Ten Experiments in Writing

Date of Award

1983

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Art

Abstract

Ten Experiments in Writing by Arleta Belding Witwer is a multifaceted exploration of both personal and scientific observations, organized into a series of narrative essays. The standout section, “Scenes of a Psychiatric Ward,” offers a detailed, compassionate, and often starkly humorous portrait of life within a closed psychiatric facility. Through vivid storytelling, Witwer captures the routines, behavioral dynamics, and complex relationships among patients and staff, shedding light on the reality of mental health treatment during the period. She describes not only the environment—strict rules, safety precautions, and medical interventions—but also the emotional resilience and human connections formed under intense circumstances.

Other essays in the collection pivot from narrative to scientific inquiry. “Barrels in the Brain” delves into neurobiological research led by Dr. Thomas Woolsey, detailing the discovery of barrel-shaped neural structures in the mouse brain that correspond to whisker inputs. This section discusses how sensory deprivation or alteration affects brain development and raises broader questions about cortical plasticity and neurological signaling.

In “The Gray Wolf of North America,” Witwer synthesizes naturalist research on wolf behavior, emphasizing the social complexity, intelligence, and ecological importance of the species. She highlights misunderstood traits, such as the wolf’s emotional depth and cooperative hunting strategies, advocating for greater public understanding and conservation.

The essay on depression draws from medical literature and personal accounts to provide a succinct overview of its biochemical basis, its impact across demographics, and the evolution of treatment strategies, including the use of lithium for bipolar disorder.

Together, these essays demonstrate Witwer’s ability to merge narrative warmth with scientific rigor, offering both accessibility and insight into the human condition and natural world.

Comments

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