I am mad, I am going under, I must follow the advice of a friend, and pay no heed to myself

I am mad, I am going under, I must follow the advice of a friend, and pay no heed to myself

In the context of Stendhal, the quote "I am mad, I am going under, I must follow the advice of a friend, and pay no heed to myself" encapsulates the internal struggles and conflicts that often plague his characters. Stendhal, a French writer known for his psychological realism and exploration of human emotions, delves deep into the complexities of the human mind and the tumultuous nature of passion and desire.

The quote reflects a sense of desperation and inner turmoil, as the speaker acknowledges their own madness and impending downfall. This self-awareness is a common theme in Stendhal's works, as his characters often grapple with their own conflicting emotions and desires. The idea of following the advice of a friend and disregarding one's own instincts speaks to the struggle between reason and emotion, a recurring theme in Stendhal's writing.

Stendhal's characters are often torn between their rational thoughts and their overwhelming emotions, leading to internal conflict and self-doubt. The quote suggests a sense of surrender to external guidance, as the speaker recognizes the need to rely on the wisdom of others in order to navigate their own turbulent emotions.

The idea of going under, of succumbing to one's own madness, is a common motif in Stendhal's works. His characters often find themselves overwhelmed by their own passions and desires, leading to a sense of loss of control and a descent into chaos. The quote captures this sense of helplessness and vulnerability, as the speaker acknowledges their own impending downfall.

Overall, the quote "I am mad, I am going under, I must follow the advice of a friend, and pay no heed to myself" encapsulates the themes of inner conflict, emotional turmoil, and the struggle between reason and passion that are central to Stendhal's writing. It reflects the complexities of the human psyche and the constant battle between our rational minds and our tumultuous emotions.