The Heart is a Home

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Recommended: Literature Review character education

Following the heart leads to a happy home while unconscious actions lead to a path of unhappiness. In the novel Looking for Me, Beth Hoffman creates many instances in which a character is influenced to follow what their heart desires as it will lead them to happiness. Through the use of Daddy and Josh, the author conveys the message that listening to your heart is better than following what others say. When given a decision to make, one should follow what their heart believes and not act upon the influencing opinions around them.

As a former war veteran, Daddy pushes Teddi to pursue in what she believes is best for her. To begin, Daddy finds and comforts Teddi after her career argument with Mama, which allows Teddi to see his understanding of her choices. After being prompted by her father Teddi says, “No, Daddy. I’m not alright, and I’m not going to that dumb school. I want to be a secretary as much as I want to shave my head! Mama won’t listen to a thing I say” (Hoffman, 26) and he replies “Come Monday, I’ll go down to the bank and talk to Loyd Turner about a loan. I’ll help you start recreating antiques as a job; I want you to be happy”(26). Daddy’s response clearly shows that he would like to help his daughter pursue what she is interested in and is not siding with his wife, even though her choice may be a more successful option. This event is essential in Teddi’s life as it is the first time that someone reaches out to help support her views and encourages her to do what she enjoys. Additionally, Daddy continues to support Teddi’s choices by creating opportunities for her to pursue her skill. On Teddi’s graduation Daddy handed her an envelope with money as well as a note, it read “This will help you find your way. Love, Da...

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...played it the normal way. She wasn’t exposed to the paths we want to take”(264). In this quotation, Josh evidently backs up his thoughts that following the heart leads to happiness. He allows Teddi to realize that her mother did not accept her for reasons that she could not control and that if she had not listened to Josh, then she may be unhappy like her mother. This as a result solidifies her opinion of continuously following her heart in her life. Josh frequently encouraged Teddi to follow her heart, as he knew it would lead her to happiness.
One should not make a decision based on the influence of others, but follow their heart’s desires. Daddy and Josh are characters who effectively encourage Teddi to learn that following her heart would lead her to happiness. Following influences will lead to unhappiness, while happiness is brought by the ensuing of the heart.

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