The pursuit of happiness in eat pray love by (2006)‎ by Elizabeth Gilbert in relevance to Martin Seligman's theory of authentic happiness

Abstract EN

Although happiness seems to be human's ultimate goal and the aim of their existence, the definition of happiness somehow remains blurred and elusive.

Throughout history, philosophers, writers, and more recently, psychologists, socialists and even politicians have pondered on the essence of happiness and how it is attained.

In 1998, Positive Psychology was introduced by Martin E.P.

Seligman as a new domain of psychology.

Positive psychology is concerned with the study of the factors that contribute the most to a well-lived and fulfilling life thus a happy life.

In 2002, Seligman further proposed a new theory of happiness known as the Theory of Authentic Happiness.

According to Seligman, happiness is achieved upon discovering, recognizing and cultivating one’s signature strengths.

It consists of three distinct –but interrelated- stages: the Pleasant Life, the Good Life, and the Meaningful Life.

The Pleasant Life is realized through the realization of day-to-day pleasures that add joy and excitement to one's life.

The Good Life is achieved through identifying one's unique strengths and virtues and engaging these them to enrich one's life.

The Meaningful Life involves a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from using one's strengths and virtues in ways that benefit the lives of others and/or that make the world a better place.

(Seligman, 2002) This research paper uses literary criticism and Seligman's Authentic Happiness Theory as its framework to investigate Elizabeth Gilbert's journey in her 2006 novel Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything across Italy, India and Indonesia.

It scrutinizes the three distinct kinds of lives Elizabeth Gilbert experiences in each country she visits: Italy, India and Indonesia in relevance to the Authentic Happiness Theory and establishes the key factors contributing to Elizabeth Gilbert's success in her pursuit of happiness