Table of ContentsIntroductionPost-traumatic stress disorder in “The Red Cabriolet”Henry's TransformationThe Red Cabriolet as a Symbol of Mental DisorderConclusionReferencesIntroductionIn the modern era, discussions around mental health have gained ground. What was once a highly stigmatized topic is now being thrust into the spotlight. Historically, people struggling with mental illness lived in fear that their struggles would be misunderstood by the general public, contributing to the growth of a pervasive stigma around mental health. One such mental health condition is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which results from exposure to traumatic, often life-threatening events, often including combat-related experiences, as noted in authors of “PTSD Prevalence, Associated Exposures, and Functional Health.” Results in a large population-based military cohort. In the early 1900s, the concept of PTSD did not have the seriousness it does today. However, contemporary discourse has emphasized the importance of understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of this disease, given its profound impact on the daily lives of countless individuals. Common symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, social withdrawal, sleep disturbances, and increased reactivity. In “The Red Convertible,” Louise Erdrich uses her literary prowess to illustrate the experience of Native Americans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after the Vietnam War. The author skillfully juxtaposes Henry's pre- and post-war accounts to emphasize the scale and impact of post-war trauma. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the Original EssayPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder in “The Red Convertible”Henry's TransformationHenry's Transformation from a Young Man from a carefree reveling in summer adventures to a battle-scarred veteran encapsulates the profound change in his relationship with the outside world. At the beginning of the story, Henry is portrayed as an adventurous soul. Before his military service, he took a summer road trip with Lyman immediately after purchasing the red convertible. Lyman fondly remembers the brothers “living their daily lives from here to there,” traveling great distances by car to explore new vistas. Henry's willingness to spend an entire summer exploring new places is a testament to his adventurous spirit before being plunged into the horrors of war. However, this adventurous persona gradually dissipates after Henry's return from Vietnam, marking his increasing detachment from the outside world due to PTSD. Lyman observes that it became “easier for him to do the things we all did,” like eating without distraction and refraining from looking out the window. This new isolation paints a very different portrait of Henry: he isolates himself and cuts all ties to anything beyond his immediate activities, a telltale symptom of PTSD. The transformation becomes even more pronounced when the reader witnesses Henry's anguished reaction to color television. Looking at the color deck, "Henry wasn't easy," gripping the armrests fervently and, at one point, biting his lip until "blood ran down his chin." This visceral reaction reveals how deeply troubling it has become for Henry to immerse himself in another reality, in this case the brightly colored images of television. According to a Healthy Place article, people with PTSD often have difficulty doingface change, and Henry's discomfort with accepting new experiences becomes evident. The contrast in his attitudes toward the outside world serves to emphasize the severity of his mental anguish, vividly illustrating how trauma can fundamentally alter a person's perspective. Henry once loved exploring new places, but his harrowing experiences in Vietnam forever changed his view of the outside world. Another significant change in Henry is his altered personality upon his return from Vietnam. Initially presented as a cheerful and jovial young man, Henry undergoes a radical transformation from his time in Alaska. In Alaska, Henry was known for "always joking," but when he returned from the war, "you couldn't make him laugh." Henry's change in attitude is striking, leaving no doubt about his change in temperament. As Lyman observes: “It was a fact: he was nervous and mean. » Henry goes from a carefree, fun-loving individual to a solemn veteran unable to enjoy life as he once did. This transformation in his personality communicates to the reader the profound impact of PTSD, as it drains him of his light spirit and stifles his ability to find joy in the simple pleasures of life. The red convertible as a symbol of mental change. Additionally, the red convertible serves as a symbol that reflects Henry's evolving mental disorders. This convertible becomes a narrative tool that effectively depicts Henry's changing mental state in the aftermath of the war. When the car is first introduced in the story, it is described as "rested, calm and brilliant". Similarly, Henry's life before the war is characterized by calm and serenity, as evidenced by the brothers taking a moment of rest under a willow tree. During this break from their road trip, Lyman fondly remembers Henry as "asleep with his arms outstretched", signifying an open, carefree disposition, eager to embrace life's myriad experiences. The car's robustness throughout the summer of road trips can be likened to Henry's mental resilience during this time. Their summer travels accentuate Henry's carefree nature and the stability of his mental state, which continues throughout the season. However, the red convertible's journey after Henry's return reveals his struggle with PTSD and his eventual downfall. Initially, when he returns, Henry pays no attention to the car. It is only when Lyman deliberately damages the car, recounting how he "destroyed" it until it looked "worse than any...car that has ever been driven", that Henry s realizes it. It seems that Henry perceives the battered convertible as a reflection of himself. He strives to repair the car, devoting himself to this task day and night, even going to great lengths to obtain replacement parts. This reflects Henry's efforts to improve his mental state, and for a time it appears that he has recovered, as evidenced by his joyful conduct with Lyman. This fleeting moment reminds us of old Henry, the one who loved carefree walks with his brother. But this respite is short-lived. Eventually, his PTSD resurfaces with a vengeance. Lyman informs the reader of how Henry's face turns "totally white and hard," breaking "like stones shatter all at once when the water boils inside." » The interaction between the brothers at the river serves as a window into Henry's continuing mental struggle. . Mental illness is often unrelenting, with individuals struggling with such conditions having to learn to cope with the ebb and flow of symptoms and episodes. In the absence of any form of treatment,