Story Symbolism: The Voices in My Head

This month, we’re going to talk about Jack Handey’s “The Voices In My Head.” The story is short and simple, focusing on a man who hears voices in his head (obviously) and who seems to be pushed into doing both productive things and into making common mistakes.

At first glance, the story seems to be a little silly and maybe even a little confusing, because nothing really seems seriously the matter. But then it hits you: the voices in his head are the voices we all hear. The voices of thinking.

Let’s dive into the symbolism:

1. The umbrella is mentioned first. The voices are saying he should go back and get one, before it rains. If the character doesn’t oblige, they guilt trip. This is actually the most common thing ever, with most of us regretting not getting things we might need later, because it’s too tedious to go back and get it.
2. The next example was about his writing, with the voices telling him to change one word for a different phrase. As every writer knows, this is beyond common. Even people who don’t actively write for a living can attest to this. By this point, there’s a common theme developing in the story—normality.
3. The voices tell him to wake up, go to sleep, eat, use the bathroom, and he makes it clear that they boss him. Oddly enough, these are things everyone also thinks. Then he says one day the voices will ask him to do something crazy, like look for a job. At this point, it becomes clear that he doesn’t like responsibility or hard work and that his laziness is perhaps hurting his life. The voices may seek to correct that eventually.
4. He says he’s tried everything and has even used alcohol as a means to quiet the voices, but they just told him to do silly things. Again, normal.
5. He explains he wanted to get therapy for his problem but didn’t, because the voices said it would be expensive and take a long time. Doubt.
6. In the end, we see more doubt, with him questioning whether he will ever control the thoughts in his mind. Many times, people have thoughts they wish didn’t dictate their lives, which leads to doubt.

Wrapping it all up together, we come to the conclusion that the story isn’t about a guy with any issues. It’s about the common person, always struggling with their own thoughts and doubts. Being human.

Handey makes an interesting argument here: that people succumb to doubt and trying to control their thoughts. In reality, we are just like everyone else, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Our thoughts guide, misdirect, and encourage both good and bad behavior. But that’s natural, and should be embraced.