Three Lives by Gertrude Stein is the book that leaves a long-lasting impression, for it makes its readers to answer a question, what the happiness is. They say that happiness is the most important thing in our lives, that it is an ultimate goal of it, but what they fail to mention is that a definition of happiness is different for every human being. The book is dedicated to three woman of different age, race and potential, so that the readers could see that happiness has little to do with beauty, money, work and a married life. In other words, Three Lives of Gertrude Stein ruins the most common stereotypes about the nature of happiness.
One would hardly argue with the fact that to be a kind-hearted person is a good thing, for selfishness is a dead end, the main reason of people’s inability to build healthy relationships with the society. The only one aspect which is often neglected by people is that even kindness should have its borders. The good Anna’s altruism destroys her own life and deprives her of her own identity, for she starts living for others and their interests become more important than her own. Her story teaches us a lesson on importance of finding balance between altruism and selfishness. To make a life full, help others but don’t neglect your own needs.
The second story teaches us not to underestimate mental health problems. Even nowadays people are afraid to talk about their feelings and emotions because of a stigma attached to mental illnesses. They say that only weak ones can’t brace themselves and do at least something to get rid of the problem, consequently no one wants to be viewed as a loser. More often than not, people with mental disorders try to pretend that they go all right and don’t ask for help. Poor Melanctha lives in that period when no one knows how destructive depression can be. She tries to explain what she feels but others fail to understand. Her life is a strong cocktail made of sorrow and hatred, so one couldn’t help but wonder how she manages to continue. Melanctha’s story proves that neither beauty nor sharp mind can make us happy if the whole existence seems to be unbearable.
The very last story is dedicated to gentle Lena, who is the most passive and listless character of the story. She differs from the previous ones, for this woman has never had a chance to make her own choices. She bears three children and dies trying to bring the fourth child into this world. What does her story prove? Maybe – contrary to popular opinion – maternity is not the main thing in a life of a woman.
In other words, Three Lives of Gertrude Stein teach us not to be superficial, for every person has his or her own reasons to behave in a certain way and we can’t know for sure what is going on in other person’s mind. The second lesson teaches us to value our lives and be frank with themselves.
