The Will to Meaning: A Logotherapeutic Reading of Paulo Coelho’s Veronika Decides to Die

Abstract

The paper attempts to examine Paulo Coelho’s Veronika Decides to Die through the lens of Viktor Frankl's logotherapy, exploring how the protagonist's journey exemplifies Frankl's concept of finding meaning amid suffering. In the post COVID-19 era, Frankl's approach to existential problems becomes relevant due to the increasing number of people battling “existential vacuum.” The paper foregrounds that the protagonist’s condition exemplifies what Frankl terms "Noogenic Neurosis”, an existential crisis rather than “psychogenic neuroses” that require logotherapy in place of traditional psychotherapy. Emphasis is given to delineate how Coelho challenges societal notions of madness and normalcy and reinforces Frankl's logotherapeutic principle that finding meaning is the primary motivational force in human existence. Attempt is made to discuss how Veronika’s journey illustrates the creative, experiential and attitudinal pathways identified by Victor Frankl. The paper thus elucidates that the novel Veronika Decides to Die serves as a reminder of life's value, informing the readers to embrace Coelho's philosophy of "dying alive"—taking risks and embracing “attitudinal heroism” amid suffering in life. A friend, philosopher and guide to millions of people, the literary alchemist, Paulo Coelho is evidently a great sensation and as proposed in his most famous work The Alchemist, he continues to propagate the idea that the universe always conspires to help the dreamer.