Representation of Schizophrenia in Patricia Cornwell’s Point of Origin

Abstract

In Patricia Cornwell’s Point of Origin, the main character Carrie Grethen commits several serial killings and threatens the representative persons of society. When the dominant social values and trends compelled her to stay outside the boundary of the society, she slowly and gradually turned towards the violent path of murderous activities. The harsh treatment of Carrie Gerthen by the nonconformist puts her on the schizophrenic way. In addition, Grethen’s threat to Scarpetta puts her as well as her employees in a state of instant mental breakdown. Grethen threatened other members of society in such a way that they are haunted by plenty of schizophrenic symptoms. At one time, the society was not friendly towards lesbian relation and those who are engaged in such relation. Carrie Grethen pursues her lesbian interest freely. She has to face serious obstacle. The society restricts her open lesbian relation. The dominant social trends and tendencies hinder her openness in following lesbian relation. She is forced to silence and subdue her different search for socially forbidden relation. Accidentally her lesbian partner is killed. Without knowing the truth, she holds society responsible for the accidental demise of her lesbian partner. She is then excluded and ostracized from the boundary of mainstream society. To teach a sound moral lesson to her arch enemies, she turns into a serial killer. Those whose faces resemble her lesbian lover are the target of Grethen’s serial killing. Since the late capitalist system hindered her desire and forced her to seek alternative channels, she could not help turning to different means.