Race and Gender
According to Hernandez and Gilbert (61), James Hernandez is the author of the short story "Flies on the Ceiling".
This text discusses Izzy's journey in Mexico, where she sought refuge after undergoing an abortion. During her time in Mexico, she forms a romantic relationship with a man and his son, all the while being tormented by her past. This transformation turns her into a strange supernatural being who experiences visions of the devil, frequently speaks of death, and dresses in black. The narrative explores the author's perspective on abortion through James Hernandez's description of the psychological withdrawal it induces.
When a woman's typical defense mechanism is overpowered, she may go through psychological withdrawal, leading to emotions of helplessness, depression, and self-hatred. The guilt linked to ending a pregnancy, irrespective of its reason, size, or gestation period, can result in trauma, diminished
...self-worth, and depression. After her abortion and divorce, Izzy underwent a nervous breakdown characterized by hallucinations and surreal imagery. A nervous breakdown is a mental disorder triggered by stress, anxiety or fear.
Hernandez and Gilbert (63) explore the impact of abortion on a woman's mental and emotional well-being, focusing on feelings of guilt, distressing dreams, and daily functioning challenges. The authors emphasize how abortion affects relationships, particularly the parent-child relationship that can be influenced by guilt or rejection. They provide an example with Izzy's case, where she felt overwhelmed by her family's shame after having an abortion and decided to travel to Mexico. Additionally, the guilt associated with abortion can create difficulties in intimate relationships, as illustrated by Izzy's experience of hindered relationship maintenance due to visions.
The author highlights the emotional repercussions of abortion an
divorce, underscoring how both can result in psychological distress that impairs an individual's daily functioning.
Work cited
- Hernandez, Jaime, and Gilbert Hernandez. Flies on the Ceiling. Vol. 9. Fantagraphics Books, 2003.
