‘Nadeau 1 Kelly Nadeau Professor Corri Diteh 4K p English 115 / J 22 October 2018 The Natureg of Happiness Genuine happiness is a privilege experienced by a select few characters in Mary Ann _ Shaffer and Annie Barrow’s epistolary novel, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie resume a “pe of normalcy in their lives, while grappling with their grief. Specifically, the > /' S ae Juliet Ashton and Remy Giraud’s, jubilant mentéliti epi yicctenn | : ‘Society. The novel takes place post-World War Il, and follows the characters, in their quest to, “és ‘YY \Y the mist eee from post-traumatic stress, Remy. Giraud tumpb in putting the pieces of } y ty \ ‘ \ her life back together, while she lays the groundwork to acti happiness. 3s. When Juliet Astra) ? \ \ fants the masses with her Izzy Bickerstaff column, Juliet discovers happiness in the ~~ multitude of friendships she establishes with the Guernsey island residents, ls i valiant ) ‘women display their happiness as they interact with other characters, while they seve ‘achieve <- their goals despite the grim post-WWII era that is the context of this true-to-life fictional X \, vid narrative. e I 4 A \ The contemplative, reserved Remy Giraud demonstrates an unconventional happiness. She pioneers a unique sense of inner peace through the myriad of friendships she fosters with the v \ Guemsey inhabitants. The reader is introduced to Remy through a letter she writes addressed to, any member of the book society. In the letter, Remy depicts the inconceivable, utterly appalling | conditions she suffered every waking moment during her time at Ravensbruck concentration N camp. Remy recounts in vivid description, “the beds were on wooden shelves, built in platformsNadeau 2 of three. .. pallets of straw to sleep upon, sour smelling and alive with fleas and lice” (Shaffer ‘and Barrows 179), Remy's account of the Ravensbruck conditions as well as witnessing the { | execution of her dear friend Elizabeth McKenna would be categorized by author Matthieu Ricard as “visible suffering” (Ricard 37). According to Ricard, “visible suffering is everywhere” (Ricard \ 37), Remy’s duration at the concentration camp ultimately became a perfect storm of suffering, x enabling her to develop post-traumatic stress. However, Remy's post-traumatic does not prevent “ |S (/ MK ch her from forming friendships with the people of Guernsey, via a letter she sends, Remy’s letter _(\ Si illustrates Ricard’s point that “The essential thing is to be available to others without giving into, | sh despair when the natural episodes of life and death follow their course” (Ricard 37). Ricard a | advocates for individuals to take the necessary actions Remy did, by extending themselves i towards a collective supportive outreach, making their experiences shared not suppressed, or ~ ignored. In the wake of tragedy and experiencing raw “visible suffering” (Ricard 37) every waking moment at the camp Remy is able to reach out for support. Ricard encourages individuals to seek comfort in one another, just as Remy has found solace in the stories of the people of Guemsey. As a result of her suffering, the nature of Remy’s happiness has changed _ from visible laughter and smiles to a more reserved expression In the end, Remy does not allow) (J ‘peicottaing to dats he Remy’s suffering paved the path for her to find happiness in her friendships with the — people of Guemsey. Although a fictional character, Remy’s reaction to seek friendship has been scientifically proven to bring joy to one’s life. In a study by Harvard University, researchers \ A) (\, found that “that embracing community helps us live longer, and be happier” (Harvard 2007) a \) Remy feeisa sense of longing to meet the people Elizabeth McKenna chronicles in her stores Ws about the literary potato peel pie society of Guernsey; thus, she felt called to be part ofNadeau 3 / collective group of people that will support her in her fight for happiness and normalcy. The relationships has a powerful influence on our health”(Harvard 2007). Itis clearly evident that the study revealed, “The surprising finding is that our relationships and how happy we are in our ; Cc \ suffering Remy underwent at the concentration camp took an extensive toll on her mental ma, 4g " y By embracing the community of Guernsey, Remy shows great progress in achieving lasting) ig happiness. Inspired by the community’s encouragement, Remy, gathers enough mental strength! \s J to leave Guernsey and pursue her dream of becoming a chef. The support and confidence that) Remy receives from her friendships on Guernsey allow her to thrive, and enable her to relocate to France and become an apprentice, Although Remy gains an abundance of friend when she lands on Guemsey, readers may challenge the idea that Remy is happy, by insisting that her post traumatic stress prevents her happiness, but itis evident that Remy is content. It is true that Remy’s post-traumatic stress has serious repercussions on her daily life. Remy’s happiness is not an overjoyed expression; rather Remy signaturly possesses inner contentment. The induction of Remy into the Guernsey literary ¢ society, in addition to her new-found determination to become a pastry chef clearly allude to her (/ AN. / inner peace and contentment. Rey's happiness isnot ought an abundance of smiles and) J \ laughter because of the scars immortalized in her mind at Ravensbruck, Remy is a more reserved X \3 and contemplative individual, Remy’s quiet demeanor was ingrained in her personality as a (! N\ result of her time at Ravensbruck. Evidence of Remy’ happiness is apparent in the progress she /' makes toward seeking a name for herself, and not allowing her stint at Ravensbruck define her’ \./ Juliet Ashton epitomizes the idea of a fearless leader, whose happiness is displayed ig her actions, and overall personality. Juliet’s leadership qualities prevail when she comforts the readers of her column during the German occupation. Juliet shows her confidence and happiness Es wr