Quote by Janet Frame
Every morning I woke in dread, waiting for the day nurse to go on her rounds and announce from the list of names in her hand whether or not I was for shock treatment, the new and fashionable means of quieting people and of making them realize that orders are to be obeyed and floors are to be polished without anyone protesting and faces are to be made to be fixed into smiles and weeping is a crime.
Summary
This quote reflects the protagonist's deep fear and apprehension towards shock treatment, a common method used to control and silence individuals in a restrictive society. The mention of the morning routine and waiting for the nurse to announce their fate reveals the routine dread they experience. It also highlights the oppressive notion that individuals should suppress their emotions, conform to societal expectations, and refrain from any form of resistance or unhappiness. Ultimately, the quote portrays the dehumanizing and authoritarian nature of the environment in which the protagonist finds themselves.
Topics
Psychiatry
By Janet Frame