Insanity, law definition by Merriam-Webster dictionary, is unsoundness of mind or lack of the ability to understand that prevents one from having the mental capacity required by law to enter into a particular relationship, status, or transaction or that releases one from criminal or civil responsibility. This word also has simple definition: A, extreme folly or unreasonableness; B, something utterly foolish or unreasonable. To common sense, a man is insane if he do something that is not “normal”, or if he or she is suffering a mental breakdown. For example, if you received an offer from Harvard but you refused to go to college, you will be considered insane. Or, we also say someone is crazy when his action can not be understood.
In the story, Blanche is not crazy but she was considered crazy by everyone of every situations she was in. A girl of southern noble class always seems to be struggling surviving in the cold cruel world consist of “lower class”. She was first betrayed by her husband as she caught him having sex with another man who was her friend. Then her husband committed suicide after he was caught. After that she sought her sister Stella in desperation. Blanche has always been deeply insecure. She created a fictional boyfriend to hide that from others, and that “boyfriend” is a symbol of everything she hoped for. She also feared to be talked about by other men, fearing that her past be known of. However, she was eventually broken by her sister’s husband Stanley. Blanche always despised Stanley and Stanley knows that. As a noble class in Belle Reve, she still lives in her fantasy of the old south, and Stanley teared her illusion down. He exposed her immoral past to her new lover Mitch and also raped her. She can no longer face Mitch and Stella, and even Stella wouldn't believe her word. Then as we know she was sent to a mental hospital and finally lost grasp on reality.
Now if we look at Blanche’s action as an ordinary person we could understand what she did is just try to survive in that world she was living in, the world she was not familiar with. However, in that world she was crazy, judged by others. Times changing also changes our definition of insanity. Because as time shift the value and moral of society changes and our definition changes with it. It was just at that time people could not understand her action and consider her behavior as action of insanity, and other outside force such as Stanley finally drives her into mental breakdown. It was just like story of Bartleby: people can not understand his action at that time and they drove him into mental breakdown.
In the story, Blanche is not crazy but she was considered crazy by everyone of every situations she was in. A girl of southern noble class always seems to be struggling surviving in the cold cruel world consist of “lower class”. She was first betrayed by her husband as she caught him having sex with another man who was her friend. Then her husband committed suicide after he was caught. After that she sought her sister Stella in desperation. Blanche has always been deeply insecure. She created a fictional boyfriend to hide that from others, and that “boyfriend” is a symbol of everything she hoped for. She also feared to be talked about by other men, fearing that her past be known of. However, she was eventually broken by her sister’s husband Stanley. Blanche always despised Stanley and Stanley knows that. As a noble class in Belle Reve, she still lives in her fantasy of the old south, and Stanley teared her illusion down. He exposed her immoral past to her new lover Mitch and also raped her. She can no longer face Mitch and Stella, and even Stella wouldn't believe her word. Then as we know she was sent to a mental hospital and finally lost grasp on reality.
Now if we look at Blanche’s action as an ordinary person we could understand what she did is just try to survive in that world she was living in, the world she was not familiar with. However, in that world she was crazy, judged by others. Times changing also changes our definition of insanity. Because as time shift the value and moral of society changes and our definition changes with it. It was just at that time people could not understand her action and consider her behavior as action of insanity, and other outside force such as Stanley finally drives her into mental breakdown. It was just like story of Bartleby: people can not understand his action at that time and they drove him into mental breakdown.
I like how you given a real life example toward the definition of "insane". I also agreed with your point that Blanche is not quite considered "mental illness" but her actions are unreasonable due to her pathetic experiences. She tries to escape from her past and make up a better future. Also, She was considered a "crazy" lady because she is living in a judgmental society.I like your conclusion that you tied up everything to support your thesis once again.
ReplyDeleteI like the point you emphasize about people "considering" Blanche to be crazy. I think this brings up a good point that her insanity is created by her interactions with others. While Blanche might not technically be "insane" her insecurities and the illusions she has about her past make her seem so. You state that at the time people could not understand her actions and the way Blanche chose to cope with her emotions. Do you think that in the modern world we would better understand Blanche or do you think she would still be considered crazy?
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