Final answer:
Understanding Jo's actions is crucial to comprehend cognitive dissonance and how adjusting beliefs can alleviate misery, demonstrating control over mental states despite fixed external circumstances.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Jo's actions is imperative because it allows us to comprehend the psychological concept of cognitive dissonance, which is an uncomfortable state experienced when one's beliefs or attitudes do not align with their actions. In Jo's situation, by altering his beliefs to focus on personal growth and the importance of his work, he can alleviate his misery and reconcile internal conflicts. This adjustment is significant as it demonstrates the control individuals may have over their mental state, even when external circumstances are unchangeable. Analyzing such instances helps readers understand character motivations and the impact of mindset on one's experience, making it a valuable subject of study in literature and psychology.