Portrayal of Depression in Emma Donoghue’s Novel “Room”

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the portrayal of depression found in the main character of Room novel by Emma Donoghue. This article used the depression theory by Paul Gilbert (2001). A qualitative method was used in conducting this study. This study has three statements of the problem; the causes, symptoms, and ways to overcome depression depicted in the Room. The results indicate that the main character experienced consecutive kidnapped, isolated, and abused. Therefore, the main character faced stress and trauma causing her depression. Consequently, the main character suffers sleep disturbance, loss of energy, and thoughts of death. However, she enables to overcome her depression by escaping from the isolated room and having a professional counsellor.

Keywords: depression, stress, trauma.