Dean Koontz: False Memory

“Some people are afraid of what they might find if they try to analyze themselves too much, but you have to crawl into your wounds to discover where your fears are. Once the bleeding starts, the cleansing can begin.” - Tori Amos, 1963

So, I had just finished reading another mystery novel, written by New York Times best-selling author, Dean Koontz. “False Memory” typically reminded me of my first introduction to Psych. class a few semesters ago, in which we discussed the various mechanisms of the psychological mind.  This book mainly deals with the neurological profile of Martine Rhodes and her husband, Dustin, who in an attempt to solve the inexplicable mental events occurring in their subconsciousness, tries to solve the ‘brainwashing’ scheme behind their sudden onset of panic attacks and unexplainable lapses of time. The re-owned psychiatrist, in this case referred to as the antagonist of the plot, is Dr. Mark Ahriman. Throughout the novel, the story slowly unravels to the reason behind his manipulative, mind control conspiracy.

Martie’s friend, Susan Jagger, suffered a major case of agoraphobia, which deterred her from escaping her haven of refuge. According to my knowledge of neurologic mind control, there is such a thing as hypnosis (commonly termed as hypnotism, which dates back in 1842 by a man named James Braid, “The Father of Modern Hypnosis”) As the mystery progressively unfolded, Martie soon came into realization that she, too, is being programmed into a mental surge of mind control. I found it quite absorbing to read about how these medical research tactics can be use to access certain mental aspects of the human mind to recover skills and memories… although, in this case, lose complete consciousness of reality. The character, Dr. Ahriman, used his knowledge of ‘brainwashing’ (which was evident in the book, Manchurian Candidate) to erase all of Susan’s and Martie’s memories in order to corrupt them into human play-things as means of satisfying his sexual desires.

This was seen evident when Ahriman torturedly used a type of hynotic haiku to set them up into a trance by reciting a few words… causing them into a relapse of mesmeric sleep. While they are under the control of the ‘handler’, they are only told what to do and cannot oppose or answer any question, unless commanded to do so.  The mind-controller can, therefore, provoke them to commit suicide, and other mental atrocities, as well has possessing  neuro phobias which were programmed into their minds without the knowledge of it being implanted into their consciousness.

Having previously taken several psychology courses, I was mesmerized at how complex a human mind actually is. Although I have my own personal uncertainties about hypnotic practices, I often wondered, though, if there are any truths behind the power of vocalization (which I think correlates with mental hypnosis) Let’s assume, for instance, two political figures in a race for high office… they are both widely educated and have the same background and knowledge of societal agenda… in your observation, why do you think that one of them can easily capture the complete attention of the audience just by mainly inscribing a few encouraging words? Is it because of the sincerity of tone and the seriousness of how the words were expressed? Or possibly… just possibly… the use of vocalization has a certain effect in catching the undivided attention of the generalized public? I believe this goes in truth to certain professors… some can be deemed boring, even if the lecture topic itself was interesting, and some profs. can be quite intriguing, perhaps maybe because of particular use of “words” they use…

I guess we’ll never know if such such things does occur in everday life. But one thing I know is for certain… words can be a powerful weapon.