Miles Pudge Haler's Depression In Alaska Young

Throughout the book, Miles “Pudge” Halter’s love interest and friend, Alaska Young displays hints that she may possibly have depression and suicidal thoughts. Although the other characters in the book regard her as confident and adventurous, this is merely a side of her that she shows. The other side of her is mysterious and complex, the side that she wants to hide away from her friends. The first hint about Alaska’s depression is when she said, “Y’all smoke to enjoy it, I smoke to die (29)”, and although it may be a joke, Alaska’s dismal behavior continues to occur throughout the duration of the book. On page 27, she says to Miles, "You never get me. That's the whole point", which may indicate that she indeed doesn’t want anyone to fully