Exam (elaborations)

Final project Hum 102

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HUM 102 14632

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Southern New Hampshire University

My assignment is about analyzing how mental health themes are explored in Edvard Munch's artwork, "The Scream," and Sylvia Plath's novel, "The Bell Jar." You need to discuss how each work portrays mental health issues and the emotions associated with them.

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Uploaded on January 19, 2025
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creative works
visual arts approach
self and society
reshaping society perception

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Ashley Glisson
HUM 201
12/13/24

My chosen creative works I chose to dive into are an artwork,"The Scream", by Edvard
Munch. This iconic painting is a powerful visual representation of anxiety and existential dread.
The distorted figure and the turbulent background effectively convey the intense emotions
associated with mental health struggles. It’s a piece that visually captures the overwhelming
feelings of panic and fear, making it a poignant choice for exploring mental health through visual
art. As well as a novel, "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath. This novel offers an intimate and
profound exploration of depression and mental illness. Through the protagonist’s experiences,
readers gain insight into the personal and societal pressures that contribute to mental health
issues. Sylvia Plath’s own experiences with mental health lend authenticity and depth to the
narrative, making it a compelling literary work to examine the complexities of mental health.
Looking into the visual arts approach for each starting with “The Scream”. This painting
uses intense colors, swirling patterns, and a distorted figure to evoke feelings of anxiety and
dread. The visual elements are designed to make the viewer feel the emotional turmoil that the
artist experienced. It’s a direct, visceral representation of mental distress, allowing viewers to
connect emotionally and empathetically with the subject matter. Now with “The Bell Jar”, this
novel provides a detailed, first-person narrative of the protagonist's downfall into depression.
Through the use of rich, descriptive language and introspective monologues, such as:

“ The silence depressed me. It wasn't the silence of silence. It was my own silence.”

“But when it came right down to it, the skin of my wrist looked so white and defenseless that I
couldn't do it. It was as if what I wanted to kill wasn't in that skin or the thin blue pulse that
jumped under my thumb, but somewhere else, deeper, more secret, and a whole lot harder to
get.”

“I couldn't see the point of getting up. I had nothing to look forward to.” (Book 390: The Bell Jar
– Sylvia Plath, 2015)

readers gained insight into the internal struggles and societal pressures contributing to the
character's mental health issues. The literary form allows for a deep exploration of the
character’s psyche, offering a nuanced understanding of mental illness.
Additionally with visual Arts, through paintings, sculptures, and other visual media, artists
can convey emotions and experiences related to mental health in a way that is immediate and
impactful. The use of color, form, and composition can evoke specific feelings and create a
visual dialogue about mental health.
However, literary arts such as, Novels, poems, and other written works, they delve into the
complexities of mental health through narrative and character development. Literature allows for
an in-depth exploration of personal experiences and societal influences, providing readers with a

, comprehensive understanding of mental health issues. Finally, performing arts like theater,
dance, and music can express the struggles of mental health through performance. These art
forms use movement, sound, and dialogue to convey emotions and stories, creating an immersive
experience that can resonate deeply with audiences. Performances can also foster empathy and
awareness by portraying the lived experiences of those with mental health challenges.
One might perceive mental health as a crucial aspect of overall well-being that affects
every individual differently. Observations could include noticing how mental health issues are
often stigmatized or misunderstood in society. Personal experiences, such as interactions with
friends or family members who have faced mental health challenges, might have shaped one's
perception. Aswell as exposure to media representations or educational materials on mental
health could also influence one’s perception on this topic. You may already know about common
mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. However, understanding
the importance of mental health resources and support systems that are broadly available could
be life saving! From experience with mental health battles myself and even recently a few
months back losing a friend, these resources need to be more known. Sometimes you can only do
so much, but the all that you can do is better than nothing. No matter now “big or small” the
mental issue at stake is.
Personal biases such as believing that mental health issues are less severe than physical
health issues. Or another bias could be assuming that mental health problems are rare or only
affect certain groups of people. However, my personal bias is supportive and understanding
towards mental health. One might assume that people with mental health issues can always seek
help easily or that they should be able to manage their conditions without external support. These
assumptions can be dangerous and could influence your perception by making you less
empathetic towards those struggling with mental health issues. Personally I agree with helping
mental health sufferers and support addressing issues from the smallest to the biggest.
Supporting initiatives that promote mental health awareness, better access to mental health care,
and treating mental health with the same importance as physical health could be part of your
stance. While advocating for comprehensive support systems and resources for all mental health
issues, regardless of their severity. No problem is too “big or small”; they are all equally
important battles!
More into self and societal views on these works, "The Scream" visually represents intense
emotional experiences, often interpreted as anxiety or existential dread. The swirling background
and the distorted figure create a sense of overwhelming emotion, which can be linked to mental
health struggles. Munch's painting uses visual elements to convey the chaos and intensity of
mental health issues, helping the audience to feel and understand the emotional turmoil
associated with such conditions. Where "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath delves deep into the
protagonist's mental health journey, exploring themes of depression, identity, and societal
expectations. The novel provides a first-person perspective on the internal battles faced by
someone dealing with mental illness. Plath's novel offers an intimate look at the protagonist's
thoughts and feelings, allowing readers to empathize with and better understand the complexities
of mental health.

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