Psychological Diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder in "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" and "A Rose for Emily"
Psychological Diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder in "A Good Man is Hard to Find" and "A Rose For Emily"
Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a person using cunning strategies and deceit to get their way, a failure to conform to social norms (often resulting in criminal behaviour), a lack of compassion for others, an "inflated and arrogant self-appraisal", "reckless disregard for safety of self or others" (American Psychiatric Association [DSM-IV], 2000) and most importantly, the violation of the rights of others. Unwarranted pride, manipulation and callous self-centeredness are among some of the main themes in both William Faulkner 's "A Rose for Emily" and Flannery O 'Connor 's "A Good Man is Hard to Find." Both short stories feature female characters who unjustifiably think they are above others and consequently use shrewd and dishonest control tactics to get their way. Emily Grierson, however, has more progressive antisocial personality tendencies than the Grandma (Sophia) in "A Good Man is Hard to Find." This is evident in a number of areas. First of all, Emily effectively takes what she thinks is due to her through forceful action while Sophia uses words to manipulate people for her personal gain. Also, Emily refuses to “conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviours as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest” (American Psychiatric Association [DSM-IV], 2000) and commits the ultimate violation of another 's rights: murder. Sophia, on the other hand, violates the rights of others in a less severe way by telling lies and hiding truths and does not act outside the law to get her way. She indirectly causes death but does not commit the act of murder. Finally, Emily takes the life of another without apology or conscience and eventually dies without ever having recognized her sinister ways. In contrast, Sophia does not commit murder, comes to some realization of her flaws and shows compassion
Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a person using cunning strategies and deceit to get their way, a failure to conform to social norms (often resulting in criminal behaviour), a lack of compassion for others, an "inflated and arrogant self-appraisal", "reckless disregard for safety of self or others" (American Psychiatric Association [DSM-IV], 2000) and most importantly, the violation of the rights of others. Unwarranted pride, manipulation and callous self-centeredness are among some of the main themes in both William Faulkner 's "A Rose for Emily" and Flannery O 'Connor 's "A Good Man is Hard to Find." Both short stories feature female characters who unjustifiably think they are above others and consequently use shrewd and dishonest control tactics to get their way. Emily Grierson, however, has more progressive antisocial personality tendencies than the Grandma (Sophia) in "A Good Man is Hard to Find." This is evident in a number of areas. First of all, Emily effectively takes what she thinks is due to her through forceful action while Sophia uses words to manipulate people for her personal gain. Also, Emily refuses to “conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviours as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest” (American Psychiatric Association [DSM-IV], 2000) and commits the ultimate violation of another 's rights: murder. Sophia, on the other hand, violates the rights of others in a less severe way by telling lies and hiding truths and does not act outside the law to get her way. She indirectly causes death but does not commit the act of murder. Finally, Emily takes the life of another without apology or conscience and eventually dies without ever having recognized her sinister ways. In contrast, Sophia does not commit murder, comes to some realization of her flaws and shows compassion
Bibliography: Web. 11 Nov. 2001.