This thesis examines the portrayal of depression in young adult (ages 12-18) fantasy
fiction, with a focus on monsters as metaphors for depression. Depressive symptoms often
exist as background in young adult fantasy, or as temporary afflictions until the conflict of
the story is resolved. In reality, depression is far from a quirky character trait, and has no
magical “cure.” My introductory essay examines fantasy as a vehicle for exploring difficult
topics such as mental health issues. I investigate the benefits and drawbacks of portraying
depression as a metaphorical monster, consider the concept of bibliotherapy, and explain the
reasoning behind my own plot devices. In Limbo, my novella, I portray two teenage
characters: one is experiencing depression before the story begins, and the second only
experiences depressive symptoms as a direct result of the story’s monster. Limbo was written
with the intent of both informing readers who have never experienced depression before of
its potential effects on a person, and giving readers currently experiencing depressive
symptoms a name for what haunts them.
