Secondary Character Archetypes in Literature

Secondary Character Archetypes in Literature

What are the two secondary character archetypes in literature? Why can’t every character be rounded out? There are two main secondary character archetypes in literature: the round character and the flat character. Round characters have backstories, emotions, and growth while flat characters are just there to aid the protagonist. Keep reading to learn more about secondary characters in literature.

The First Noble Truth: Selfishness Triggers Anxiety

The First Noble Truth: Selfishness Triggers Anxiety

What is Buddha’s first noble truth? How are anxiety and selfishness related? How can you learn to accept yourself? Buddha’s first noble truth is that suffering is universal. Feelings of “selfness” can make you feel trapped, anxious, and always wanting more. But if you let go of the “I”, your personal suffering becomes universal and you can understand that there is nothing wrong with you. Continue on to learn about the first noble truth and letting go of selfishness.

Michelle Obama: Impostor Syndrome Struggles

Michelle Obama: Impostor Syndrome Struggles

What was Michelle Obama’s first experience with impostor syndrome? Why did the feeling of “I’m not good enough” stick with her? Michelle Obama struggled with impostor syndrome for almost her entire life. She recalls that her first time wondering if she was good enough was after she was accepted into Chicago’s first magnet high school. Keep reading to learn more about Michelle Obama’s impostor syndrome.

Illness in Literature: Diseases are Symbolic

Illness in Literature: Diseases are Symbolic

What do illnesses symbolize in literature? Why is it more common to write about some diseases and not others? What does it mean when a character is physically disabled? When writing literature, authors choose which illnesses to give their characters very carefully. Some illnesses are picturesque, some are mysterious, some are powerful metaphors, and some have significant origins. Keep reading to learn more about illness in literature.

Radical Acceptance and the Power of Compassion

Radical Acceptance and the Power of Compassion

Why is compassion such an important part of Radical Acceptance? Why is it so difficult for us to show compassion towards ourselves? Radical Acceptance is made up of two parts: mindfulness and compassion. Compassion is so powerful because it goes against our inclination to run from pain. However, we need to learn to treat ourselves with compassion before we can show it to others. Keep reading to learn more about the power of compassion.

Michelle Obama’s Clothes: Fashion and Social Change

Michelle Obama’s Clothes: Fashion and Social Change

Why did the media start focusing on Michelle Obama’s clothes during Barack’s presidency? How did Michelle use this to her advantage? While Barack could show up every day in the same suit, the media wouldn’t stop commenting on what Michelle was wearing. Michelle decided to use this to bring attention to social issues and to promote women of color in fashion. Keep reading to learn more about how Michelle Obama used her clothes to make a social statement.

Blindness in Literature Is Usually Symbolic

Blindness in Literature Is Usually Symbolic

What does it mean when an author includes a blind character in literature? How do authors sometimes include metaphorical blindness? Blind characters are difficult to write because the author needs to describe how that character will navigate the world. So why write a blind character? Because both literal and metaphorical blindness are important symbols in literature. Keep reading to learn more about what blindness means in literature.

We Can Change How We See Ourselves and Others

We Can Change How We See Ourselves and Others

How can we learn to see ourselves and others differently? What is the Buddhism idea of metta? Is it possible to feel lovingkindness towards those we despise? It can be difficult to see our own positive qualities, but by reminding ourselves of things that we admire about ourselves, we can reawaken love and compassion. We should also try to feel compassionate towards others rather than putting labels on them. Seeing the essential goodness in people naturally awakens what Buddhists call metta, translated as “lovingkindness.” Keep reading to learn more about compassion and metta towards ourselves and others.