Exploring Contemporary Literature's Depiction of Mental Illness: A Critical Analysis of "The Bell Jar", "Girl, Interrupted", "Freshwater", "The Sound and the Fury", and "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time"

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INTRODUCTION

 

Contemporary literature has seen a significant increase in the portrayal of mental illness in various ways, providing insight into the challenges and struggles that individuals with mental health issues face. This article will discuss three examples of contemporary works that explore mental illness, namely "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath, "Girl, Interrupted" by Susanna Kaysen, and "Freshwater" by Akwaeke Emezi. These works provide an honest and raw portrayal of mental illness, shedding light on the realities of living with a mental health condition and the challenges of finding effective treatment. Additionally, the article will explore the significance of portraying mental illness in literature, including reducing the stigma attached to mental health issues and promoting empathy and understanding for those who suffer from them.

Mental illness is a prevalent issue in contemporary literature, with many authors incorporating it into their works in various ways. Mental illness refers to a wide range of conditions that affect an individual's thinking, mood, and behavior. It is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been the subject of many literary works. The portrayal of mental illness in contemporary literature is important because it can help to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and promote understanding and empathy for those who suffer from them.

One of the most significant trends in contemporary literature is the inclusion of mental illness as a central theme. Many authors are exploring the experiences of individuals who struggle with mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, among others. These works often provide insight into the challenges and struggles that people with mental illness face on a daily basis.

 The Theme of Mental Illness in "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath 

 One example of a contemporary work that deals with mental illness is "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath. "The Bell Jar" is a semi-autobiographical novel written by Sylvia Plath, published in 1963, that deals with mental illness, specifically depression and suicidal ideation. The novel is narrated by Esther Greenwood, a young woman who is struggling to find meaning and purpose in her life. Esther's character is based on Plath's own experiences, as she also suffered from depression and made several suicide attempts.

The book provides a vivid and intimate portrayal of the inner turmoil experienced by someone suffering from mental illness. The reader is taken through Esther's journey, as she grapples with her illness and tries to make sense of her world. The book depicts the sense of isolation and despair that comes with depression, and how it can affect one's ability to function in daily life.

Furthermore, "The Bell Jar" also explores the challenges that come with trying to find effective treatment. The novel highlights the limitations of mental health care in the 1950s, and the stigma attached to mental illness. Esther is hospitalized and subjected to various treatments, including electroconvulsive therapy, which further exacerbate her condition. The book also depicts the societal pressures and expectations placed on women during that time period, which adds to Esther's struggles.

Overall, "The Bell Jar" is a powerful and poignant novel that provides a raw and honest portrayal of mental illness. Plath's own experiences with depression and suicidal ideation give the book a sense of authenticity and make it an important work in the field of mental health literature.

 

The Theme of Mental Illness in "Girl, Interrupted" by Susanna Kaysen 

Another example is "Girl, Interrupted" by Susanna Kaysen. "Girl, Interrupted" is a memoir by Susanna Kaysen, published in 1993, that details her experiences as a patient in a psychiatric hospital in the late 1960s. The book offers a candid and unapologetic account of Kaysen's struggles with mental illness and her journey towards recovery.

The book provides a frank look at the realities of mental illness, including the stigma associated with it. Kaysen describes the shame and isolation she felt as a result of her illness, and the difficulty she had in finding support and understanding from those around her. The book also explores the challenges of treatment, including the limitations of psychiatric care and the side effects of medication.

Furthermore, "Girl, Interrupted" delves into the complicated emotions that accompany the journey towards recovery. Kaysen grapples with feelings of guilt, shame, and fear as she confronts her illness and tries to move forward. The book also examines the complex relationships that can develop between patients in a psychiatric hospital, and the role that these connections can play in the healing process.

Overall, "Girl, Interrupted" is a powerful memoir that offers a raw and honest look at the realities of mental illness. Kaysen's experiences provide a unique and important perspective on the challenges of living with a mental health condition, and the journey towards recovery.

The Theme of Mental Illness in "Freshwater" by Akwaeke Emezi 

Contemporary literature has also expanded to include works that explore mental health issues from different cultural perspectives. For example, the novel "Freshwater" by Akwaeke Emezi explores the experiences of a young Nigerian woman with multiple personalities, a condition that is not well understood or recognized in many African cultures. The novel "Freshwater" by Akwaeke Emezi delves into the experiences of a young Nigerian woman named Ada, who has multiple personalities. The condition, also known as dissociative identity disorder (DID), is not well understood or recognized in many African cultures. Emezi's novel sheds light on the complexities of DID and the cultural attitudes towards it in Nigeria.

Throughout the novel, Ada's multiple personalities, or "gods" as they are referred to, take control of her body and mind. These gods are said to be spirits from Igbo mythology and are often depicted as conflicting with one another, causing Ada to experience intense internal struggles. For example, during Ada's college years in the United States, her "Asughara" personality takes over, leading to her self-harm and suicidal ideation (Emezi 70).

The novel portrays the cultural stigmatization of mental health issues, particularly DID, in Nigeria. Ada's mother, a devout Christian, sees her daughter's condition as a manifestation of demonic possession, resulting in Ada being subjected to harmful exorcisms. Furthermore, Ada's aunt blames her for the family's misfortunes and sees her as a burden, resulting in Ada being sent away to live with her father in Nigeria, where she experiences further abuse and trauma (Emezi 112).

The novel also highlights the intersectionality of Ada's experiences, as she navigates her gender and sexuality alongside her mental health struggles. Ada identifies as bisexual and struggles with the societal expectations placed on her as a Nigerian woman, adding another layer to her already complex existence.

"Freshwater" by Akwaeke Emezi offers a nuanced exploration of the experiences of a young Nigerian woman with multiple personalities, a condition that is not well understood or recognized in many African cultures. Emezi's novel challenges the cultural stigmatization of mental health issues and highlights the intersectionality of Ada's experiences. Through Ada's journey, the novel sheds light on the complexities of mental health and identity in a Nigerian context.

 

The Theme of Mental Illness in "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon 

Another important aspect of the portrayal of mental illness in contemporary literature is the use of different literary techniques to convey the experiences of individuals with mental health issues. In contemporary literature, the portrayal of mental illness has become an important aspect of many novels, providing a deeper understanding of the experiences of individuals with mental health issues. One way that authors achieve this is by using different literary techniques to convey the inner world of characters with mental illnesses.

For example, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon is a novel that explores the experiences of a young boy with Asperger's syndrome. The novel is written from the perspective of the protagonist, Christopher Boone, providing readers with a unique insight into his thought processes and experiences.

Haddon uses a variety of literary techniques to portray Christopher's perspective, including the use of diagrams, charts, and lists to reflect his analytical way of thinking. For instance, Christopher often uses numbered lists to organize his thoughts and observations, providing readers with a glimpse into the structured way in which he processes information. This technique not only highlights the unique way in which Christopher's mind works but also provides a more immersive reading experience that enables readers to understand his perspective more deeply.

Additionally, the novel's use of first-person narration creates a sense of intimacy between the reader and Christopher, allowing readers to connect with the protagonist on a deeper level. Through this technique, readers are able to experience Christopher's emotions, thoughts, and perceptions firsthand, providing a more nuanced portrayal of his experiences with Asperger's syndrome.

Overall, the use of different literary techniques in contemporary literature to portray the experiences of individuals with mental illness has become a powerful tool for authors to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities of mental health. By using techniques such as first-person narration, lists, and diagrams, authors can provide a more immersive and authentic portrayal of the inner world of characters with mental illnesses, creating a more meaningful reading experience that promotes empathy and understanding.

 

The Theme of Mental Illness in William Faulkner's novel "The Sound and the Fury"

Similarly, William Faulkner's novel "The Sound and the Fury" is known for its innovative use of stream-of-consciousness narration to depict the inner lives of its characters. One of the novel's most striking uses of this technique is in its portrayal of Benjy Compson, a character with cognitive disabilities. Through Benjy's fragmented and disordered thoughts, Faulkner provides readers with a powerful insight into the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues in communicating and making themselves understood.

The use of stream-of-consciousness narration in "The Sound and the Fury" is particularly effective in conveying Benjy's experience of the world. Unlike other characters in the novel, Benjy is unable to speak or reason coherently. His thoughts are disordered and disjointed, and he experiences time in a non-linear fashion. Through his narration, Faulkner captures the confusion and disorientation of Benjy's mental state, allowing readers to see the world through his eyes.

Faulkner's portrayal of Benjy is based on his own experiences of working with individuals with cognitive disabilities. In an interview with Jean Stein in 1956, Faulkner discussed the inspiration behind Benjy's character, stating that "I once worked in a place where there were several feeble-minded men, and I became interested in them. They were always being scolded or abused in some way, and I felt sorry for them. Then one day, I thought, 'What must it be like to be one of them, to live in that kind of world?'"

By using stream-of-consciousness narration to portray Benjy's mental state, Faulkner gives voice to a character who would otherwise be marginalized and silenced. Through his narration, Benjy is able to express his thoughts and feelings in a way that is meaningful to him, even if it is not always comprehensible to others. This is a powerful statement on the importance of listening to individuals with mental health issues and recognizing their unique perspectives and experiences.

In conclusion, William Faulkner's novel "The Sound and the Fury" is a powerful example of the use of stream-of-consciousness narration to depict the mental state of a character with a cognitive disability. Through his portrayal of Benjy Compson, Faulkner provides readers with an insight into the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues in communicating and making themselves understood. By giving voice to a marginalized character, Faulkner highlights the importance of listening to individuals with mental health issues and recognizing their unique perspectives and experiences.

 

 

In conclusion, the portrayal of mental illness in contemporary literature is an important and evolving trend. These works provide insights into the complexities of mental health issues and the experiences of those who struggle with them. They also help to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and promote empathy and understanding for those who suffer from it. By incorporating mental illness into their works, contemporary authors are playing an important role in promoting mental health awareness and contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate society.

 

References:

Plath, S. (1963). The Bell Jar. London: Faber & Faber.

Friedman, A. (2004). Sylvia Plath's Fiction: A Critical Study. Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press.

Wagner-Martin, L. (2003). Sylvia Plath: A Literary Life. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.

Kaysen, S. (1993). Girl, Interrupted. New York, NY: Vintage Books.

Giovacchini, P. L. (1996). Girl, Interrupted: An Overview. Psychoanalytic Inquiry, 16(3), 433-437. doi: 10.1080/07351699609534147

Koplewicz, H. S. (1995). Memoirs of Mental Illness. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/1995/05/14/books/memoirs-of-mental-illness.html

Emezi, Akwaeke. Freshwater. Grove Press, 2018.

Faulkner, William. The Sound and the Fury. Vintage International, 1990.

Minter, David L. William Faulkner: His Life and Work. The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1980.

Tredell, Nicolas. The Novels of William Faulkner: A Critical Introduction. University Press of Mississippi, 1990.

William Faulkner, interviewed by Jean Stein, The Paris Review, no. 16 (Spring-Summer 1957).