Truman Capote Schizophrenia Essay

“The schizophrenic mind is not so much split as shattered. I like to say schizophrenia is like a waking nightmare”(). This argument made by the renowned legal scholar and victim of schizophrenia, Elyn Saks, is delineated in Truman Capote’s short story about schizophrenia. The character Miriam from Truman Capote’s short fiction Miriam symbolized Mrs. Miller’s schizophrenia. Miriam’s existence was a symptom of schizophrenia, her attitude represented the stubbornness of the disorder, and her move into Mrs. Miller’s home represented the fact that schizophrenia is an incurable disorder.

Schizophrenic hallucinations are resulted from the erroneous attribution of internally generated information to an external source. “Hallucinations are sounds or other sensations experienced as real when they exist only in your mind...often occurring when you misinterpret your own inner self-talk as coming from an outside source”( ). Miriam was first seen asking Mrs. Miller for a favor, “I merely want you to buy a ticket for me; they won’t let me in otherwise”( ). Miriam’s request was a way for Mrs. Miller’s schizophrenic mind to complete a task that needed to be done for herself. This occurred once more after Miriam’s first visit to the apartment. Mrs. Miller went and bought white roses, a new vase,

Miller’s home represents the fact that Mrs. Miller would have to live with schizophrenia for the rest of her life. Schizophrenia is a disorder that lacks effective treatments and so far there are no known cures for the disorder. It is an illness that will last a lifetime. This fact is symbolized in the story by Miriam’s move into Mrs. Miller’s apartment, “‘Because I’ve come to live with you,’ said Miriam”( ). Schizophrenia can occur to anyone and there are no ways to prevent it. “But you can’t! For God’s sake go away-go away and leave me alone!”( ), despite Mrs. Miller’s pleas Miriam was still moving in with her, there was no avoiding her