Prodigies Play Analysis

“Prodigies” tells a story of Stephen Wiltshire, an autistic artist who became famous because of his talented drawings. Being a typical autist, he is reserved, has very low intelligence level but possesses a photographic memory and ability to draw the things he once saw accurately. Yet, Stephen appears to suffer from his disease more than benefit as his talent does not improve in time, and he is not able to care for himself. Savant syndrome is characterized by having one well-developed trait while the others are immature against it. People suffering from it often have uncommon visual abilities such as photographic memory, and also the talent of improvisation. They tend to remember details rather than the whole picture which leads to an inability to perceive reality as a whole and remember the important things. Savants are often almost genial in one field, yet, their abilities do not develop in time. Stephen is a talented artist who can draw from memory almost precisely, with little difference. He is a clear example of a person with …show more content…
Stephen has not improved his social or other abilities in time, that is why he is not able to live all by himself as he does not understand the social norms that are essential for every person. He will always need other people to help him in everyday life and push him into developing his talent or, at least, preserving it on the same level. So, Stephen Wiltshire is a typical example of an autistic person with the one talent developed against all the others. His drawing abilities are definitely worth attention, yet he does not improve them in time and does not create something new which leaves the question whether he has a talent open. He is not able to care for himself due to his passiveness and needs people who help him and push him