The writer of this essay claims that Harold is "lost in life" and "haunted by answerless questions." I don't think Harold is really lost. He seems to be able to remember where he lives and who is mother is, doesn't he? Harold is a smart young man, he just chooses to come off as a shy, up-to-no good kid. He acts this way because it is the only action that seems to get a reaction from his mother. That is why people say that Maude coming into his life was a good thing and that she may be a decent role model. The only reason people say that is because she's 80 so she must know something. Seems like one of the few things she knows is how to coheres a youngster. That's really scary. If I were Harold, I would have ran while I still had time. Rather, Harold visited with Maude, giving her the time of day. Of course Harold enjoyed her company, he had no one else. Harold's mother is beyond a control freak. She's worse than some other mother's that pick out their kid's clothes, pack their lunch, and tend to their every need as they were God's gift the earth. I feel that Harold was attracted to Maude instinctively because she is also an overbearing, obnoxious type of woman. Almost a mirror image of his mom. Because they both have some comparisons in characteristics, Harold finds it easy to fall for Maude. Maybe he thinks since she's so old, she will support him with a roof over his head and food to shove in his face. Although Maude demonstrated freedom towards Harold, and reminded him he can be whatever he'd like to be, I think she forgot how old Harold is. His mind is still fresh and young. Maude was more of a corruption to Harold rather than a positive influence.
http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Harold-Maude-Analysis/49362
In your easy you said that you wuold still run while you had the chance. My aunt is 415 years younger than my uncle but they are married and everything is fine. They were in love. One day you might find someone who you truly love but might be years older or younger than you. All that matter in the story was that you can find love at any age.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't really thought about the similarities of Maude and Harold's mother were. But you are right that they both want you to listen to what they have to say. But Maude was trying to teach that it's okay to be different while his mother was trying to shove down his throat that he had to be the same as her.
ReplyDeleteI agree with almost everything in your response to this essay. He is not lost, he is just young finding his own way the way he chooses. Meeting Maude helped him discover more in life than he had already known, and love was a part of this-wether she was 60 years older than him or not-she gave him love and showed him what life was really like with the attention that is needed and she gives him and teaches him so much more.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you. Harold is a bright and intellegent young man. I also do not feel that he is lost but do feel that he lacked the clarity that was needed to move forward. Meeting Maude confirmed his intellegence and brought new meaning to his life.
ReplyDeleteThis response had some interesting points, but I can't say that I completely agree. Harold was a confused youth, who needed to open his eyes and see the world for what it is. Luckily, he was able to explore new experiences through his friendship with Maude. Harold could have done that with anybody, if he had wanted to. Each of us need to be responsible for ourselves and our own happiness.
ReplyDelete