The Effect of the Environment on an Individual's Happiness: Analysis of Literature

Happiness encompasses a profound sense of well-being, elation, contentment, and gratification. It embodies a myriad of emotions and sentiments. Being subjective and evasive, the definition of happiness varies from one individual to another. Numerous factors come into play when considering one's happiness, such as our thoughts, health, surroundings, family harmony, and social relationships.

This paper endeavors to explore whether the environment and living conditions significantly influence an individual's happiness. Drawing insights from three captivating tales, namely, 'A Hunger Artist' by Franz Kafka, 'The Boy who Drew Cats' (A Japanese folktale), and 'The Standard of Living' by Dorothy Parker, it vividly illustrates that happiness cannot be purchased with wealth alone. Rather, it emanates from the satisfaction of finding contentment in life. Consequently, we should remain steadfast in our pursuit of dreams, even amid adverse environmental and living circumstances, as it is achievement and personal growth that ultimately lead to genuine happiness and fulfillment, surpassing materialistic possessions.

'The Standard of Living' revolves around the theme of conflicts between illusion and reality. Through the lens of two young girls, Annabel and Midge, who work as stenographers in the same American office, the story depicts the allure of materialism and hedonism. Driven by their fascination with wealth and social status, they yearn to emulate the lives of the rich and powerful, dreaming of becoming millionaires and ascending to higher social classes. Alas, their dreams remain unfulfilled, and they are left disillusioned.

In contrast, 'The Boy who Drew Cats' narrates the tale of a boy, the son of a poor farmer, who exhibits an extraordinary talent for drawing cats. Although destined for priesthood, the boy's relentless passion for art, particularly drawing cats, steers him toward a different path. In the end, his artistic prowess saves the village from a goblin-rat and catapults him to fame as a renowned artist. This folk story poignantly exemplifies that impoverished environments and living conditions need not hinder one's dreams and aspirations. The young boy's relentless pursuit of his artistic dream, despite adverse circumstances, led to his ultimate happiness and fulfillment.

Similarly, 'A Hunger Artist' delves into the life of an artist who considers fasting a form of art. Despite garnering fame and glory through his fasting exhibitions, he finds himself unsatisfied as his manager limits his fasts to forty days. Over time, public interest in his fasting wanes, and he joins a circus, intending to break the fasting record. Unfortunately, even as he persists in his fasting, no one pays attention or keeps track of his days. In the end, the hunger artist dies, but he takes pride in never giving up on his artistic expression. The story emphasizes that an adverse environment cannot thwart one's dreams, as the hunger artist found gratification and a sense of fulfillment through his art, regardless of public understanding.

As previously mentioned, happiness remains a subjective and elusive concept that eludes precise measurement. Some opine that a favorable environment and a high quality of life can indeed contribute to happiness. However, the stories illustrated herein assert that true happiness lies in finding contentment, pursuing one's dreams, and achieving personal growth, transcending material possessions and external circumstances.