Depression In 19th Century Literature

How is depression and the resulting actions in 19th century literature empower the characters who have this mental illness? How does the depiction of depression develop throughout the 19th century and allow further empowerment? The 19th century texts, Sheppard Lee, “Bartleby the Scrivener”, and “Life in the Iron Mills” all possess a character who exhibits signs of a mental illness similar to depression that leads them to losing their life. While seemingly a disability that prohibits them from enjoying and living life, this depression actually empowers these characters as they can recognize the problems with their society and actively choose to not participate. As understanding of disability developed throughout the 19th century, as did the