More or Less Maddy: A Novel

The act of performing stand-up serves as a motif in the story and represents Maddy’s use of Personal Challenges as a Source of Strength. The art form is a source of empowerment and self-expression for Maddy. The stage becomes a sanctuary where her chaotic and unpredictable life momentarily “clicks into perfect place” (195). In these fleeting moments on stage, Maddy finds solace and coherence in a chaotic world, as she uses humor to cope with the ups and downs of her bipolar disorder. The experience of making an audience laugh, “the distinct, musical harmony of two people laughing,” (195) represents more than just comedic success, because it signifies a moment of true human connection. For Maddy, comedy becomes a way to bridge the gap between her internal chaos and the external world, offering both a release for her emotional tension and a pathway to authentic connection with others. The stage allows her to express her vulnerabilities while also providing a vehicle for empowerment, where she can define herself in the way she chooses. Maddy uses the power of humor to reframe her bipolar disorder as a tool for connection rather than a source of isolation.