Philosophy and Mystery in Jostein Gaarder's Sophie's World
The Beginning of Sophie's Philosophical Journey
Sophie is a girl who is about to turn 15. After returning home and finding a letter in her mailbox that prompts her to take a correspondence course in philosophy, the world of Sophie truly begins. The girl learns about the great philosophers of history through a course taught by Alberto Knox, initially via brochures and later through private lessons.
A Timeline of Western Thought
Broadly speaking, the book covers myths and the natural philosophers (including Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes, Parmenides, Heraclitus, Empedocles, and Anaxagoras). It moves through Democritus, the fate of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and into Hellenism (Cynics, Stoics, Epicureans, Neoplatonism, and mysticism). It also examines two great civilizations: the Indo-Europeans (represented by Hinduism and Buddhism) and Semitic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam).
From the Middle Ages to the Modern Era
The narrative further examines the Middle Ages (St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas), the Renaissance, the Baroque period, Descartes, Spinoza, Locke, David Hume, Berkeley, the Enlightenment, Kant, Romanticism, Hegel, Kierkegaard, Marx, Darwin, and Freud. It eventually reaches what the author calls "our time," focusing on the existentialism of Sartre. Last but not least, it summarizes the history of the universe and the Big Bang—the event that formed the vision of the past we see when looking at the stars.
The Mystery of Hilde and Albert Knag
While learning philosophy, Sophie discovers postcards from a Norwegian man in Lebanon who works for the UN, addressed to his daughter, Hilde. At the same time, she finds items belonging to Hilde, such as a scarf and coins. Sophie is very confused and can no longer bear to hide everything she knows. She first tells her friend, Jorunn, and later, while learning about the Baroque era, she reveals a few details to her mother.
The Connection Between Berkeley and Bjerkely
Sophie and Alberto begin to believe that Albert Knag, Hilde's father, is like a God to them, dominating their lives in a sense, as suggested by the philosopher Berkeley. Sophie and Alberto see a connection between the philosopher Berkeley and Bjerkely, which is the name of the place where Hilde lives.
The Birthday of Sophie and Hilde
June 15 arrives, the birthday of both Sophie and Hilde. Hilde receives a gift from her father: a book called Sophie's World, which tells the story of a girl named Sophie. Hilde reads it passionately but begins to believe that Sophie and Alberto actually exist. This is the significance of the postcards dated June 15; Hilde reads through the book on her birthday, including the "myth of the puzzle" (explained through Lego).
Escaping the Will of the Author
Now, Sophie and Alberto have only a week left to discuss the rest of history. In the midst of their talks, strange creatures appear, such as a monster in the lake, Little Red Riding Hood, and Winnie the Pooh. They devise a plan to manage their own lives with their own will, seeking to no longer be dominated by Albert Knag.