Medication

The various medications given to Alicia represent an unwillingness to connect to a patient’s emotions in favor of an easy answer. Medications are a simple form of treatment. While they can be effective in moderation, they should be combined with therapy and continued follow up. When Christian gives Alicia enough medication to make her unable to function, he is shutting down all attempts to heal her through traditional means. This also shows his own weakness, as Christian is unwilling (and possibly unable) to connect with patients on an emotional level and needs medicine to do that for him.

The Alcestis

Both the Greek tragedy Alcestis and Alicia’s painting of the same name represent why Alicia remains silent. This is a small hint that is given at multiple points throughout the story, as it tells the story of a woman who refused to speak after...