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mass-psychological-phenomenon
The 'weeping sickness' represents a sudden, unexplained outbreak of emotional collapse and violence among rally attendees, suggesting a collective psychological or supernatural event.
1 chapter across 1 book
Rasputin Swims the Potomac: A NovelBen Fountain
Chapter 1
Chapter 1 depicts a politically charged rally held by President XXXXX following a Supreme Court decision allowing him to seek a third term. The event, marked by fervent support and aggressive rhetoric, devolves into chaos as a mysterious phenomenon called the 'weeping sickness' causes emotional breakdowns and violent confrontations among attendees, culminating in the president's abrupt departure and a tense atmosphere of uncertainty.