Psychiatric Report, The Stone Boy

Essay by DioneHigh School, 11th grade January 1995

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I would like to bring to your attention one of my new patients, Arnold Curwing. Mr. Curwing, 21, lives a quiet life alone withdrawn from his family and friends. He has lived these past 12 years in frustration and isolation, unable to be confident, unable to express feelings. This was shown when he came in to my office that day with his hands in his pocket, shirt not tucked and tilting his head towards the floor; avoiding eye contact. He had very poor communicating skills and plus he had been very nervous. I understand that before the accident, Mr. Curwing was once a very charming and enthusiastic boy. One whom I should mention was very fond of his older brother and greatly admired him. I have clearly reviewed a detailed incident with Mr. Curwing, an incident which has been the most important factor in shaping Arnold's life choices and his state of mind.

The day of the accident, Eugie had promised Arnold that he would go pick peas with him. Arnold carried his 22-caliber rifle with him hoping that '...if there were any ducks... he'd take a shot at them.'(p.1) On their way to picking peas, they had to climb '...through the wire fence that divided the wheat field from the marshy pasture around the lake.'(p.2) Eugie had gone first. When it was Arnold's turn, his rifle caught on a wire and consequently fired. The next moment, his brother, Eugie fell forward, dead.

Some would suggest that Arnold, being the youngest, was jealous, but the evidence suggests that Arnold greatly admired Eugie, making his death even more traumatic. Eugie was the eldest in the family. He was tall and had a very good figure: 'Arnold never tired of watching Eugie offer silent praise unto himself.'(p.2) Arnold greatly admired...