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Rhoda's Role In 'The Bad Seed'

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A study shows that as many as 47% of male inmates and 21% of female inmates have Antisocial Personality Disorder (WebMD). People with ASPD have shown to be very charming and witty, while also having the capability to lie and exploit others without caring. It is also common for someone with ASPD to act rashly and put themselves or others in danger without feeling guilty. There is a large debate on whether people who suffer with ASPD are a victim of it because of how they were raised, or if genetics plays a role in the disease. With much research and scientific evidence, it can be proven that ASPD is caused by a genetic link.
There have been many cases where criminals, murderers in particular who have been diagnosed with ASPD. A majority of …show more content…

Her grandmother was Bessie Denker, a well known murder, who also started when she was young. Monica and Tasker would describe her as “the most amazing woman in all the annals of homicide. She was beautiful, she was brainy, and she was ruthless. She never used the same poison twice.” (1.2.23) Rhoda is also known for her notorious lying. Her mother has gotten tired of her lying and constantly confronts her about it: “Come here Rhoda, look me in the eyes and tell me. I must know.” (1.3.40) Rhoda has even been kicked out of her own school for her actions: “You’re not going back to Fern School next year. They don’t want you any more.” (1.3.40) These actions all point to ASPD, she has been accused of murdering people as well as being kicked out of her own school. Her behavior and lack of feelings point to her having a disorder. Even when a classmate of hers was murdered, by her, she never felt any guilt or remorse. All she wanted from Claude was the penmanship medal that she didn't win. All of these actions point to Rhoda suffering from ASPD, which she received from her grandmother. There is a lot of evidence comparing Rhoda and her grandmother’s behavior. These examples prove that Rhoda received this trait from her grandmother, a well known murder. It further confirms that ASPD is a disease that is inherited genetically, not caused by someone’s

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