Compare or contrast the film analysis of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho with the medical or psychological diagnosis of Norman Bates. Is it possible to learn from the film’s fiction to allow us to see a “real world” perspective on serial killers?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Exploring the Film Analysis of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and the Medical/Psychological Diagnosis of Norman Bates
Introduction
Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic film, Psycho, not only captivated audiences with its thrilling narrative and masterful direction but also provided a unique portrayal of a disturbed character named Norman Bates. This essay aims to compare and contrast the film analysis of Psycho with the medical and psychological diagnosis of Norman Bates, exploring whether we can gain insights into the “real world” perspective on serial killers through the fiction presented in the film.
Film Analysis of Psycho
Psycho, released in 1960, was a groundbreaking film that pushed the boundaries of the thriller genre. Hitchcock’s portrayal of Norman Bates, played by Anthony Perkins, was enigmatic and chilling. The film delves into the disturbed mind of Bates, who runs a motel and has a complex relationship with his mother. As the plot unfolds, it becomes evident that Norman suffers from dissociative identity disorder, commonly known as multiple personality disorder.
Hitchcock skillfully builds tension through his use of cinematography, editing, and sound design. The famous shower scene, for example, is a masterclass in suspense and visual storytelling. Through this analysis of Psycho, we gain a deep understanding of the character of Norman Bates and the complexities of his psychological state.
Medical/Psychological Diagnosis of Norman Bates
While Psycho provides a fictionalized portrayal of Norman Bates, it is possible to draw parallels between his character and real-world cases of serial killers. From a medical perspective, Norman exhibits symptoms that align with dissociative identity disorder. This disorder involves the presence of two or more distinct personality states, each with its own patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior. Norman’s alternate personality, “Mother,” takes control at times, leading him to commit heinous acts.
Psychologically, Norman Bates portrays characteristics commonly associated with serial killers. He exhibits a profound lack of empathy and remorse, which are key traits seen in individuals with antisocial personality disorder. Moreover, his obsession with his mother and the blurred boundaries between their identities reflect elements of an unhealthy attachment and possible narcissistic tendencies.
Learning from Fiction to Understand the “Real World”
While Psycho is a work of fiction, it offers valuable insights into the minds of individuals who commit heinous acts. By studying the portrayal of Norman Bates, we can gain a deeper understanding of the psychological complexities that may drive individuals to become serial killers. The film serves as a reminder that there is often more to these individuals than meets the eye and that their actions are often rooted in deep-seated psychological disturbances.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that fictional portrayals should not be taken as direct representations of real-world cases. The complexities of real-life serial killers go beyond what can be captured in a two-hour film. To gain a comprehensive understanding of serial killers, it is essential to rely on scientific research, case studies, and expert analysis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho provides a compelling film analysis of the disturbed character Norman Bates. While it is possible to draw connections between his portrayal and real-world cases of serial killers, it is important to view such connections with caution. Fictional portrayals offer insights but should not be mistaken for comprehensive understanding. By combining knowledge gained from films like Psycho with scientific research, we can strive to develop a more nuanced and informed perspective on the complex realities surrounding serial killers.
