Gender differences in the portrayals of depressive illness in popular culture: a comparison of literary texts.

Gender differences in the prevalence, experiences and presentations of mental illnesses are well-known and are reflected in research findings, clinical practice, society and popular culture. This paper will compare and contrast the role that gender and other factors play in the portrayals of depressive illness in two acclaimed texts, 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath and, 'Darkness Visible' by William Styron.