Melancholy in selected contemporary Amharic novel The novel Yäqənat Zār -“Zār of Jealousy”

Abstract

Abstract This article aims to analyse the representation of melancholy and to find out the causes and effects of melancholy in the characters in the selected Amharic novels (with reference to the novel Yäqənat Zār (“Zār of Jealousy”). It employs the intrinsic psychoanalytic theory of literature specifically theory of mourning and melancholy. This study is sought with interpretative paradigm, a qualitative approach and descriptive research design to reveal the issue of the novel. The object of the study is novel by Sisay Nigusu Yäqənat Zār (“Zār of Jealousy). It describes how someone (Literary characters in the novel) developed melancholia after the loss of someone loved. The findings of the study indicate that the major characters experienced melancholy, as evidenced by their altered behaviour, alignment, self-blame, death wishes, and paralysis. It was also discovered that the reason behind her melancholy was the unexpected passing of her partner, as well as the loss of his wife and family, respectively.