Manipulation, superficial charm, and possessing a terrifying calmness towards danger are traits every human being has attempted to explore. These horrifyingly common characteristics are shown in William Shakespeare’s play, Richard III( Act I, scene iii), “And thus I clothe my naked villainy…and seem a saint when most I play the devil.” This play poetically describes psychopaths, devious, animalistic, and self-interested. What makes them scary is the fact that most serial killers are psychopaths and do not feel remorse or guilt for raping, maiming, or killing people. Sadly, the world is fascinated with psychopaths to the extent that several of them are famous. People are captivated by the evilness of humanity because they clothe their naked villainies as well.
Psychopathy has always existed in society and has played large roles in myths and legends. Medea is a notorious psychopathic character from Greek and Roman mythology. She took revenge on her husband for leaving her by killing the woman he left her for, the woman’s father, and her own children. Psychopathy consists of several psychological symptoms that usually begin early in childhood and affect a person’s relationship with family, friends, work, and school. The symptoms include superficial charm, a lack of remorse or shame, irresponsibility, and a lack of depth to their emotions. To lie, cheat, fight, or steal is conducted without a real goal. There is no true anger, honesty, joy, or despair because a psychopath cannot identify these feelings. This can lead psychopaths to kill people or hurt them without feeling hate or pleasure. The psychopath is known to be impulsive and behave antisocially, yet seem calm and comfortable around people. Since they need to be constantly stimulated, rarely do they read, sit, or watch television. If they are bored, their impulsivity trait can drive them to commit crimes, be sexually promiscuous, or even get married several times. …
