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

zippo and Asylum in the Snow by Lawrence DurrellWhat is craziness? Is madness a forefront disorder or a chemical imbalance? On the other hand, is it an expressed behavior that is far 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, great deal cannot grasp and understand the concept of madness. This inability to understand madness leads society to alarm behavior that is different from normal, and subsequently, this devotion dictates how they deal with it. These responses include putting a name to what they fear and locking it up in an effort to control it. Underlying all, however, Durrell repeatedly raises the question who should define what is mad? In line with these questions, Durrell emphasizes that the inability to u nderstand often leads to fear. Moreover, with little or no knowledge of an event or concept, people tend to feel powerless and out of control. Without this necessary understanding, they atomic number 18 unable to have any influence on the situation. One such situation is madness, which is little understood, and the source of madness virtually 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 poor cattle, they do not understand (Zero 266), and they will never discoverfor they have no faith (Zero 264). Durrell encourages them to put away their fears and stop looking for a logical explanation to madness Come. Enter into the creative activity in which you do not need your understandings. Do not mistake truth for the possessive process any long-run ratiocination, knowledge (Zero 252 emphasis added). Durrell believes that not everything needs a rational and logical explanation. Furthermore, th ough 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 offset printing time there is an understanding in him, but it is hidden in fear (Zero 258). Throughout the two stories, there are many instances where Durrell portrays this fear brought by a lack of understanding.