Semester two Honors novel blog #1

Many works of literature deal with political or social issues. Choose a novel or play that focuses on a political or social issue. Then write an essay in which you analyze how the author uses literary elements to explore this issue and explain how the issue contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.

 Depression, a social issue not only existing in the 1930's, but in other era's as well. Author Elizabeth Wurtzel proves this to her audience throughout the controversial memoir "Prozac Nation".

There wasn't always medication out there for depression, and as our society heals from our last depression and braces themselves for the "Great Rescission" citizens are becoming uncontrollably depressed, committing suicide, and getting evaluated for anti-depressants to help control feelings, and crude anxiety.

"That's the thing about depression: A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it's impossible to ever see the end."

Depression, known as an excuse or cry for attention by one, however when a entire nation is depressed chaos emerges. How can one begin to ever trust any type of government after you risk you life in combat. You feel its only fair to receive your reward (pay) to help you throughout the Depression, but your own President responds in violence.
How can someone fell safe after economic turmoil? FDR helped citizens re-gain hope once again in their nation, in financial difficulties. Like the little blue pill FDR helped people cope, he did this through speeches, citizen letters, radio/news broadcast and more.


 Author Elizabeth Wurtzel paints a picture about this social issue through main character Lizzie. When someone thinks depression, they think the least. Wurtzel highlights some of the deepest feelings of depression throughout this memoir. She shows the audience feelings that Lizzie cannot control. Being evaluated depressed you are put under a microscope. You receive a certain dosage and you live by it for however long you doctor feels you need it. When a nation is depressed we panic as a nation until someone steps in and controls us.

 When depressed, its as if you can no longer make decisions for yourself, like there is no end to the cycle of depression. 

"The National Institute of Mental Health, has estimated that almost 10 million Americans are seriously depressed and medicated and that a total of 14 million will suffer from it (depression) during their lifetimes."