In Toni Morrison’s novel Sula, Shadrack is presented as a veteran of World War 1 who is suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The novel has explored the effects and impacts war has on families. The book further expounds on the challenges people, especially the vulnerable, experienced immense loss during the war. Shadrack’s character tells us and showcases the effect of war and the profound ways victims with mental health-related issues can be ostracized from a community.
The effect of the war has caused immense suffering to Shadrack, both physically and emotionally. Shadrack has experienced severe trauma throughout, as his character in the novel depicts it. He has continuously struggled to deal with stress emerging from emotions and his memories. Being in war is difficult and quite challenging. Watching people die helplessly and there is nothing you can do and wondering what will happen next causes trauma. Shadrack character is in shock at the experiences and things he witnessed in the war. To counter his memories and painful emotions, which are depressing and making him more stressed, he introduced National suicidal day (pg. 16). This was a coping mechanism for the stress he experienced. In addition, the introduction of this day would see him gain control of his life and manage the shock he was experiencing. His behaviors caused fear and panic in the community since they did not understand what he was going through. The community cannot appreciate him and make him feel valued for his contribution to the community. Instead, they disregarded him and distanced themselves from him.
Moreover, Morrison has used Shadrack’s character to show the long-term effect of war on individuals who actively participate and their life long after they return home. Shadrack state of mind is a result of his experiences in the war. His behaviors and unstable state of mind are largely attributed to wartime. In addition, his mental illness is also attributed to his community, which failed to accept him. The community misunderstood him and socially excluded him, denying him the empathy and closeness he needed at this time; through this way, it is evident that mental illness can result in isolation and ostracization in the community.
Furthermore, Shadrack’s character depicts the impact an individual experiences when he experiences a mental illness and or comes from a poor background. Shadrack comes from a poor background and cannot access quality healthcare for his mental condition (pg. 50). Failure to treat his mental condition worsens his social life as he cannot interact and integrate into society. If he had come from a well-up family, he could have accessed quality medical care services, eventually making him a better version of himself. This depicts the impact of poverty on individuals with mental health issues.
Additionally, his character is used to show the impact of mental illness on emotional intelligence and social life. Shadrack cannot integrate and interpret reality and has a negative perception of reality. Viewing the world this way clouded his judgment. Made him believe by introducing National Suicide Day. He reminded people of the need to fight and resist death even if it’s inevitable (pg. 16). Seeing and interpreting the world as cruel and distorted showcases how he could not integrate and analyze reality, enhancing understanding and creativeness. This illustrates mental illness’s impact on an individual’s capacity to comprehend the world and understand the dynamics to engage others through understanding them.
Moreover, shad rack’s character highlights the impact of war on the community. After going to warm, he comes back to the community. The community members had to endure his mental health issues and deal with his traumatic experiences. In addition, his mental health issues have made him unable to get into meaningful relationships and interact with community members. This highlights how the community can also be affected by wars regardless of whether individuals participated.
Lastly, his character has been used to teach and influence us to understand the significance of showing empathy, support, and appreciation for individuals in the community experiencing mental health-related issues. Through his character, the author has challenged the community members to understand the symptoms of mental illness and to help these individuals by showing support and empathy (pg.45). Creating awareness in society through education can enhance social support for people experiencing mental health-related issues. In addition, the author has challenged the government or relevant authority to provide resources that will cater to the needs of patients undergoing mental health-related problems. His character teaches us the importance of supporting individuals suffering from mental health-related issues.
In conclusion, through the character of Shadrack, we have learned the impact of war on the community and individuals who actively participated and the stigmatization they face from the community. Through his experiences, we have learned and understand the long-term effect of trauma and how this severe trauma changes their life’s forever. Understanding and embracing people with mental health issues is very important and plays a critical role in the recovery journey. Showing support through accepting them in society, showing empathy, and offering financial support can play a key role in helping individuals with mental illnesses.
Work Cited
Morrison, Toni. Sula. VINTAGE INTERNATIONAL, 2004
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