TREATMENT OF THE TROPE OF DEPRESSION IN JASMINE WARGA’S MY HEART AND OTHER BLACK HOLES

Abstract

Depression narratives have been on the ascendancy in literary writing. This is due to the alarming rate of depression, particularly among teens on a global level. There appears to be a paucity of literature focusing specifically on teen depression. Most studies dwelt on depression as a general malady among people of all ages and sexes. Like some other writers of her ilk, Jasmine Warga undertakes an exploration of depression in her teen novel; My Heart and Other Black Holes, emphasizing the detrimental impact of negative thinking on the protagonist and her counterpart. This paper examines the novel by applying the Cognitive Theory of Depression of Aaron Beck, which suggests that prolonged negative thinking can lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. This study sheds light on the role of negative thoughts as a significant catalyst for depression in teens, coupled with social and environmental factors. It also investigates the influence of parental involvement in the lives of depressed teenagers and how the healing journey is portrayed by the author. The paper discovers that communication within families is central to the well-being of depressed teens in the novel, particularly between mothers and their children. Through effective communication, children can develop trust, a stronger sense of self-worth and appreciation for life, reducing the likelihood of succumbing to despair. The paper concludes that there is potential for tragedy that arises from a lack of communication and understanding within families, underscoring the importance of fostering open dialogue and empathy to prevent depression as an outcome.   Keywords: Cognitive theory, Environmental factors, Family communication, Literary portrayal, Teen, Depression