I didn't know all that stuff about addiction, but it makes sense. I definitely see how you see Toby. He says he loves the law because it keeps the likes of Vern off the streets, but it's also because it soaks up his brain completely. It was the same on Keller's death row case: he so obviously relished pulling it apart, and after Keller felt all that focus on him (really, on his case) it's no wonder he was jealous when Toby turned that focus on other people's cases.
I'm not super-knowledgeable, obviously, but while I do see value to support groups, constant navel-gazing and empathy and dwelling seems more like what we want to make us feel better, than what might be developed through a more scientific approach to changing behaviours.
I did a lot of ranting about Sister Pete back in the comments on the Murphy chapter. There's a lot about the character I like, but she fails terribly as a psychologist, and as a friend to Toby. She sees Toby snorting heroin to get through performing in drag in front of the prison on talent night, and she thinks the problem here is that Toby sees himself as a victim? She doesn't think the first and most urgent issue here is that Toby is obviously being raped? And being paraded as rape fodder for the rest of the prison? WTF, lady?
So what Toby really needs to do for Holly is encourage that drawing hobby for all it's worth. Build her an art studio, or something. I think she could get into that. I imagine her painting stunningly life-like glittery unicorns with severed limbs.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2015-01-18 11:17 am (UTC)I love your rant!
I didn't know all that stuff about addiction, but it makes sense. I definitely see how you see Toby. He says he loves the law because it keeps the likes of Vern off the streets, but it's also because it soaks up his brain completely. It was the same on Keller's death row case: he so obviously relished pulling it apart, and after Keller felt all that focus on him (really, on his case) it's no wonder he was jealous when Toby turned that focus on other people's cases.
I'm not super-knowledgeable, obviously, but while I do see value to support groups, constant navel-gazing and empathy and dwelling seems more like what we want to make us feel better, than what might be developed through a more scientific approach to changing behaviours.
I did a lot of ranting about Sister Pete back in the comments on the Murphy chapter. There's a lot about the character I like, but she fails terribly as a psychologist, and as a friend to Toby. She sees Toby snorting heroin to get through performing in drag in front of the prison on talent night, and she thinks the problem here is that Toby sees himself as a victim? She doesn't think the first and most urgent issue here is that Toby is obviously being raped? And being paraded as rape fodder for the rest of the prison? WTF, lady?
So what Toby really needs to do for Holly is encourage that drawing hobby for all it's worth. Build her an art studio, or something. I think she could get into that. I imagine her painting stunningly life-like glittery unicorns with severed limbs.
S.