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In the realm of literature, the exploration of the human experience through various perspectives and narratives has always been a captivating endeavor. Two such works that delve deep into the complexities of life, love, and existential dilemmas are Simone De Beauvoir’s “Prime of Life” and Baek Sehee’s “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki.” Despite hailing from vastly different cultural backgrounds and time periods, these two novels offer insights into the universal struggles and desires that shape our existence. By juxtaposing these works, we can gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and the ways in which individuals navigate their internal turmoil and external challenges. Through an analysis of themes, characters, and narrative techniques, we can uncover the distinct yet interconnected threads that weave together the fabric of these compelling stories.

“Prime of Life” by Simone De Beauvoir is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the life of the protagonist, Françoise, as she navigates the challenges of adulthood and grapples with questions of identity, freedom, and morality. The novel explores Françoise’s relationships with various men, including her lover Pierre and her husband Henri, as well as her close friendship with her childhood friend Nathalie.

As Françoise reaches middle age, she confronts the limitations of her societal roles as a wife and mother, and begins to question her own agency and autonomy. She struggles with the expectations placed on her as a woman and the constraints of traditional gender roles. Throughout the novel, Françoise seeks to define herself on her own terms and to find fulfillment and meaning in her life.

De Beauvoir’s exploration of themes such as existentialism, feminism, and the nature of human relationships make “Prime of Life” a rich and thought-provoking read. The novel offers a nuanced and complex portrait of a woman coming to terms with her own desires, beliefs, and limitations in a rapidly changing world. Ultimately, “Prime of Life” is a powerful meditation on the complexities of the human experience and the search for authenticity and self-actualization.

“I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki” is a bittersweet and humorous novel that follows the life of a young woman named Minji who is struggling with various personal and professional issues. As she navigates the challenges of everyday life, Minji finds solace in her favorite comfort food, tteokbokki, a popular Korean dish. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery as Minji comes to terms with her past and begins to embrace her future. Through moments of heartache and joy, the novel offers a poignant meditation on the complexities of human emotions and the power of food to bring comfort and healing.

In both Prime Of Life by Simone De Beauvoir and I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee, the concept of self-care is evident and important in the characters’ lives.

In Prime Of Life, Simone de Beauvoir explores the theme of self-care through her candid reflections on aging, relationships, and personal fulfillment. The protagonist, a middle-aged woman, grapples with her changing physical appearance, her evolving relationships with others, and her own desires for independence and self-fulfillment. Throughout the book, the protagonist learns to prioritize her own well-being and happiness, demonstrating the importance of self-care in achieving a fulfilling life.

Similarly, in I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, Baek Sehee delves into the theme of self-care through the lens of a young woman struggling with mental health issues. The protagonist finds solace in eating tteokbokki, a spicy Korean dish, as a form of self-care and comfort during difficult times. Through her experiences with food and self-reflection, the protagonist learns to prioritize her own mental and emotional well-being, highlighting the importance of self-care in maintaining mental health.

Overall, both books emphasize the significance of self-care in maintaining physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Through the characters’ journeys of self-discovery and self-prioritization, readers are reminded of the importance of taking care of oneself in order to live a fulfilling and healthy life.

“Prime of Life” by Simone De Beauvoir and “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki” by Baek Sehee both explore themes of self-care, but they diverge in their views and approaches to it.

In “Prime of Life,” De Beauvoir presents the concept of self-care as a necessary act of survival and resilience in the face of societal pressures and expectations. The protagonist, Francoise, navigates the complexities of her relationships, career, and identity, finding solace and strength in taking care of herself mentally and physically. De Beauvoir emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, self-awareness, and self-love as essential components of self-care.

On the other hand, “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki” by Baek Sehee takes a more raw and visceral approach to self-care. The protagonist of the book struggles with mental health issues and a deep sense of emptiness, turning to food as a form of temporary comfort and escape. Baek Sehee portrays self-care as a fragile and imperfect process, showing that sometimes it can be messy and chaotic, but ultimately necessary for survival.

The divergence between these two books lies in their portrayal of self-care as a journey towards self-acceptance and well-being. While De Beauvoir emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-love, Baek Sehee takes a more realistic and relatable approach to self-care, acknowledging the complexities and challenges that come with caring for oneself in a world that can often feel overwhelming and suffocating. Each book offers a unique perspective on self-care, highlighting the different ways in which individuals can navigate their own paths towards healing and self-discovery.

Both books have their own merits and appeal to different readers.

“Prime of Life” by Simone De Beauvoir is a classic philosophical work that delves into existentialist themes such as individuality, freedom, and the search for meaning in life. It offers deep insights into human existence and the challenges of aging. It is a thought-provoking read that may appeal to readers interested in existentialism and philosophical literature.

On the other hand, “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki” by Baek Sehee is a modern Korean novel that explores themes of love, loss, and identity with a touch of humor and quirky storytelling. It offers a fresh perspective on life and relationships, and may appeal to readers looking for a lighter, more contemporary read.

Ultimately, the choice between the two books depends on the reader’s personal preferences and interests. If you enjoy deep philosophical reflections, “Prime of Life” may be more suited to your taste. However, if you prefer a more light-hearted and quirky narrative, “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki” may be the better choice for you.