A Lesson Before Dying And The Dharma Bums

There is no denying that religion and belief are both significant pieces of modern society. While many people have different theories to how it actually works, or present different viewpoints on the subject, it is often assumed that religion gives the general community a sense of purpose and hope. Consequently, someone whom is opposed to religion is believed to be “miserable” and is perceived to have a bleak and negative attitude towards life. However, when it is all said and done, does seeking religion actually affect an individual’s outlook and perspective on life? The answer to this question is evident through the events in the novels, “A Lesson Before Dying” by “Ernest J. Gaines” and “The Dharma Bums” by “Jack Kerouac” . In “A Lesson Before Dying”, it is clear that the main characters Grant and Jefferson, distance themselves from Christianity.
In simple terms, they may believe that gaining happiness and maintaining a positive attitude towards life does not come from spiritual belief and religion, but it is rather a distinctive quality that an individual is born with and is something that not all people can simply possess. However, with further investigation it is clear that this particular theory is actually false, and the only reasonable circumstance where this argument may come into play is if a person is clinically depressed. Those who consider this theory must understand that happiness is not an element of life that a person simply has or does not have. However, it is actually something that a person must search for over time. This is best exemplified by examining the people who are strongly religious and constantly pray and attend church. They follow a set of rules that dictate how they should live their lives. Some of these rules promote happiness and teach people to care for others. As a result, this reflects the person’s outlook on