Often, depression in classic novels is depicted via a character's self - destructive behavior. Consider 'Madame Bovary'. Emma Bovary is in a depressive state as she is trapped in a marriage and a life she doesn't want. She engages in affairs and overspends, which are self - destructive acts that are manifestations of her inner depression. Her inability to find true fulfillment in her provincial life leads her down a path of despair.
Well, in classic novels, depression can be presented through the loss of hope. Take 'The Great Gatsby' for instance. Gatsby is in a state of depression because his dream of being with Daisy seems unachievable. His pursuit is filled with melancholy as he is constantly faced with the social divide and the impossibility of recapturing the past, which is a form of depressive state.
In some fanfics, Katniss' depression might be shown through her withdrawal from social interactions. She may isolate herself from her friends and family in District 12. For example, she could avoid going to the Hob or participating in community gatherings. This is because the trauma she has endured in the Hunger Games makes her distrustful of people and the world around her.
In WWII short stories of fiction, depression can be shown through characters' withdrawn behavior. For example, a soldier might isolate himself from his comrades, spending long hours alone in his tent. He may lose interest in the things that used to give him joy, like writing letters home or sharing a laugh around the campfire. This is often a sign of the psychological toll of war and the resulting depression.
Grating elements can show up as overly preachy characters. For example, in some novels, there are characters who constantly lecture others about morality or social values without any real nuance. It makes the reading feel like a sermon.
In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', it's portrayed through the main character's increasing insanity as she is confined after childbirth. The wallpaper she obsesses over can be seen as a symbol of her deteriorating mental state due to postpartum depression. It shows her isolation and how her mind slowly unravels.
The theme of non - conformity is also a manifestation. Transcendentalism encouraged people to not blindly follow society. In American novels, there are many characters who rebel against the status quo. In F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby', Jay Gatsby is a non - conformist in his pursuit of the American Dream, which goes against the materialistic and shallow values of the society he lives in.
Themes in classic novels often directly mirror the society of their time. For example, in Dickens' novels, the theme of poverty reflects the harsh economic conditions in Victorian England. His characters like Oliver Twist experience extreme poverty which was a widespread issue then. Social inequality is another theme that shows how society was divided. In 'Anna Karenina', Tolstoy portrays the different social strata and the restrictions and expectations placed on individuals based on their class. The theme of moral values in classic novels also reflects the values held by society at that time. Novels often served as a way to comment on and critique the social norms.
Themes in classic novels often directly mirror the society of their time. For instance, in Dickens' works like 'Oliver Twist', the theme of poverty and the mistreatment of the poor reflects the harsh social conditions in Victorian England. The way the poor were treated in workhouses and on the streets was a big part of the social landscape, and Dickens used his novel to expose these issues.
The 'love triangle' trope in classic novels can contribute to themes such as the complexity of human relationships. In 'Wuthering Heights', the love triangle between Heathcliff, Catherine and Edgar is used to explore themes of passion, jealousy, and the power of love. The characters' interactions within the love triangle framework show how love can be both a source of great joy and great pain, and how it can affect not only the individuals involved but also those around them.
Classic depression era novels reflected the social situation mainly through their themes. For example, in 'The Grapes of Wrath', the theme of poverty and displacement was prominent. The Joad family's search for a better life showed the mass migration of people due to economic hardships. In 'Of Mice and Men', the idea of the broken American Dream was explored. George and Lennie's failed attempt at having their own place reflected the hopelessness many felt during the Depression.