REPRESENTATION OF DEPRESSION IN ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE BY GAIL HONEYMAN
Abstract
This study examines how depression is portrayed through the main character, Eleanor Oliphant, in Gail Honeyman's novel, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine. The focus of this study is to examine the forms of depression experienced by Eleanor and how she gradually attempts to cope with and recover from this condition. This study uses a literary psychology approach, with Beck and Alford's (2009) theory of depression as the basis for analysis. The method used is descriptive qualitative, analyzing narratives and dialogues related to the main character's psychological state. The results show that Eleanor's depression is manifested through prolonged feelings of loneliness, difficulty establishing social relationships, and behaviors influenced by past traumatic experiences. The novel also demonstrates that recovery from depression does not occur instantly, but rather through a gradual process involving emotional awareness, therapeutic support, and the presence of meaningful social relationships.
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