Girl, Interrupted is a novel by Susanna Kaysen, first published in 1993. It is often referred to as a classic work of modern literature, and is one of the most frequently taught books in college courses. It has been adapted into two films by the same title, one directed by James Mangold in 1999, and the other by Winona Ryder in 2003.
The novel follows Kaysen’s time as psychiatric patient at a mental hospital in the late 1960s. In the story, Kaysen is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, though it is not made clear until the end of the story whether she truly has this medically defined condition or not.
The novel is divided into several brief chapters, each giving insight into Kaysen’s time at the mental hospital. Each chapter delves into the complexities of the hospital environment, and can be used as a reference to look at the psychological state of its inhabitants.
Chapter 1: The first chapter follows Kaysen during her intake into the institution. It chronicles her initial fear, confusion, and disorientation upon being subject to hospital regulations and procedures. This chapter serves as a good way to introduce the reader to the atmosphere of the institution and its effects on Kaysen’s psyche.
Chapter 2: The second chapter focuses on Kaysen’s attempts to integrate into the hospital’s ward, and chronicles her uneasy relationship with the other patients and the institution’s staff. This chapter is particularly important for understanding the struggles that Kaysen faces to find her place in the hospital, and the struggles between her own identity and the expectations of society.
Chapter 3: The third chapter chronicles Kaysen’s attempts to cope with the daily structure of the hospital. It covers her experiences with the medics and explores the things that she does to stay sane within the institution. This chapter is important for illustrating how Kaysen turns to various outlets in order to try and make sense of her situation.
Chapter 4: The fourth chapter further delves into Kaysen’s experience within the hospital. It showcases her attempts at exploring psychiatry and understanding her own mental state, as well as her attempt to find a source of connection and support within the hospital.
Chapter 5: The fifth chapter follows Kaysen as she begins to reach out more and develop more meaningful connections within the hospital. This chapter is important for illustrating Kaysen’s fight for autonomy in her hospital stay, as well as her successes in establishing some support systems.
Chapter 6: The sixth chapter focuses on Kaysen’s attempts to integrate herself with the staff and culture of the hospital beyond merely following directions. This chapter explores the impact of these efforts on her personal growth and her attempts to find her place within the hospital.
Chapter 7: The seventh chapter is focused on the daily routine within the hospital, and showcases Kaysen’s attempts to reconcile with this more structured lifestyle. It is important for exploring the power dynamics and expectations placed upon the patients, as well as Kaysen’s burgeoning self-awareness within the institution.
Chapter 8: The eighth chapter follows Kaysen as she begins to finally make progress in understanding her mental condition, and starts to find a path to personal recovery. This chapter is important for understanding Kaysen’s own journey in finding her place within the hospital, and her success in ultimately finding a greater sense of freedom and autonomy.
Chapter 9: The ninth and final chapter is the epilogue, and is a reflection of Kaysen’s overall journey during her stay in the hospital. It serves as a conclusion to her story, and serves as a reminder of the difficulties and struggles she faced in reconciling herself with her mental condition.
Girl, Interrupted is a powerful novel that serves as a testament to mental health and the struggle of trying to find freedom within a system of institutionalization. Each chapter of this novel offers unique insight into Kaysen’s experience, and can be used as a reference for exploring the psychological state of individuals struggling with mental illness.
