The Portrayal of Mental Illness in Literature: a Thematic Study of Alice Walker's Colour Purple.

ABSTRACTThis study explores the portrayal of mental illness in Alice Walker's novel The Color Purple,focusing on how the narrative addresses mental health issues through its characters, themes, andsymbolism. The research delves into the experiences of key characters such as Celie, Nettie, andShug Avery, analyzing their struggles with mental health in the context of systemic racism,sexism, and oppression. The study reveals that The Color Purple offers a complex andempathetic depiction of mental illness, illustrating how trauma, social isolation, and lack ofsupport contribute to the characters' psychological struggles. For this study, a qualitativeresearch design was chosen, given the nature of the research questions and objectives.. Thesampling technique used in this study was purposive sampling, a non-probability samplingmethod that involves selecting cases that are most informative for the research. The primarymethod of data collection and analysis in this study is textual analysis, a research method used todescribe a n d interpret the characteristics o f a recorded o r visual message. This study i s groundedin intersectional feminist theory and psychoanalytic theory to analyze the portrayal of mentalillness in The Color Purple. Key findings highlight the novel's role in destigmatizing mentalhealth issues, particularly within marginalized communities, and its influence on contemporaryliterature and mental health discourse. The research also discusses the novel's themes o f traumaand recovery, oppression and liberation, and identity and self-discovery, demonstrating howthese themes are intricately connected to the portrayal of mental illness. Despite some critiquesand controversies, particularly regarding the portrayal of African American men and theexploration of sexuality, The Color Purple remains a seminal work that continues to inspirediscussions on mental health, race, gender, and social justice. This study concludes that TheColor Purple not only provides a realistic and nuanced representation of mental illness but alsocontributes significantly to broader conversations about mental health in literature. Through itsportrayal of mental illness, the novel underscores the importance of social support, resilience,and the journey toward healing, making it a valuable text for understanding the complexities of mental health in the context of race and gender