Spoke Too Soon

While reading Bullet in the Brain, I was really intrigued by Anders in the beginning of the story. He was comical, blunt and honest. As I continued to read the story and transfer with the bullet through his brain I began to realize that Anders has many issues in his life that only we, as the readers, could see after Anders has been shot. Upon completing the story, I went back to the beginning and reflected on Anders actions and behaviors. What had he been repressing throughout the years?

As Anders walked into bank, he was already upset and admits to having a quick temper. He and the woman in front of his get into a debate about how rude it is to have the teller close her station when there were still costumers standing in line. Anders then makes a smart remark and offends the woman. His behaviors in these first few paragraphs leads me to believe that he is repressing a lot of different emotions. He doesn't seem to understand human relationships. As we travel through his mind we learn that he relationships weren't the strongest between his first girlfriend, his wife, daughter and his own mother.

Many people who are comical and outspoken often do so to cover for their weaknesses. They want to become the life of the party so that no one really comes to understand their real life. When the men in the black ski masks enter the building the feeling over the bank changes, but not Anders. He doesn't seem to take anything serious. If Anders would have confronted his limitations earlier in life I don't believe his life would have ended in this moment. Had he learned about respect and normal human relationships there would have been a greater chance that Anders would have taken this moment as a serious one, kept his mouth shut and observed - something Anders still doesn't understand.