The Madness of Daniel Serrallonga: A Descent into Insanity
The Madness of Daniel Serrallonga
Part 1: Introduction to Serrallonga
Serrallonga is introduced indirectly through other characters, particularly his sister Adela, who describes him as sensible, quiet, and entrepreneurial. The narrator portrays Serrallonga physically and psychologically, highlighting his eccentric nature, exemplified by his collection of General Prim portraits. Armengol’s amused reactions to Serrallonga’s quirks are also depicted.
Part 2: Mental Deterioration
Following the assassination of General Prim, Serrallonga’s mental state deteriorates. His attempts to uncover the plot cause a scandal, leading to public ridicule. Boston attributes Serrallonga’s condition to an inherited disease. News of Daniel’s marriage is also revealed.
Part 3: Descent into Madness
Serrallonga’s illness intensifies. He wins a lawsuit against his sisters regarding his father’s will, leading Armengol to idolize him. A fit of jealousy over his wife further fuels his madness. The climax occurs when Serrallonga laughs at Armengol’s misfortune, ultimately leading to his confinement in the ironically named “Paradise” psychiatric center.
Outcome: Serrallonga’s Demise
Three months later, the story concludes with Daniel’s funeral, marked by a violent scene between his wife and sisters.
Description of Serrallonga
Around 25 years old, Serrallonga has a pale, gaunt face with a thick, reddish-grey beard and short, pepper-and-salt hair. His round, grey eyes are set in a large, bulging head with short, fuzzy eyebrows. A prominent frontal vein and furrowed brow often become engorged during moments of excitement. Tall and thin, he dresses with a distinctive lack of taste, favoring brightly colored, carelessly knotted ties. He perpetually wears tight trousers and a jacket with mismatched buttons, always carrying a stick and iron truncheon. A pipe is perpetually clenched between his lips.
Key Themes and Topics
Central Idea
The central theme is Daniel Serrallonga’s descent into madness, a gradual decline triggered by General Prim’s assassination.
Perspectives on Madness
The novel presents different perspectives on Serrallonga’s illness: Armengol’s humorous view, Boston’s scientific analysis, and the narrator’s humanistic concern.
Other Themes
- Politics: Carlist movement, political scandals, and arrests.
- Parent-Child Relationships: Boston and his father, both doctors, hold contrasting views.
- Hatred: Serrallonga’s jealous rage towards his wife.
- Genetic Inheritance: The possibility of a hereditary mental illness.
- Marginalization: The societal exclusion of those deemed different.
Perspectives on Madness
Narcis Oller presents three distinct societal viewpoints on insanity:
Scientific: Prospero Boston, initially a student and later a doctor, represents the scientific perspective. Familiar with the Serrallonga family history, he views Daniel, his father, and sisters as mentally ill, attributing their actions to this condition.
Humorous: Armengol approaches Serrallonga’s condition with humor, recounting his eccentric behavior as amusing anecdotes. Despite eventually recognizing Daniel’s illness and attempting to help, Armengol’s initial laughter reveals a degree of ignorance or insensitivity.
Humanistic: The narrator, while initially participating in Armengol’s jokes, expresses concern and guilt over mocking Serrallonga. He recognizes the severity of Daniel’s illness and questions the impact of their jokes, demonstrating a more empathetic and humanistic perspective.