Written by: Fiona Sheahan
Edited by: Maggie Wang
Alice in Wonderland is a beloved work that is famous for the protagonist’s magical adventures. Created in 1865, this work has been adapted into many films in the 21st century. Despite being a work of children’s literature, characters obtain underlying characteristics of mental illnesses.
It’s important to understand the author, Charles Ludwidge Dodgson, first to have a comprehensive viewpoint. Better known as Lewis Carrol, he had a close bond with his uncle Skeffington Lutwidge. Between 1842 and 1872, Carrol’s uncle worked his way to become a full-time member of the Lunacy Commission in London. This institution was established by the Lunacy Act of 1845 to manage asylums and the welfare of the mentally ill (see here). Occasionally, Carrol would accompany Lutwidge to inspect asylums. The inspection consisted of checking the food, clothing, cleanliness, and general well-being of people with psychiatric disabilities. Torrey and Miller, authors of “Violence and mental illness: What Lewis Carrol had to say,” infer that these aspects explain the author’s thinking behind the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in Alice in Wonderland (see here).
According to DSM-5, borderline personality disorder (BPD) is an unstable pattern of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and distinct impulsivity. These signs begin by early adulthood and appear in multiple situations. This includes but is not limited to distressed efforts to avoid real and imagined abandonment, unstable sense of oneself, impulsivity in substance abuse or binge eating, and persistent feelings of emptiness (see here). The Mad Hatter shows traits of BPD that may be misinterpreted by audiences. During his tea party scene, the Mad Hatter experiences varying emotions and thoughts. At one point, he is angered by the March Hare for suggesting using butter on his watch; however, the Hatter then pours hot tea on the Dormouse with a calm sentiment (see here). Exaggerated descriptions of the Hatter’s behavior dehumanize the experience of mental illness, enabling harmful humor.
The Mad Hatter’s other representation of ADHD is defined in the DSM-5 as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that affects functioning and development. Hyperactivity-impulsivity is the emotional and behavioral inability of self-control. Some symptoms that are recognized to be diagnosable include having trouble focusing on tasks, often tapping one’s hands or feet, and being unable to participate in quiet activities. For children of about 16 years of age and younger must show six or more symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity for at least 6 months to be diagnosed with ADHD. Adolescents of 17 and older must display five or more symptoms in these categories for at least 6 months (see here).
It is important to seek help from a licensed professional for diagnosis since the preceding is based on perception. Viewing these traits on the screen allows an audience to learn the signs of mental illnesses. While these characters may be taken light-heartedly, mental health is an essential part of us that shouldn’t be treated as cheerful. Indeed, learning about these mental illness traits allows us to become more mindful of ourselves and others.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Symptoms and Diagnosis. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/diagnosis.html
Deems, K. (2017) "We’re All Mad Here”: Mental Illness as Social Disruption in Alice’s
Adventures in Wonderland," SUURJ: Seattle University Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 1, Article 13.
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Childhood schizophrenia. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-schizophrenia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354483#:~:text=In%20most%20people%20with%20schizophrenia,age%2013%20is%20extremely%20rare.
National Library of Medicine. DSM-IV to DSM-5 Schizophrenia Comparison.
Torrey, E & Miller, J. (2014, Dec) “Violence and mental illness: What Lewis Carrol had to say, Schizophrenia Research.” Science Direct. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2014.10.001.
University of York. (n.d) Commissioners in Lunacy- Borthwick Institute for Archives.https://borthcat.york.ac.uk/index.php/commissioners-in-lunacy
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