In "The World According to Garp," the character Jenny Garp recognizes the importance of energy in responding to her father's philosophies. This understanding highlights the necessity of maintaining a certain vitality to navigate life's complexities. Her grandmother, Jenny Fields, categorizes people in unconventional ways that reveal her unique outlook on human existence, seeing them as entities defined by their connection to the world around them.

Within this framework, Garp perceives individuals as "terminal cases," reflecting a more existential view of life. This perspective underscores the transient nature of existence, where everyone ultimately faces their mortality. The contrast between her grandmother's classifications and Garp's interpretation suggests a deeper exploration of how one's environment and relationships shape one's understanding of identity and fate.