Freedom and Self-Acceptance in Beloved, Secrets and Lies, and Cuckoo's Nest What is freedom? If you ask different people, you get different answers. Some say its being able to do whatever you want. Other people say it's when you don't have to do anything. Many things in life have no absolute answer. When people talk about freedom, they talk about it physically, for example not having to be in chains, or confined in a cell. But I think it is more common to find someone mentally enslaved, than physically enslaved. I found an interesting quote from Charles Kingsley that said there are two freedoms -the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where a man is free to do what he ought (www.freedomnest.com). This is the best way I can describe it. There are two major obstacles that can stop us from achieving true freedom: the past, and what other people think. These obstacles can effect even something as simple as wondering what to wear tomorrow. If you're asking what will people think if I wear this, even this is a hindrance. The appropriate thing would be to say; I like this outfit, so I will wear it. Even though this is a relatively minor example, This is where it begins. Peer pressure is a result of what people will think. "What will people think if I don't drink with them?" "What will people think if I don't ditch class with them?" These are examples that can block the road to freedom. The past is another obstacle on the road to freedom. Many people have suffered abuse, neglect, or a breakup between their parents. It is obvious that your childhood experiences can effect the rest of your life. An example would be if your mother physically abused you as a child. There are two ways to react to this. As an adult you may be a quiet withdrawn person and let people walk on you. Or you can be a bitter person with a temper, being exactly what you swore not to be. These are two extremes. In my own experiences I have found my dad is not very emotional, and is slow to compliment. Thus, when someone gives me a compliment, I'll laugh, or make a joke. Why? The situation feels awkward because I'm not use to it, so I have to cover it up with a joke.