Critical Essay

Maria Pavy

According to the transforming learning theory, individuals have

the opportunity to think individually and develop their own

understanding of the world. Based on this theory, one could make the

argument that Nothing by Janne Teller supports this theory

accurately. Because of the books confrontation of nihilistic

existentialism and groupthink in a seventh grade age group, the book

allows students to develop their own transforming learning theory to

create their own understanding of the world. Students are forced to

develop their own ideals and perspectives based on these topics, and it

challenges them to think beyond what is characterized as

stereotypical.

Nihilistic existentialism is a philosophy that many people struggle

with, and the fact that this philosophy is addressed in a seventh grade

setting makes the topic more applicable and understandable for

students from that age group. Nihilistic existentialism is the philosophy

that life has no meaning or value whatsoever, and this affects the

students in the novel greatly. They become violent towards each other

because of their fear of Pierre Anthons nihilistic ideals, and because of

this, a reader cant help but form their own perspective based on the

issue. Specifically in Pierre Anthons ability to stand up for his

philosophical belief, one can help but question their own ideals and

their ability to believe in those ideals relentlessly. He stands up for the

philosophy he believes, and because of this, the other students

eventually become angry. Belief is an important quality to have, and

Pierre Anthon demonstrates this attribute beautifully. After reading

about a character like Pierre, young adults can begin thinking about

what they might be passionate about and what might make them stay

in a plum tree despite the insults from their classmates.

Along with nihilistic existentialism, the psychology issue of

groupthink is addressed. In the students inability to think for

themselves, groupthink turns out to be an influential aspect of the

seventh graders and their friend group. The readers witness this issue

of groupthink, and they are forced to create their own understanding of

the influence it has on the sanity of the group. With groupthink, the

friends begin to use violence and drastic measures to prove their own

point. With this outcome, one cant help but think about groupthink

and the influence it may have on their own lives.

Because this novel addresses philosophical and psychological

issues, it has a wonderful impact on the transforming learning theory

for young adults. Young adults cant help but think about their own

lives and how these issues may take place in their lives. Pairing the

novel with classic books such as Lord of the Flies, students can begin

to have a deeper knowledge of the novel and the issues addressed in

it. This novel is wonderful in developing an individual and their

perspectives. The progression of the plot and the development of the

characters allow the reader to witness firsthand the outcome of little

beginnings, and because of that, this book should be considered a

wonderful example of transforming education.