Date of Award

Spring 5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Department

Creative Writing

First Advisor

Tom Zoellner

Second Advisor

Joanna Levin

Third Advisor

Justine Van Meter

Abstract

Rajveer is born with alexithymia, a rare disorder in a remote Indian village. Because of his disorder, he can neither experience the full range of emotions nor understand the subtext of a conversation. By the time he is diagnosed with his disorder, on account of strong behavioral conditionings in rural Indian families, it becomes too difficult for him to understand and change himself. The latter part of the story is his journey towards converting his disorder into a profession, finding a way to become a part of mainstream society, and being able to love others, knowing you can never fully understand them until they are anything but honest with you. The crux of the plot is that even broken stones can make a wall.

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