Institusion
Universitas Bung Hatta
Author
Rika, Wahyuni
Femmy, Dahlan
Vilia, Yusraini
Subject
PR English literature
Datestamp
2023-08-02 01:38:34
Abstract :
In this paper, the writer analyzes about the depression of the main
character. Melinda Sordino which describes in Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.
The novel is about a girl who experienced the sexual abused. The writer uses
psychological theory to analyze depression in Speak. The technique of the
research applied by the writer is close reading to understand this novel and help
the writer to do the analysis. The analysis has two goals which are describing the
causes and depression that showed by the main character. The causes of the main
character?s depression are being sexually abused, bullied, and thinking negatively.
The depression of the main character shown by several symptoms. There are
feeling of helplessness and hopelessness, loss of interest of daily activity, anger or
irritability, loss of energy, self-loathing, concentration problem and unexplained
aches and pains. In conclusion, the sexual abuse along with the continuing
bullying and negative thinking of herself and about others triggers an ongoing
stress which leads to depression.
Keywords: main character, depression, sexual abuse, bullying, ongoing stress