Psycho By Robert Bloch: Chapter Analysis

In the second to last chapter in Robert Bloch's psycho, the extreme mental condition of Norman is explained to Sam, who then explains it to Lila. This chapter winds down the climax and resolves the issues just as a good conclusion should. Lila is given closure with the discovery of May’s body, and being given an understanding of Norman's mental health that possibly stemmed from his sheltered childhood. Lila even goes as far as to feel sorry for Norman, and near the end of the chapter she offers up as possible thesis to the book, "there’s a psycho in all of us.” All external issues become resolved, and if ended there, would still make for an enjoyable book. However, Bloch gives us one more chapter involving the internal thoughts of Norman. The differences in this chapter is that it seems Mother has taken over for good, and we only receive her point of view. Bloch included this chapter to resolve an issue that was still left, outside of the murders Norman commits, the conflict between Mother and Norman. Bloch gives Norman this final section to allow him to recognize the reality of his mother’s absence and

When the audience was given an insight into Norman’s internal thoughts there was never a doubt that Mother was the perpetrator. This is because Norman is incapable of believing reality since the beginning of his mental illness. However, Mother is willing to tell the truth. Therefore, the only way Norman can present honesty is through the persona of his mother. Norman is proving his mother’s innocence, and proving his own guilt, within Mother’s personality. In previous chapters Mother was considered the one who was the murderer; and that was never argued between the two because we as an audience never fully receive Mother’s point of view. However, in this chapter we get to see Norman fully as his mother for the first time, and he does this to allow his mother the chance to defend