The Silent Suffering Of Men: Exploring Mental Health And Exploitation In "Requiem For A Dream" By Hubert Selby Jr. Through A Societal Lens

Abstract

This research article focuses on the complex interrelations among masculine identity, mental health, and societal exploitation, as explored in Hubert Selby Jr. in Requiem of a Dream. The novel can be a strong magnifier[1] to study the subtle phenomenon of male psychological pain in the modern world. Answering the question through the prism of the characters Harry Goldfarb and Tyrone C. Love, the review explains the role of traditional male expectations, economic vulnerability, and social outcastness in addiction patterns and self-destruction. The paper addresses the discussion of how institutional systems, including the healthcare system and the law enforcement system, fail to support the peculiar psychological needs of men and continue cycles of suffering. It furthermore discusses the influence of the trauma of a generation and how the results of the trauma of a generation materialize. The paper, by adopting the findings of the study of psychology, sociology, and gender studies, requests their intervention, wishing them to consider masculine psychology and break the unsound norms of society. It highlights the necessity of integrated mental health approaches that focus on structural inequalities that men have to face. Finally, the paper highlights the need to identify and overcome the invisible epidemics of male mental health issues, promoting the transition of society to a more favorable culture of emotional manifestations and assistance to men.