I’m definitely struggling with this prompt. I have a pretty short attention span, so the thought of returning to any of my previous prompts isn’t really my favorite choice for a prompt. However, here are the projects I liked the most: -Rap, Race, and Culpability (From Law and Literature)— This would take the form of … [Read more…]
This section indicates that Esther has the capacity to reclaim her autonomy from Doctor Gordon outside of the institutional setting. Goffman (1961), in his sociological study of the 1950s, focuses more on the social environment of the asylum, although he also records ECT being given to control behaviour. In. Claire Hiltons journalistic review “An exploration … [Read more…]
In Claire Hilton’s Journal Review, “An exploration of the patient’s experience of electro-convulsive therapy in mid-twentieth century creative literature: A historical study with implications for practice today”, the author writes that “Esther, the main character, in The Bell Jar receives ECT without consent, explanation, or anaesthetic. She also perceived the treatment as punishment.” (9). In … [Read more…]
“For example, Clarke (2009) arguespersuasively for the use of literature to enableus to humanise psychiatry. In this view, afamiliarity with the humanities is vital toclinical practice and the interpretative andcritical domains of intellectual life.” Crawford, Paul, et al. “Health Humanities: The Future of Medical Humanities?” Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 15, no. 3, 2010, p. 6
“The current informed consent model for ECT reflects an implicit commitment to the “brain-bound” model. With respect to potential side-effects, some of which include memory loss and cognitive impairment, it is common to find that they are characterized as predictable and reasonable outcomes that one would expect with direct brain intervention. These outcomes, however, are … [Read more…]
“The very start of the narrative signals an event that marked Cold War politics:the electrocution of the Rosenbergs, a seemingly all-American couple executed for working as spies for the communist government. Esther, despite constantly wanting to detach herself from the world around her, feels a certain fascination and repulsion towards their execution…” Parra Fernández, Laura … [Read more…]
“Esther’s treatment course mirrors that of Plath’s and highlights the limitations of psychiatry at the time. Acutely ill patients had few treatment options, and psychiatry had yet to define itself as an evidence-based medical specialty. Four years earlier, the neurologist who developed the lobotomy had won a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Some psychiatrists … [Read more…]
“However, the standard narrative of motherhood and housewifery hovers over her despite her detachment from it—she is always reflecting on marriage and looking for a partner after her failed relationship with Buddy Willard, although she claims to despise the housewife life embodied by her or Buddy’s mother. But the moment she feels inadequate at an … [Read more…]
