Norman Bates, the infamous protagonist of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, killed his mother, Norma Bates. This act, though not explicitly shown in the original film, is revealed through various clues and Norman's own confessions. The murder is a pivotal event in Norman's descent into madness, shaping his personality and driving his future actions.
Norman's relationship with his mother was deeply troubled and unhealthy. He was excessively attached to her, bordering on obsession. Norma's controlling and manipulative nature further fueled Norman's instability. The murder stemmed from this complex dynamic and Norman's attempt to preserve his idealized image of his mother, even after her death.
Why did Norman kill Norma?
The exact reasons for Norman's act are open to interpretation, but several factors contribute to his decision:
- Norma's betrayal: Norman discovered that Norma was planning to leave him for another man, shattering his sense of security and fueling his rage.
- Jealousy and possessiveness: Norman saw his mother as his own, and her desire to leave him ignited his jealous rage.
- Delusional defense: Norman's mental instability led him to believe that his mother was a threat to him and that killing her was a necessary act of self-defense.
- Preserving an idealized image: Norman, in his delusion, attempted to preserve his idealized image of his mother by killing her and keeping her body, believing she would remain with him forever.
The Aftermath of the Murder
After killing his mother, Norman continued to live a life of delusion, creating a "mother" persona to represent the deceased Norma. This persona manifested in Norman's actions, thoughts, and interactions with others.
The murder of his mother deeply impacted Norman, shaping his personality and driving his future actions. The act, though born from madness and a warped sense of love, set the stage for the horror that unfolds in the Psycho universe.
