5 Common Symptoms of Depression in John Steinbeck’s Novels
Depression isn’t a new theme in literature, music, or art. It’s a mental disorder that’s been experienced and portrayed in different ways by various artists throughout history. One of the most significant American authors that depicted depression in his novels is John Steinbeck. Steinbeck, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1962, tackled the subject of depression in his works, portraying the characters’ symptoms and consequences in detail. In this article, we will explore the five most common symptoms of depression in John Steinbeck’s novels.
1. Loss of interest and pleasure
The first symptom we often see in Steinbeck’s characters with depression is loss of interest and pleasure. It’s characterized by a lack of motivation to engage in activities that were previously enjoyable. For example, in “Of Mice and Men,” George’s companion, Lennie, develops a liking for petting soft things. However, when Lennie’s depression sets in, he no longer finds pleasure in such an activity, which ultimately leads him to a tragic ending.
2. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and hopelessness
Another prevalent symptom of depression in Steinbeck’s novels is feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and hopelessness. In “The Grapes of Wrath,” Uncle John’s character exemplifies this symptom. He feels guilty for his wife’s death, despite their marital issues. He also has a generally low self-regard and believes he’s a burden to other family members. These feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness could cause one to feel trapped, leading to suicide ideation.
3. Changes in Appetite and Weight
Depression often affects one’s appetite and weight. It could lead to either overeating or loss of appetite, depending on the individual. For example, in “East of Eden,” Cathy Ames experiences depression, leading her to lose her appetite, resulting in dramatic weight loss. This behavior often leads to chronic malnutrition and further deteriorates an already fragile mental state.
4. Sleep Disturbance
Among the most visible symptoms of depression is a disturbance in sleep. In “Cannery Row,” William ‘Doc’ Ricketts experiences insomnia, restlessness, and nightmares due to depression. This symptom has broader implications as insomnia could lead to anxiety and further harm an individual’s mental health.
5. Difficulty in Concentrating or Making Decisions
Lastly, depression causes individuals to have difficulty concentrating or making decisions. They struggle to stay on task and may not follow through with planned activities. In “The Winter of Our Discontent,” Ethan experiences this symptom when he decides to commit suicide, but he can’t concentrate on how to properly do it. This behavior leads to a half-hearted attempt, which fails and ultimately saves his life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, John Steinbeck expertly portrayed depression as a prevalent mental disorder in his novels. This article explored five of the most common symptoms in his characters: loss of interest and pleasure, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and hopelessness, changes in appetite and weight, sleep disturbance, and difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Although these symptoms aren’t exclusive to depression, they help paint a picture of the disorder’s affects on individuals. Finally, it’s worth noting that if you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking help from a mental health professional is critical in obtaining a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
