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Question
Discuss in small groups or pairs
‘Every mental state, even madness, has its equilibrium based upon self-esteem. Its disturbance causes unhappiness’.
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Solution
Yes, it is true that “Every mental state, even madness, has its equilibrium based upon self-esteem. Its disturbance causes unhappiness.” A person who is mad even though he is aware of self-esteem and at a certain case the disturbance of mind causes unhappiness. Like in this story, the old Hagberd reached this state of equilibrium based upon self-esteemed when he lost his mind control and it causes unhappiness to him.
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Why does Harry’s return prove to be a disappointment for Bessie?
Comment on the technique used by the author to unfold the story of Captain Hagberd’s past.
Identify instances in the story in which you find streaks of insanity in people other than Hagbard. What implications do they suggest?
