To what degree can the mind assimilate lies into the invert reality ultimately desired?
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As described by WebMD, “dissociative amnesia is one of a group of conditions called dissociative disorders. Dissociative disorders are mental illnesses that involve disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception. When one or more of these functions is disrupted, symptoms can result. These symptoms can interfere with a person's general functioning, including social and work activities, and relationships”(webMD). Dissociate Amnesia is, simply, enslavement in a false perception of existence. To become ensnared by fallacies within, one must first experience such a trauma that the being begins to accede into a delusional state. Neddy Merrill, unbeknownst to the reader, had begun to assimilate into delusion before the short story had even commenced. After finding the Welcher’s home to be uninhabited, Neddy began searching deep within the confines of his own mind. “Was his memory failing or had he so disciplined it in the repression of unpleasant facts that he had damaged his sense of the truth?”(“The Swimmer”) He became callous to the world around him. Neddy began to mitigate his surroundings subconsciously to protect his own vitality. His mind evolved into a state of aberration. Mr. Merrill was not a well man. It appeared as though his expedition on the “Lucinda River” was nothing more than a pursuit of truth within himself. Was Neddy Merrill rectified in his quest for answers? Is dissociate amnesia the cause for his awakening? Can someone overcome delusion and effectively transition back into society?
Shutter Island depicts many of the ongoings Neddy Merrill was, too, encountering. It is a great basis for discussion and reflection. It is interesting that the lead character, a man with dissociative amnesia, was named Teddy as, similarly, the lead character in "The Swimmer" was named Neddy. Is this a coincidence or did the director intend to disinter the life of Neddy Merrill?
