Relation to POV 

The use of first-person point of view in the novel Tuesdays with Morrie helps to deliver the theme of existentialism perfectly. It helps the readers to understand the storyline easier and to feel more touched throughout the reading. Readers can clearly see Mitch's perspectives through his thoughts, emotions, regrets and love as he is the narrator in the novel. Readers can also feel connected to Mitch's journey of learning life lesson from Morrie as all the advice give a huge impact on Mitch's point of view of life. We notice how he starts to open his eyes and mind, slowly changing his old miserable mentality and lifestyle and start to find a meaningful life.

Relation to setting

The setting of the story also plays an important role. Most of the scenes take place in Morrie's house, specifically in his study room. The room is filled with peace and private that allows Morrie and Mitch to have deep talk about the details of life like love, death, and family. The setting shows us that powerful and valuable lessons can also be learned even at a small house or quiet space. Thus, it supports the theme very well by providing a space where two souls can feel connected to each other and makes self-reflection happen.

Substantiations

 1) Morrie's approach was exactly the opposite. Turn on the faucet. Wash yourself with the emotion. It won't hurt you. It will only help. If you let the fear inside, if you pull it on like a familiar shirt, then you can say to yourself, “All right, it's just fear, I don't have to let it control me. I see it for what it is.”

This passage reflects Mitch’s perspective, where he starts to realize that he needs to overcome the fear he holds on to. Showing emotions like crying does not represent weakness, perhaps it helps to reduce pain that he faces and somehow it could motivate him to become a better person in order to achieve the meaningful life like Morrie had. 

2) I look back sometimes at the person I was before I rediscovered my old professor. I want to talk to that person. I want to tell him what to look out for, what mistakes to avoid. I want to tell him to be more open, to ignore the lure of advertised values, to pay attention when your loved ones are speaking, as if it were the last time you might hear them.

After spending a few days learning about every aspect of life from Morrie, Mitch slowly regrets what he has done in the past. He feels sorry for himself for not being able to find the values of this meaningful life. He regrets his actions especially on things related to love, connection and emotions. He should have confronted emotional truths by not denying fates that will happen someday and just let himself be surrounded by love and ensure his love is shared too.

References

Bohari, A., Ismail, A. I., & Zulkifli, N. I. (2024). Reading and analysing poetry. PERKASA UMMAH Sdn. Bhd.