In my English class we read a Novel named Girl Interrupted.
We had to make a writing of what we thought was the Most Valuable Part of the story.
This is my MVP.
Girl, Interrupted is a memoir by American author, Susanna Kaysen who is also the protagonist and narrator of this book. Girl, Interrupted begins in April, 1967, as 18 year old Susanna Kaysen is admitted to McLean Hospital after attempting suicide by overdosing on pills. This is roughly the same time that she has a sexual relationship with her high school English teacher, and breaks up with her boyfriend. She has also been engaging in self-harm and has problems with memory loss. Although she denies attempting suicide, a psychiatrist convinces her to spend a few weeks at McLean, a private psychiatric hospital with a good reputation. However, soon after being admitted, Susanna is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. This allows the doctors to forcibly extend her stay from a few weeks to eighteen months. During this time, she gets to know other patients including Torry , Polly, Cynthia, Lisa Cody, Georgina, and Daisy. One of the most prominent patients is Lisa Rowe, a charismatic sociopath and long-term resident at the hospital. She frequently makes escape attempts, but is always brought back, and the other girls on the ward look up to her. Some of the girls are released during Kaysen’s time in the institute. The patients are devastated when they get word that Daisy, a sweet, thin girl with an eating disorder, has killed herself soon after her release. As well as her fellow patients, Susanna also introduces the reader to many of the staff at McLean. She gets along well with no-nonsense head nurse Valerie, but tends to clash with consultant psychiatrist Dr. Wick.
In this book it is really hard to chose what was the Most Valuable Part (MVP). For me one of the most valuable parts was Torry and her story. Some people think that this was just an extra character for the story. I think that Torry made the girls see their world a little different. Torrey was a new patient from Mexico with an amphetamine habit, joins the ward. Torrey’s parents blame her for her addiction and the troubles in their family, including her mother’s alcoholism. Torrey is happy to be at McLean, away from Mexico, drugs, and her abusive family. Eventually, Torrey’s parents come to take her home, and Lisa hatches an escape plan. The girls pool their money while Lisa causes a scene to ensure that Torrey will travel to the airport with only one nurse. Torrey is uncertain and scared, despite Lisa’s assurances. But Valerie is a step ahead of Lisa and gives Torrey Thorazine, a powerful sedative, to keep her from running away. In a way with her actions Torry made the girls think something different. I think that with Torry the girls got more together on helping others.
