Who is described as having an unsettling mental state, as indicated by being "madder than a wet hen"?

Study for the Fifth Business by Robertson Davies Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Mary Dempster is described as having an unsettling mental state, characterized by the phrase "madder than a wet hen." This expression highlights her erratic behavior and its perception by the people around her in the narrative of Fifth Business. Mary is portrayed as being both misunderstood and marginalized due to her mental health issues and her unconventional behavior. She embodies themes of sainthood and madness throughout the novel, illustrating the complexities of her character and the impact of societal judgment on individuals who do not conform to standards of normalcy.

The focus on Mary Dempster illustrates the novel's exploration of the nature of reality and perception—how others view her actions as madness while they may stem from deeper spiritual or psychological experiences. The phrase "madder than a wet hen" encapsulates the way that her condition is often trivialized by society, highlighting her role as a figure of both pity and reverence.

The other characters, while they each have their complexities, do not embody the same level of societal misunderstanding regarding mental state and moral ambiguity as Mary Dempster does. This makes her the most fitting answer to the question regarding an unsettling mental state.

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