How Nathan Glass begins living in Brooklyn Essay Example

ago, and he was surprised by how much Tom had physically changed. Nathan had not anticipated such a transformation because Tom had been a smart and promising young man. Despite the struggles they face in their lives, their meeting helps them recognize that their lives have shifted and their connection is new. Through Harry's daughter, Nathan becomes aware that Harry is also seeking a fresh start in life (Auster, p.

234). Brightman, who was hiding from a shameful past and failure, introduced himself to the three men, allowing them to start fresh. Nathan documents the experiences of those he knew, including himself, which helps him reflect on his past and observe the mistakes made by others from an objective standpoint.

He began writing for his own amusement, but it ended up becoming a pastime that he deeply enjoys. After spending a year in Brooklyn, he reflects on how it has shaped him (Auster, p. 231). Lucy enters Tom and Nathan's lives and refuses to disclose the whereabouts of her mother, who happens to be Tom's sister.

During a car trip, Lucy intentionally creates a car issue and nearly causes an accident, prompting Nathan to realize he is not prepared for death. Harry, the proprietor of the bookshop, passes away after being betrayed by a former lover, resulting in Tom becoming the new owner (Auster, p. 156).

Nathan initiates an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Harry's demise and subsequently embarks on a quest to find his niece's mother. He discovers that Aurora's spouse is associated with a religious cult and that Lucy has undergone a transformation from the cheerful girl he once knew.

After saving his niece, Nathan discovers

a newfound purpose in life. He becomes a counselor and trusted confidant to others. While staying in Brooklyn, he develops a strong attraction to a beautiful waitress who captivates him. The people in Nathan's life in Brooklyn all find happiness. Aurora is saved from her deranged husband (Auster, p. 162), Tom takes ownership of the bookshop, and both Aurora and Tom find girlfriends.

Nathan manages to find a girlfriend but experiences a sudden heart attack, leading to his hospitalization. While in the hospital bed, he reflects on the true nature of life and death. Despite witnessing the deaths of two fellow patients, one in the adjacent room and another beside him, Nathan acknowledges that he is still alive. This realization prompts him to recognize the importance of embracing his newfound existence and staying engaged as long as he is alive. Additionally, Nathan acknowledges that death does not alter the lives of others (Auster, p. 27).

After death, the lives of individuals cease to exist, and all evidence of their existence vanishes. Nathan comprehended that once he passed away, there would be no remnants remaining of his life. He came to understand the significance of leaving a lasting legacy, just like the inventors and architects who leave behind remarkable creations. "The concept I had in mind was to establish a company that would publish books about those who have been forgotten, preserving their stories, facts, and documents before they fade away, and molding them into a cohesive narrative – the narrative of a person's life" (Auster, p 300). Nathan recognized that his purpose in life was to write biographies about deceased individuals who go

unnoticed by society.

Nathan discovered a purpose in life after a significant event at the hospital. He resolved to create a project that would focus on love and the impact it has on those left behind by their deceased loved ones, regardless of their accomplishments in life. The project would commence with Nathan writing about Harry, as he symbolized the common individual who experiences both joy and loneliness in life and ultimately perishes without anyone to remember them.

Conclusion

Nathan's initial purpose for relocating to Brooklyn was to enjoy a serene existence until his passing. However, circumstances took an unexpected turn as his life in Brooklyn became an opportunity for a fresh start. He successfully reestablished connections with his long-lost nephew, which subsequently resulted in the formation of new relationships and stronger bonds with additional relatives. With the assistance of his niece and her daughter, Nathan achieved numerous accomplishments and eventually gained the trust of others as a counselor and confidant. In just one year of residing in Brooklyn, he not only positively influenced the lives of his newfound family members but also discovered love.

The heart attack that landed him in the hospital prompted him to realize that life encompassed more than just death. As a result, he discovered a new purpose for living and acknowledged the ordinary lives of those who had passed away. Ultimately, Nathan's fresh start in Brooklyn was directly sparked by this heart attack.

Work cited

• Auster, Paul. The Brooklyn Follies. New York: Picador, 2009. Print. ISBN-13: 978-0312429003