of personal pleasure. Boss is shown to evade the excitements in life, whereas Zorba gains happiness through living with exuberance among society’s pleasures. By demonstrating the philosophical dichotomy through Boss and Zorba, Kazantzakis better conveys the necessity of obtaining balance between the two