The Question of Tertan's madness in "Of This Time, Of That Place" is one of subjectivism versus objectivism, and one of degree. In an objective definition, it may be shown that Tertan is definitely mad. But, in order to deal with his madness in a meaningful fashion, the reader has to subjectively establish that his condition warrants official intervention. We may all be mad, in our own varying degrees, and still achieve our various goals. The matter of Tertan can best be dealt with by comparing his actions and traits with those of his peers. It is, after all, only through our interactions with those around us that the term "madness" has any relevance.
In order to discuss whether or not Ferdinand Tertan is mad, we must first define madness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary calls it "frenzy; ungovernable rage; extreme folly." Merriam-Webster's 11th Collegiate Dictionary defines madness as "the quality or state of being mad: as a: rage b: insanity c: extreme folly." If we look at those actions and effects that first bring attention to Tertan's madness, we can superficially make an argument that he is often guilty of extreme folly. Tertan fails to conform to the accepted social behavior of the time. He bows, with a flourish, to Joseph Howe, his instructor. He speaks and writes in nebulous dissertations on ideas and concepts far beyond the scope of the discussions in class. His papers are written in the same rambling, high-mannered style of his speech. He is, by definition, an item of extreme folly.
We can accept the "extreme folly" as pertaining to Tertan, but it begs of us to answer, "Does his madness require official intervention?" This is the real question, as many would argue that are all mad in our own small ways. Tertan at no time poses a threat to others or himself. He is guilty, at worst, of being extremely eccentric. His work is considered by Howe, the instructor, as being very good, though somewhat unconventional.
