Psychology Essay: A Critique of William March's Bad Seed Novel

This essay provides a critical analysis of William March's novel, 'Bad Seed,' examining the psychological aspects of the characters and the central theme of evil. The essay delves into the character of Rhoda, exploring her sociopathic tendencies and comparing them to concepts of evil discussed in forensic psychiatry and behavioral science. It references James Knoll's article, "The Recurrence of an Illusion: The Concept of 'Evil' in Forensic Psychiatry," to contextualize the discussion of evil as a psychological entity and its implications in forensic settings. The essay analyzes Rhoda's actions, motivations, and the manifestations of her behavior, highlighting the complexities of defining and evaluating evil. The essay also explores the relationship between Rhoda and her mother, Christine Penmark, touching upon the genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to Rhoda's behavior. Through textual evidence and supporting arguments, the essay aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the psychological dimensions of the novel.

Running Head: CRITIQUE OF NOVEL (BAD SEED)
CRITIQUE OF NOVEL (BAD SEED)

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Summary of the article
James Knoll in the article “The Recurrence of an Illusion: The Concept of “Evil” in Forensic
Psychiatry” argues about including the term “evil” in Lexicon from both forensic scientists and
behavioral studies perspective. “Evil” being a psychological entity has emerged as a matter of
interest for several forensic scientists as it impacts forensic treatment trials. However, the author
argues against its inclusion in the lexicon stating that such intangible entity cannot be evaluated
through psychiatry measurements. Such adherence establishes the relevance of forensic tests in
psychiatry.
Previous week's discussion and relevance to “Bad Seed”
Coming back to the Novel “Bad seed” by William March, one can easily identify that the
concept of evil is more practical than its normally believed references to religious context and
supernatural phenomenon. Rhoda, the protagonist of this story conceals her deviant behavior that
can be termed as evil with her exterior calm and composed demeanor. This essentially highlights
two aspects in support of the concept of “evil”. A person who possesses a deviant behavior that
can be termed as malicious towards people those are not bound my emotional congruence of love
is termed as “evil” in colloquial sense. Rhoda is an extremely functional psychopath who
considered every possible ways to acquire what she thinks belongs to her. Such extreme
emotions as described by the article are described as “manifestations of their aggressiveness”
towards people who are not bound by any emotional connect (Knoll, 2008).
Explanation of characters and their conflict with respect to the article
The primary protagonist Rhoda adheres by all the symptoms that indicate her being a highly
systemized psychopath. Although the term “high functioning sociopath’ was not in use when the

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book was published and distributed. Several behavioural scientists have put forward their views
on basic criteria for terming someone “sociopath”. Referring once again the article “The
Recurrence of an Illusion: The Concept of “Evil” in Forensic Psychiatry”, one can easily
determine the fine boundary that the concept of “evil” in term of its implication through
languages of psychiatry. The concept of “evil” is entirely a subjective aspect depending on how
it is perceived. However, according to the author such justification deems judgmental as often
such amplifies more religious or moral implications than scientific one. Therefore, Knoll
explains that the concept “evil” though exists elusively but is practical in existence. Such is
proved from the character of Rhoda. Her aggressive manifestations were directed towards people
whom she despised. First she was the sole reason for the demise of her classmate Claude and
then an elderly lady whose necklace was a matter of interest for her. She subsequently murdered
Leroy who grew suspicious of her actions. Therefore, such manifestations are termed as “evil” as
stated by behavioral science in the article on Knoll. However, evaluation of such through
psychometric scale had not been possible until now. Knoll argument in the section “resurrecting
the witch's axe” amplifies that mental illness was long considered as an opposing aspect to the
realm of good. Rhoda’s personality exhibited such traits where she had not exhibited sound
mental health. Therefore, the author argues in the broader terms that much of the actions which
are considered a malice and damnable with respect to human norms are considered as evil in
broader sense. So it won't be appropriate to say that Rhoda exhibited signs of “evil” from
behavioural traits. However, forensic psychiatry needs proper justification on such claim and
Rhoda’ condition clearly shows manifestations of mental instability.
The article exhibits limit when her mother’s character is drawn for reference. The article argues
about the concept of “evil” with respect to behavioural science and psychiatric evaluation. The

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title “Bad Seed” refers to Rhoda’s mother genetic traits that her mother Christine Penmark
assumes as the primary cause of her daughter’s sociopathic behaviors. This however is actually
covered when the concept of “evil” is defined as a “non-quantifiable object.” the author's
argument clearly amplifies that the concept of “evil” is definitely in existence but cannot be
quantified (Knoll, 2008).
Quotation from the texts and supporting argument
A very defiant passage for the last chapter of article amplifies the condition “evil” in Rhoda.
Such description from March in the novel clearly states the abnormal mental manifestations that
Rhoda experienced. Such is termed as “evil” from the perspective of behavioral science
“It seemed to her suddenly that violence was an inescapable factor of the heart, perhaps the
most important factor of all - an ineradicable thing that lay, like a bad seed, behind kindness,
behind compassion, behind the embrace of love itself. Sometimes it lay deeply hidden, sometimes
it lay close to the surface; but always it was there; ready to appear, under the right conditions, in
its entire irrational dreadfulness.” (March, 2017).
“Christine Penmark: Rhoda, what happened to old Mrs. Post in Wichita?
Rhoda: There was ice on the steps and I slipped and fell against her, and that was all.
Christine Penmark: That was all?
Rhoda: No. I slipped on purpose.”
The above exhibited passage explains how Christine was stirred when she confronted her
daughter about a recent demise that had occurred. Such remorseless reply from Rhoda highlights
her deed are quite justified from her perspective. It can be justified that Rhoda faced serious
issues concerning her mindset. Knoll explained such issues of mental illness in the segment
“Resurrecting the witches hammer”

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Reference list
Anderson, M., & March, W. (1957). Bad Seed: A Play in Two Acts. Dramatists Play Service,
Inc..
Knoll, J. L. (2008). The recurrence of an illusion: the concept of “evil” in forensic psychiatry.
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online, 36(1), 105-116.