The Loeb-Leopold case - The Clarence Darrow Collection

The Loeb-Leopold Case
We have described the essence of the schizophrenic
reaction as a bashful timidity associated with lack of
energy'. Consequently, the situations that will render it
manifest are such as require self-assertion and active
participation in the world of reality. So long as the
individual can keep within himself and avoid the necessity
for rubbing shoulders with his fellows, he may show
but little evidence of difficulty. But it must be remem-
bered that even with himself, there are desires struggling
for expression and gratification toward which he may be
just as timid as he is toward other persons. Obviously,
the period of life during which, as a rule, the demands
for adjustment will be least is that of childhood. Then,
responsibilities are few and instinctive desires are rela-
tively simple and but little subject to social regula-
tion. The sexual and parental instincts are as yet only
foreshadowed and it is in this sphere especially that
society places the greatest restrictions on individual
behavior.
The schizophrenic child is quiet and retiring, prefers
solitary games and amusements, and lacks the aggressive
spontaneity and outspoken sensuality of the average
child. He does not get into mischief and is often described
as " unusually good," " never caused a moment's
trouble," docile and easily amused. He may be fairly
even tempered and yet subject to rather violent and
perhaps unexpected outbursts of emotion on seemingly
small occasion, usually short-lived. He is affectionate
though undemonstrative and displays his feelings little.
He makes few friends and no confidants ; in group games
he is often on the outside looking in, rather than an
active participant. This is not due, necessarily, to an
ineptitude for athletic activities — he may even excel in
them— but to the difficulty in getting outside himself.
In school he often does extremely well so far as scho-
107