Ronald Adams Sane Or Insane Analysis

Chasing Death or being chased by Death? In Lucille Fletcher’s radio play, The Hitchhiker, Ronald Adams is being chased by Death, and Death is chasing him. He is presented as both sane and insane. The author gives reasons for him to be considered both sane and insane. I believe Ronald is more insane for the following reasons: he is chasing down Death, he is trying to kill Death, and he is dead but he does not know that he is cheating Death. Ronald Adams is more insane, because he is chasing down Death, which no one else can see. “No, I didn't see him that time! And, personally, mister, I don't expect never to see him! All I want to do is go on livin'! I don't see how I will very long, drivin' with you!” (Fletcher). Ronald tries running over Death, and the women believes he is crazy, because she cannot see him, and he is driving like a moron. Even though he is chasing down Death, he is also trying to kill Death.

Ronald begins to get irritated by seeing the man everywhere he goes. “Wherever I stopped, even for a moment - for gas, for oil, for a drink of pop, a cup o' coffee, sandwich - he was there!” (Fletcher). Ronald is insane, because he is trying to run over Death, when Death cannot be killed. He begins to only think about the “hitchhiker” following him approximately every hour. Even though he is trying to kill Death, he is also dead, but does not realize that he is cheating