Mental Illness

Question 1

This reference to the bleak conditions in the hospital and the use of electroconvulsive therapy highlights some of the many challenges faced by those with mental health issues.

Answer 1

“Abject bloody misery, it was. Dark-brown wax cloth you could see your face in… bathroom mirrors you couldn’t…”

Question 2

More poor conditions faced by mental illness patients in hospitals.

Answer 2

“First week tied to a rubber mattress, next five wired to a generator.”

Question 3

Here, the harrowing impact of mental health is morosely evident. Phil’s inability to control or cope with the situation shows that mental illness not only affects an individual, but those around them too.

Answer 3

“What do you know about razor blades and public wards and row upon row of gumsy cadavers”

Question 4

This, along with Hector’s suicide attempt, shows that mental illness is not just confined to Phi’s family, but a much wider social issue.

Answer 4

Spanky to Alan:

“We’re all nuts, kiddo”