Exploring The Theme Of Obsession In Nikolay's Gooseberries

Humans choose when to allow thoughts to flow through their mind. Through this it is easy to derive another thought: Happiness is as selective as memory and any other process that requires one to actively contemplate a situation. It is easy to identify this in hindsight, which is what makes it simple to realize one’s own realizations. In “Gooseberries”, Ivan is the character who reflects this concept of hindsight and revelation. With his knowledge, Ivan attempts to explain his epiphany on the matter of being happy to his younger companions Burkin and Alehin. Ivan talks about his brother Nikolai, and his ambition to obtain his dream. Nikolay was ill contempt with his life as a government employee, and had always believed he could achieve happiness in his life if he could …show more content…
This is a very strong truth that can describe a person who has become taken over by an obsession. Obsession has led to downfall of many men throughout history. Nikolay went to any and all attainable lengths to reach his objective. From his “beggar” like mentality of saving money, to his marrying a wealthy widow to obtain the necessary wealth required for purchasing his desired plot of land Nikolay has shown all of the symptoms of having a debilitating obsession and greed. This is exactly what Ivan attempts to guide Burkin and Alehin away from. He mentions the idea that “a man needs no more than six feet of earth” (205). While Ivan may be a bit concerned about his brother’s life choices, Ivan later concedes that “A man does not need six feet of earth or a farm, but the whole globe, all nature, where he can have room to display all the qualities and peculiarities of his free spirit.” (206). It is as if Ivan wishes for the happiness that Nikolai possesses. What this means is that while Nikolai is obsessed and maybe not as moral of a person as Ivan, it is clear that he has what everyone in the story wants: true