Candyfreak: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Patient?
Compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea or an unwanted feeling or emotion, often accompanied by symptoms of anxiety: the definition of obsession. The narrator of Candyfreak would most likely be diagnosed with some sort of abnormal obsession. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic illness that is characterized by obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behavior. However, unlike other anxiety disorders, the person knows that these thoughts and behaviors are irrational and silly, but cannot prevent themselves from having them. The main character, Steve Almond, seems to always be preoccupied with a certain thought all the time: candy.
In the prologue, the narrator confesses Steve Almond is indeed a "freak." On page three, the narrator admits "the author thinks about candy at least once an hour." He also admits his obsession with candy is hopeless, an "abject lust." OCD research shows most patients find their thoughts or actions senseless but cannot control them. He believes our freaks are the "truest expressions of ourselves" and there is no way to choose your freak, they will choose you. Almond even admits to arranging his candy on his bed before eating it. This is where compulsions come into play. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors a person performs to counteract the anxiety and distress produced by the obsessive thoughts. Some common compulsions are washing, repeating, checking, touching, counting and yes, ordering or arranging.
In order to get his point across, the narrator uses exaggeration to "wow" the reader. In the beginning, he claims "the author has eaten a piece of candy every single day of his life." If evaluated, this statement seems nearly impossible. No mother would give her newborn a piece of candy every single day! So, from this we know we can not always trust what the narrator claims. Then, on page 6, he says "the author has between three and seven pounds of candy
. Perhaps you think I'm exaggerating for effect. I...
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