Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis explores the representation of mental illness in contemporary literature, with a focus on how authors depict various aspects of mental health conditions in their works. The study delves into the portrayal of characters with mental illness, the treatment of mental health themes, and the impact of such representations on readers. Through a comprehensive literature review, the research examines a wide range of literary works from different genres and time periods to identify common trends and differences in the portrayal of mental illness. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, including the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definitions of key terms. Chapter Two presents a detailed literature review that discusses ten key themes related to the representation of mental illness in contemporary literature. These themes include the stigma surrounding mental health, the intersection of mental illness and identity, and the role of mental health professionals in narratives. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology employed in this study, including the research design, data collection methods, data analysis techniques, and ethical considerations. The chapter also discusses the selection criteria for the literary works analyzed in the study and the rationale behind the chosen approach. In Chapter Four, the findings of the research are presented and discussed in detail. This chapter explores the common patterns and divergences in the representation of mental illness across the selected literary works, highlighting how authors use different literary devices and narrative techniques to depict characters with mental health conditions. Finally, Chapter Five offers a conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting the key findings, implications, and contributions of the research. The conclusion also discusses the limitations of the study and suggests avenues for future research in the field of mental health representation in literature. Overall, this thesis contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the representation of mental illness in literature, shedding light on the complexities and nuances of this important thematic element in contemporary literary works.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Exploring the Representation of Mental Illness in Contemporary Literature" aims to delve into the nuanced portrayal of mental illness in modern literary works. Mental illness is a complex and multifaceted subject that has been increasingly explored by contemporary writers, reflecting societal attitudes and perceptions towards mental health. This research seeks to analyze how mental illness is depicted in a selection of contemporary literature, examining the various themes, characters, and narrative techniques used by authors to represent mental health struggles. The overview will begin with an introduction that sets the stage for the study, providing background information on the importance of understanding mental illness in literature. The problem statement will highlight the gaps in existing research and the need for a comprehensive analysis of how mental illness is depicted in contemporary literary works. The objectives of the study will be outlined, focusing on identifying common patterns and trends in the representation of mental illness, as well as examining the impact of these portrayals on readers. Limitations and scope of the study will be discussed to acknowledge any constraints or boundaries that may impact the research findings. The significance of the study will be highlighted, emphasizing the importance of gaining insights into how mental illness is portrayed in literature and its implications for understanding mental health issues in society. The structure of the thesis will be outlined to provide an overview of how the research will be organized and presented. The literature review will explore existing scholarship on the representation of mental illness in literature, examining key studies and theoretical frameworks that have shaped the field. This section will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research and identify gaps that the present study aims to address. The research methodology will detail the approach and methods used to analyze the selected literary works, including the criteria for text selection, data collection, and analysis procedures. The chapter will also discuss ethical considerations and potential challenges encountered during the research process. The discussion of findings will present the analysis of the selected literary works, identifying common themes, characterizations, and narrative strategies used to represent mental illness. The findings will be contextualized within the broader scholarly discourse on mental health representation in literature, highlighting the unique contributions of the present study. The conclusion and summary will synthesize the key findings of the research, discussing the implications of the study for understanding mental illness in contemporary literature and its relevance to broader discussions on mental health in society. Recommendations for future research will be provided, suggesting potential areas for further exploration and analysis in this field.