Zero and Asylum in the Snow by Lawrence Durrell :: Madness Psychology Durrell Essays

Zero and Asylum in the Snow by Lawrence DurrellWhat is lyssa? Is madness a brain disorder or a chemical imbalance? On the other hand, is it an expressed behavior that is further different from what society would believe is normal? Lawrence Durrell addresses these questions when he explores societys response to madness in his short story pair Zero and Asylum in the Snow, which resembles the nearly incoherent ramblings of a madman. In these stories, Durrell portrays how sane, or lucid, people can non nail and understand the concept of madness. This inability to understand madness leads society to business organization behavior that is different from normal, and subsequently, this fear dictates how they deal with it. These responses include putting a name to what they fear and locking it up in an effort to moderate it. Underlying all, however, Durrell repeatedly raises the question who should define what is mad? In extraction with these questions, Durrell emphasizes that the inabil ity to understand often leads to fear. Moreover, with little or no friendship of an event or concept, people tend to feel powerless and come out of control. Without this necessary understanding, they argon unable to have any influence on the situation. One such situation is madness, which is little understood, and the source of madness just about unknown. People often fear madness, and try to avoid others who seem weird, different, or exhibit some sign of madness. The people who fear are light cattle, they do not understand (Zero 266), and they will never listenfor they have no faith (Zero 264). Durrell encourages them to put away their fears and snatch looking for a coherent explanation to madness Come. Enter into the seminal activity in which you do not need your understandings. Do not mistake loyalty for the possessive process any longer ratiocination, acquaintance (Zero 252 emphasis added). Durrell believes that not everything needs a rational and logical explanation. Furthermore, though madness cannot be completely explained, it does not need to be feared. The old man in the asylum attempts to understand, looking profoundly cautious, asking questions, and gathering the answers (Zero 268), and he comes close to understanding the narrator. However, his fear keeps him from grasping the truth For the first time there is an understanding in him, but it is hugger-mugger in fear (Zero 258). Throughout the two stories, there are many instances where Durrell portrays this fear brought by a lack of understanding.