"Zorba the Greek" by Niko Kazantzaki is a bittersweet portrait of a romantic idealist that delves into the complex and often mysterious nature of the human psyche. The novel examines the interpersonal relationships between the two main characters, as well as deeper questions of the human experience. The real drama of the novel, however, lies in Kazantzaki's recurring question: how to live? Both Zorba and the narrator are engaged in the search for the romantic and enchanted life necessary to fulfill themselves, but each undertakes the search in a unique and personal way. While Zorba chooses to embrace life, interact with the natural world, and submit to its joys and sufferings, the narrator hides from the world behind the safety of his books and seeks to experience life through the teachings of others. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Each character approaches life from a different perspective. Zorba embraces life as a sensualist and adventurer, savoring every moment and appreciating the simple pleasures the world has to offer. The narrator approaches life with little confidence, hesitant to cross the safe confines of his literature and intervene in the action of the world. It is only when he meets Zorba that he is able to begin to emerge from his cocoon and experience life as it should be lived, firsthand. From the moment he meets Zorba, the narrator is fascinated by him, believing that Zorba is living the ideal lifestyle. As their relationship progresses in the novel, it becomes clear that Zorba is helping the narrator recognize his own flaws and follies, and is inspiring him to alter his way of life to find satisfaction beyond that offered by philosophical literature. Although the narrator appears to have undergone a monumental transformation by the end of the novel, we cannot be certain whether he has chosen to put Zorba's advice into practice, or whether he has simply put it to the back of his mind and intends to continue living. as it was. The narrator describes his life with Zorba as having "enlarged [his] heart; some of his words had calmed [his] soul" (292). It seems that the narrator's zorbatic redemption is only momentary, a brief sojourn from reality before he falls back into his circular routine and continues to live a life of reason and intellectualism. Character is destiny, and although Zorba has the ability to awaken the narrator's primitive soul and the desire to be guided by intuition, "reason called [his] heart to order" and he "fell back into everyday reality" (297). The narrator cannot free himself from his past. It is impossible for him to unlearn everything he has acquired in a lifetime of intellectual stimulation. Although Zorba proves to be the greatest philosopher of all, he can nevertheless be seen as simply another external source of knowledge. While Zorba is able to provide answers to some of the narrator's questions, he produces many more uncertainties that the narrator feels obligated to answer. Kazantzaki pays close attention to society's expectations and how these standards affect the human mind. There is a monumental separation between Zorba's inner world and his outer world, which encompasses the rest of humanity and society. Zorba lets himself be guided mainly by his instinctive inclinations and the fear of consequences has little impact on his decisions. Zorba's approach to life indicates that he is completely detached from society's expectations. Rather than striving to contribute to society, he undermines social ideals and lives only for himself. In contrast, the narrator's life is burdened by.