Girl, Interrupted by Sussana Kaysen Must Read!

• 

   Girl, Interrupted – MVP- Tunnels 

  By far one of the most memorable moments from the book “Girl, Interrupted,” making this part my (MVP) Most Valuable Part of the story; I nominate the conversation that took place between Susanna and her therapist, Dr. Melvin during her analysis. In the chapter, “The Shadow of the Real,” Susanna compares her life experience in the ward with famous philosopher Plato’s allegory “The Shadows on the Wall of the Cave.”  In such story Plato talks about a group of people living imprisoned in a cave; they always lived in seclusion, and knew nothing of the outside world. That’s exactly how Susanna felt about her life, at McLean Psychiatric Hospital. Susanna had a realization, towards the end of the chapter when she says, “I’d had it, finally, with all that messing with about in the shadows.” I believe this was her turning point in life; when she realizes that theirs is more to life, than her stay at the hospital. It all began with a walk through the “Tunnels,” that changed her perspective about life. From, Susanna’s Kaysen perspective, the tunnels underneath the ward, represented a connection to the outside world.  Susanna’s obsession with the tunnels, started as soon as she obtained her destination privileges inside the hospital. Each week, with the supervision of a nurse; Susanna was able to roam the hallways freely.   The tunnels aroused Susanna’s curiosity; as a result, she became fascinated how everything was interconnected, underneath the ward. Each tunnel had its own pathway and signs that pointed out to its destination.  Susana couldn’t contain her excitement, and she explained to her analyst how “There are tunnels under this entire hospital. Everything is connected by tunnels. You could get in them and to anywhere. It’s warm and cozy and quite.” Even though the tunnels were not a new discovery to the ward; Susanna was very fond of them. She couldn’t resist the great smell of fresh laundry, that pressed through as they opened the doors. The tunnels texture and lighting, captivated Susanna’s attention. Not only did the tunnels provide a different atmosphere underneath the ward, but also gave Susanna a little piece and quite from her daily routine at the ward. To my opinion the tunnels represented a guideline to her life in the ward. Even though Susanna didn’t know her destination, or her future, she felt a connection with the tunnels. In her interpretation the tunnels pointed to a pathway, towards the right direction in life.