Portrayal of Mental Health and Psychological Disorders in Sally Rooney’s Normal People and Ottessa Moshfegh’s My Year of Rest and Relaxation
Mental health issues have become an important theme in contemporary literature. Many modern novels explore the inner struggles of characters. This study examines how two popular novels portray mental health. The novels are Sally Rooney’s Normal People and Ottessa Moshfegh’s My Year of Rest and Relaxation.
Both authors present mental health in different yet powerful ways. Rooney focuses on anxiety, depression, and emotional trauma in young adults. In contrast, Moshfegh depicts extreme detachment and self-destructive behaviour in her protagonist.
First, the study analyses the character of Marianne and Connell in Normal People. They suffer from anxiety, low self-worth, and difficulty in forming healthy relationships. Their mental struggles affect their communication and personal growth. Moreover, the novel shows how silence and social pressure make these issues worse.
Next, the research explores the unnamed narrator in My Year of Rest and Relaxation. She chooses to sleep for a full year using strong medication. This extreme decision reflects deep alienation, depression, and a desire to escape reality. The novel highlights the emptiness many people feel in modern society.
Furthermore, both novels use different narrative styles to show psychological disorders. Rooney employs realistic dialogue and internal thoughts. Moshfegh, however, uses dark humour and detachment to present mental distress. These techniques help readers understand the complexity of mental health problems.
The comparative analysis reveals important similarities and differences. Both stories show how mental health issues remain hidden behind normal appearances. In addition, they highlight the lack of proper support systems for people suffering from psychological disorders.
This study contributes to the growing discussion on mental health in literature. It shows how contemporary novels reflect real-life emotional struggles. The research also encourages readers to think more deeply about anxiety, depression, and emotional isolation in today’s world.
Overall, Sally Rooney and Ottessa Moshfegh present mental health with honesty and sensitivity. Their novels help increase awareness about psychological disorders and the challenges many young people face.