Rejection of the flock's mundane existence

 Collated by Tusar Nath Mohapatra

Characters in literature who parallel Jonathan Livingston Seagull often share his core drives for self-improvement, challenging societal norms, and seeking a higher purpose or transcendence. 

Here are some literary characters who embody similar themes:

• Santiago (from The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho): Santiago is a young shepherd who abandons his conventional life to journey in search of a fabled treasure, driven by a recurring dream. His quest is a powerful allegory for following one's dreams and discovering one's "Personal Legend," mirroring Jonathan's single-minded pursuit of perfect flight and his individual path to fulfillment.
• Siddhartha (from Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse): Siddhartha is a Brahmin's son who leaves a life of comfort and religious tradition to embark on his own quest for spiritual enlightenment and meaning. His journey involves experiential learning and a search for truth that goes beyond established doctrine, resonating strongly with Jonathan's rejection of the flock's mundane existence and his pursuit of a higher existence through self-discovery.
• The Narrator/Protagonist (from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig): This character explores complex questions about quality, values, and a personal philosophy through a cross-country motorcycle trip. The pursuit of excellence and the blending of physical activity with deep philosophical inquiry echo Jonathan's dedication to mastering flight as a path to a deeper understanding of life.
• The Protagonist (from Ishmael by Daniel Quinn): The main character answers an ad from a telepathic gorilla, Ishmael, to become a pupil with an earnest desire to save the world. The resulting Socratic dialogue challenges fundamental societal beliefs and humanity's place in the world, reflecting Jonathan's drive to question the status quo and teach others a new way of living.
• Fletcher Lynd Seagull (from Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach): Within the same book, Fletcher serves as Jonathan's primary parallel and successor. Initially an outcast for his own curiosity about flight, he is mentored by Jonathan and ultimately carries on the message of pushing limits and finding one's true nature, demonstrating the cyclical nature of mentorship and inspiration. 

- GoogleAI 

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