As I assume many of my classmates would agree with me, I hadn’t considered the possibility of relating Erwin Schrodinger’s theory to Meridian. Since I have not even discussed the phenomenon since high school the topic caught me off guard, but the more I’ve thought about the parallels between the book and this scientific theory, the more sense it makes.
One reason our discussion today was unexpected was because I often still (albeit subconsciously) assume that science and English live parallel existences, connected only by curious learners who jump between the two. Interdisciplinarity does a good job of reminding us that the studies benefit one another and overlap, often providing useful metaphors and illustrating ideas for each other. Page 149 states, “…science is unavoidably interdisciplinary because, although it might claim to be confined within the limiting framework of a discipline, it is always part of other narratives and knowledges.”
Examining what we read through the lens of Schrodinger’s Cat gave me a new perspective on Meridian’s character. In my discussion group, we concluded that the idea of being simultaneously alive and dead could be related to her in an emotional sense. When Meridian was physically in good health, she tended to be emotionally numb, or dead. This was evident during her relationship with Eddie and was most obvious when she explained her lack of connection, and eventually ill will, towards their baby. Later when she was physically deteriorating, however, she seemed to be quite alive emotionally. Discovering the power of civil disobedience gave her a fresh perspective on life even though it took a toll on her.
In both of these cases we can see that she experienced states of being simultaneously alive and dead. It’s a morbid way to examine one’s own life, but I think many of us can relate to her struggle. It can be applied to college life too: if I stay up all night writing an essay, I might physically be exhausted and beaten down but emotionally I feel a sense of accomplishment. I feel as if I’m doing something worthwhile at school and the sensation of creating something is satisfying. Conversely, one night I might have no homework and spend countless hours on Netflix, which would be relaxing in the moment, however if my entire college career were this way I would surely feel numb and disconnected from it. Meridian felt most alive when her physical health was compromised because she felt that her battles were finally worth it.