Character Analysis: Tuesdays With Morrie

Spouses act as a guiding force for those around them. Also, spouses do not only affect their partner but also influence others around them. In the memoir, “Tuesdays with Morrie”, Mitch is engrossed in his work life that he does not realize that he is isolating himself from the people who love him. Mitch’s transformation is triggered by his realization that he needs to change his priorities to focus more on his personal relationships. Mitch is able to learn from not only Morrie but also from spouses in the memoir. First, Charlotte and Morrie act as marital role models to Mitch. Secondly, Janine encourages the relationship between Mitch and Morrie. Lastly, Eva shows Mitch the importance of physical affection in relationships. Therefore, in the …show more content…
Janine insists on visiting Morrie, coincidently on the same day that Mitch and Morrie discuss marriage. Mitch comes to a realization that he has not made time for his wife. Mitch has buried himself in work and accomplishments, that he has not made Janine a priority. Janine talks to Morrie on the phone as if they are good friends, although, they have never met. A significant moment in the memoir is when Mitch brought Janine to visit Morrie, “He looked at photos from our wedding, which Janine had brought” (143). Janine insists that she comes to visit Morrie with Mitch on their next visit. Janine shows support for their relationship because she enjoys the person Mitch is when Morrie is around. At this point in the memoir, Mitch realizes that Janine needs him to spend more time with her and dreams of starting a family with him. Mitch has been engrossed in his work that he has not made adequate time for his wife. When Janine shows Morrie their wedding photos, it reminds Mitch of his forgotten promises. Janine feels that Mitch has changed and he is not the same person she married and this quote symbolizes that. Janine observes that Mitch has changed dramatically and takes time out of his busy schedule to visit his sick professor. Janine notices these changes and understands the significant role that Morrie is playing on Mitch’s character transformation. He …show more content…
Morrie’s father re-marries and Eva becomes Morrie’s stepmother. Eva is Morrie’s stepmother who comes into Morrie’s life at a crucial time. After Morrie’s mother dies, Morrie’s father disassociates with Morrie and does not show the love Morrie needs to heal from this traumatic experience. While telling the story, Morrie uses a metaphor, “… and Eva would kiss them goodnight. Morrie waited on those kisses like a puppy waits on milk, and he felt, deep down that he had a mother again” (Albom 76). This quote is significant because it helps to deepen Morrie’s character. Morrie’s limited love and affection from his father and the death of his mother resulted in Morrie wanting physical affection. Eva compensated for the lack of love Morrie received after his mother’s death. Eva is seen as a mentor to Morrie, which is similar to how Mitch views Morrie. Mitch understands that the only meaningful relationships in Morrie’s life have grown through physical affection. A study on contact in relationships show that, “In other words, someone who is averse to touch may be apprehensive about interpersonal communication and unlikely to reveal his or her emotions” (Brennan 6). By Mitch not showing physical affection with Morrie, he weakens their relationship. Physical contact is something Mitch is uncomfortable with and it gives Morrie the perception that Mitch does not fully trust