However, she quickly discovers that their marriage is deeply troubled, as he drinks too much and is unfaithful to her. That idea of a root life is one of the central metaphors of the story. The Question and Answer section for The Midnight Library is a great We don't have to play every game to know what winning feels like. Its a beautiful thing. Life isnt about being fine though it it? You couldn't let a few less desirable parts put you off the whole. One evening, she decides to put herself out of her misery and end it all. I got the sense that if three-quarters of the novel were cut, we would have reached the endpoint all the same, and with less stagnation. As readers, her journey is our journey, and by the end, my own book of regrets felt considerably lighter. Endless stacks of books tower over Nora as she walks up-and-down the isles of The Midnight Library. The Midnight Library explores the complex psychological dynamics of choice and regret. From as far back as she could remember, she'd had the sense that she wasn't enough. More books than SparkNotes. In this library, Nora Seed finds endless books which contain different versions of the life she could have lived. And with all the knowledge she gained from jumping to and from the many lives she could have potentially lived, Nora is determined to make her current reality one she would check out from The Midnight Library., About Annenberg Media She quickly learns that they are not very happy in this life, as he is continually dismissive of the things she says and seems distant. Why are Ravi and Joe upset that Nora left the band? We don't have to hear every piece of music in the world to understand music. Nora realizes that she has life fright. This, too, is a central metaphor. Each book contains a life Chessboard (Symbol). When there is a severe disruption in that power source the library is in jeopardy. The chessboard works as a symbol in the novel of possibility. This suggests that the relative importance of any one of these individual lives is only incidental, and to live mired in universal regret is to ascribe an unnecessary degree of importance to the reality at hand. As a consequence of her self-critical thoughts, Nora overdoses and is surprised to find herself in the library, where the time on her watch is stuck at midnight. Haig himself is an accomplished writer, and his books have been very successful in approaching the darker themes of mental illness, regret and death, often in unique ways. The main themes in The Midnight Library are choice and regret, philosophy and the meaning of life, and relationships and forgiveness. She is despondently lonely and thinks that she no longer has a purpose. Joe is gay and struggles with his father's disapproval of his sexual orientation. Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts. Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. Acres of disappointment and monotony and hurts and rivalries but with flashes of wonder and beauty. Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place. Ultimately, she is able to extend this grace and forgiveness to herself, too. I was both intrigued and uneasy about the use of a fantastical library to explore something as real and horrific as suicidal depression. Web Matt Haig, The Midnight Library 1115 likes Like If you aim to be something you are not, you will always fail. This whole place exists because of you. Finally, there are plenty of allusions in this novel. And that chaos builds with every single move you make., When you stay too long in a place, you forget just how big an expanse the world is. Containing every regret Nora has had in her 35 years of life, this book allows Nora to pinpoint choices in her life she wishes to undo and guide her towards a life in which she did the exact opposite. . At the beginning of the story, Nora feels completely trapped in her bad circumstances. She tells Nora about how it exists as a space for her to see different versions of what her life could have been. As Mrs Elm guides her through the library, plucking the books from the shelves, Nora is able to undo her regrets, by re-entering her life having made different decisions. As you might expect, shes terrified properly beside herself with fear but this moment is also the first moment where she realises that she doesnt want to die, that life might be worth living after all. When she finds herself in the Midnight Library, Nora is offered the opportunity to reckon with her regrets by finding out what would have happened if she had made other choices in her life. WebIn the Midnight Library, Mrs. Elm says that she can't overlook minor decisions, because, in chess, every piece has the potential to radically change the course of a game, just like these choices can reshape a life. In the Midnight Library, Mrs. Elm says that she can't overlook minor decisions, because, in chess, every piece has the potential to radically change the course of a game, just like these choices can reshape a life. Cloud State University M.A. And imagining there is just breeds more unhappiness in the life youre in., Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Then, she is fired from her job of twelve years. How is the idea of success framed throughout the novel? Julia Nemirovskaya) review - writing battle-lines, Sally Adee: We Are Electric review - currents that run through us all, Extract: The Northern Silence - Journeys in Nordic Music and Culture by Andrew Mellor, 'I let it emerge': an interview with Fiona Benson on the cusp of the TS Eliot Prize announcement, Jaan Kross: A Book of Falsehoods review - plague, power and deception in 16th century Tallinn, 10 Questions for writer and translator Saskia Vogel, Bob Dylan: The Philosophy of Modern Song review - a book that contains multitudes, Kelefa Sanneh: Major Labels review - diary of an omnivorous musicophile, 10 Questions for Bruce Lindsay, biographer of Ivor Cutler, Patrick Duff: The Singer review - agony and ecstasy of a rock'n'roll life. Symbolism is especially heavy in this story. Molly is Nora's daughter. By the end of The Midnight Library though I was left feeling like an even keel doesnt really cut it. As the main character, Nora Seed, traverses through her different life possibilities, the library becomes the main place where she returns to reflect upon the paths she could have chosen. All we know is shes been given a second chance, one she fought desperately for towards the end of the novel. This theory is explored in the alternative lives generated by minor changes, like going on a date or not keeping a cat inside. If there are two dates, the date of publication and appearance Nora's cat's name is Voltaire, and this alludes to both the philosopher himself and his character Dr. Pangloss, who says that he lives in the best of all possible worlds. There is also a dog named Plato in the story, and indeed, Nora is searching for the ultimate reality. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The library allows Nora to reverse her regrets and pursue different iterations of her existence. WebThat is not to say that The Midnight Library is a miss. What is the significance of the multiverse or many-worlds theory in The Midnight Library. Simply enter your email address in the box below, Expressing the warped logic of severe depression: Matt Haig, This masterful novel is a more powerful guide to self-acceptance than any self-help book. Nora's father dies when she is fairly young. WebThe Midnight Library Themes The Point of Life Is Life Itself One of the biggest issues with Noras root life is that Nora felt like she wasnt doing anything noteworthy. date the date you are citing the material. With our Essay Lab, you can create a customized outline within seconds to get started on your essay right away. Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically. However, I foundthe depiction of antidepressants reductive: when Nora enters one of her favourite potential lives, she views the absence of antidepressants in the bathroom drawer as evidence of a happy life. WebThe closest secondary character, Mrs Elm, is witty, but feels more like a transient character without much power to accelerate the events in the novel. It is easy to mourn the lives we aren't living. B) It foreshadows Noras tragic death. What does the library symbolize in The Midnight Library? It is important to the plot, as it reveals that, unlike Hugo, Nora cannot stay in this transitional space forever. And between her and herself., Happy moments can turn into pain, given time.. Aim to look and act and think like you. As Nora watches the lives of those around her change shape in accordance with the fluctuating circumstances of reality, she comes to realize that the motivations of those around her are as genuine and complex as her own. from St. . The experiment offers evidence suggesting that an unseen cat might, by the laws of physics, be understood to be both dead and alive at the same time. Mrs. Elm, p. 32 This quote is taken from early in the novel, as Mrs. Elm explains to Nora how lives are shaped by seemingly minor choices. You might not be uplifted by Nora Seed, but the book deals with some dark themes in a quirky and sensitive manner, and for that, I would suggest you keep it in your reading list, albeit closer to the bottom than the top. Matt Haig has written several books that draw from his personal experiences with depression, suicide and mental wellness, The Midnight Library Tackles Regret and Choices in a Quirky Way. There is also one life wherein Noras long-dead father never had his heart attack, having adopted much healthier habits after being inspired by his daughters success as an athlete. WebThe talented aspiring Olympic swimmer turned aspiring rock star now aspires only to stop living. It is about a young woman named Nora Seed, who lives a monotonous, ordinary life and feels Faced with a number of promising opportunities in her lifehigh-level competitive swimming, a pending marriage, a record deal, a move to AustraliaNora has, at each turn, chosen inaction. Melendez, John. The paradox of volcanoes was that they were symbols of destruction but also life. In this timeline, she is happily married to Ash, a surgeon who is her neighbor in her real life. Nora has a life, one that she has nearly turned her back on, and this life roots her, grounds her, in reality. 2. She is a professor of philosophy and has a daughter. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. Would any of these other lives truly be better? She begins to reflect on the nature of success and she finds that even in her most glamorous or widely admired lives there is still disappointment and sadness. I dont think I could have picked a better book to kick off this year with, definitely makes me want to explore the other what ifs and not regret the things I may have missed in the past. WebThe Midnight Library Character List Nora Seed Nora Seed is the main character of the novel. The author of Reasons to Stay Alive, Notes on a Nervous Planet, and How to Stop Time, in his latest novel The Midnight Library, Matt Haig charts her story, from the hours before she attempts to kill herself, to the days she spends hopping between infinite possible lives on a time-travelling adventure. How does LIFE make you feel? T he main themes in The Midnight Library are choice and regret, philosophy and the meaning of life, and relationships and forgiveness. However, death is not that simple, as Nora embarks on a journey of other potential lives she could have lived. Would your expectations have changed, and as a result, would your reaction have changed? They were in a band together and their relationship was fractured when Nora decided to not pursue a record deal or tour with the band. And it became astoundingly clear to her, finally, in that moment: This quote occurs in the moment Nora is nearly attacked by a polar bear. One of the pivotal moments in the book happens when, in one of her parallel lives, Nora is confronted by a polar bear. Despite the fantastical nature of the plot, Nora is the anchor of the story: whether at home on the verge of taking an overdose, or browsing through magical books in the midnight library, she is absolutely real. Whats more, you dont have to come face to face with a polar bear to feel them theyre in you right now, in this life, just waiting to be felt. Learn how your comment data is processed. Maybe even the most seemingly perfectly intense or worthwhile lives ultimately felt the same. In this excerpt, Mrs. Elm explains how the Midnight Library works and the purpose that it serves. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. What she means is that often making a single small adjustment can permanently alter the course of a life. Readers first meet Nora almost two decades before she tries to end her life. WebThe library is a symbol of possibilities and choices. Aim to be you. PartSliding Doors,part-philosophical quest, this is a moving novel with a powerful mental health message at its heart. Alice OKeeffe,The Bookseller, Haigs latest (after the nonfiction collectionNotes on a Nervous Planet, 2019) is a stunning contemporary story that explores the choices that make up a life, and the regrets that can stifle it. This brainy, captivating pleasure read feels like what you might get if TVsTheGood Placecollided withWhered You Go, Bernadette. People, Clever, emotional and thought-inspiring. Jenny Colgan, author ofThe Bookshop on the Corner, Amazing and utterly beautiful,The Midnight Libraryis everything youd expect from the genius storyteller who is Matt Haig. Joanna Cannon, author ofThe Trouble with Goats and Sheep, Noras life is burdened by regrets. D) It indicates that the book will end when Nora dies. It is easy to mourn the lives we Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. But there are also limitations to this style of narration. This line indicates that Nora is beginning to learn that marrying Dan would have been a huge mistake and that some of the things she regrets not doing would have turned out poorly. 4 Mar. Work hard at it. Discuss the theme of childhood as presented in "Games at Twilight" by Anita Desai. More books than SparkNotes. Mrs. Elm is the librarian from Nora's elementary school days. Other than the symbolically interesting locale, the story is largely driven by the choices made by the protagonist, Nora Seed. "The Midnight Library Essay Questions". Haig bases The Midnight Library around one central theme and a common human curiosity: what is the purpose of life? How does Nora change and grow over the course of The Midnight Library? In this way, Noras understanding of choice becomes somewhat more nuanced. Confused and self-questioning, Nora is eventually greeted by Mrs Elm, the school librarian, who guides Nora through the tomes, and encourages her to open a heavy book called The Book of Regrets. There are so many versions of you out there. Nora blinked, and when she opened her eyes both she and Mrs Elm were standing in a different part of the library. I cant describe how much his work means to me. 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. She spends a great deal of her time reflecting on her regrets, like not pursuing a career with her band the Labyrinthes and calling off her engagement to her ex-boyfriend. This is the best life for me. Her discoveries ultimatelyprove life-affirming in Matt Haigs dazzling fantasy. Christian Science Monitor, Charminga celebration of the ordinary: ordinary revelations, ordinary people, and the infinity of worlds seeded in ordinary choices. The Guardian, A brilliant premise and great fun. Daily Mail, An uplifting, poignant novel about regret, hope and second chances David Nicholls, author ofOne Day, Would we really make better choices if we could step back in time? Look at how ordered and safe and peaceful it looks now, before a game starts. Want, she told her, in a measured tone, is an interesting word. My word of the year this year is SELF, and I dont feel like I can be my best self if Im only experiencing a limited range of feelings. Before the midnight library, she never took the time to evaluate what she really wants or Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. . Love and laughter and fear and pain are universal currencies. You are the power source. WebThe midnight library represents a chance for Nora to erase her regrets. You are giving up at the worst possible moment. Curl up in a window seat or She imagined accepting it all, the way she accepted nature, the way she accepted a glacier or a puffin or the breach of a whale. Acceptance, posits Haig, is freedom, and this masterful novel is a more powerful guide to self-acceptance than any self-help book. Once a gifted swimmer and musician, she currently works in a music shop and gives piano lessons. Word Count: 924. Nora returns to her old life because she has a renewed sense of possibility. You might not be uplifted by Nora Seed, but the book deals with some dark themes in a quirky and sensitive manner, and for that, I would suggest you keep it in your reading list, albeit closer to the bottom than the top. When Nora tries to kill herself, she ends up in a library with Mrs. Elm, the school Start your 48-hour free trial to unlock this answer and thousands more. We know well by now I think that life isnt about being blissfully happy all the time, but often this is replaced with the idea of the pursuit of contentment a low key level of satisfaction that comes from appreciating small things in life, managing our own expectations and generally trying to keep on an EVEN KEEL. One square after another. It reveals how exploring these unlived lives has opened her up to the idea that she can make a change in her daily life. In fact, in her life as a rock star and her life as a competitive swimmer, she has severe mental health struggles and some fractured personal relationships. In some cases, the shift in relationships is more dramatic. The second is the date of He is described as being somewhat aloof and cold as a result of his continual journey through parallel timelines. In Matt Haigs The Midnight Library, Nora is a woman in her thirties who feels as if her life has been full of regrets and sadness, and her future looks dismal. She loves this life and finds herself feeling both content and fulfilled, working on a book about Thoreau and spending time with her daughter. This moment occurs late in the novel, after Nora has spent a great deal of time in her supposed "best" life. We dont know how she will spend it or who she will spend it with. She is portrayed as a thoughtful and sympathetic person, often thinking about the emotions of the people around her. The novels simple yet fantastical premise renders Noras story a modern day parable, exploring regret, pain and the richness of the ordinary in life. Self-harm is discussed throughout the novel, with calmness and grace, as Haig describes the tell-tale scar lines that Nora notices on her body in some of the different lives that she enters. "The Midnight Library Quotes and Analysis". This acts as an easy analog for Noras circumstances: each of these lives exists as truly and completely as the others, even those that directly contradict others. In these depictions, the image of a chessboard is used to illustrate the idea that life is full of variable outcomes. Moments later, Nora wakes up in a personalized limbo replicating the library that once comforted her on her worst days, and with Mrs. Elm now appearing as her spirit guide. Note: this article may contain spoilers for The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Throughout The Midnight Library, Noras relationships with those around her fluctuate as she shifts from life to life. He is portrayed as being more interested in the idea of being married to her than the reality of their relationship. Accessed 4 Mar. So necessary[Matt Haig is] the king of empathyJameela Jamil, actor and host ofI Weigh with Jameela Jamil, A beautiful fable, anIts a Wonderful Lifefor the modern age impossibly timely when we are all stuck in a world we wish could be different. Jodi Picoult, author ofMy Sisters Keeper, An absorbing but comfortable reada vision of limitless possibility, of new roads taken, of new lives lived, of a whole different world available to us somehow, somewhere, might beexactly whats wanted in these troubled and troubling times. TheNew York Times, When unemployed, loveless, depressed Nora Seeds cat dies, its the last straw. When the story begins, Nora is figuratively buried under the weight of her regrets. A few chapters later, Noras cat dies, she loses her job, her When she loses momentum, she then finds herself stuck in situations that foster situational depression. This would not have been a problem had there been more to the main character. A symbol is carried through the work and consistently represents something than adds to the meaning of the piece. Bestselling author Matt Haig's new book The Midnight Library explores themes of sadness and regret; Therapist Catherine Sweeney reviews; Perhaps it takes a clever author with their own mental health issues to write such a heartfelt yet entertaining novel about depression.In Matt Haig's wonderful new book The Midnight Library we follow the TW: This article discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, antidepressants and self-harm, We first meet Nora Seed, nineteen years before she decides to die, as she plays chess in the school library with Mrs Elm, the matter-of-fact school librarian. You get no sense of the length of those longitudes and latitudes. Shes lived in Alaska, Australia and England. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. She is described as a sweet and happy child. Maybe that's what all lives were though. She ruminates on the failures she has made, believing, Every move had been a mistake, every decision a disaster, every day a retreat from who shed imagined shed be.. The novel alludes to Henry David Thoreau, too, whose writings guide Nora to understand the difference between loneliness and solitude. And don't give a second thought when people mock it or ridicule it. Endorse it. WebMatt Haig's unique novel The Midnight Library ponders the infinite possibilities of life.