Hallway Hangers

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Question 1: A. The boys in the book show a wide range of hopes and despair based on their individual circumstances. While the Brothers show optimism and a belief in the potential for improvement, the Hallway Hangers experience feelings of hopelessness, limited horizons, and a sense of defeatism to their challenging circumstances. The brothers showed hope and optimism about the future, when Juan painted a descriptive picture of his aspirations. In that picture, he described how he would have "a regular house with a yard and everything," a "steady job, a good job," and living "the good life, the easy life." Mentioning “a steady job, a good job” indicates the importance of financial security in Juan’s future plans, reflecting his belief and hope …show more content…
My main concern is to get my family out of the projects". Furthermore, there were doubts about the Hallway Hangers’ academic abilities and social mobility, which caused despair among the boys regarding their educational opportunities and future prospects: "The Hallway Hangers question their own capacity to perform well in school, a view that informs their assessment of the chances for social mobility". In Boven’s article “The Value of Hope”, he emphasizes the instrumental and intrinsic value, which is the inherent value and positive impact of hope itself, regardless of specific outcomes or instrumental benefits, and argues that hope serves as a motivational force that pushes individuals to chase their dreams and goals. As Bovens states: "Hope is valuable because it plays a crucial role in motivating individuals to pursue their goals and aspirations" and "Hope is valuable because it plays a crucial role in motivating individuals to pursue their goals and aspirations". The boys’ hope can be seen as fuel to seek opportunities and work towards a better …show more content…
Primo Levi's attitude towards despair and hope is complex, he acknowledges the presence of despair among prisoners, especially newcomers, and recounts his efforts to offer words of hope, even if they may have included lies, to provide temporary relief. This demonstrates his recognition of the importance of maintaining hope in such dire circumstances, even if it means resorting to falsehoods to uplift others. However, Levi also struggles with the harsh reality of the camp, where self-preservation becomes a primary rule for survival. Despite accumulating experience during his time in the camp, Levi admits to sometimes shrugging off requests for help, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing one's own well-being above all else. The essay “SKETCH OF A PHENOMENOLOGY AND A METAPHYSIC OF HOPE” by Gabriel Marcel can be connected to the analysis of Primo Levi's attitude towards despair and hope in the concentration camp setting. Gabriel Marcel's philosophical exploration of hope and despair delves into the existential aspects of these fundamental emotions, showing how individuals navigate them in times of misfortune. Marcel's perspective emphasizes the spiritual aspect of hope, suggesting that hope surpasses mere psychological optimism and aligns with a deeper spiritual principle. This resonates with Primo Levi's experiences in the concentration camp, where the struggle to maintain hope amidst despair takes on a profound existential significance. Levi's acknowledgment
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