When Kevin Was Unwell...

[Gemma]

This is the one part of the book that really confuses me. I have come to my own conclusions about Kevin and the nature vs. nurture debate, and read some very interesting discussions both here and elsewhere, but his complete character change when he's ill doesn't fit into any of it.

The only theory I think it holds with is that he was somehow acting all the time, and he was just too weak to keep up the pretence at that time. I find that strange, since if it's true he was acting before he could talk.

What are your thoughts about those two weeks? Is there any evidence that sociopaths/psychopaths change their behaviour when they're ill?

[Siobhan]

I think he changed his behaviour when he saw Eva being sympathetic to what he wanted, rather than her dictating what he should want. He felt he could be vulnerable. His fascination with Robin Hood came from a bonding session with her.

Of course, this theory only works if you believe that Kevin spent the entire novel seeking Eva's approval.

[Beth]

I could be off base here, but I think this story says a lot about mental illness and psychopathy, particularly the complexity and unpredictability of someone in that state. For me, Kevin's story was a slap in the face, a wake up call. We have no idea how the brain of a psychopath functions really, and that scene displays how unbalanced and unpredictable a psychopath's behavior can be. It didn't fit his typical behavior, leaning on his distant mother like he did, and I think that's the point Shriver was making.

[Eric]

Perhaps kevin's ability to put on his act from the moment he is out of the womb is poking fun at the culture of blamelessness we nurture when we dismiss these troubled young killers as unkowable variables whose ruthlessness and bloodlust are inherent and not an effect of their environment?

[Lucinda]

A lot of people are utterly terrified or feel weak and desperate for a sense of support when they are suddenly struck by a serious illness. Kids who don't ordinarily react in such ways sometimes do when they are very ill.

In one study of the psychology of illness I read, the author pointed out a child's experience of facing a bad bout of sickness often includes some sense, no matter how irrational, that he/she may die or may never get well. That can drive kids who are detached from and hostile towards their parents the other 95 percent of the time to come looking for love and comfort.

Part of the reason may be, as Siobhan suggested, that he felt comfortable being vulnerable with Eva when he was ill and she was caring for him.

I don't think that Kevin spends the whole novel wanting to connect with Eva, however. I think that his feelings are far more complicated than that. I think that he displays genuine hostility towards her and wants to drive her away much of the time, but that part of the reason he behaves that way is that he wants to hurt and reject Eva more forcefully and deeply than she could ever hurt and reject him. Kevin's feelings are like an endless, confusing, twisted knot.

It's also possible that Kevin's kind, caring behavior during his illness is, to some extent, manipulative. He wants to recover in peace and comfort and have Eva take good care of him. Just as he normally behaves in certain ways because she wants to alienate and upset Eva and the rest of the family, he may do just the opposite while he is sick to again set the mood in the house the way he wants it. If that's the case, though, I think it's only one aspect of his motivation. He may be faking some things he does not feel and still have some genuine feelings here.

[inaword]

I think the reason that Kevin attaches himself to his mother while he's ill is because he knows that she understands his real personality and he feels safe to drop his guard around her.

I remember this scene in the movie and that his father approaches him first and Kevin snaps at him, which surprises his father. I believe that Kevin's interactions with his father is him acting, and when he got sick he was too tired and weak to bother continuing the act.

[Rosie]

Lucinda wrote: "A lot of people are utterly terrified or feel weak and desperate for a sense of support when they are suddenly struck by a serious illness. Kids who don't ordinarily react in such ways sometimes do..."

As you said, I think.

[Kelly]

As far as when Kevin was unwell and demonstrated some true feelings to his mother. I think he felt those similar vulnerable, fearful feelings when he was about to face prison. This is most likely why he offered up a few tangible, tokens of love to Eva before he was sent off.