I Remember Mama

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I Remember Mama Introduction This paper will discuss connections between I Remember Mama (Capra, 1938) and the writings of Aristotle. Specifically I will draw parallels between The Nicomachean Ethics, (Plato, 380 BC) books 1, 2, and 6 and the themes prevalent throughout the film. Connection 1 Aristotle wrote “Clearly, then, goods must be spoken of in two ways, and some must be good in themselves, the others by reason of these.” He elaborates later by stating that some things are good just because they are good while in other instances good is nothing more than the intentions or the act whether or not the end result is good. I believe this is demonstrated when Mama lies to Dagmar about the outlook on her cat. Mama’s good intentions of shielding Dagmar from the truth that her cat Uncle Elizabeth through dishonesty was not a good deed, however her intentions and the idea of good was clearly present, even when sending Nels to buy chloroform to put the cat out of his misery. Connection 2 Aristotle when writing about “the final good” says that the “…the final good is thought to be self-sufficient. Now by self –sufficient we do not mean that which is sufficient for a man by himself for on who lives a solitary life, but also for parents, children, wife and in general for his friends and fellow citizens, since man is born for citizenship.” Aristotle is thoroughly explaining his explanation of good and points out that good is independent and out of the control of others. He explains that by self-sufficient he is not referring to it in terms of the individual, but rather for the community as a whole. Early in the film while counting money to avoid going to the bank, the members of the family discuss where their money will be spent. The needs were laid out and prioritized according to where the best good will be realized. And while Mama didn’t get the coat
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