The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat Essay

The eye catching title of the book, “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” not only triggers readers to pick it up and start reading, but also makes one wonder what the plot of this unusual title really is. If I am being honest, that is exactly what persuaded me to read it. Now, although this atypical title may seem like it will lead into a fictional novel, it is surprisingly the exact opposite. This nonfiction publication reveals the stories of Dr. Sacks many odd neuropsychiatric patients. One of the most positive aspects of The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is its easily comprehendible nature. Not only is it great for neurologists and psychologists, it is also perfect for the more average person to learn about neurological conditions.
This short (but brilliant) piece encompasses twenty-four short stories that are each broken into four parts. These parts include: Losses, Excesses, Transports, and The World of the
Throughout this area we learn that in some cases it is possible to live out their imaginations, old memories, dreams or feelings. This concept is called a number of things such as transport, portal, dreamy states, or reminiscences. One story of this section called The Dog beneath the Skin, tells of a twenty two year old medical student who dreamt one night that he was a dog. After that, he has the ability to smell, sniff, and recognize things like a dog.
Sacks wraps up the novel by introducing his last concept, “The World of the Simple”. This last part consists of anyone with a disorder that causes them to act like children in their mannerisms and thoughts. They memorize, but do not understand. For example, someone with Autism would be included into this category. However, a man named Martin who has Parkinson’s and Meningitis also fits this criteria. He has an astonishing musical memory; he is able to memorize thousands of operas. Yet he also speaks and acts like a young