It presents a male nightmare of female puberty. Emergent female sexuality is equated with demonic possession, and the men in the picture almost all of them celibate priests unite to abuse and torture Regan in their efforts to return her to a presexual innocence. Indeed, 'The Exorcist' is drenched in a kind of menstrual panic. I once wrote a modest little comic novella supposedly written by the ghost of William Shakespeare in which the ghost 'proves' that Queen Elizabeth was the true author of his plays, and I take the Biskind analysis in much the same spirit. I mean, speaking of 'menstrual panic' . . .
Doctors administer many tests but find no physical or psychological problem.
Chris, an atheist, rejects the doctors' suggestion of religious counsel. During his visits, Karras sees a gross-looking Regan, who utters profanity in a deep voice and has serious convulsions. She can also open drawers without touching them and speaks English backward. The priest believes Regan is possessed and recommends an exorcism. Karras and Merrin enter Regan's room to battle the demon.