Drawing out the Darkness: Ellen Forney’s Marbles as a Graphic Memoir on Depression
Keywords:
Graphic memoir, bipolar disorder, mental health, Ellen Forney, art therapy, identityAbstract
Ellen Forney’s graphic memoir Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me offers a profound exploration of the challenges associated with bipolar disorder, effectively humanizing and destigmatizing mental health issues. This research paper examines Forney’s innovative narrative style and artistic techniques, emphasizing how her vivid illustrations and personal storytelling disrupt the romanticized notion of the "tortured artist." By visually depicting the complexities of mania and depression, Marbles enriches the discourse surrounding mental health and illustrates the unique capacity of graphic literature to convey lived experiences. This paper will also explore how Forney's work serves as a catalyst for discussions on identity and self-acceptance.
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References
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