Psychology Commons^™

Robert Schumann: A Study Of The Link Between Manic Depressive Illness And Creativity, Kerri Vickers

Honors Theses, 1963-2015

Robert Schumann was a nineteenth century German composer. His life was filled with suffering because of his constant fight with mental illness. He lived either in a state of depression or mania, which I suggest influenced his compositions. By studying his disease and the creative process for all artists I attempt to gain a better understanding of the affects of Schumann's illness on his creating. I also take a further look into the ongoing debate of whether or not genius and creativity are influenced by madness.