The Diving Bell and the Butterfly - Research Paper Example

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly This book gives an insight into psychology as a discipline with diverse effects on the individuals and society at large. The story revolves around a great editor who falls a victim of stroke and the ensuing condition completely changes his life. In The Diving Bell and the Butterfly It can be noted that significant psychological concepts and physical aspect of the body is discussed. There are two other characters that take a centre stage in this work. These two characters are female persons who had history with Bauby and they include Inès and Desmoulins. From the onset of the story, it is critical to underscore the significance of the literary tools that blends the topic under question. The title of the paper gives a secret on the condition of Bauby who is attacked by a stroke and a subsequent psychological problem. At the centre of his problem is the lacking ability to reconcile his mind with physical movement. In the hospital he is always on wheelchair and is being pushed around while he has wild imaginations on the beauty of life and the world in general (Jean-Dominique 21). His condition is termed as locked-in-syndrome since he has recovered mentally by regaining his conscience but physically paralyzed the entire body with exception of the eyes which can blink as the only mode of communication. This syndrome basically involves inability to link the brain functions with physical activity of the body. This is evident in Bauby when he seems clear minded as manifested in his book despite inability to move even a finger. It is important to note that the stroke that attacked him suddenly changes into his new experience. In his memoir e tells the story of his life and this explores the condition in which he was put by the psychological problem. Bauby seems to have a strong will and positive view towards life. He dreams of walking in nice places with the family and sheds hope of achieving that one time should he recover. These are some of the things that give a picture of how the condition tied him down. It is important to underscore the bold personality which can be attributed to his job prior to the attack by stroke. He is a well known news editor with outstanding mastery of language and interpersonal skills. This means that he also has the ability to deliver think and make informed judgment but fails to translate it to physical movement. It is worth noting that despite catastrophic experience of Bauby, the book does not present his death as suicidal (Jean-Dominique 36). This is evident from his commitment to write a book in his memory as he is seemingly sure of perishing. If it was a case of suicide, there could have been an indication that he initiated his death but the book is clear that he succumbed to the condition after finishing his book. It can also be noted that coming out of a comma is significantly different from awakening in respect complete restoration of mental capacity. The case of Bauby can be likened to awakening in the sense that he regains full conscience and ability to make sound judgment with exception of physical disability. The desires of Bauby are complete imaginations that could not be fulfilled as far as his condition is concerned. Critical assessment of the work explains how Bauby changes to a person who is grounded on a wheelchair and can merely communicate through blinking his eyes. This is evidence that the eye is the only active physical aspect of his wellbeing. This is a characteristic of the condition in which he is and attracts significant stigma from the society. The clear mind and active mental aspect of Bauby is manifested in his great work which was done at the peak of his sickness. There is indication that Bauby grieved for his life in the book. He highlights his past with a woman who sired with him two children and regrets leaving behind Celine Desmoulins, who was his ex-lover and mother of his children and Ines, who his current lover. The presentation of the book in a film gives a slight deviation from the narration. There are significant instances in which the actors exhibit a significant deviation in terms of roles and characteristics. The actors miss out on showing the emotional and physical status of Bauby. On the representation of his lover’s, the ex-girlfriend is shown as moderate in total deviation from the less caring one portrayed in the book. The commitment of his last lover who toiled to keep him company under any condition is equally understated in the film. It a common occurrence to note slight alterations in a literary work from the actual victim versus the actors and this movie is not exceptional. The experience of Bauby is the basis of thematic presentation of what this book is all about. Positive approach towards life is the point of focus in this case. The society’s view against the disable is well emphasized here as some people avoid Bauby while others stick by him. The conduct of Bauby clearly shows the importance of psychological strength and emotional stability even if things are tight and one is physically disadvantage. In other words, emotional contentment and accepting who one is stands out critical in defining the future (Jean-Dominique 56) Despite the fact that Bauby is in a pathetic psychological condition, he left an indelible mark in the literary society by dictating letters through blinking and eventually producing a best selling book. This sheds light on the hidden potential on anybody despite physical status provided the mind is clear and the brain is activity. Physical disability is subordinate to individual potential. Other lessons that can be learnt from Bauby’s experience is that one is incomplete until death as tragedy can come any time and alter a physical or mental wellbeing. However, people should learn to be empathetic and help the disable in the points of physical inadequacies as they are able to achieve great things like the physically able individuals. The title of this work is relevant to the theme of hope despite physical disability as portrayed by Bauby. Work cited Jean-Dominique Bauby .The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. London: Forth Estate Ltd, 2008 Read More