Mental Health In Literature, Part 2:

Mental Health Training

The previous article briefly discussed how the power of literature was a deadly weapon through newspapers, radio, and other media outlets, used in antisemitic propaganda by Adolf Hitler to dehumanise and vilify his enemies, primarily the Jews he called parasites.

But for additional groups such as communists and non-Aryans, the word was used in Germany to describe a future genius race and then later labelled by philosophers as Social Darwinism to justify their despicable acts. [cited: Mein Kampf].

Germany’s economic collapse in 1918 was attributed to a combination of factors. First, the military defeat in World War I played a significant role in Germany’s failure. The country had suffered heavy casualties, and the Allies imposed severe terms on Germany through the Treaty of Versailles, which included massive reparations payments and territorial losses.

Hitler portrayed himself as a charismatic and assertive leader who could lead Germany back to victory and prosperity. His speeches were carefully crafted to instil loyalty and Idolatry among his followers—manipulation of the Media. They spread misinformation through newspapers, radio, and other media outlets, creating a distorted reality that further reinforced their narrative.

Hitler recognised the importance of indoctrinating youth to ensure the longevity of his ideology. Nazi propaganda infiltrated the education system, influencing textbooks and curricula to shape young minds following the regime’s beliefs.

Joseph Goebbels: The mastermind behind Hitler’s propaganda machine, before finally observing the demonisation and dehumanisation of Jews and scapegoating by portraying them as the cause of Germany’s problems. - hence the Holocaust.

The second part of the previous article, Charlotte Brontë novel Jane Eyre, offers readers a captivating book that explores complex themes of love through the unconventional romance between Jane and Mr Rochester and challenges traditional notions of love and marriage—her choice of independence and emotional ambivalence only highlights the struggles by women’s in Victorian society.

Charlotte Brontë came from a strong religious background and incorporated biblical allusions and moral dilemmas into the narrative. You are left with many questions and points of reflection. It is not explicitly stated that Mr. Rochester married Bertha Mason for her money.

Mr. Rochester’s family arranged their marriage for financial gain, as Bertha came from a wealthy family in the West Indies. However, it is essential to note that Mr. Rochester was unaware of Bertha’s mental illness during their marriage. Once he discovered her condition, he felt trapped in their marriage and could not divorce her due to societal and legal constraints.

The discussion of Mr. Rochester’s motivation for marrying Bertha is open to interpretation, as the novel focuses more on Jane Eyre’s personal growth and journey.

Did Jane Eyre exhibit codependency traits, as she constantly seeks approval and validation from others and often sacrifices her own needs and desires to serve others, particularly Mr. Rochester?

On the other hand, Mr Rochester displays narcissistic tendencies with his inflated sense of ego, manipulating and controlling those around him, specifically Jane, for his own gratification. Whereas did Mr Rochester also display characteristics of the patriarchal system during this period, and such behaviour was considered the norm?

The power dynamics and toxic relationship between Jane and Rochester can reflect either echoism or codependency, allowing Mr Rochester’s narcissism to thrive as she enables his selfish behaviour and sacrifices her personal needs and desires. Thereby highlighting the complexities and challenges of their relationship.

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