Tuesdays with Morrie Chapters 1-6 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

When did Morrie's class meet?

Tuesdays

What was the subject of Morrie's class, and how did he teach it?

The meaning of life; from experience

What was held instead of graduation?

funeral

How does Mitch write his final paper?

This book Signup and view all the answers

Who was Morrie's last student?

Mitch Signup and view all the answers

Where did they meet?

Brandeis University Signup and view all the answers

What did Mitch give Morrie?

A tan briefcase with Morrie's initials on the front Signup and view all the answers

What did Morrie give up in Chapter 2?

Dancing Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Morrie in Chapter 2?

A decline in health Signup and view all the answers

What disease does Morrie have?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Signup and view all the answers

How was Morrie after his diagnosis?

Stunned, wondering why no one paid attention to him Signup and view all the answers

What happened as the days go by?

Morrie's normalcy ends Signup and view all the answers

What was the simile about ALS?

Lit like a candle: melts your nerves and leaves your body like a pile of wax Signup and view all the answers

What did the doctors guess about how long Morrie had to live?

The doctor said 2 years; Morrie thought less, but knew he had purpose Signup and view all the answers

How did his friends help him?

Visit him, call him, and shared their problems Signup and view all the answers

What did he think about the word 'dying'?

It was not synonymous with useless Signup and view all the answers

What did he have at the end of Chapter 2?

A living funeral Signup and view all the answers

What is Mitch's dream?

To be a pianist Signup and view all the answers

What was the uncle's cause of death?

Pancreatic cancer Signup and view all the answers

What was the uncle's final request?

To take care of his kids Signup and view all the answers

What did Mitch see on TV?

Ted Koppel's interview with Morrie Signup and view all the answers

What was the headline for the Boston Globe reporter?

A Professor's Final Course: His Own Death Signup and view all the answers

How does Morrie want to live?

With dignity, courage, humor, and composure Signup and view all the answers

What brought Mitch and Morrie back together?

Nightline Interview Signup and view all the answers

How long has it been since Mitch has seen Morrie?

16 years Signup and view all the answers

What did Morrie do during the Vietnam War?

Gave all males As Signup and view all the answers

What did Mitch call Morrie?

coach Signup and view all the answers

What did Morrie say people see him as?

A bridge: not alive, not dead Signup and view all the answers

What did Mitch keep asking himself?

What happened to me? Signup and view all the answers

What was Morrie's opinion of dying?

It's better than living unhappily Signup and view all the answers

How does Morrie think he'll die?

Suffocating Signup and view all the answers

How does the breathing test work?

Breathe in and count down Signup and view all the answers

What books did Mitch purchase from the bookstore?

Youth: Identity and Crisis, I and Thou, and The Divided Self Signup and view all the answers

What is the tension of opposites?

How life pulls us back and forth like a wrestling match; love is the winner Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Class and Teaching

Morrie’s class on the meaning of life met on Tuesdays, emphasizing experiential learning.
Instead of a traditional graduation, a "funeral" was held, symbolizing the lessons learned in life and death.

Key Relationships and Experiences

Mitch's final paper manifests as the book itself, showcasing his journey with Morrie.
Their meetings took place at Brandeis University, a significant location for both men.
Mitch gifted Morrie a tan briefcase marked with his initials, symbolizing their connection.

Health and Disease

Morrie faced a decline in health due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), leading him to give up dancing.
His initial reaction to the diagnosis was shock; he questioned why people ignored him despite his condition.
Morrie’s health issues were articulated through the simile of ALS being "lit like a candle," signifying the gradual deterioration of his body.

Perspectives on Life and Death

The doctor estimated Morrie's life expectancy at two years, but Morrie believed it would be less while understanding his purpose.
Morrie's friends contributed by visiting and sharing their problems, fostering a supportive community.
He viewed "dying" as not synonymous with becoming useless, emphasizing the value of life regardless of its duration.

Mitch’s Reflections and Changes

During the narrative, Mitch reflected on his dream of becoming a pianist and his relationship with his uncle, who died of pancreatic cancer.
Morrie’s desire for a dignified life included living with courage, humor, and composure, particularly in the face of mortality.

Media and Reconnections

Mitch saw Morrie on Ted Koppel’s Nightline, reminding him of their past and inspiring a reconnection after a 16-year absence.
Morrie described himself as a “bridge,” representing a transitional figure between life and death.

Life Lessons and Philosophical Insights

Morrie believed dying was preferable to living unhappily, underscoring a significant philosophical view.
He anticipated dying by suffocation due to his illness and described a breathing test process to illustrate his condition.
The concept of "tension of opposites" was introduced, depicting life as a wrestling match where love ultimately prevails.

Influence of Literature

Mitch purchased several important books, including "Youth: Identity and Crisis," indicating his search for deeper meaning and understanding in life.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the first six chapters of 'Tuesdays with Morrie' through this set of flashcards. These flashcards cover key concepts, discussions, and events that shape the narrative and its themes. Perfect for anyone looking to reinforce their understanding of this poignant book.