In 21st century society mental illness is a “hot topic” as new information comes out regarding the effects and symptoms. Mental illness really began to be acknowledged and treated in the 16th century, with the establishment of hospitals and asylums. Brown began writing Weiland around this same time, when mental illness was making the transition between witchcraft/supernatural to clinical. Brown incorporates this transition period into Weiland by mixing the idea of religious fanaticism and mental illness as the driving force for Theodore’s actions. Throughout the novel, Brown uses contrasting religious language, visionary statements and imaginary voices. Ultimately Theodore is portrayed as having a mental illness, similar to schizophrenia, which
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When a person is diagnosed as a schizophrenic, “Most often they'll hear voices in their heads. These might tell them what to do, warn them of danger, or say mean things to them (mayo clinic).” The heavenly figure talked to Theodore and told him that he must sacrifice his wife. This is an exact example of a voice that “might tell them what to do.” A hallucination which tells Theodore to kill his wife is a major indicator of a mental illness. Even more so because Theodore doesn’t question the voice for a second, just obediently obliges. These voices seem to start innocently a grow more severe and gain a stronger hold on Theodore as the novel …show more content…
The voice he hears is that of his wife Catherine’s, except it is not her. Catherine has no direct relation to the voices except that they sound like her. However, they have an enormous impact on Wieland, which can be seen in the passage when he says, “. As it spoke, the accents thrilled to my heart.” The voice has an effect on his heart, similar to how the voice of your wife could go straight to your heart. This voice is produced by some hallucination that is not tangible in the real world. It is mostly likely created in the mind of Theodore, and Catherine’s voice holds the greatest impact on him. Therefore, Theodore’s mind uses these voices to influence his action through voices that speak to him through his mind. Schizophrenia, in particular, is caused from a chemical imbalance in the brain, and is why the symptoms are purely
When a person is diagnosed as a schizophrenic, “Most often they'll hear voices in their heads. These might tell them what to do, warn them of danger, or say mean things to them (mayo clinic).” The heavenly figure talked to Theodore and told him that he must sacrifice his wife. This is an exact example of a voice that “might tell them what to do.” A hallucination which tells Theodore to kill his wife is a major indicator of a mental illness. Even more so because Theodore doesn’t question the voice for a second, just obediently obliges. These voices seem to start innocently a grow more severe and gain a stronger hold on Theodore as the novel …show more content…
The voice he hears is that of his wife Catherine’s, except it is not her. Catherine has no direct relation to the voices except that they sound like her. However, they have an enormous impact on Wieland, which can be seen in the passage when he says, “. As it spoke, the accents thrilled to my heart.” The voice has an effect on his heart, similar to how the voice of your wife could go straight to your heart. This voice is produced by some hallucination that is not tangible in the real world. It is mostly likely created in the mind of Theodore, and Catherine’s voice holds the greatest impact on him. Therefore, Theodore’s mind uses these voices to influence his action through voices that speak to him through his mind. Schizophrenia, in particular, is caused from a chemical imbalance in the brain, and is why the symptoms are purely