Individuals and Society
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American social institutions treat individuals fairly because people are a threat to themselves, they are a danger to others and without a judicial system there would be mass chaos. Delusion is the main theme in the early twentieth century in “The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty” by James Thurber when Walter is thrown back and forth between reality and a daydream state. Twenty five years later, Ray Bradbury, presents the schizophrenic views of Albert Brock in the story “The Murderer.” The most sanely treated patient, however, is seen in the late twentieth century between Doctor Mark Powell and Probe in Gene Brewer’s K-Pax.
“Back it up, Mac! Look out for that Buick!” were only some of the preaching’s Mr. Mitty heard during his state of inattentiveness nearly causes several accidents. Another clearly portrayed view that Americans are a danger to themselves is shown by Brewer. Probe went through a tragic event that manifested itself through an altered state of reality and eventually left him as a mindless vegetable.
A risk to others is reinforced by Brock after being arrested for “murdering” electronics. “And did you realize in committing these crimes that the wrist radio, the broadcasting transmitter, the phone, the bus radio, the office intercom, all were rented or were some-one else’s property?” Albert reinforces his punishment by boldly stating “I would do it all over again.” Another high offender to others is clearly shown by the pleas of Mrs. Mitty to slow the car down while Walter,